Love God Above All Things

Let's study these commandments one at a time. The Commandments are the Laws of God. God gave His laws first in the hearts of men. Romans 2:14-15 says this: Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.
Love is the summary of the Commandments. Rom.13:19..Love does no harm to its neighbor, therefore Love is the fulfillment of the law.
God means ALL of us when HE says that everyone keep the Commandments. Matt.5:19 Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Rom.3:19..Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.
As we study each commandment, ask yourself if this is one that can be done away with today. If you take that commandment away, what will you put in its place? If you take away that command, you must do away with all the Words of God that pertain to that command. Pray and gain wisdom as you study His Commands.

The first command God has given us is to put Him first in all things. Worship Him only. Who is He that He can make such a demand on us?
Gen.1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Gen.17:1 I am God almighty; walk before me and be blameless.
Ps.33:8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere Him.
Ps. 96:4 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise. He is to be feared above all gods. Prov.8:13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil.
Matt. 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Num. 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you PEACE.
Deut.6:4 Hear O Israel, The Lord your God, the Lord is one.
Matt. 28:19 Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
1Cor. 8:4 There is no GOD but one.
2Cor. 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God , and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

In the first commandment God forbids idolatry.
Is.42:8 I am the Lord; that is My name! I will not give My glory to another or My praise to idols.
Matt. 4:10 Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.
1Cor . 8:4 We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one.
1John 5:21 Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

When do we have idols, or put others before God?
Ps.115:4 Their idols are silver and gold.
Phil.3:9 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.
Rev.9:20 They did not stop worshipping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood--idols that cannot see or hear or walk.
Ps.14:1 The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
Prov.11:28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall.
Prov. 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Matt. 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather , be afraid of the ONE who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matt. 10:37 Anyone who loves his father or mother more then Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
Eph. 5:5 No immoral, impure or greedy person --such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
2Cor.6:14-15 Do not be yoked together with unbeleivers; for what do rightesousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

God requires us to put Him first in all things; Love Him above all things.
Gen.17:1 I am God almighty; walk before Me and be blameless.
PS. 33:8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere Him
Ps 96:4 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods. Prov.8:13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil.
Matt. 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Ps. 73:25-26 Whom have I in heaven but You; And earth has nothing I desire beside You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Matt. 22:37 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
Ps. 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.
Prov.3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
We can not keep the commandments perfectly.
Eccl.7:20 There is not one righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.
1John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and truth is not in us.


But thank and praise God who gives us the victory through His Son Jesus Christ! Praise Him and put God first in your lives. Look to Him for answers. Listen to Him for advice. Ask Him before you act, before you answer. Listen for His answers. He is the SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER! and His Laws remain...so does His Grace and Mercy to all who believe Him.

The Laws of God

With all that praise of the Laws of God let's take a look at God's Laws and decide where we stand. Will you find that you love them and desire to keep them? Will you find that you fall short and need a Saviour. Will you find that you are self righteous and can make it alone? Or will some of you find that these laws do not pertian to you? Will you find that they are not for your "modern life style" or were made to be changed or broken? Let's begin simply with the Commandments of God.
Ex.20:1-17, Dt.5:6-20
And God spoke these words: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, or your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the sabboth day and made it holy. Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. You shall not covet you neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

The reason I made the second commandment stand out is because people who call themselves Christian misuse Gods name so often there is no way they hold it in reverence anymore than an unbeliever would. Satan has really gotten a foothold there, and what a great place for him to gain control. Lose respect for someone and the next thing you know you no longer care anything for them either!

Ps.119 vs94-144

When we pray for growth in our Faith we must be prepared for the testing that will come to cause us to grow in that area. The author of this psalm is being constantly tested and his faith, his love of God's Laws, his understanding of Gods Laws, his patience in waiting for God, his trust in God, are all growing more and more each day. He is obviously in touch with God at all times. He is being able to withstand the attacks of the enemy by staying in the Word of God, remembering His promises and His commands, and in constant prayer. He is not allowing Satan, through the evil people around him, to sway him to believing that God's Laws are not important. They are becoming more and more clear to him as these assaults hurl at him. He is becoming ever more wise in the way of God. God does the same for us today. He has not changed one bit. He has always been and always will be, the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Who else is there that we can say that about? His promises remain the same, for everyone who will take them to heart. Let's read on:

vs.94-Save me, for I am Yours; I have sought out Your precepts. The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder Your statutes. To all perfection I see a limit; but Your commands are boundless. Oh, how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on Your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey Your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey Your word. I have not departed from Your laws, for You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow Your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, O Lord, according to Your word. Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me Your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget Your law. The wicked have set a snare for me; but I have not strayed from Your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping Your decreees onto the very end. I hate double-minded men, but I love Your law. You are my refuge and my shield: I have put my hope in Your word. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! Sustain me according to Your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for Your decrees. You reject all who stray from Your decrees, for their deceitfulness is in vain. All the wicked of the earth You discard like dross; therefore, I love Your statutes. My flesh trembles in fear of You; I stand in awe of Your laws. I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors. Ensure Your servant's well-being; let not the arrogant opress me. My eyes fail, looking for Your salvation, looking for Your righteous promise. Deal with Your servant according to Your love and teach me Your decrees. I am Your servant; give me discernment that I may understand Your statutes. It is time for You to act, O Lord; Your law is being broken. Because I love Your command more than gold, more than pure gold, and because I consider all Your precepts right, I hate every wrong path. Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing forYour commands. Turn to me and have mercy on me, as You always do to those who love Your name. Direct my footsteps according to Your word: Let no sin rule over me. Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey Your precepts. Make Your face shine upon Your servant and teach me Your decrees. Streams of tears flow from my eyes for Your law is not obeyed. Righteous are You, O Lord, and Your laws are right. The statutes You have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore Your words, Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and Your sevant loves them. Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget Your precepts. Your righeousness is everlasting and Your law is true. Trouble and distress have come upon me, but Your commands are my delight. Your statues are forever right; give me understanding that I may live. I call with all my heart; answer me, O Lord, and I will obey Your decrees. I call out to You; save me and I will keep Your statutes. I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in Your word; My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on Your promises. Hear my voice in accordance with Your love; preserve my life, O Lord, according to Your laws. Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from Your law. Yet You are near, O Lord, and all Your commands are true. Long ago I learned from Your statute that You established them to last forever. Look upon my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten Your law. Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according toYour promise. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out Your decrees. Your compassion is great, O Lord; preserve my life according to Your laws. Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from Your statutes. I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey Your word. See how I love Your prescepts; preserve my life, O Lord, according to Your love. All Your words are true; all Your righteous laws are eternal. Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at Your word. I rejoice in Your promise like one who finds great spoil. I hate and abhor falsehood but I love Your laws. Seven times a day I praise You for Your righteous laws. Great peace have they who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble. I wait forYour salvation, O Lord, and I follow Your commands. I obey Your statutes, for I love them greatly I obey Your percepts and Your statues, for all my ways are known to You.
May my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to Your Word. May my supplication come before You; deliver me according to Your promise. May my lips overflow with praise, for You teach me Your decrees. May my tongue sing of Your word, for all Your commands are righteous. May Your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosenYour percepts. I long forYour salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my delight. Let me live that I may praise You, and may Your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commands.

What a beautiful way to end this psalm of prayer, praise and worship to the Lord. It could be a prayer for us today, as it was for this person many centuries ago. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. When we stray He is there to lead us back. When we stumble He is there to pick us up. When we sin He has already forgiven us, through His Son Jesus Christ. All we need to do is accept that and repent! There is nothing new under the sun. Oh for this fallen world to seek the God and Creator of if all, and stop trying to change Him to put Him down to their level!
We can become discouraged in waiting for the Lord and for His righteous acts against our enemies, the same as this psalmist. But God is ever wise, and He never changes, and He knows what it best. He loves everyone and wishes that we all would come to Him and be saved. Let us continue, as this person has done, in seeking Him and His Will, and to obey His commands. Stay in His Word that you will know His Will! He will give you the PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, that this sinful world can never know or understand.

Ps.119 vs49-144

We continue in this Ps. because this author is going through so much of what the Christian faces day by day. He is being persecuted for his faith in God, and his faith is being tested endlessly. Satan has days like that with us! He will put us through the ringer using the people around us. He will use our Christian friends and family as well as our unChristian acquaintances. He is very determined. But the Law of God never changes as many people in these last days would have us believe. Have you not heard the excuse that the things allowed today are ok now and were only meant for people "back then"? Times have changed...?? What a great lie Satan has devised there! So we will learn from this pslamist how to be ceaseless in our prayers to God for strength to keep His Laws. Remember that whatever you pray for in your growth in Faith must be tested. This person is growing stronger and stronger in his faith, you can feel it, as he goes through these relentless trials. He knows that God is with him through it all! Do not give up on reading this psalm until you have read it completely. It is exciting to be with this person in his trials. They are so much just like ours. Time does NOT change. Solomon says there is nothing new under the sun. That is SO TRUE! Don't let Satan deceive you.

49---Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from Your law. I remember Your ancient laws, O Lord, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken Your law. Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night I remember Your name, O Lord, and I will keep Your law. This has been my practice: I obey Your perecepts. You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey Your words. I have sought Your face with all my heart; Be gracious to me according to Your promise, I have considered my ways, and have turned my steps to Your statutes, I willl hasten and not delay to obey Your commands. Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget Your law. At midnight I rise to give You thanks for Your righteous laws. I am a friend to all who fear You, to all who follow Your precepts. The earth is filled with Your love, O Lord: teach me Your decrees.
Do good to Your servant according to Your word, O Lord. Teach me Your knowledge and good judgement, for I believe in Your commands. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your word. You are good, and what You do is good; teach me Your decrees. Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep Your precepts with all my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in Your law. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees. The law from Your mouth is more percious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learnYour commands. May those who fear You rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope inYour word. I know , O Lord, that Your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness You have afflicted me. May Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to Your servant. Let Your compassion come to me that I may live, for Your law is my delight. May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; But I will meditate on Your precepts. May those who fear You turn to me, those who understand Your statues, May my heart be blameless toward Your decrees, that I may not be put to shame. My soul faints with longing for Your salvation, but I have put my hope in Your word. My eyes fail, looking for Your promise; I say, "When will You comfort me?" Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget Your decrees. How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutor? The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contratry to Your law. All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth but I have not forsaken Your precepts, Preserve my life according to Your love, and I will obey the statues of Your mouth. Your word, O Lord, is eternal: it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth, and it endured. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve You. If Your law had not been my delight I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have preserved my life.

Ps.119 vs17-48

The author of this Psalm is devoted to the Laws of God. They were his strength and salvation in the face of his enemies. He lived to obey them. He had faith in God and believed His promises. Obeying God's Laws kept him strong in the face of those who persecuted him. The Law of God showed him the direction to take in his life. We can not keep Gods Law perfectly. Thank God for sending His Son, Jesus Christ, who kept it for us and was our Holy Perfect Sacrifice! He is our strength, and only through His Spirit can we grow to have a love of His Laws. Let us read and meditate upon His Word and learn to love His Laws. Keep in mind the summary of the Law of God: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind, with all thy strength. The second is this: Love thy neighbor as thyself. Mark 12:30-31, Luke 10:27

17- Do good to Your servant and I will live; I will obey Your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide Your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for Your law at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from Your commands. Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep Your statutes. Though rulers sit together and slander me, Your servant will meditate on Your decrees. Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to Your word. I recounted my ways and You answered me; teach me Your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through Your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart onYour laws. I hold fast to Your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free. Teach me, O Lord, to follow Your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding, and I will keep Your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain, Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your word. Fulfill Your promise to Your servant, so that You may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for Your laws are good. How I long for Your precepts! Preserve my life in Your righteousness. May Your unfailing love come to me O Lord, Your salvation according to Your pormise; Then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in Your word. Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope inYour laws. I will always obey Your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out Your precepts. I will speak of Your statues before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in Your command because I love them. I lift up my hand to Your commands which I love, and I meditate on Your decrees.

Meditate on Gods Law? Maybe that is a good thought to stop with for today. Let us meditate on the Law of God, the one that Jesus Christ summed up for us. Love God above ALL THINGS! and love your neighbor as yourself. Love God? We have to know Him. We learn of Him and His love for us through His Word, His creation, and He has written His Law in our hearts. When we accept His Son as our Saviour we receive His Spirit, who alone reveals to us the things of God. Love yourself? You care about yourself and what happens to you, how you are treated, how you feel. Put others before yourself, and you will find that you are being well taken care of! God keeps all His promises.

Ps.119

Let's spend a few days on Ps.119. Meditate on who God is, what He has done for us, and thank and praise Him. Search your hearts.

Ps.119 vs.1-16 Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are they who keep His statutes, and seek Him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in His ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying Your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise You with an upright heart as I learn Your righteous laws. I will obey Your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word. I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your comands. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. Praise be to You, O Lord; teach me Your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from Your mouth. I rejoice in following Your statues as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways. I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word.

That is plenty to meditate on for one day! Give me a pure heart O Lord! Thank You God for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to take away my sins, AMEN

Kindly speaking

The Bible is full of instruction of how we are to speak to each other. God warns us over and over again about our tongue! It can be such an evil thing when misused. Here are some examples. Check yourself to see where you stand before Him, and pray that He strengthens you where you are weak. Our society is so full of nasty, degrading talk anymore. Count how many times you hear ,"oh my GOD!" on the television in just one evening! It is disgusting. We know what God thinks of it. He warns us time and again about using our tongues correctly. You can not take back what you say. Once it is out the damage is done. Even though you may be sorry, and you may be forgiven, the person to whom you have spoken has been hurt for good. The words will always be there, even if they are forgiven and put to the back of the mind. They will have done their poisoning. If the repentence comes quickly the damage could be minimal, but still there. Once again, thank God for Jesus and His healing powers for us!! I will just stick to Proverbs for these verses as it is FULL of them in itself.

Prov.5:3 For the lips of the adulteress drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, but in the end she is bitter as gall, and sharp as a double-edge sword.
6:2 if you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, 3:then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands:
7:21 With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.
10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.
10:14 Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
10:19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. 20:The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. 21: The lips of the righteous nourish many, but the fools die for lack of judgment. 31: The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out. 32: The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.
11:9 With his mouth the godless destroy his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape. :12A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. 14: From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. 15: The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. 16: A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. 18: Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 19:Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. 22: The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in men who are truthful. 13:3 He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. 14:2 A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. 5: A truthful witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. 7:Stay away from the foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips. 9: Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright. 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2: The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. 4:The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. 7:The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 28:A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. 17:14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. 19: He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction. 20: A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble. 27:A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even tempered. 28: Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. 18:2 A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions. 4: The words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountian of wisdom is a bubbling brook. 6: A fool's lips bring him strife , and his mouth invites a beating. 7: A fool's mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul. 8: The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts. 13: He who answers before listening--that is his folly and his shame. 22:10 Drive out the mocker and out go strife; quarrels and insults are ended. 11:He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend. 23:9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words. 15: My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; 16: my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.24:26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. 28:Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, or use your lips to deceive.26:28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. 27:2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth, someone else, and not your own lips. 15: A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day; 16: restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand. 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his anger but a wise man keeps himself under control. 20: Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 22: An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.

Do you see a constant in these verses? It seems that the tongue is our best way to prove to others whether we are foolish or wise! It is the quickest way into trouble, and the hardest thing to take back. It is the hardest and most important part of us to tame! We can not do that without the help of our Lord. Thank God He is with us always! Use the tongue to pray, praise and give thanks.

Continuing on

I hope you are meditating on these verses and applying them to your life. Think about your life and how these words of encouragement apply to you. Chapter four is no exception! Encourage each other. That is one big benefit of worship with others. We are to lift each other up and encourage each other in the Way of the Lord. We can't do that if we do not know His Way! Get Wisdom!!

Proverbs 4:1 Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. 2: I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. 3: When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, 4: he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. 5: Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. 6: Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7: Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8: Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 9: She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor. 10: Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. 11: I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. 12: When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. 13: Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. 14: Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. 15: Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn from it and go on your way. 16: For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall. 17: they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. 18: The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. 19: But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. 20: My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. 21: Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22: for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body. 23:Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. 24:Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrrupt talk far from your lips. 25:Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. 26: Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. 27: Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep you foot from evil.

More Wisdom

Let us continue in our instructions of gaining Wisdom. God is all Wise. We should constantly seek Him and His Will for our lives. When we slip away from Him our lives become meaningless. If you are experiencing that feeling then reevaluate your life and your reasons for the things you are doing. Are you seeking your own wellfare or are you living to help others. Are you bringing the Light of the Gospel of Christ to others in the way you live, the things you say, the language you use? If not, then you need to pray and ask God to help you follow in His Ways once again so your life will once again be full of meaning. Satan desires to make us captive for him. He does not go after those he already has, but after you and me my friends in Christ! He really knows how to fight for us! Be on the lookout always, and constantly strive to gain wisdom into the ways of the LORD.
Proverbs 3:1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. 3: Let love and faithfulness never leave you: bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4: Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. 5: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. 6:In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. 7: Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. 8: This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. 9: Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; 10: then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. 11 :My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent His rebuke, 12: because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in. 13: Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, 14: for she is more profitable than silver and yields better return than gold. 15: she is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16: Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17:Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. 18: She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed. 19: By wisdom the Lord laid the earth's foundations, by understanding He set the heavens in place; 20: by His knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew. 21:My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; 22: they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. 23: then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; 24; when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25: Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, 26: for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being snared. 27: Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. 28: Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"--when you now have it with you. 29: do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. 30: Do not accuse a man for no reason-- when he has done you no harm. 31: Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, 32: for the Lord detests a perverse man but takes the upright into His confidence. 33: The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous. 34: He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. 35: The wise inherit honor, but fools He holds up to shame.

Oh to be wise! God does not tell us we have to be wise to receive His blessings and His protection from evil. He does not tell us we have to be wise to live as He instructs us to. We can not be Wise as He is wise. However, He is telling us we are to SEEK AFTER HIS WISDOM! When we do this we are listening to His teachings, His instructions, His Way of living. Then we receive these blessings, His guidance, His help to live the WAY He instructs us to live. We can not live perfect lives, full of His Wisdom. We SEEK to do that through reading His Word, and prayer, and HE gives us the strength of Faith, through Christ, and mind, through the Love of Christ. Seek Gods Will above your own, and He will show you a very blessed life and you will be able to be used by Him as someone to carry the LIGHT of the World,,,,Christ, to all those living in darkness. Our world sure needs us!

Gaining more Wisdom

Godly Wisdom, what a wonderful blessing to have! Continue reading the book of Proverbs to find out just what it does for you.

Chapter 2:1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2:turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, 3: and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4: and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5: then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. 6: For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and undrstanding. 7: He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8: for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones. 9: Then you will understand what is right and just and fair--every good path. 10: for widom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. 11:Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. 12: Wisdom will save you from the way of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, 13: who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, 15: whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways. 16: It will save you also from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words, 17: who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. 18: For her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirit of the dead. 19: None who go to her return or attain the paths of life. 20: Thus you will walk in the ways of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous. 21: for the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it. 22: but the wicked will be cut off from the land and the unfaithful will be torn from it.

Can you stop with this chapter? Does it not make you want to continue on and learn more? Gods Wisdom is priceless for a growing, living, productive faith, while living in this fallen world. He has all the answers! Seek Him!

Words of Wisdom

The book of Proverbs is full of God's Wisdom for people of any generation, of any age. I will write out one chapter, it does not matter which one. It is full of instruction for living! May as well start with chapter 1:
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; 3: for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; 4: for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young--5: let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance--6: for understanding proverbs and parables, the saying and riddles of the wise. 7: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. 8: Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. 9: They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. 10: My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. 11: If they say, "Come along with us; let's lie in wait for someone's blood, let's waylay some harmless soul; let's swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole like those who go down to the pit; 13: we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; 14: throw in your lot with us, and we will share a common purse--15: my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; 16: for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed blood. 17: How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds! 18: These men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only themselves! 19: Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it. 20: Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; 21 at the head of the noisey streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech: 22: How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? 23: If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you. 24: But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, 25: since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke 26: I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you-- 27: when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. 28: Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me. 29: Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord, 30: since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, 31: they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. 32: For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33: but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.
Proverbs spells out how to live any life! Read it to be wise unto this life and for a life unto Salvation. Thank and Praise God for His Words to us!

Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy

Matthew 8:1 - 4
1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Mark 1:40 -45
40 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.
42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.
43 And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;
44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

Luke 5:12 - 16
12 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
13 And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.
14 And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
15 But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.
16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

Jesus Heals a Man with the Palsy

Matthew 9:1 - 8
1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.
4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?
5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
7 And he arose, and departed to his house.
8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.

Mark 2:1 - 12
1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.
2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.
3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.
4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?
9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.
12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

Luke 5:17 - 26
17 And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.
18 And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.
19 And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.
20 And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.
21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?
22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?
23 Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?
24 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.
25 And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.

Jesus Heals Many and Casts Devils Out of Many

Mark 1:32 - 34
32 And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.
33 And all the city was gathered together at the door.
34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

Matthew 8:16 - 17
16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
17 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Luke 4:40 - 41
40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.
41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

Jesus Heals Simon's Mother In Law

Matthew 8:14 - 15
14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.
15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

Mark 1:29 - 31
29 And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.31 And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

Luke 4:38 - 39
38 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.
39 And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.

Jesus Commands Demon to Come out of Man in Capernaum

Luke 4:31 - 37
31 And (JESUS) came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,
34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.
36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.
37 And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

Mark 1:21 - 28
21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.
27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
28 And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

Jesus Cures a Sick Man at the Pool of Bethzatha

John 5:1 - 47 (KJV)

1 After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
11 He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place..
14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
31 If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.
33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
41 I receive not honour from men.
42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

Jesus' Second Miracle

John 4:43 - 54

43 Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.
44 For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.
45 Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.
46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
47 When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.
48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
49 The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
50 Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.
51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.
52 Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.
53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.
54 This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

Jesus, the Rich Young Ruler and the Laborers in the Vineyard

Matthew 19:16 - 30
16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

Matthew 20:1 - 16
1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

See also Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30

Jesus' Parable of the Good Samaritan

Luke 10:30-37 (King James Version)

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Jesus' Parable of the Unfathful Servant

Luke 16:1 - 12
1 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.
2 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.
3 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.
4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.
5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?
6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.
7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.
8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

Think about this:
Who does the Rich Man represent?
Who does the unfaithful servant represent?
Who do the debtors represent?
What does the reduced amount represent?

Jesus' Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25:14-30
14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Jesus' Parable of the Marriage Feast

Matthew 22:1-14 (King James Version)

1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,
2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

Jesus' Parable of the Landowner and Wretched Tenants

Matthew 21:33-44
View commentary related to this passage

33 Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:
34 And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.
35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
36 Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.
37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
39 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.
40 When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?
41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.


Mark 12:1-9
View commentary related to this passage

1 And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.
2 And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
3 And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.
4 And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.
5 And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some.
6 Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.
7 But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.'
8 And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.
9 What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.

Luke 20:9-16
View commentary related to this passage

9 Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time.
10 And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.
11 And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.
12 And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.
13 Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him.
14 But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.
15 So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?
16 He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.

Jesus' Parable of the Two Sons

Matthew 21:23-32 (King James Version)

23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
24 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
26 But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

Jesus' Parable of the Rich Fool

Luke 12:13-21
13 And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.
14 And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?
15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

"What if he does it again?" a parable that Jesus gave us

Matthew 18:21-35
21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.