The Uncertain sit at Jesus' feet and hear His word

'And behold, a CERTAIN lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?' He said to him, "What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?"
So he answered and said, " 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and 'Your neighbor as yourself.' " '

'And He said to him, "You have answered rightly; do this and you will live." But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" '

'Then Jesus answered and said: "A CERTAIN man went down from Jerusalem to Jerico, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a CERTAIN priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a CERTAIN Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, "Take care of him; and whatever you spend, when I come again, I will repay you." So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among thieves?'

'And he said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." '

'Now it happened as they went that He entered a CERTAIN village; and a CERTAIN woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." ' (Luke 10:25-41, NKJV)

Notice that the only person, not labeled CERTAIN, was Mary who sat at His feet and heard His word. Even the Samaritan, labeled CERTAIN, was willing to be disarmed from the hatred they and the Jews had for each other to help that one who had fallen among thieves. A CERTAIN man tests Jesus and attempts to justify himself. Martha thought she could require that Jesus make Mary return to what was not necessary at the time.

CERTAIN men and CERTAIN women in CERTAIN villages and places will be given the opportunity to lay down their certainty through the 'faith which was once for all delivered to the saints' (Jude v.3, NKJV): the testimony of the Son of God.

You'll have to Check your pleasure by the Door

‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.' (John 10:1,2)

'Then said Jesus unto them again, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: BY ME if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." '(John 10:7-9 KJV)

'An lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I TAKE PLEASURE in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.' (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 KJV)

'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 (in His grace that humbles). 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 NKJV)

By the Door, the Holy Spirit shows us how to leave our desires for pleasure and take pleasure in Christ Jesus. We leave behind what pleases us for what pleases Him. A pruned tree always produces more fruit. Your laughter and your joy turned might seem dark, but the Lord promises to lift you up! Take what pleases God as He reveals his will to you.

Where did (do) You go for Thanksgiving? (Romans 1:16-22)

‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.'

'Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God has shown it to them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, NEITHER WERE THANKFUL; but BECAME VAIN in THEIR IMAGINATIONS, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.'

This time of year you hear folks ask if another is going somewhere for Thanksgiving. Being thankful will recognize, receive and rejoice in the 'gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believeth'. How may we be thankful in this? Give yourself entirely to it by reading it, confessing it, and allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal the depth of it to you. You see, it is possible to 'hold the truth in unrighteousness': you can know it and yet not glorify God in your knowledge of it, being unthankful in it. We see what happens to those who become unthankful: vanity in what they imagine and darkness, or less light.

Paul begins this chapter, writing: 'Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, SEPARATED TO the gospel of God.' Go to these verses for thanksgiving.

But Wilt Thou Know, O Vain Man?

‘What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. BUT WILT THOU KNOW, O VAIN MAN, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?'

(James 2:14-22 KJV)

vain- 1. excessively proud of or concerned about one's own appearance, qualities, achievements, etc. 3. ineffectual or unsuccessful; futile.

Vanity is rooted in what you think you have achieved in faith, no matter how far apart from the testimony of Jesus. Are you willing to know, o vain man, or will you allow your pride to continue to breed futility?

'Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.' (John 14:12)

Binding & Loosing Simplified

‘From that time Jesus began to show 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 He 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." 

Jesus bound Peter's faulty consideration of His calling.

‘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." '(Matthew 16:21-25)

Jesus looses His disciples to understand their calling in Him: the message of the cross in the wisdom of God. He, head over all things to the church, shows us how to proceed. We could find ourselves in Peter's place here: binding on earth that which is loosed in heaven. We see how Jesus reacted to that!

See the End Intended by the Lord

‘'Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and SEEN THE END INTENDED BY THE LORD--that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.' (James 5:9-11)

‘Then Job answered the Lord and said: "I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, '''Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?''' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know, Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, '''I will question you and you shall answer Me.''' I have heard of You be the hearing of the ear, but now my eye SEES You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." ' (Job 42:1-6)

James recognizes Job as an 'example of suffering and patience' (or affliction). He was brought to a place where he could see and not hear only. He repented in dust and ashes. He was able now to assist his humbled friends.

'Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.' (James 5:19,20)




















































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































‘Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and SEEN THE END INTENDED BY THE LORD--that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.' (James 5:9-11)


'Then Job answered the Lord and said: "I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, '''Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?''' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know, Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, '''I will question you and you shall answer Me.''' I have heard of You be the hearing of the ear, but now my eye SEES You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." '(Job 42:1-6)


James recognizes Job as an 'example of suffering and patience'(or affliction). He was brought to a place where he could see and not hear only. He repented in dust and ashes. He was able now to assist his humbled friends.


'Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.' (James 5:19,20)

‘Done’-No More Mistaken Confidence

‘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 the chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching. When evening had come, He went out of the city.'

‘Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree 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, 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 11:17-24)

The scribes and chief priests responded to Jesus' cleansing of the temple with confident opposition rather than repentance. Hear the sanctifying prayer Jesus teaches His disciples so they may be made free from any confidence to oppose His words. If you continue in this confession, your confidence will continually come to be found in Him. 'Done' is the place where 'this mountain' becomes 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)

Now through Jesus Christ crucified and risen, we are saved by grace through faith in Him. His words of faith make us that way!

Trying your faith, or Tried by Faith

‘James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.' (James 1:1-4 KJV)

Why does the opportunity for patience result for those 'trying their faith', having 'fallen into divers (several; various; sundry)' temptations? Because the Father will not honor your trying if your trying attempts to circumvent the working of His word, according to the doctrine of Christ Jesus, His Son in whom He is well pleased.

'If any of you lack wisdom (how to proceed in faith), let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he will receive anything from the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.' (James 1:5-8 KJV)

Single minded faith does not fall into divers temptations 'trying' what they think they know, but understands His way and allows the Holy Spirit of God guide into all truth in the name of Jesus Christ.

‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man; but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.' (James 1:12-14)

When you try your faith, you will have to learn to be patient. If you are tried by faith in Christ Jesus, you will receive the crown of life, learning what it means to love Him.

The Desire of the Heart

‘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 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 for 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)
Pruning cuts branches back and away from nonyielding development. Yielding development 'glorifies God' which speaks to others.


'As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.' (John 15:9,10)


These words, in my opinion, represent the 'loosing that which has been loosed in heaven'(Matthew 16:19). In order to abide in Him after we have 'already been cleaned by His word spoken to us', we should be willing to ask for God's pruning in order to bear much fruit of the true vine, Jesus Christ. That is the heart's desire. If you have been asking the Father for anything in the name of Jesus Christ, this should refine your search. Remember! There is a place where a branch of discipleship is cast out and withered if pruning is ignored/resisted/rejected. Therefore, be steadfast in asking for it.

Ask for the Holy Spirit

‘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.' (James 4:1-3)

‘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 as many as he needs.'

‘So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who 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 11:5-13)

'Your desires for pleasure' as mentioned, are not granted by God because they are of no use in revealing Christ's witness in you. The Holy Spirit reveals/guides you into all truth: certainly the will of God. God knows how to build the testimony of Jesus within us by the Holy Spirit. We prove we don't know when we ask otherwise.

Fore-giveness is Coming Near You

Golfers recognize 'fore' as a warning to cover up: another player's shot is approaching people unexpectedly. Although embarrassing to lay claim to an errant shot, that willingness to act might protects others from injury.

‘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 11:25,26)

(fore- a prefix meaning 'before' in space, time, condition etc.)

Throughout Jesus' time with the disciples, He taught them the keys of the kingdom of God. Surely, He expected that they would hear and practice the truth. As they did, Christ was formed in them; and as Christ was formed in them, they understood how to give of the testimony they had received BEFORE those could ask for it. Those whom they 'had something against' were undoubtedly the scribes and the chief priests in the temple. Jesus was about to lay down His life for all of them, and us. When we receive a revelation of Jesus Christ from the Father by the Holy Spirit, fore-give others by and in it, without hesitancy or resentment. 'Freely you have received, freely give.' (Matthew 10:8)

Subject to Which Prophets?

‘For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.'  (1 Corinthians 14:31-33)

'When Jesus came to 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.' (Matthew 16:13,14)

'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. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophesy." '(Revelation 19:9,10)

John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah: prophets all. Their testimonies should remind us where our devotion should be. When one stands to speak in our gatherings, remember that the testimony of Jesus should be the intent.

Certain Men Think Otherwise

‘Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James,

To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:

Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For CERTAIN MEN have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

But I want to remind you, though you once knew this, that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.' (Jude v.1-5)

'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.' (Philippians 3:12-15)

'Contend for', with certainty, 'the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints': Jesus Christ crucified and raised from the dead. If you think otherwise, 'ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given you'.

The Man Who Does Those Things

‘For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, "The man who does those things shall live by them." 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 10:4-10)

Paul informs that Moses had regard for the man who does those things (what the law required for righteousness): that he would live by doing so. Paul informs that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness. The righteousness of faith confesses the Lord Jesus and believes in the heart that God has raised Him from the dead. As you confess with the mouth and believe in the heart, allow your 'certainty' of the context to be made fruitful by the Holy Spirit, understanding that you will be blessed in doing so.

'Be angry, AND do not sin' (Ephesians 4:26)

“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.' "(Mark 11:15-17)

Jesus went into the temple and 'drove out', 'overturned', 'disallowed' any activity which was not in accordance with His Father's will for 'a house of prayer' for all nations. He did nothing that could be considered beneficial to Himself. His actions appeared angry, but He did not sin. He did not depart from the Father's righteous call.

"Therefore, putting away lying, 'Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,' for we are members of one another. 'Be angry, and do not sin': do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.'(Ephesians 4:26,27)

"Let no CORRUPT WORD proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for NECESSARY EDIFICATION, that it may IMPART GRACE to the hearers."(Ephesians 4:29) We must be imitators of Christ's example: no corrupt word from selfish ambition or bitterness, but what is necessary to edify the the church. Jesus' actions when He went into the temple were a breath of fresh air to the remnant who were there for prayer; bothersome to those who were not: but necessary!

Even Amongst Those 'Opposite' You

"Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples; and He said to them, 'Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it. And if anyone says to you, '''Why are you doing this?''' say, 'The Lord has need of it,' and immediately he will send it here."

"So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it. But some of those who stood there said to them, '''What are you doing, loosing the colt?''' And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go." (Mark 11:1-6)

Bethany was known as 'the house of figs'; Bethphage, 'the house of immature figs'. Those of the village 'opposite' them were immature relative to those following Jesus. Jesus sent those two disciples to a place where they may not be welcomed to retrieve a colt that would carry Him into Bethany where He was welcomed/honored. Through the Gospels, Jesus showed His disciples: at His word they should follow, just as He commands.

Our cross in Him: Our Works (Matthew 16:20-27)

"Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one He was Jesus the Christ. From that time Jesus began to show 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 from it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!' But He 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 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."

"But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (James 2:18)

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:10)

Otherwise, you will be 'holding the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality'. Ask the Father for the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ for understanding in this.

Have What Jesus Said, Ending Fruitlessness

"Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, 'Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.' And His disciples heard it."

(Mark 11:12-14)

"Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree 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, 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 your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses." (Mark 11:20-26)

This one, when they approach or are approached by fruitlessness, will stop it in righteousness, according to His purpose.

What Elders Do, the Younger Need to Know

(1 Peter 5:1-12)

"The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away."

"Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' "

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

"By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand."

There will always be discussion of grace in our gatherings; I think we should agree that this is the standard to uphold.

The ‘Thorn’ Comes to Kill the Flesh

"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)

Most have experienced the piercing of a thorn. No matter where it enters into the body it elicits a response: retraction away from the insult; looking at, and reaching to feel the site of entrance; vocal confirmation of discomfort. When a 'thorn' comes, it gets your attention. From a spiritual perspective, let it do it's work. We must understand, the Lord revealed to Paul that His grace is sufficient. The will of man is capable of transgression, even in an abundance of revelation as Paul had received, and was receiving. No one would leave an actual thorn sticking into their body, but would pull it out. When you recognize a messenger of Satan, the Holy Spirit will empower to 'most gladly' overcome.

Earnestly Desire to Prophesy, According to the Scriptures

"Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order. Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you---unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as one born out of due time." (1 Corinthians 14:39-15:1-8)

Our professing should also be according to the Scriptures, as the body of Christ Jesus!

"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. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.' "

Where is "there"? (Matthew 17:14-21)

‘And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic, and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. So I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him." Then Jesus answered and said, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me." And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to THERE,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting."

Jesus did not rebuke those who tried to cure the boy; nor did He say that these types of activities were impossible for them. Jesus informed them to say to this mountain, "Move from here to THERE, and it (this mountain; the misdirection of their works at the time) will move". Those works will be in faith and no longer impossible for them, in Christ. Therefore, we should consider that 'there' is the place where prayer and fasting is complete. The 'prayer' is what Jesus instructed the disciples to 'say to this mountain'. The 'fasting' is between you and the Lord of the fast.

Expedite the Fruits of Righteousness in Christ

"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.' " (Luke 17:1-6)

The mulberry tree requires ten years of development to produce fruit. A grape vine begins to produce fruit at one year, fully after three years. Jesus is 'the true vine' (John 15:1). Excepting the mulberry fruit, which is quite nutritious, the tree is considered a menace: roots are superficial and dense (as in hard), capable of destroying foundations of structures. Birds have an affinity for the fruit, spreading the seeds and making more trees. Jesus commands that his disciples say, 'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea'. If you have faith to begin this, He will show you how and why!

Making Peace

"For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, HAVING MADE PEACE through the blood of His cross.

(Colossians 1:19,20)

"I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, TO FULFILL THE WORD OF GOD, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.’ (Colossians 1:24-28)

"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)

Jesus Christ made peace THROUGH the blood of the cross. Paul was willing to FILL UP in his flesh what was lacking in the afflictions of Christ for the sake of the church, not in disorder but according to the stewardship God gave him. How do you suppose to make peace?

Each One's Work Will Become Clear

"For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear, for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire."

"Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise." 

(1 Corinthians 3:11-18)

"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God." (1 Corinthians 4:5)

Paul has introduced the "foundation" of Jesus Christ to the Corinthian people. He declares that their works, subsequent to their conversion and empowerment, will be revealed by fire. If what they do is burned, that work will be lost, which is a good thing! Since they are young in Christ they will receive opportunity to continue, YET SO AS THROUGH FIRE. The fire burned up their works, the error of their way, that the will of God may become evident and made manifest: works which endure the fire.

A Form of Godliness

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, head-strong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

"Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; but these will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs (Jannes, Jambres) also was." (2 Timothy 3:1-9)

MANY have recognized, and received the message that Jesus Christ, on the cross, was the propitiation to God for their sins. A cross seen, on church or on a hillside, or on a printed page reminds that He did that for them. These HAVE a form of godliness, confessing what God had done and they had received.

Paul warns Timothy that underneath the form these have, 'men will be'. No one is excluded. As the scriptures note, you may have a form of godliness yet deny its power. Now we see that Jesus was on that cross for a time, suffered and died, and was resurrected. He teaches that unless you will do the same, according yourself to His grace, you will not be fit for the kingdom.

Growing up, I had a neighbor who had a flatbed truck on which he carried metallic forms. He was a homebuilder. When I was young, I had no interest those things. But now I know he put those forms together in order to pour concrete for foundations of dwellings. Those forms did him no good unconstructed, but constructed were useful.

It would be perilous for the bride-elect to become easily deceived by men who sell short the power of godliness which glorifies God in those who endure.

Learning to Boast IN Your Infirmity

"It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago---whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows---such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man---whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows---how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except IN my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. 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 12:1-10)

Although Paul desires to tell others about the visions and revelations God has revealed to him, he has come to understand that, lest he be brought to the place where men may see Christ in him (their own service notwithstanding), the abundance of what God has shown will not be expressed completely. Therefore Paul learns to be fulfilled, not in someone exalting him because of what they think he has seen or heard, but in doing God's word, allowing Him to complete His work in him. The New Testament way that ends the captivity of those who believe in Jesus Christ!

Your Worm Can Die, and the Fire Quenched

"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched--- where 'Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.' And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast onto hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched--- where 'Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.' And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire--- where 'Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.' "

"For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another." (Mark 9:42-50)

Would you consider it a sacrifice to allow the Lord to show you how to cease grabbing, walking to, and looking for that which causes your stumbling to persist, and others? He will season it with fire. Your worm (will) will die and the fire quenched, as it has been allowed to accomplish its cause! Only don't lose your taste for the salt upon an obedient sacrifice, in the name of Jesus Christ.