James 2:14-17 Faith Without Works

What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary fort heir body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

These are some of the most contested verses in the Bible. Martin Luther ripped them out of his own Bible! In my day, however, they are better understood. Justification before God cannot involve works of the Law, because it is all by faith in Jesus who fulfilled that Law that men are saved. What these verses are saying is that there is a difference between the sinner saved by grace and the life-style of the disciple of Jesus Christ. Both are by saved by grace apart from works, and the gift to both is a free gift from God. The disciple, on the other hand, once justification is received goes on to surrender everything to Christ in the life that he leads. Salvation is free for both, but a disciple will give up everything for the cause of Christ. This is why Jesus said "When I was hungry, did you give me something to eat?. Or when I was thirsty, did you offer me drink? When I was naked, did you cloth me? When I was in prison, did you visit me? " The people said to him, "When did we see you hungry, thirsty, naked, or in prison?" Jesus replied, When you do it to the least of these, you have done it to me."

Daily Prayer: Lord I thank you for the free gift of salvation. Now I ask for the heart of the disciple who will continue your journey here on earth, imitating the life you led while you served the Father in your flesh. In your holy name I pray Amen.

James 1: 12-17 the Condition of the Inner Man

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

This message ties in with our message on a Father's discipline. There we said that God does not punish us, but to all who are called to be his children, he chastens which is the mark of his love for us. Now James is telling us that blessed is he who persevered under trial. Trial is not intended to be temptation from God, but instead attacks by the world under the influence of Satan. We know that these influences are not of God, because God is good and he does not seek evil to sustain his goodness. But, to those who sustain their time of testing, they will be rewarded by God and recognized by his kingdom.

Daily Prayer: Father, build my inner-man step-by-step, so that when trouble comes, I will be found to be grounded in my faith in you who sustains me and cares for me. In Your holy name I pray Amen.

Hebrews 13: 1-6 the Lord is your Shepherd, do not be afraid

Let the love of the brethren continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body. Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” so that we confidently say, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?

Jesus told his disciples that he would send them like sheep among the wolves. How then were they to live? The father tells us to love good, show mercy and justice, and to walk humbly before your God. This is how man is to live. Jesus compares himself to the Good Shepherd.He is unlike other shepherds who scatter when trouble comes. This shepherd loves and cares for his sheep and the sheep listen to him because they know his voice. Therefore since this shepherd declares that nobody can snatch them from his hand, then all we must do is rest in him so that when trouble comes, it will be like the passing of a storm when it returns to sunny day.

Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, I have placed my trust in you and have personally witnessed the deliverance of your strong hand. Let those who read these words accept my testimony and surrender their lives to you. Amen.

Hebrews 12: 4-7 A Father’s Discipline

Hebrews 12: 4-7 A Father’s Discipline You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; 5and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,“MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; 6 FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.”

It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

With Christ's work on the cross, men and women who receive the Son are received by the Father as sons and daughters of the Most High. Believers are never punished by God. That is, He is no enemy of the sons and daughters. If you are truly his, he will discipline you to make you into a better person which is the signature of his love for you. So do not be discouraged if you experience discipline and do not mistake it for punishment.

Daily Prayer: Father, I accept your hand of reproof and count it as joy of your love for me. Let me learn from you and be moved into the pattern of Christ Jesus my Savior. In your holy name I pray Amen.

Hebrews 11:1-3, 17, 23, 30 Walk by faith, not by sight

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible. By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions.
The Bible depends on faith from its beginning to its end. Without faith, nobody can please God.By faith, God demonstrates his power to those who can believe, but to those who seek reward based on their merit, they are condemned. This is why the key to the Scriptures is belief, because those who come by belief will not be judged.
Daily Prayer: Father, from the day that you called me, I have rested in the work of Jesus Christ alone. Certainly since all men are sinners and in need of a Savior, now that you have presented Your Son, only foolishness could keep me away from everlasting life. Remove the hardened hearts that remain in darkness. Bring them to life so that they do not have a second death. In Jesus name I pray Amen

Philemon 1: 17-25 Paul Appeals in his Spirit

If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me. But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account; I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self as well). Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. At the same time also prepare me lodging, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given to you. Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is with your spirit.
Paul looked at believers as co-workers in the gospel. For the Christian, the gospel is the hightest prize, and everything should be sacrificed for it. In this letter, Paul requests that Philemon treat Onesimus as a co-worker in the gospel instead of Master-Slave. He recognizes that he could require it from him, but prefers to appeal to his spirit understanding by doing so, Philemon will supply more than his needs.
Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, I submit freely to your authority. While you leave the Christian decision to the minds of everyone, I choose to commit my life to you who love me and laid your life down for me. In your holy name I pray Amen.

Philemon 1: 4-9 Philemon’s Love and Faith

I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you—since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus.

The setting here is that in Timothy, Paul urged Timothy to come to him and bring him personal belongings as he was a prisoner for evangelizing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He urges him not to be ashamed of him, but to come to him for the sake of him. Now both Paul and Timothy are in prison and Paul is writing Philemon who is a Christian, but is a slave owner. In these verses, Paul informs him that he often includes him in his prayers with thanksgiving for the refreshment that he has brought the sons and daughters in the faith. Now he wants him to know that his slave whose name is Onesimus has been useful to him now that he is bound in chains. He petitions him in the spirit to consider allowing Onesimus to be more than a slave, but a brother in the work of Christ Jesus. He recognizes that Philemon has investment in him, but Paul informs him that if his loss brings him loss, that he, Paul, will make it right with him. He says this with confidence because Jesus Christ will meet his every need.

Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, let me not consider myself to me more than what I ought to. Instead, let me keep my eye on the prize which is the spread of the gospel and when I meet you face to face, I know that you will reward me for any loss I take in this life. I pray this in your name Amen.

Titus 3 1-11 Godly Living

Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

Jesus himself gave us an example by telling Pontius Pilate that all of the power that he has was given to him by Father-God, and Jesus submitted to his authority. Jesus also said to render unto Caesar that which Caesar's, but render unto God, that which is God's. Jesus and Paul are not against law and order, but explain that when we submit to the authorities, we are honoring God who provided their authority. This he calls profitable behavior, but warns believers not to engage in foolish talk and controversy, but instead live peaceful lives and to love kindness and gentleness.

Daily Prayer: Father, to a live a godly life, one needs to put away "self" and "flesh" and to be others motivated and God motivated, because this is the high calling for disciples of Jesus Christ our Savior. In his holy name I pray Amen.

Titus 2: 11-14 the Christian Example

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Too often, the church is criticized for hypocrisy. This was not the intention of the early church. Instead men, women, and children were taught to submit to one another. Older men were to teach younger men temperance. Older women were to teach younger women how to be a respectable wife and mother. All of the church was to submit to the authority of Christ. The reason for this is because it was healthy for the members of the church and an example of how we are to live in a watchful world. If we are no better acting than the world, how can the love of Christ dwell within us? Decent Christian living follows church discipline for those who refuse to submit to the authority of the church and thus to Christ himself. This fellowship within the church is the building blocks for what becomes known as the Christian family'

Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, let us abide with each other in love, just as you first loved us. This way I will never be alone, because I have my family for which you are the head to comfort me and to teach me. Receive me as your own I pray in your holy name Amen.

Titus 1:4-8, 10-11 Christian Discipline

To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, and self-controlled. For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain.

The Bible clearly teaches discipline for their own. In our post-modern age, nobody is disciplined because of the belief that there is no absolute truth. These cannot be called Christian, because truth is central to faith. It is far better to reprove the rebellious ones so that they can be brought back into the fold, but if the rebellious do not listen, they must be removed from the family of faith and turned over to Satan for their lack of belief. Discipline is necessary and desired because God is holy and cannot dwell with the self-willed persons.

Daily Prayer: Father, by Your Spirit bread the hold of the cords that bind us. Let me submit to you entirely and place my life in your strong and trustworthy hands. Take me Father, I am Yours. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

2 Timothy 4:9-18 Paul's Parting Words

Make every effort to come to me soon; for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching.

At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

The concluding message echoes remarks made by Jesus in the gospels. In the gospels, Jesus proclaimed that even though his people who are Jewish reject him, his father in heaven testifies truly for him. In the same way, the Holy Spirit proclaims Jesus as Lord. Here Paul declares that most have abandoned him and he desires a personal visit from Timothy so as to testify that he is not ashamed of the gospel bearer. This is important for Paul, because Timothy is due to succeed him now that Paul's life is being poured out like a drink offering. He closes by declaing God's faithfulness to him.

Daily Prayer: Father, let your words be true, because every man is a liar. Testify for me Father, because I testify to You and the Son. I am not ashamed of the gospel because though the world believes it is foolish, I know it is the power of God. Amen.

2 Timothy 4:1-5 Preach the Word!

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

The world is characterized as men is lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, unholy, without self-control, ungrateful, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, brutal, and haters of good. On top of all this, they reject sound doctrine for holy living. This is why Paul charges the Christian to continuously preach the word, because it corrects our sinful character and builds a path of repentance back to Christ.

Daily Prayer: Father, I strive to be holy, because You are holy. Along with holiness comes peace and a partnership with the Most High to reject worldliness and be like Christ who cared for me so much that He gave himself for me. The roadmap is the Word which is what you have given me so that I may know you. Amen.

2 Timothy 2: 3-4, 8-13 Paul's Charge to Timothy

The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

In this letter, Paul is writing his disciple Timothy from prison. He is commanding him to guard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to join him in his suffering. Most of all, he does not want Timothy to be ashamed of the gospel, because Jesus went to the cross and Paul to prison. Instead he exhorts him to join him in his defense of the gospel reminding his young emissary that if you deny Jesus Christ, he will not claim you to his father who is in heaven, so be strong, work hard, be diligent, and fight the good fight.

Daily Prayer: Father, the world is not our home, so we must consider those things and promises that are higher in nature where our premises dwell. Give me eyes that can see, ears that can hear, and a heart that understands. In Jesus name and for his sake I pray Amen.

1 Timothy 4:1-5 Apostasy

But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.

Throughout Paul's letters, there is an eye on the second coming of Christ. He gives us glimpses of what the culture will be like just prior to Christ's advent. Truth will be smeared by man's rationalization. The institution of marriage which is a covenant under God will be on the attack. The proscription for healthy living with one man and one woman will be compromised by other means to holy living. Lifestyles that brought God's judgment in prior years will receive legal recognition in our courts. Foods which God gave us for health and longevity of life will by rejected by those who believe that they have a better formula for nutrition. In other words, people will fall away from God's given truth, and this falling away is called apostasy.

Daily Prayer: Father in my world only a remnant want to acknowledge truth which is absolute. Cause revival in my time, and awaken America and the world that Your truth is unchanging and certain. In Your holy name I pray Amen.

1 Timothy 3:8-13, 16 Instructions for church leadership

Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. these men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, and taken up in glory.

Paul in his letters to the pastors of the churches that he planted, gave them sound advise for selecting church leaders. Paul recognized that these leaders would experience spiritual warfare and Satan would make it his business to discredit the leaders of the church. For this reason, the leaders need to be grounded in their faith and showing a record of depending of God's Spirit to overcome the battles that will come so that they provide the right image of righteousness before the laity in the church and it would have healthy growth.

Daily Prayer: Father, make me into his kind of model also. Let me drop dependence on the flesh, and surrender my life to you so that I will love kindness, be just, and walk humbly before my God. Amen.