Mark 13, James 2

16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

Bummer for them. It's weird to read this because getting pregnant and being pregnant aren't exactly things we can control. Birth Control is only as accurate as God lets it be, vasectomies aren't even fool-proof.

18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

This can all apply to the hand-cart companies. It was bad to be pregnant, and those that traveled in winter had it severely rough.

20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

When you apply this to the hand-cart companies, this is very powerful. God really did save many people from the ones that went through in winter.


James 2

16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

This was one of the hardest things for me to understand. I always saw that works were good, and it was hard for me to understand that you need them.

19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Sounds almost mocking to me... But it makes sense. I always believed in God, but I did evil things. That's why I don't count it as being Christian when I just believed in God. When I started "living it" is when I think it counts.

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?