Do you 'have committed sins', brethren? Decommit unto righteousness

‘Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he HAVE COMMITTED SINS, they shall be forgiven him.' (James 5:14,15 KJV)

committed: pledge or bind to a certain course or policy

'Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.' (James 5:10,11 KJV)

Are you holding on to considerations of the kingdom of God, and the kingdoms of this world that have separated you from the anointing of God in the name of the Lord? Paul, James, Peter, John and Jude are surely elders/apostles that, in their epistles discuss the way of righteousness. If we find ourselves sick, it is a manifestation that we are bound to 'certain' policies that have separated us from His righteous cause. Recognize the elder's writings and the fruitfulness of their discipleship in the name of the Lord Jesus. You will be happy as you endure: it is the joy of the Lord!

All Things: Every thing in order to walk, even as He walked

‘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? Who shall lay any THING to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in ALL THESE THINGS we are more than conquerors THROUGH him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'

(Romans 8:28-39 KJV)

Our consideration of this portion of Scripture shall prepare us for transformation to become 'meet for the master's use, prepared unto every good work.' (1 Timothy 2:21 KJV)

Jesus is the Cure

‘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)

cure: a complete or permanent solution or remedy

Bring your sore vexation (v.15) to the Cure, and be made complete (v.20) in Him.

The Prayer of Faith shall Save the Sick

‘Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.' (James 5:14-16 KJV)

'But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, "Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down:) or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? 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 man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." '

(Romans 10:6-10 KJV)

It is not grievous to consider 'the prayer of faith' that James recommends for the sick to be infused with 'the word of faith' that Paul preaches. James recommends this to his brethren: meaning his brethren find themselves sick as they follow apart from this confession. An elder may not be readily accessible, but we may begin by confessing with our mouth the Lord Jesus: he is the author and finisher of our faith. God is faithful in Christ!

It is a simple, blessed devotion.

According to His Greater Works

‘From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, "Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee." But he turned, and said unto Peter, "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offense unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." 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. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man ACCORDING to HIS works." '

(Matthew 16:21-27 KJV)

according- in a manner corresponding or conforming to (in accordance with; in line with; in keeping with; in obedience to; following; honoring)

'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 KJV)

Jesus' ministry activities are described through the gospel accounts of his disciples, and the greatest work was his cross for our sin.

'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 2:24 KJV)

The Lord Rebuke Thee

‘Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke thee". 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 v.8-10 KJV)

I'm sure that Michael the archangel was on the right side of this dispute. I'm sure he knew that. His response was in accord with the Lord: he brought no railing (condemning) accusation. The Lord's rebuke was enough to end the devil's assault and kept Michael from bringing a condemning accusation. The Lord rebukes the devil's contention with what is right, and our desire to accuse in return.

'Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in the same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.' (Matthew 10:17-20 KJV)

It starts, continues, is completed with the Lord's rebuke of thee.

The Answer of a Good Conscience toward God

‘But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: by which also he went and preached to the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience TOWARD God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.' (1 Peter 3:15-22 KJV)

Toward, as a preposition: in the direction of, so as to approach; as an adjective: going on, in progress. If you have a good conscience toward God, you deliberately intend to approach, in progress. Baptism does also now save us, not just by the water washing away the filth of the flesh, but as we recognize the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, and answer in good conscience.

Be Ye Therefore Wise as Serpents

‘Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.' (Matthew 10:16 KJV)

What benefit would result from Jesus teaching his disciples this? Why would we want to be 'wise as serpents'? I don't see where the serpent provided anything beneficial to the kingdom of heaven: rather deceit and destruction. The serpent was aware of the weaknesses of man: that he would/could desire things apart from God's will/way. If we understand how/that we are motivated by those desires, we will become 'wise as serpents'. The serpent's wisdom upon wolves comes only to destroy. Doves, on the other hand, made aware with that wisdom, respond harmlessly.

'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." '(Matthew 4:4 KJV)

'Jesus said unto him, "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." '

(Matthew 4:7 KJV)

'Then saith Jesus unto him, "Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him." '

(Matthew 4:10,11 KJV)

A harmless, not harmful response.

Assure Our Hearts Before Him

'My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.' (1 John 3:18-21 KJV)

'And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.'

(John 3:19 KJV)

'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are 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.' (Romans 8:28-30 KJV)

If our heart, in any capacity, loves darkness rather than light, God knows what things work together for good to incapacitate that darkness by the light.

'If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not 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 his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.' (1 John 1:6-10 KJV)

The Wrath of Man worketh not Righteousness

‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore, lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.'  

(James 1:17-23 KJV)

'And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, 'My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then ye are bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. ' 

(Hebrews 12:5-11 KJV)

The wrath, or discontentment of man will not produce the righteousness of God. Yet the chastening of God besets and devastates that discontentment.

Labourers into His harvest

'And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.' (Matthew 9:35-38 KJV)

'I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; for the PERFECTING of the saints, for the WORK of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual WORKING in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.' (Ephesians 4:1-16 KJV)

Pray yourselves to the Lord of the harvest, that he will send out laborers into his harvest. Otherwise, we will be added to the faint, the scattered, and the shepherd-less.

After which?

‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.'

after: behind in place; so as to resemble; in accordance with

'For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.' (Romans 8:1-8 KJV)

In the name of Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:16,17; 4:1,2 KJV), ask God which you are after.

Stones are a Foundation for Building

‘Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto and holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.'

(Ephesians 2:19-22 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 that these STONES 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 charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou 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 (big pile of stones), 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 wilt 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 shalt thou serve.' Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.'

(Matthew 4:1-11 KJV)

'Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may GROW thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

‘(1 Peter 2:1-5 KJV)

Lively stones are built up for holy priesthood, not for personal comfort/use.

Scarcely Be: Barely, Hardly, Almost Not

‘Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 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 4:12-19 KJV)

'The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed..' (1 Peter 5:1 KJV)

Often commit the keeping of your souls according to the will of God, rather than seldom, infrequently, or not at all.

Addicted: Strongly Inclined to Do

'Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren. As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity. I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have ADDICTED THEMSELVES to the ministry of the saints,) that ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.'  (1 Corinthians 16:10-16 KJV)

We should see how Paul applauded the works of Timotheus, the devotion of the house of Stephanas, and every one with them!

Joint-Heirs with Christ

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

(Romans 8:16,17 KJV)

'Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.'

(Hebrews 12:12,13 KJV)

Stand up and lift your hands/arms to the position Jesus made on the cross, so you may bend/bow your knees before Him, and follow on straight paths for feet.

'For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.'

(1 Corinthians 1:22-25 KJV)

Assume the position for wisdom to strength.

Selfish Destruction through to Peaceful Understanding

'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 lusts.' (James 4:1-3 KJV

'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 5:14,15 KJV)

'Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.'

(Philippians 4:4-7 KJV)

By prayer, supplication with thanksgiving, God turns our selfish, scattered desires to peaceful understanding through the lordship of Jesus Christ.

Rejoice IN the Lord

‘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 stock of Israel, 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. 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 but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found IN him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (this is the IN part) 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 unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 3:1-12 KJV)


Rejoice IN the Lord.

Born of Water and of the Spirit

‘Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto Born of Water and of the Spirit John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.' 

(Matthew 3:13-4:1 KJV)

'Then the devil leaveth him (after he had resisted the tempter), and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.' (Matthew 4:11 KJV)

'From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." '(Matthew 4:17 KJV)

'There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." ' 

(John 3:1-6 KJV)

Recognize, receive and rejoice to know the hope of His calling.

In Many Things We Offend All

‘For in MANY things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.'

(James 3:2 KJV)

'Even so the tongue is a little member, and BOASTETH great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.' (James 3:5-8 KJV)

'Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about MUCH serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about MANY things: But ONE thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.' (Luke 10:38-42 KJV)

Sitting before Him, hearing His word, is the ONE THING that shall tame the tongue that offends.

Continue in the Confession

‘But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? 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 man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.' (Romans 10:9,10 KJV)

Shalt, or shall, indicates simple futurity: expressing the future tense. Although this passage has been taught primarily as a place of entrance into God's salvation, confessing the lordship of Jesus Christ and his victory over all flesh, especially in questionable circumstances, brings light for your devotion to God through Him, keeping and refining you in it. The victory in confession of the Lord Jesus will be found in the doing of it, speaking wisely, because wisdom understands that we must proceed.

Forasmuch then, and Inasmuch

‘FORASMUCH then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.'

(1 Peter 4:1-5 KJV)

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

Forasmuch and inasmuch (insofar) that we may be GLAD also, rather than not-as-much and out-as-much as one may desire to position themselves.

Sojourn Likewise: Being Born Again

‘Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind. be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your SOJOURNING here in fear: forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently: BEING born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.' 

(1 Peter 1:13-25 KJV)

Being (having the state, quality, identity, nature, role specified) of the incorruptible seed!

Perfect and Entire: Accuracy to Destination

‘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 you 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)

Most have experienced the benefit of a navigation system. The system will determine your most direct route. If you detour, the system will direct you to 'return to route guidance', ending your diversion, unless you decide to 'cancel route guidance'. Each consideration to divert from route guidance requires a return to guidance. Eventually and hopefully, we recognize the benefit of staying with the guidance.

'And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 

(Hebrews 6:11,12 KJV)

The Faith Once Delivered

“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 him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

(1John 5:20-21 KJV)

'And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.'

(Matthew 3:16-4:1 KJV)

The temptations began with the devil coaxing Jesus, on two occasions, regarding steps He could take in His own power, and one which Satan could do for Him. (Matthew 4:2-10) Jesus response was only: 'It is written.' Of God, of course.

'Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and 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 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 1:1-4 KJV)

How many have been coaxed to use their own abilities, or fallen by what the kingdoms/glories of this world seem to provide, while in the wilderness? The common salvation which Jude discusses, results from faith which was once delivered unto the saints: the testimony of God's Son, Jesus Christ.

Luke 16:1-4 KJV

‘And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.'

Surely in this example the steward came to a crossroads: his response was resolve to further his error by making friends with debtors instead of requesting mercy and correction for his wastefulness. When our lacking stewardship is called into question, how should we respond? When the steward proclaimed that he couldn't dig, and was ashamed to beg, should we take it that he wouldn't dig, and was ashamed to ask earnestly for that which he lacked in stewardship?

Understanding this is a parable, shouldn't we rather desire to dig to uncover what is lacking and ask earnestly for mercy when we are falling short?

Overthrown, or Victorious in the Wilderness

‘Moreover, brethren, I would not that should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.'

(1 Corinthians 10:1-5 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 that these stones 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 exceedingly 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 wilt 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 shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.'

(Matthew 4:1-11 KJV)

'Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.'

(1 Corinthians 10:11-13 KJV)

Jesus was victorious in the wilderness as he allowed the Holy Spirit to quicken the Father's will, separating from the temptation of Satan. The way to escape!