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    "JESUS' MIRACLES (2 of 4)- MARK" AUDIO BLOG


    Jesus casts out an impure spirit.

    Mark 1:23-28

    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 heals Simon's mother-in-law of a fever.

    Mark 1:30-31

    30 "But Simon'swife'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."


    Jesus heals a leper. 

    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."


    Jesus heals a deaf man and loosens his tongue.

    Mark 7:31-37

    ​    31 "And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

    32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

    33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

    34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

    35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

    36 And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;

    37 And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak."
    ​

    Jesus restores a blind man's sight in Bethsaida.

    Mark 8:22-26

    22 "And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.

    23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.

    24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.

    25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

    26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town."

    ​Praise God. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

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    "JESUS' MIRACLES (1 of 4)- MATTHEW" AUDIO BLOG

    Jesus heals a centurion's servant, Peter's mother-in-law, and many that were sick.

    Matthew 8:5-13

    5 "And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,

    6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

    7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

    8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

    9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

    10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

    11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

    12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

    13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

    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.

    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:"


    Jesus calms the storm.

    ​    Matthew 8:23-27

    23 "And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

    24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

    25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

    26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

    27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!


    Jesus casts out demons into a herd of pigs.

    Matthew 8:28-34

    28 "And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.

    29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?

    30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.

    31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.

    32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.

    33 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.

    34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts."


    Jesus heals a paralyzed man.

    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."


    Jesus raises a synagogue leader's daughter.

    Matthew 9:18-26

    18 "While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

    19 And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.

    20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

    21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

    22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

    23 And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,

    24 He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.

    25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

    26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land."



    Jesus restores the sight of two blind men.

    Matthew 9:27-31

    27 "And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us.

    28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

    29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

    30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

    31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country."


    Jesus casts out a demon from man who could not talk.

    Matthew 9:32-33

    32 "As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.

    33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel."


    Jesus completely restores a withered hand on the Sabbath.

    Matthew 12:10-13

    10 "And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.

    11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?

    12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

    13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other."


    Jesus casts out demons from a blind and mute man.

    Matthew 12:22 "Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw."


    Jesus feeds five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish.

    Matthew 14:15-21

    15 "And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

    16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

    17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.

    18 He said, Bring them hither to me.

    19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

    20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

    21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children."


    Jesus casts out demons from a Canaanite woman's daughter.

    Matthew 15:22-28

    22 "And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

    23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

    24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

    25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

    26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.

    27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.

    28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour."


    Jesus feeds four thousand with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish.

    Matthew 15:32-39

    32 "Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

    33 And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?

    34 And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

    35 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

    36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

    37 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.

    38 And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.

    39 And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala."


    Jesus casts out demons from a boy whom His apostles could not heal.

    Matthew 17:14-21

    14 "And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

    15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

    16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

    17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

    18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

    19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

    20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

    21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."



    Jesus touches the eyes of two blind men, and they receive sight.

    Matthew 20:30-34

    30 "And, behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.

    31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou son of David.

    32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?

    33 They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened.

    34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him."


    Jesus causes a fig tree to wither.

    Matthew 21:18-22

    18 "Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.

    19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

    20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

    21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

    22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

    Praise God. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

    Be sure to watch the next part, "Jesus' Miracles (2 of 4)- MARK."


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    "JESUS RAISES LAZARUS" AUDIO BLOG



    John 11

    1 "Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

    2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

    3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

    4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

    5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

    6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

    7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.

    8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

    9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

    10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

    11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

    12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.

    13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

    14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

    15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

    16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

    17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

    18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:

    19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

    20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

    21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

    22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

    23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

    24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

    25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

    26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

    27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

    28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

    29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.

    30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.

    31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

    32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

    33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.

    34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

    35 Jesus wept.

    36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

    37 And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

    38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

    39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

    40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

    41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

    42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

    43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

    44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

    45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

    46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done."


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    "THE KINGDOM OF GOD" AUDIO BLOG

    "But He said, 'Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" Matthew 19:14
    ​
    "You are not far from the kingdom of God."

    Mark 12

    28 "Then one of the scribes [an expert in Mosaic Law] came up and listened to them arguing [with one another], and noticing that Jesus answered them well, asked Him, 'Which commandment is first and most important of all?'

    29 Jesus answered, 'The first and most important one is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord; 

    30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul (life), and with all your mind (thought, understanding), and with all your strength.’ 

    31 This is the second: ‘You shall [unselfishly] love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.'

    32 The scribe said to Him, 'Admirably answered, Teacher; You truthfully stated that He is One, and there is no other but Him; 

    33 and to love Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to [unselfishly] love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.' 

    34 When Jesus saw that he answered thoughtfully and intelligently, He said to him, 'You are not far from the kingdom of God.' And after that, no one would dare to ask Him any more questions."


    Jesus said, when you love Him and love your neighbor as yourself, an unselfish love, 'you are not far from the kingdom of God.'

    Heavenly Father, let it be so, in Jesus' Name! Hallelujah. Praise God. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
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    "THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL" AUDIO BLOG

    "But earnestly desire and strive for the greater gifts [if acquiring them is going to be your goal].

    And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love]." 1 Corinthians 12:31

    "Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for the gift of special knowledge, it will pass away." 1 Corinthians 13:8

    Love never fails, never fades away, nor ends.

    "And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love."
    1 Corinthians 13:13


    'THE CHOICEST GRACES':

    1. Faith

    2. Hope

    3. Love 


    'The greatest of these is love.'


    1 Corinthians 12

    The Use of Spiritual Gifts

    1 "Now about the spiritual gifts [the special endowments given by the Holy Spirit], brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 

    2 You know that when you were pagans, you were led off after speechless idols; however you were led off [whether by impulse or habit]. 

    3 Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the [power and influence of the] Spirit of God can say, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is [my] Lord,” except by [the power and influence of] the Holy Spirit.

    4 Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. 

    5 And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served]. 

    6 And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them]. 

    7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good. 

    8 To one is given through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] the message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] the word of knowledge and understanding according to the same Spirit; 

    9 to another [wonder-working] faith [is given] by the same [Holy] Spirit, and to another the [extraordinary] gifts of healings by the one Spirit; 

    10 and to another the working of miracles, and to another prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people], and to another discernment of spirits [the ability to distinguish sound, godly doctrine from the deceptive doctrine of man-made religions and cults], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues. 

    11 All these things [the gifts, the achievements, the abilities, the empowering] are brought about by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses.

    12 For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so it is with Christ. 

    13 For by one [Holy] Spirit we were all baptized into one body, [spiritually transformed—united together] whether Jews or Greeks (Gentiles), slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit [since the same Holy Spirit fills each life].

    14 For the [human] body does not consist of one part, but of many [limbs and organs]. 

    15 If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” is it not on the contrary still a part of the body? 

    16 If the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” is it not on the contrary still a part of the body? 

    17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole [body] were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 

    18 But now [as things really are], God has placed and arranged the parts in the body, each one of them, just as He willed and saw fit [with the best balance of function]. 

    19 If they all were a single organ, where would [the rest of] the body be? 

    20 But now [as things really are] there are many parts [different limbs and organs], but a single body. 

    21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 

    22 But quite the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are [absolutely] necessary; 

    23 and as for those parts of the body which we consider less honorable, these we treat with greater honor; and our less presentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 

    24 while our more presentable parts do not require it. But God has combined the [whole] body, giving greater honor to that part which lacks it, 

    25 so that there would be no division or discord in the body [that is, lack of adaptation of the parts to each other], but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. 

    26 And if one member suffers, all the parts share the suffering; if one member is honored, all rejoice with it.

    27 Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body, and individually [you are] members of it [each with his own special purpose and function]. 

    28 So God has appointed and placed in the church [for His own use]: first apostles [chosen by Christ], second prophets [those who foretell the future, those who speak a new message from God to the people], third teachers, then those who work miracles, then those with the gifts of healings, the helpers, the administrators, and speakers in various kinds of [unknown] tongues. 

    29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 

    30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 

    31 But earnestly desire and strive for the greater gifts [if acquiring them is going to be your goal].

    And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one of the choicest graces and the highest of them all: unselfish love]."


    Or, as the King James version tells us at 1 Corinthians 12:31, "    But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way," which is followed immediately in 1 Corinthians 13, describing the 'excellence of love.'

    Unselfish love is a gift from God, God's choicest grace (favor) for man​, and one for which we should earnestly desire and strive.

    Hallelujah. Praise God. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
  • Published on
    "Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death . . ." Hebrews 5:7

    THE HOLY BIBLE AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

    The Holy Spirit is in you [believers]! 

    ​"What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?" ​1 Corinthians 6:19

    Did you know that we talk to God through our prayers, and He talks to us when we study and meditate on the Bible, His Word? It's true.

    In His short time on earth, Jesus prayed to God many times about things that are written, "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." John 21:25

    JESUS PRAYED

    "After He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When it was evening, He was there alone." Matthew 14:23

    "But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray [in seclusion]." Luke 5:16

    "Now it happened that as Jesus was praying privately, the disciples were with Him, and He asked them, 'Who do the crowds say that I am?'” Luke 9:18

    "It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, 'Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.'” Luke 11:1

    "And being in agony [deeply distressed and anguished; almost to the point of death], He prayed more intently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down on the ground." Luke 22:44

    JESUS PRAYED FOR THE CHILDREN

    "Then children were brought to Jesus so that He might place His hands on them [for a blessing] and pray . . ." Matthew 19:13

    MY HOUSE SHALL BE A HOUSE OF PRAYER

    45 Jesus went into the temple [enclosure] and began driving out those who were selling, 

    46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer’ . . ."

    JESUS PRAYED FOR HIS APOSTLES

    "but I have prayed [especially] for you [Peter], that your faith [and confidence in Me] may not fail; and you, once you have turned back again [to Me], strengthen and support your brothers [in the faith]." Luke 22:32


    JESUS PRAYED FOR BELIEVERS

    9 I pray for them; I do not pray for the world, but for those You have given Me, because they belong to You;" . . . 20 “I do not pray for these alone [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for [all] those who [will ever] believe and trust in Me through their message,"  John 17

    "In the days of His earthly life, Jesus offered up both [specific] petitions and [urgent] supplications [for that which He needed] with fervent crying and tears to the One who was [always] able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission toward God [His sinlessness and His unfailing determination to do the Father’s will]." Hebrews 5:7

    JESUS SAID PRAY TO AVOID TEMPTATION

    "and He said to them, 'Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not fall into temptation.'” Luke 22:46

    PRAYING IN THE NAME OF JESUS

    ​"By stretching forth your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place where they were meeting together was shaken [a sign of God’s presence]; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness and courage." 
    Acts 4:31

    THE HOLY BIBLE AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

    "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the [Holy] Spirit who is from God, so that we may know and understand the [wonderful] things freely given to us by God. We also speak of these things, not in words taught or supplied by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual thoughts with spiritual words [for those being guided by the Holy Spirit]." 1 Corinthians 2:12-13

    I heard a prophet say that God said that the hand of the Lord swirls around believers who are reading His Word, and gives them understanding. Hallelujah! Amen!

    Proverbs 2

    1 "My son, if thou will receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

    2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

    3 Yea, if thou cries after knowledge, and lifts up thy voice for understanding;

    4 If thou seeks her as silver, and searches for her as for hid treasures;

    5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

    6 For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

    7 He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

    8 He keeps the paths of judgment, and preserves the way of his saints.

    9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

    10 When wisdom enters into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
    ​
    11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:"


    JESUS PRAYED AFTER HIS BAPTISM

    "Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, the [visible] heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, “You are My Son, My Beloved, in You I am well-pleased and delighted!” Luke 3:21-22

    JESUS PRAYED THREE TIMES BEFORE HIS CRUCIFIXION

    Matthew 26

    39 "And after going a little farther, He fell face down and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it is possible [that is, consistent with Your will], let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.'” . . . 

    42 "He went away a second time and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.'” . . . 

    44 "So, leaving them again, He went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words once more." 

    JESUS PRAYED AT HIS LAST BREATH

    "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Matthew 27:42

    Thank you, Jesus. 

    There is power in God's Word, and His Word says that there is power in prayer. "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them." Mark 11:24

    Hallelujah. Praise God. Amen.