Something To Rest On

Just to rest upon His promises, a line from an old hymn but so very true. His promises are definitely something to rest on. Jesus left us His peace, that is a promise. John 14:27, and we also have the promise of eternal life, from John 3:16, and Isaiah 53 is the prophetic passage about what He took for us to have that promise.

Healing is a promise, so many are in need of it and I pray they see that healing is in His name like the man at the beautiful gate, Isaiah saw it coming and 2 Peter 2:24, puts the same promise in the past tense, by His stripes, wounds is a better translation, we were healed. We know Jesus, Himself, shouted  ” Tetelestai,” from the cross, ” It is finished. ”

So Jesus offers us the rest that the Israelites refused, God withdrew the offer but then His righteous anger doesn’t last as a forgiving Father. Jesus as a once and for all forever sacrifice, was given all authority. He has already made the promises and provisions for us as believers, and He wants to restore souls.

Matthew 11:28-30, offers rest and Hebrews 4 goes into greater detail. ( You can read all my posts on rest, just type it into the search box in the sidebar. ) Isn’t it wonderful that we can rest, and let His promises work for us. Isaiah 55:11 says He watches over His Word to perform it. Too often, we take it in to our own hands instead of leaving it in His very capable and loving ones.

The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

Then my people will live in a peaceful habitation, and in secure dwellings and in undisturbed resting place. Isaiah 32:18

Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. Psalm 116:7

“This is My resting place forever; Here I will dwell, for I have desired it. ” Psalm 132:14

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and His apostles didn’t even have time to eat. Mark 6:31 NLT

For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. Hebrews 4:8-11

These are just few, rest also is tied into His peace. May He give us the sleep of the beloved as we obey and rest. Psalm127:2, that promise is one to rest on. I hope you have enjoyed the Thirty Somethings in June, on to freedom in July.

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Something To Depend On

It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. Romans 9:16 NIV

There were a lot of cute anagrams floating around years ago, one was D.O.G. Depend On God, and you can. I have had to in some very difficult situations.

Galatians 3:18 tells us that our inheritance as believers does not depend on the law but on His promise, Jesus purchased our salvation through grace. And Matthew 22:40 says that they depend on these two commands He gave to love God and one another. And Phillipians 3:9 says righteousness depends on faith.

The LORD is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him. Lamentations 3:25

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 NLT

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18

For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them. ” Galatians 3:13

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 John 4:16 NIV

Rely and trust are other definitions of depend, you may want to do some further study. Our Proverb also uses the more familiar lean, and I can promise as much as you try it will not always be possible to be at peace with everyone, but we must depend on His peace, John 14:27, and know when and how to speak it or shake the dust off.

As far as it goes, 1 John 4:16 is using depend but many translations are come to know the love. Either way, we rely on God, depend on Him, as we search for Him. And not depend on our understanding, but seek and trust His Word and wisdom.

We are not depending on the law or Ten Commandments, our own ability, but by faith, on His sacrifice and grace, that was the only way we would become righteous, Jesus took the curse. Galatians 3:13

While we can and should be able to have ministries and friends, family or fellow believers to depend on, the truth is, they are only human and some you can’t rely on but you can always depend on God and His mercy and grace.

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Something To Think About

Finally, brothers, ( or sisters ) whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Phillipians 4:8 https://biblehub.com/philippians/4-8.htm

I left the link to compare translations, some of the other words I like here are precious, excellent, and proper. If nothing more, rather than leaning into depression, look back at your precious memories, photographs or journal, start a scrapbook for children or grandchildren, in a book or online. Think on the good times and things and don’t grieve or start thinking about regrets.

Look at your furniture, move it around, can’t buy a new sofa, how about a cover or a throw, a new lamp, or curtains.  There are lots of ways to think about things and even if you can actually do it right now, it is easy to start Pinterest board of a dream house.

There are many lovely things to think about, the sky and the birds, butterflies and flowers. Many verses will back that up, see how many you can find. I like to read about historical women as I write primarily for them. Draw inspiration from them, many have done commendable duties in war and peace, scientific fields. I find joy in reading poetry and writing my on.

If something is pure and honorable, think about that, there are doctors and nurses working to save lives and others protecting them, But the most pure and honorable words are from God, those are the one to think and meditate on to speak out loud, to pray over yourself and your family.

The most pure and honorable and altogether lovely on is Jesus, and i believe He is coming soon. There is so much spiritual warfare in the body of Christ. We need to speak peace to each other and as a church as a whole. If someone is not willing to learn and would remain ignorant of the enemy’s devices, let them remain so but we must remain in His love. And think good things.

Thoughts become words and actions, we are told not to take the thoughts and say them by Jesus in Matthew 6, about what we will eat, drink or wear. There are many we don’t want to take or say, worry and fear, for example. He understands but we can lean into Him all the more. And of course, we are told to take thoughts captive, cast down every imagination that exalts itself above the knowledge of God, 2 Corinthians 10:5, and those thoughts we are to make obedient to Christ.  I used to think that meant having to do with my obedience, and it does in a way, but if the thought is that you’ll never make it, look at what he said to the leper, ” I am willing. ” It is all about Him and not us. I like to think of the devil as a prisoner in a little cage, and he will never get out, he might lie, but I don’t have to listen and neither do you.

The love of Jesus and what He has done is the best thing to think about to defeat the enemy. So what do you like to think about? God has a book of memories, treasures stored up in heaven and even tears in bottles. And if you want to read Psalm 139, He is always thinking about us. You only have to open a Bible to find something good to think about.

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Something To Sing About

I love to sing, and I am choosy about what I sing. Have you ever really listened to some lyrics? And I’m not even talking about ones to the so called music, believers shouldn’t be hearing anyway, I mean just songs, in general, and even some hymns.

I started off in a Baptist church, some of the hymns were quite depressing to say the least, many had such a hopeless sense about them, just waiting to go to heaven, hoping to even get there. I am certainly not judging, but where was the joy in the songs? I even knew of a lady who attended a church with no music at all? How would that be considered holy, when the temple was filled with singers and praise both day and night?

That said, I do have a hymnal and I love a lot of old songs, that sort of got me in trouble when I looked to the more contemporary, I was torn about it, at first feeling I didn’t fit into either, but I do. You can enjoy both. Just pay attention to the words. What is not so good? Just barely hoping to get to heaven or even condemning, what is just too radical, loud and over the top. I like lively and upbeat praise, but more than that quiet, peaceful, sincere worship.

I have never forgotten seeing a choir in a televised service, they were going through the motions, their expressions said it all. I know angels are not glum, by any means, even singing, ” Holy, holy, holy. ” I grew up with country, looking back, many lyrics were depressing, how many tears you cry, broken hearts, cheating and lying. They often are art imitating life and expressing raw emotion, but they also drag you down. The same is true of the soft rock I listened too, like I say, I sing what makes me happy and gives me joy.

I sing children’s songs, I used to teach little Bible songs to them, and have for years, they became engrained in me. I still sing hymns, choruses, contemporary, show tunes, country, rock, and I love just listening to classical piano.

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.

How great thou art, how great thou art.

Praise Him praise, praise Him in the heights, all you angels. Praise Him, Praise, sun and moon, what a glorious wonder my Lord is, my king and comfort, my hope and my shield, what a glorious wonder my Lord is. — from Psalm 148

I say a little prayer for you. – Dionne Warwick

You put me high upon a pedestal, so high that I could see eternity, you needed me. – Anne Murray  ( John 3:16, John 15:16, He chose us. )

Speaking words of wisdom, let it be. – The Beatles ( Mary’s response to Gabriel, for it to be as God said. )

I will sing of your love forever. Hillsong / Mercy Me

I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 89:1

Show tunes, “Gray skies are gonna cheer up, put on a happy face. ” Bye Bye Birdie,  ” or you can Sing  ( and dance in ) the Rain, Good Mornin “and old movies.

” Just, pick yourself, up dust yourself off and start all over again. ” Ginger Rogers, Swing Time. I’m sure you get the idea. Let’s look at some verses, and have something to sing about.

Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Proclaim His salvation day after day. 1 Chronicles 16:23

I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me. Psalm 13:6

I will sing to the LORD all my life; as long as I live I will sing praises to my God. Psalm 40:3

Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth! Psalm 66:1

Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Psalm 96:1

I will sing to the LORD all my life; as long as I live I will sing praises to my God. Psalm 104:33

Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders. Psalm 105:2

And these are but a few, I suggest you use this post as a start to your own thoughts or journal. Just as I read and pray verses of my situations, if you find yourself in need of healing, you can sing healing verses as well.

Jesus rejoices over us, He paid a high price and is worthy of all praise, and gives us something to sing about.

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Something To Smile About

What makes you smile? I can think of a few things. Babies, flowers, puppies, butterflies, dark chocolate. That will do it. And of course, there are certain people that bring you joy, memories, songs, photographs.

Many people are still struggling with depression and anxiety, and even though we might be making good choices, praying, studying and some even fasting, there are just some instances that are spiritual warfare, that Jesus will break over you. We sometimes don’t even realize what is against us, but we must step back and smile realizing who is for us.

That is my prayer as we near the end of our Something Series, that He opens the eyes of our understanding, breaks strongholds and anything we have believed or been taught in error. The enemy is a liar, the father of lies, God cannot lie. I pray discernment for believers. Jesus said to ask that our joy be full. He wants us to remain not only in His love but in His joy, and His peace is a gift.

For us to walk in all the fruits of the Spirit we have to have a release of the love, joy and peace over us, patience, goodness, kindness, kicks in, and results in gentleness, faithfulness and self control. Galatians 22,23. There is no law against it, no regular law and no spiritual one. While it is hard to be joyful in many instances, the more you realize the truth of His words and pray it through, the more you see something to smile about, what He had brought you through, what you have overcome.

And we know we do that only by His blood and our testimony. We plead His blood over us, our families and situations, the devil can’t cross over the blood, it is in heaven and he can no longer run and accuse to God like in Job’s day, that’s why he throws those darts and arrows, thoughts at us, to make us worry and be afraid, when Jesus said not too.

I have been there, I know what it is like to see those you love suffer, let’s plead that blood and as for our testimony, is is our profession of faith, know He is at work on something we don’t see that is something the enemy would destroy if he could, he wants to discredit you, disappoint you. And to distract you into destruction, so don’t give him a place. Whatever makes you smile, find that place and remember how very much Jesus loves you.

That should be enough, but I never give anyone a trite answer. Just do your best and He will meet you there, and seeing the end of a problem, financial or health, or the spiritual warfare is something to smile about.

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Something For The Bride

In our month of Somethings, we are studying verses that pertain to wedding phrases and other things. All people receive wedding gifts, don’t they? Whether silver picture frames or a toaster, expensive or not so much, there is something always for the bride, and even the groom. Jesus always gives more.

Often brides give gifts to bridesmaids, the maid of honor, mother, mother in law. I have seen lots of cute gifts and then there are the dresses, some I don’t care for and some wonderful. I love to look at all kinds of clothes.

And we know, traditionally, that the father of the bride pays for the wedding. But what about the Father, He sent His Son, He really did pay royally, for the wedding feast, known as the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, the figurative  and spiritual marriage of Jesus to the church, a literal event in heaven.

I have often said that God has fatherly strength and motherly love, why He made both men and women, and intended marriage as a one man and woman, intimate relationship, with the three fold cord of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in and between them, His perfect love. Something to aspire to. Let’s look at what the Father has for the bride.

You are altogether beautiful, my darling; in you there is no flaw. Song of Solomon 4:7 — Beauty

Lift up your eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to you. As I live, said the LORD, you shall surely clothe you with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them on you, as a bride does. Isaiah 42:9 — Restoration

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10 — Complete, eternal salvation and righteousness.

For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.  Isaiah 62:5 — Joy

The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. John 3:29  —  More Joy

He did this ( was crucified ) to present her to Himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. Ephesians 5:27 NLT — Holiness

Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to Him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself. Revelation 19:7 — Christ forever

There are so many more aspects to explore about Biblical, marriages, Hebrew customs and being faithful. God loved us enough to send His Son, and He is ready to forgive, and accept anyone who will believe into His heavenly kingdom. This is a royal wedding not to be missed.

The Hebrew word for bride is ” kallah ” and He is coming soon, very soon He wants a pure bride, so church, I ask you, have you made your self ready? In a world that has lost respect for holy matrimony, the Lord still honors the ” ketubah “,  ka – too – bah, or marriage contract, the bride and groom drink from the same cup and agree, and He goes to prepare a place for her. And He will come again, John 14:1 in Bible days the groom had a year to prepare a home, usually  at his father’s house or on his land, and he could come anytime, even in the night to catch her away, so keep you light shining. Keep your oil burning, He has something for the bride.

Something Desirable

Most people follow in their parents footsteps and that can be a good thing, to become a doctor or lawyer, even a good mother or father. But a lot of people don’t have good marriages or families, and even Christians don’t understand that God wants to give Him the desire of their hearts, which are really His for them.

Is that a wonderful thought that the God of the universe who has sent His Son to save us, takes the time to look at us through the grace and peace of Jesus and give us the desires of our heart which the Spirit searches out and imparts to us.

Many are still so wrapped up in question His will, and not allowing or yielding to the Holy Spirit to bring in into existence by faith or even to impart it o them. They question a lot of inspiration, even gifts and calling, beginning to doubt if it was even God at all and that doubt can turn to unbelief giving a believer an unbelieving and evil heart, Hebrews 3:12.

I was surprised to read that and have seen it happen, the rebellion and stubbornness, but what a beautiful thing to refuse, God’s desires for us. Let’s look at some verses.

May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! Psalm 20:4 NLT

Delight yourself ( or take joy ) in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; He also hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:19

The desire of the righteous ends only in good, the expectation of the wicked in wrath. Proverbs 11:23

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. ( to speak good things by the Spirit ) 1 Corinthians 14:1

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Phillipians 2:13

If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own. John 7:17 Berean

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 26, 27

For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:10-13

So now, I hope we better understand some of the deep ways of God, the Spirit searches the heart of God and gives desires to ours. Of course, there are other verse of how He turns the wicked over to sinful desire so it is important to stay in His will, and not turn back or drawn away to old ways, but keep following peace and love, his love and He will give you the desire of your heart.

If you let Jesus keep your heart, He will fulfill those desires, His love never fails.

Something You Know

Do you ever have that feeling that you just know something? Well, that is often a prompt of the Holy Spirit, believers are supposed to be sensitive and tender hearted, though we pray for and in effect minister to sinners, we do prefer each other.

Sometimes, you just know something is wrong, and call someone. Sometimes a name will pop into your head. Even if it someone you don’t know, pray for them. I did that one and thought the name sounded familiar, but I did not know the lady, then one day, I saw it in the credits of a television show.

I have heard of people praying for others and later hearing about how the lives of missionaries were saved, even down to the very hour of the prayer, about children being saved from danger. Once, a mother was praying and found out later that her daughter was out near a canyon with dangerous ledges.

You cannot under estimate the power of prayer, the Spirit is always at work, always speaking to the hearts of believers, and even reaching toward the lost. His realm is limitless and the possibilities are endless. Just be open to Him speaking to you, the still, small voice of God, drawing you close. That is primarily the way He works, but He will be more intense if it called for. Someone heard a loud command to move on a plane, just before a piece of the fuselage ripped off, that is the kind of God we serve. Loving and protective.

And I know I was asked once why a baby was not saved from a fall out a window. I’m sure angels just took that little spirit, my answer was that maybe no one was praying for him, and that may be true. But think we all have someone praying for us, and while many people pray amiss, the Spirit prays for us and His prayers are perfect. Romans 8:26

We live in a fallen world and while the enemy is not greater by any means, God works by His Word, and peace and protection, healing are some of the things we may not even be expecting as believers, we are often disappointed or even distracted, nevertheless, we should be certain of how much we are loved.

It is something the church should know and operate in as the beloved bride. His love is deep, and something we should know.

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Something To Say

Mark 11:23, 24 promises us that when we ask believing we receive as we pray, we shall have what we say. I learned that early in life, but not how the enemy comes to snatch the words or promises from our hearts, that  is what faith is believing what you don’t see yet.

And there you have it. Jesus was and is the Living Word, He was and is and sent us His Spirit. The Bible is full about what to say or not to say, I suggest a read through Proverbs. But the Bible is full of sayings and wisdom, and James reminds us to ask for it, and about how the tongue has to be tamed.

We have the ability to speak His words over us, and the gifts given by His Spirit as we grow in grace, we are to be mindful of Him and renew our minds in Christ, And while people love to brag, the Bible says to brag on Him.

Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:31

And that verse is repeated, and even a thought from Jeremiah. To boast about Jesus we can say what He says about us. You can do that by searching the verses that tell you who you are in Christ. That is a study all it’s own. And of course, we can praise Him. And even in difficult times, we can rejoice in the fact that He has seen us through before and will again.

For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? Romans 8 29-31

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, ( sin ) we lie and do not practice the truth. 1 John 1:6

If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. 1 John 1:10

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6

And then there is a reminder  to think before we speak from Ecclesiastes 5:2

Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.

The Bible is full of topics and always has something to say.

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Something Greater

I tell you, there is one here who is even greater than the Temple! Matthew 12:36 NLT

The religious who were corrupt, the Jews waiting for the Messiah, just the riff raff of the day, didn’t understand what He meant here, that He was greater than the temple. They thought He was crazy as He announced that the temple would be torn down and rebuilt in three days, meaning Himself, His body and blood, the crucifixion.

But Jesus was speaking about the temple of His body. John 2:21

Indeed, the temple was just a building and a place of worship, like any church today. The church is just a building. Believers are the church, and He knows hearts, the wheat and tares. And gives us wisdom and discernment by the Word. God came and sat on the mercy seat in the old days, the Spirit only came upon people, now He is in the hearts of true believers and Jesus is sitting on the mercy of our hearts.

“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. John 14:23, Jesus enlightens us that all three personalities of the Trinity are present in a believer, as His temple, though the Spirit, guides, teaches and even prays for us. Romans 8:26

See why it is so important to stay away from sinful people and lifestyles, we serve a holy God. If you are believer who should be making a change, do so, He loves and forgives and is coming for a pure bride, His church. God created men and women and embraces them with fatherly strength and motherly love.

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself. 1 Corinthians 16:9

Now that we know Jesus is greater, lets look at some verses.

The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. Matthew 12:42

I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. Luke 27:8

Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these. John 1:50

Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock? John 4:12

Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” John 8:53

My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. John 10:29

Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. John13:16

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. ” John 14:28

…for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything. 1 John 3:20

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

And there are more if you care to research it, but this covers a lot about how Jesus is greater and wants us to be greater in Him, defeating the enemy by His Spirit. How else could we do greater things than He? Except that He is doing them for you?

And while Jesus was and is greater than the patriarchs, Solomon, John the Baptist, the disciples and Paul, and all of us, even the least of us is greater than John the Baptist, so why argue over petty things as the disciples did? Some thought He had a demon, of course He didn’t, He is greater than the one in the world and that is how we overcome. Jesus was hated and persecuted, tortured beyond belief for us to believe and be saved, He is something greater alright, and has good and great plans for us, and no greater love, He gave His life to give us abundant and eternal life.

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