Category Archives: Poems

Something to Consider

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Photo by Matt MacGillivray

Photo by Matt MacGillivray

Consider the Birds and the Lilies

Look at the birds of the air…
They don’t sow, reap, or gather
Their needed food into barns–
But are dependent upon God, rather.

Consider how the lilies are clothed–
They toil not, nor do they spin,
But to the heavenly Father’s care
They’re blessed to give in.

Yes, consider these,
And consider giving in
To the message of Christ’s love
Above this world’s din.

Partake, through the Bible, from God’s table
Of spiritual food fit for a King’s heir,
And be clothed in the love of Jesus,
The finest thing you could wear.

Consider the children,
So gentle and so tender–
What kind of faith
To them will you render?

One that speaks dislike
And contempt of others–
Or one that speaks love
And draws all men to be brothers?

The heavenly Father gave Jesus
To tell of God’s care and to guide.
When we take Him as Savior, He gives love
For all others for whom He has died.

So just like the lilies
Or the birds of the air,
May people of all nations be blessed to give in
To Jesus–the way to the Father God’s care….

P. A. Oltrogge

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies….” Luke 6:27

“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. And a second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.’” Matthew 22:37-40

“For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink, nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life’s span? And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these. But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? Do not be anxious then, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we clothe ourselves?’ For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-34

The Rebuilding of the Temple

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A very brief synopsis from the account in the book of Ezra….

By the edict of Cyrus, who became ruler of the Persian empire, the Lord let all the exiles go free–to return to their own land in Jerusalem, where Solomon’s Temple had once stood grandly for all to see.

“Building a house for God in Jerusalem,” Cyrus said, was his task, which he passed on to them that day. He also gave back to the people the Temple treasures that King Nebuchadnezzar had taken away.

Led by Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, and by Jeshua, the priest, they enthusiastically set out. Upon arrival in Jerusalem, they located the Temple’s original site, where nothing but some rubble was scattered about.

When the Assyrians had captured the Israelites in the north, they had then settled some newcomers in the land. These were Samaritans, who hadn’t wanted the Jews to come back there again, or ever see them take command.

But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and others built an altar and offered sacrifices to the God of Israel, as the law of Moses said that they should. This was of greatest importance before the Temple would ultimately be rebuilt with stone and cedar wood.

The cedar would be shipped from Lebanon, as it had been done for King Solomon many years before. Then, according to their ability, the people gave gold, silver, priestly garments, and other offerings to this project to restore.

The Levites were appointed to oversee the work; but everyone, even the priests, helped to lay the foundation. They then sang, “The Lord is good and His love for Israel is eternal”–a song of God’s love for their nation.

Problems developed in dealing with the Samaritans, who, at first, offered to help with all they had to do. They claimed to worship the same God; but Zerubbabel refused their help, for he knew that simply wasn’t true.

The people of Judah had been exiled to Babylon as God’s punishment for their waywardness previously this way–when they’d mixed with others who worshiped false “gods”–so they weren’t about again to go astray.

At Zerubbabel’s refusal, the Samaritans became angry, stirred up trouble, and work on the Temple ceased. This lasted fifteen years, until prophecies and encouragement from God’s prophets, Zechariah and Haggai, were at that time released.

Zerubbabel and Jeshua knew this was their approval to begin again, as far as they could see. When challenged again by those who opposed it, King Darius researched the edict of Cyrus–then also gave his generous endorsement decree.

So Solomon’s Temple was finally resurrected. Though not as magnificent, it was welcomed after so many years. The people came to it for Passover, and the priests and Levites resumed duties, after it was dedicated to God with joyful cheers.

If you’ve a project for God that’s somehow stalled, be strong, and remember this story to help keep things going. Not all may support or understand what God has put in your heart, but it’s God’s vision that needs to keep growing.

P. A. Oltrogge

Gentile neighbors were to help the Jewish people through their donations before they left (Ezra 1:4-6) Two groups of the people went. The first group returned with Zerubbabel and restored the Temple. The second group returned with Ezra, who instructed the people in godliness. Fifteen years is an approximate number of years the work ceased after it was started. Jeshua is also written as Joshua, son of Jozadak.

Postscript:
In ventures in your own life, it’s best to be sure that any potential partners who say that your God and theirs are the same–actually do know the one true God and Messiah–Jesus Christ being His Name.

Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple for dedication to the Lord. (Luke 2:22) Later, He was found in the Temple (Luke 2:46) and He taught in its courts. (Matthew 21:14-15; Matthew 21:23; Matthew 26:55; Mark 11:11; Mark 12:35; Luke 2:46; Luke 19:47; Luke 21:37-38; John 7:14,28; John 8:2,20) His presence was its glory. Jesus also ministered to the descendants of the early Samaritans spoken of in the poem, and gave us the beloved story of “the good Samaritan.” The apostles also preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Samaritans. (Acts 8:25)

Focus

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by J. Vetter
Guest Contributor

Have you seen those inkblot pictures where you are to pick out the face of Jesus? Depending on where your eyes focus, suddenly He becomes clear–then you wonder why you didn’t see Him at first because you can’t see anything but Jesus! The beginning of “faith” is always to see Jesus. How do we begin? First, have you truly encountered Him? Sometimes the road to real faith is to ask real questions.

For instance, when Jesus said to Nicodemus, “You must be born again,” I like the honest response that Nicodemus gave. “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” As Jesus converses with Nicodemus, He speaks one of the most quoted verses in the Bible. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

We aren’t specifically told in scripture if Nicodemus truly understood, at that time, what Jesus spoke. But in John 19:38-42, he accompanies Joseph of Arimathea in taking away Jesus’ body after His crucifixion and brings myrrh and aloes for the burial, which certainly seems to indicate he believed on Him. My question to you is, “Have you been born again?” Is your faith picture coming into focus? Have you gotten to the place where you can say, “Yes, I see Him”?

I remember so clearly the day I met Jesus. It was at Easter, and I truly needed an Easter resurrection in my life. I thought that I believed in Jesus, but I needed something more–something viable to give me strength and direction. I went to hear my neighbor’s son-in-law speak at a local church. I saw and heard people praying for one another. I felt love in that place, and I heard a compelling message from this young man about leaving his wealthy family’s brick business to go into the inner city and work with children, some of whom came from poor backgrounds.

The next day, I called my own Methodist pastor, and he came to visit. I found myself spilling out my doubts about the Bible and asking him how we can really know that Jesus rose from the dead. I remember thinking I shouldn’t be saying this to a pastor! He just smiled at me and said, “I’ll pray for you, and the Holy Spirit will show you.” He said a meaningful, though not lengthy, prayer for me and left. Immediately, I picked up my Bible; and when I read the words in the book of John about Jesus, suddenly, I knew they were true. There was a distinct “light” present at that moment and the feeling of love like I had never experienced. For about two weeks, the trees were greener, the sky brighter, and the whole world was bathed in love.

After we are reconciled to the Father’s love through Jesus, we begin to focus on loving Him and loving others, thereby beginning to bear fruit. At this point, it is the Word we focus on–still asking honest questions, because God’s Word tells us in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Often, the very question you’ve asked will suddenly be answered as you are focusing on the Word.

Remember, it is the Holy Spirit who illuminates the Word, or words people speak, to bring something you are asking for into focus. For instance, some years ago when we were planning to make a move from one state to another, I felt like the Lord said that we were to sell our home “by owner.” As the time got closer to our scheduled move, I began to get somewhat anxious, so I asked the Lord for a confirmation that we really were supposed to sell by owner. Then one day while I was reading my Bible, Hebrews 10:37 was quickened to me, “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry.” Now the true meaning of that verse is that Jesus is coming back, but the Holy Spirit used it to speak to me to stay the course–that the buyer for our home would come in a little while. After that, I had peace until the day a real estate agent came and put in an offer. The contract he brought had a closing date that worked out perfectly with the date of the closing on the house in the new location.

If we focus on circumstances or ourselves, we can get discouraged. We’re pretty good at pointing out all our inadequacies and problems, and the devil, who torments, comes quickly to agree with such things. So, I love to often pray, “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done.”

Of course, there are those times when our circumstances seem insurmountable–when we can’t see the end and have no clue as to how God will redeem a situation. That is a time to focus on hope. In Hebrews 6:19, the New King James Bible says, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus….” It is our soul (mind, will and emotions) that needs to be stabilized. Just think about it–by faith, we can cast an anchor to where Jesus dwells; and then our soul doesn’t drift, but remains steady. We can pray like the psalmist, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)

There are times when our vision gets blurred. Our future looks fuzzy or unclear. It’s time to praise God and go back to the “map”–the Word of God. I remember a shopping trip to a mall once. As I stepped into the area where the automatic doors opened, I had this impression from the Lord,”You could have just been a step away and prayed for the doors to open, but they wouldn’t have opened because you needed to get into the right position.” Suddenly, I realized prayer is not demanding my own way–but stepping into the presence of God and cooperating with Him.

Have you seen Jesus? Are you focusing on Him? If so, then others will see Jesus in you.

The Man Above All Men

Have you met up with Jesus? He’s your kind of Man.
Came down here from heaven, carrying out God’s mighty plan.
He’s still here today, capturing hearts, lives, and souls,
giving all whom He touches much worthier goals.

He doesn’t actually show up in visible form;
but you’re aware of His presence when prayer becomes norm.
And some have had visions or have seen Him in dreams,
and what they remember is the love that He beams.

That’s also reflected in the Words of His book–
the renowned Holy Bible is the right place to look.
You might think you know what could give you life’s best,
but those who follow His lead are on a sure quest.

He wants to increase your every potential,
but living for Him and others is essential.
Dedicating all that you have to Him is not loss–
the best in mind for you is why He died on the cross.

P. A. Oltrogge

Living and Giving Together

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“For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24

Haven’t I said that a man should leave his home
of mother and father and the woman do the same,
to start their new lives, with no need to roam
from the one with whom they then will share a name?

This is what I’ve established, this is what’s best–
loyalty in love, going through life together,
both in busy activity and peaceful times of rest,
be it sunny days or stormy times that they weather.

I desire a holy bond, committed to Me,
with cords of strong love that cannot be broken.
As the author of love, I know love isn’t “free,”
but is meant to be shared with vows being spoken.

Like anything else, love often takes work–
serving one another will help things go right.
Commitment to each other isn’t something to shirk;
I don’t want one hurt by the other taking flight.

The way to experience the fulness of love
is, as the saying goes, “through thick and through thin.”
Add reading My Word and lifting prayers up above,
and rich blessing will come when I’ve entered in.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails….” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Matthew 19:4-6; 1 Corinthians 7:2; Ephesians 5:33

(See “About the Porch”)

Emmanuel, God With Us

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Emmanuel, God with us…
You see, we are not alone.
Emmanuel, God with us…
Through the birth of a Child, God’s presence was shown.
He couldn’t leave us without knowledge of His love,
But made Himself known, coming down from above.
Emmanuel, God with us…
From God, the Father, came a Baby so mild.
Emmanuel, God with us…
God’s Son was embodied in a holy Child.
Born of a virgin, the handmaiden of the Lord–
From His life, the goodness of God would be poured.
After humble beginnings in a manger stall,
His Name would become great–He would die for all,
So that any individual living on this earth
Could personally know their God of great worth.
Emmanuel, God with us…
It’s the greatest Name known.
Emmanuel, God with us…in Jesus…
And now we need never be alone!

P. A. Oltrogge

“In that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.” John 14:20

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20

The Manger

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Jesus…

It’s a funny thing, but I never saw
why You might have been laid in a bed of straw.
That’s where the animals came to feed,
and that was representative of our daily need
of the Bread of Life, which, Jesus, You are.
We’re drawn to Your Word like wise men to a star.
To all people the angels proclaimed tidings of great joy,
by pointing to the birth of that God-indwelt boy,
who lay down in the manger where the animals were fed.
Jesus–the Word was God–You’re our daily bread.

P. A. Oltrogge

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her first-born son, and she wrapped him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:4-7

Cherished “Christmas of my Childhood” Memories

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We always met at our grade school on an often snowy Christmas Eve,
anticipating the gifts back home that we knew we would receive.

But thoughts, really, were on the Lord Jesus and the amazing story
that we would be telling of God sending us His Son amidst angelic glory.

We each had a part we had practiced for the yearly Christmas Eve service–
those who may have had a bigger role were sometimes a little bit nervous.

The atmosphere was one of warmth, though, but so respectful of the divine–
at my church very many years ago, these Christmas memories of mine.

We stepped outside the school and crossed over the connecting street
to the large decorated church sanctuary where everyone would meet.

To us children, the lights and nativity were always greatly impressive.
Beautifully-ornamented, tall Christmas trees made the night so festive.

Boys wearing new suits and ties and the girls in fine dresses sewn
began to sing the great Christmas carols, backed by the organ’s deep tone.

Often a solo was sung–one of the most endearing was “O Holy Night,”
which spoke of the guiding star and its sweetly gleaming light.

This song told of the wise men who came from a distant Orient land,
and how we were meant to love each other, as God had always planned.

“The weary world rejoices” were words that carol would recall,
and that Jesus Christ had been born to us in a lowly manger stall.

“His law is love and His gospel is peace.” I remember the song so well,
along with the serenity felt, as we heard the old church steeple bell.

Some of the children had the roles of shepherds or of the wise men to play;
Of course, there were Mary and Joseph by the Baby in the hay.

We were depicting the humble place where that great King had arrived–
the Giver of everything good in life that could ever be wanted or derived.

“Joy to the World” was sung with robust joy to the pipe organ music’s final beats,
after which we returned to our classrooms for sacks of nuts and other treats.

Heading home in the car with our families to continue the Christmas Eve fest,
we knew it was because of Jesus, that our lives were truly blessed.

Perhaps this reminds of your own childhood. If not, come now to join in its peace;
God wants you in His family forever, to abide in His love that will never cease.

P. A. Oltrogge

O Holy Night

The stars are brightly shining.
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
’til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices,
O night divine, O night when Christ was born,
O night divine, O night, O night divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
with glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
in all our trials, born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger;
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother;
and in His Name, all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we;
let all within us praise His holy Name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever;
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
O night divine, O night, O night divine!

(music by Adolphe Adam
words by Placide Cappeau)

Keeping Christmas Every Day

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It’s a good thing that we’re reminded of the famous old Charles Dickens tale
of a man named Ebenezer Scrooge and a life that had almost failed…

to embrace all of the kindness and compassion that could be spread around.
Instead, Ebenezer’s greed and selfishness caused his life to be sadly bound.

The “ghost” of an old business partner appeared to him one Christmas Eve–
and told him he’d be visited by “spirits,” who’d have insights for him to receive.

If they could have him look back and remember some things that had been good–
then see in the present and the future the things that he really should,

then his life might still be rescued from a bankruptcy of the soul…
So, as each Christmas spirit visited in the night, that was their intended goal.

He’d just arrived at home, with resentment of paying Bob Cratchit, his clerk,
for the next day, Christmas Day, since Bob wouldn’t even have to work.

His nephew, Fred, had arrived that day with a cheerful “Merry Christmas” greeting.
“Bah, humbug,” was Ebenezer’s reply, as usual, at this time of their meeting.

Fred’s invitation to Christmas dinner, he also had declined once again,
and refused a plea by men who’d asked if he could help others not as fortunate as him.

So, one by one, the spirits awoke him, taking him first on a journey to recall
when he was a young apprentice to Mr. Fezziwig, who was generous and kind to all.

He saw his fiancee, Belle, who’d walked away due to realizing his first love
was the pursuit of money and success, which he couldn’t seem to put her above.

Perhaps, seeing his early childhood, too, when he had experienced love’s neglect
made him start to rethink his own neglect of others, who needed attention and respect.

The spirit of Christmas present brought him to Bob Cratchit’s family holiday–
where, despite being poor, they were thankful to God and always took time to pray.

He learned of their sweet child, Tiny Tim, who needed medical care beyond their means.
This began to touch Ebenezer’s soul, at last, to see such a heart-wrenching scene.

He saw the celebration at Fred’s house, where friends were mocking Ebenezer’s inability to share; but Fred only spoke kind words of pity for his Uncle–his love for him was always there.

The spirit of the present revealed children, Ignorance and Want, shivering beneath its robe, representing the less fortunate whom we’re to help and are with us throughout the globe.

The ghost of Christmas yet to come revealed funerals, one of a man who no one mourned.  Then Ebenezer also saw the Cratchit home, where Tiny Tim had died–the family there, forlorn.

He ultimately learns that the man not mourned was himself, to his great shock and dismay. He begs the spirit to give him another chance to make amends–then he awakes to Christmas Day.

Immediately, Scrooge sends the Crachits a huge turkey, which was, to them, a gift that was profuse. Next, he encounters those who had asked of his donation–his wallet now was generous and loose.

Then, on to Fred’s house, the changed Ebenezer proceeds, to inquire if he could still join them…  to celebrate God’s goodness at Christmas and always!  This story is truly a meaningful gem.

P A. Oltrogge

(The above synopsis from “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens)

Ideas on ways to reach out ourselves:
http://www.samaritanspurse.org
http://www.danitaschildren.org

Two Significant Births

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The Hebrew people had prayed for a deliverer to be their long-promised King.
While living under Roman rule, they looked for the answer that God would bring.

Then it came to pass that two little babies were born in the same time span.
The lives of each one of them would be major in God’s great redemptive plan.

One would be a prophet named John, the baptizer, and was the son of Zacharias, the priest. The other was Jesus, who would be the focus and celebration of God’s greatest Passover Feast.

John’s mother, Elizabeth, had longed for a child and rejoiced at the birth of her son.
And Jesus’ mother, Mary, told the angel who came that God’s will for her should be done.

The angel, Gabriel, had first appeared to Zacharias and told him what to name his son–
John, “The Lord is gracious,” a preparer of the way for the Messiah, God’s Anointed One.

When betrothed, Mary’s Joseph had gained assurance from God, by having been visited in a dream too. Mary stayed with her cousin, Elizabeth, for a time before her own baby would become due.

These four parents realized, through faith, the significance of those entrusted to their care. A messenger of God, and Immanuel, “God With Us,” were birthed in answer to prayer.

P. A. Oltrogge

(from Luke 1 and Matthew 1:18-25)

Written of Jesus:

“And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father, David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.’ Then said Mary unto the angel, ‘How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?’ And the angel answered and said unto her, ‘The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’ And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:30-38 KJV

of John:

“And his father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying… ‘And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give to His people the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high shall visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’” Luke 1:67 and 76-79 NASB

Of Highest Value

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“You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17

There are many things to value–family, friends, one’s home, possessions and such.
But there’s one thing in this life to value that, though they’re good, the others cannot touch.

The Word of God abides forever, and it was given to abide inside your heart.
If you’ve neglected it or never considered it much, today’s the perfect day to start.

Without it, people experience a void in their lives that they can’t easily explain;
but when the value of it is recognized, they desire to forsake all to have its gain.

Through it, we have a divine connection with our loving God who sent His Son,
that none would miss the blessings now and forever, that by Christ’s death were won.

The Word of God brings wisdom, peace, and guidance; and by it, we’re refreshed and energized. It leads us into the kingdom of heaven and is like a treasure or beautiful pearl, so greatly prized.

P. A. Oltrogge


“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”
Matthew 13:44

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went out and sold all that he had and bought it.”
Matthew 13:45

“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because “All flesh is as grass, and the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” Now this is the word, which by the gospel was preached to you.” 1 Peter 1:22-25 NKJV