A Prayer in Covenant Agreement

‘From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because you ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do you think that the scripture saith in vain, "The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?" But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble." Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.' 

(James 4:1-10 KJV)

'Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.' (Matthew 18:19,20 KJV)

SHALL may be used to express simple futurity, determination; but in the archaic sense, used as CAN and even MUST. Let's insert those, in that way, into Jesus' instruction to His disciples:
'Again I say unto you, That if two of you (can) agree on earth as touching any thing that they (must) ask, it (can, must) be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.' Not to say that any may command anything of God, but that is His portion is the blood covenant of His Son!

In the name of Jesus Christ, we who can agree regarding what we must ask, shall receive of the Father the revelation of the testimony of the Son: humility over pride.

Made whole in Conformity to a Standard of Right (Luke 8:43-48 KJV)

‘And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.' 

Initially, we understand the testimony of a woman, having heard of Jesus, determined to get to him, touch His garments, and be made whole. Her bleeding would have been considered a discharge resulting from sin and she should be placed in quarantine; others contacting her, likewise. Her understanding received in hearing of Jesus empowered her to reach toward Him, notwithstanding. Jesus congratulated her action as she heard! The bride of Christ should understand that our conforming to the standard of righteousness, receiving virtue from Him, will make us whole as well. Be of good comfort!

Matthew 16:13-20

‘When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.' (KJV)

The keys of the kingdom of heaven remove from within that which resists the truth (Mark 11:22-26); plucks up the root of our offense that causes others to stumble (Luke 17:1-6); brings cessation to our ineffectiveness (Matthew 17:19-21), and bears the fruit of righteousness as disciples (John 15:1-8). These verses of Scripture bind on earth that which has been bound in heaven and loose on earth that which has been loosed in heaven. Exercise yourselves to them: they are life to those who find them, and health to all flesh.

 'So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.' (Luke 17:10 KJV)

Certain men count Themselves as Having Apprehended

‘Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though you once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.' (Jude 1:3-5 KJV)

'Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.' (Jude 1:8 KJV)

'But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.' (Jude 1:10 KJV)

'These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.'

(Jude 1:12,13 KJV)

'These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.'

(Jude 1:16 KJV)

'Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.'(Philippians 3:13,14 KJV)

'But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.' (Jude 1:17-19 KJV)

Those who gather must understand: we have to willingly make room for Him; and there is just one way about it!

The Comforter shall teach you All Things

‘Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you ALL THINGS, and bring ALL THINGS to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.' (John 14:22-26 KJV)

'And we know that ALL THINGS work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these THINGS? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us ALL THINGS?' (Romans 8:28-32 KJV)

The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, will awaken, remind and quicken to ALL THINGS freely given in 'the record that God gave of his Son.' (1 John 5:10 KJV)

God Gives Liberally, Yet These Receive Not

‘James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith produces patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, 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 the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing from the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.' (James 1:1-8 KJV)

Since God gives liberally, and does not scold when asked for wisdom; why do these yet not receive wisdom from the Lord? When wisdom of God comes, it is confronted by other considerations. Doublemindedness makes little room for God's wisdom, and since its not received with gladness, that wisdom falls away. Repentance will bring us right back to where God provided wisdom before it was choked out.

Need, Assignment, Reward (Matthew 3:17- 4:11)

“And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' "

"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, 'If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.' But He answered and said, 'It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." ' "

"Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, 'If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: "He shall give His angels charge over you," and, "In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone." ' Jesus said unto him, 'It is written again, "You shall not tempt the Lord your God." ' "

"Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, 'All these things I will give You if You fall down and worship me.' Then Jesus said to him, 'Away with you, Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve." ' Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him."

And we say that we want to be the body of Christ that continues in His confession!

Through Jesus Christ our Lord

‘O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God-THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord!'

(Romans 7:24,25 NKJV)

'But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal body THROUGH His Spirit who dwells in you.' (Romans 8:9-11 NKJV)

'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 10:9,10)

You will be saved if you confess Jesus: so keep confessing! As you confess Him, remember!

'For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in His steps: "Who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we having died to sins, might live for righteousness---by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.' 

(1 Peter 2:22-25 NKJV)

through: moving in one side and out of the other side of; continuing in time toward the completion of  (a process or period)

Discipline in Principle to Perfection

‘For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ; let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement. And this we will do if God permits. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. 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 5:12-6:8 NKJV)

We read what happens when someone 'falls away' after having once been enlightened: 'they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame'. They make God a liar by their lack of discipline in principle to perfection. They bear thorns and briers rather than useful herbs. I know of few who would fall away on purpose, realizing the end of those works. Each of us must be willing to examine ourselves in these words and teach by example.

The Mind of Christ

‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.' 

(Philippians 2:5-16)

'For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him who judges righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.' (1 Peter 2:21-25)

Each one's desire is decided upon in the mind. It is clear Paul and Peter, apostles both, were brought to think of the testimony of Christ, in the name of Jesus.

Constrained to Come unto Him

‘And straightway, Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, it is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.' (Matthew 14:22-32 KJV)

Jesus had 'constrained' his disciples to get into the ship, and go before Him to the other side. Upon Peter's request to walk to Him, Jesus said, 'Come.'

What hadn't yet been considered by His disciples was the boisterousness of the circumstances on the way to the other side, in ship or out. If you ask to get to Jesus, realize that circumstances will test your resolve to get there. As we recognize and understand His spoken words of discipleship, hope and strength bless our trip.

'For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.' (John 17:8 KJV)

Finish Believing

‘Then said Jesus unto his disciples, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." '

(Matthew 16:24,25 KJV)

'If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God has made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.'

(1 John 5:9-13 KJV)

'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? '(James 2:19,20 KJV)

It seems there is an insinuation by John, although you may believe, that the depth of your understanding of the record must be brought to bear. Our work of faith in the Son of God is to ask this of Him, for he who asks receives.

How Unprofitable Do You Think You Are?

‘And the Lord said, "If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, 'Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea'; and it should obey you." But which of you, having a servant plowing or tending cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, 'Go and sit down to meat?' And will not rather say unto him, 'Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?' Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do'.'

A sign of a servant: recognizing his duty without transgression or fruitless offensiveness. Learning how to serve God, in the name of Jesus Christ, knowing what you have from Him has been given by Him. How unprofitable will you let God show you how to be?

Recognize 'This Mountain': Insert Your Name

‘For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto THIS MOUNTAIN, "Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, is ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.' 

(Mark 11:23-26 KJV)

There inevitably are fears, questions, reasonings within we current believers in God that stand out of the way of Christ's testimony being formed in us. Understand this mountain is your confidence in the flesh that resists confidence in Him. As you recognize this, devote to the remedy which Jesus promises will bring fruit to perfection.

The End of Your Faith, from the Beginning

‘Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed at the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: RECEIVING THE END OF YOUR FAITH, even THE SALVATION OF YOUR SOULS.' (1 Peter 1:1-9 KJV)

If the end of your faith is the salvation of your soul, what is the beginning?

'When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" And they said, "Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets." He saith unto them, "But whom say ye that I am?" And Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered and said unto him, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."(Matthew 16:13-17 KJV)

The beginning of your faith is the revelation to you, from the Father, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of living God: salvation from the Spirit of God to your spirit, making it alive and ready to continue what Peter witnesses in the epistle that bears his name. As we read/listen to Jesus' words of faith, allow the Father, by His Spirit, to bring us to the end Peter loved, believed, and rejoiced in.

Ask Accordingly

‘From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your own lusts.' (James 4:1-3 KJV)

'And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.' 

(1 John 5:14,15 KJV)

'If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and throw them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.'(John 15:6-8 KJV)

Whatsoever you desire of God will be received through the testimony of His Son. He hears everything, but any withered desire is an answer in itself, being fruitless.

'And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, "Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire." And he said unto them, "What would ye that I should do for you?" They said unto him, "Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory." But Jesus said unto them, "Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" And they said unto him, "We can." And Jesus said unto them, "Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: But to sit at my right hand an on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared." (Mark 10:35-40 KJV)

Have you Missed the Understanding?

‘Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not 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 unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your UNDERSTANDING being ENLIGHTENED; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own 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 world, but also that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.' (Ephesians 1:15-23)

'This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having THE UNDERSTANDING darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.' (Ephesians 4:17-19)

'And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us AN UNDERSTANDING, that we may know him that is true, and we are in that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life,' (1 John 5:20)

What understanding did Paul and John discuss that we need enlightened by? Even the testimony of God's Son, Jesus Christ.

'If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.' (1 John 5:9)

Ask God for wisdom in THE UNDERSTANDING! He will surely answer in the witness which He hath testified of His Son.

If not Gain, then what is Godliness?

‘If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain.'

(1 Timothy 6:3-6)

'Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, "The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.' (2 Timothy 2:19-21)

Godliness is willing consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to godliness: the word of His testimony. Salutary, a synonym of wholesome, describes something corrective or beneficially effective, even though it may in itself be unpleasant. Gainsaying promotes other than wholesome words.

Strife: When my Striving misses the Strait Gate

‘And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, "Lord, are there few that be saved?" And he said unto them, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open unto us'; and he shall answer and say unto you, 'I know you not whence ye are': Then shall ye begin to say, 'We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.' But he shall say, 'I tell you, I know you not whence ye are: depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.' " '(Luke 13:22-27 KJV)


strife: a bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension; an act of contention; exertion or
contention for superiority

strive: to devote serious effort or energy; endeavor

Therefore, I have missed the strait gate when I recognize that my striving makes me bitter, violent, exerted toward superiority.

'Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.' (James 4:7-10 KJV)

Now When the Tempter Comes

‘Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' "

Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,' and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " Jesus said to him, ''it is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' "

Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, "All these things I will give You if You fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "

Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

(Matthew 4:1-11 NKJV)

Now when the tempter comes, because of the Lord's testimony, we may understand and be strengthened: angels will come and minister to the body of Christ when they recognize and resist the tempter in the fast; when they tempt not God when the devil offers an unrighteous end to their calling; when they are unwilling to serve the world's things they see. The might and power of the hand must learn to be submitted, as Jesus was in His worship of God, the Father.

Incision: Three Characteristics of a Circumcised Heart

‘Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.' 

(Philippians 3:1-7 KJV)

Worshiping God in the spirit, rejoicing in Christ Jesus, and having no confidence in the flesh are imperative to understand for transformation. How to?

'Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them as dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith; That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead.' 

(Philippians 3:8-11 KJV)

We may now see the intended result: this is the joy of the Lord!

'The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children oof God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.'

(Romans 8:16, 17 KJV)

Incisions that heal perfectly!

Preserved in Jesus Christ: Salted with Fire; Salted with Salt

‘For everyone shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.'
(Mark 9:49,50 KJV)

'Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.' 

(Matthew 5:13 KJV)

'Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and the brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and PRESERVED in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and to exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.' 

(Jude v.1-4 KJV)

Ungodly men turn the grace of God into lustfulness, and therefore denial, when they depart from the 'faith which was once delivered unto the saints': they desire other things than being preserved in Jesus Christ. If Jesus declared to his disciples that 'each one shall be salted with fire' and 'each sacriifice (of turning to Him in obedience, I would suppose) shall be salted with salt', I am convinced He speaks to us as well. As you read Jesus' words to his disciples in the first two passages above, allow the Holy Spirit to quicken truth to you. Have salt in yourselves!

Transgression: Departing from the Doctrine of Christ

‘And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as you have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.' 

(2 John v.6-9 KJV)

'Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command these stones to be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou shall dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shall thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.' (Matthew 4:1-11 KJV)

Jesus resisted each temptation to transgress what was written. Let that mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

Be One of the Few, not Proud, letting this Mind prevail

‘For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and the things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and the things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence.'

(1 Corinthians 1:26-29 KJV)

'Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God has highly exalted him, and has given him a name above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.' 

(Philippians 2:5-11 KJV)

At the name of Jesus, we pray.

Cleansing is a Just Beginning

‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are CLEAN through the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; NO MORE can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.'

(John 15:3-6 KJV) Clean no more!

'And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were CLEANSED. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and FELL DOWN AT HIS FEET, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, SAVE this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath MADE thee WHOLE.'

(Luke 17:11-19 KJV)

We should recognize that cleansing is a just beginning; abiding is a just continuance; falling down at His feet, and giving thanks to God as/after following His commands is faith making whole!

Your Unbelief Cannot Cure Them

‘And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, "Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and 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 suffer you? Bring him hither to me." And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, "Why could not we cast him out?" And Jesus said unto them, "Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, 'If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, '''Remove hence to yonder place'''; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”                       (Matthew 17:14-21 KJV)

Up on 'an high mountain apart' (Matthew 17:1-8), 'a voice out of the cloud' said 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; HEAR YE HIM'. The prayer of faith (V.20) in the name of Jesus would deliver them (and us) from the unbelief that caused them to fall short in curing the child. Don't allow the fasting, in bringing yourself to Him, to discourage you from completing these works of faith.

Will You Allow His Grace to be Sufficient?

‘And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to 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)

'For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth 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. EXAMINE YOURSELVES, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.' (2 Corinthians 13:4-6 KJV)

Will you be crucified through weakness? Paul understood, was willing, in the meekness of Christ. He clearly taught the same to the Corinthians. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever!

Charity: Giving by Showing what is Necessary

'Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.'

'Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth....' 

(1 Corinthians 13:1-8 KJV)

It is clear that we can exercise the components of the first paragraph without also giving what is necessary by showing what we understand about the second.

'That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not practice the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.' 

(1 John 1:3-7 KJV)

Charity gives as it understands and walks in the light as it is revealed by the testimony of Jesus Christ and the apostles.

They That Love It

‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.' (Proverbs 18:21 KJV)

'And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.' (John 12:23-25 KJV)

The seed coat protects the heart of the seed. That coat, if not dealt with by the right conditions, will keep the heart from producing any fruit at all. Protection does prevail for that seed until it met with the power of the moist, fertile ground: then what is perceived as protection actually aids in the development of the growth that produces. How do we practice this righteousness?

'But what saith it (the righteousness of faith speaketh!)? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart one believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth CONFESSION IS MADE unto salvation.' (Romans 10:8-10 KJV)

From this day and point in your development in the kingdom of God, confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus: His Lordship over your life. 'I confess you, Lord Jesus! I desire your lordship over my life! He is faithful to show you how to dissolve your protected heart and bring forth useful fruit that glorifies God.

Stagnant in Salvation?

'For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he has enough to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold 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, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.'  (Luke 14:28-35 KJV)

'For the time is come that judgement must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.' (1 Peter 4:17-19 KJV)

The price of discipleship is high, and remains so! The demand, or desire for such must realize that. If you have begun to build and don't know how to continue and finish, ask of the faithful Creator! He will reveal what you desire of Him.

The Petitions that John Desired of Him

‘Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God has made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.' (1 John 5:5-15 KJV)

What do you desire OF Him? Is it to understand the 'three that bear witness in earth': the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son? No matter what any say, the witness of God is greater!