Monday, December 15, 2014

JESUS RULES!


Jesus rules!

Yes, in the language of slang, you can interpret that as meaning – He is really awesome.  Which is true, for sure.  But I'm talking about something else here.

His Authority.

Can you think of some people who have that aura of authority around them? Whose words ring with weight and wisdom?  Whose presence seems somehow larger-than-life?

These are some people on my list who have/had that certain quality about them:

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Billy Graham

C.S. Lewis

Ronald Reagan

John Wayne

Mother Teresa

The Apostle Paul


But at the absolute top of my list is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. And He demonstrated His authority while on this earth in three ways:

1)  He showed authority over the natural world

2)  He showed authority over the physical body

3)  He showed authority over the spiritual realm


Let's expand on those ideas.

First of all, Jesus demonstrated His authority over the natural world. He turned water into wine, He calmed storms, He multiplied physical elements to produce food, He went on some pretty successful fishing trips.

In all of these encounters, Jesus exhibited His God-ness.  He spoke, and the natural world obeyed Him.

Have you ever pondered that deeply?

Jesus controlled atoms and molecules, space and time itself.  Since all things were created through Him and for Him, He spoke as the ultimate power over creation.  His words manipulated the very stuff of matter.  On His word, the natural world bowed to its Master.


Secondly, Jesus demonstrated His authority over the physical body.  He healed the lame, opened the eyes of the blind, cured leprosy, and even raised the dead!

Jesus did what no doctor can do.

He instantly made disability and disease and death disappear.  Poof!  Just like that.

And yet, isn't it rather amazing that He didn't use that power and authority to save His own life?  He could have, you know.  With a word.  Poof!  Just like that.

But He intentionally set aside His authority and gave up His life willingly for a greater purpose than His own safety and healing.

He instead chose to heal the world, and ultimately offer the eternal healing of a resurrected body just like His own.


Finally, Jesus demonstrated His authority over the spiritual realm.  At His word, demons were instantly cast out.  At His word, the devil was spurned. At His word, angels could be summoned to do His every command.

He had the ability to rule the world, and all the heavens, with the power of His will and the direction of His voice.

Jesus had direct access to the Father, instant communion and communication with the Almighty.  He knew the Holy Spirit intimately.


In this Advent season, I'm thinking about this Jesus.

The Jesus who possessed such power and authority.  The Jesus who had command over the natural world, the physical body, and the spiritual realm.

The Jesus who could have come to this world as a mighty conqueror, wielding His power in any way He wanted to, exercising His authority to rule over everything.

And yet, the Jesus who chose instead to come into our world as a baby.

No wonder the world was puzzled, and mystified, and angered by who He was.  He was NOT who they had expected.

The nation of Israel, and perhaps indeed all of humanity, had been looking for a messiah.

What they got was The Messiah.

They wanted a powerful savior, yes.  But they wanted a man.  A man who would exercise power and authority in the political world.  They wanted a man who would restore the nation of Israel.

They wanted a man who would give them back their OWN power and authority.


Are we really any different?

I confess, sometimes I want to "force" Jesus to use His power and authority to make life *work*.

Like in the natural world.

Wouldn't it be nice if He instantly produced money to pay the bills?  Or how about if He created some extra food on the table?  And wouldn't it be great if He stopped some storms or sent some rain?

Douse the wildfires, Lord.  Dam up the floods.  Quiet the earthquakes.

Make the world obey You.


Sometimes I want to "force" Jesus to use His power and authority to make life *work*.

Like in the physical body.

Wouldn't it be nice if He instantly healed sickness and disease?  Or how about if He fixed disabilities and deformities?  And wouldn't it be great if He made germs and viruses and bacterial ailments disappear?

Cure cancer, Lord.  Do away with mental illness.  Abolish death.

Make the body obey You.


Sometimes I want to "force" Jesus to use His power and authority to make life *work*.

Like in the spiritual realm.

Wouldn't it be nice if He kept us from facing temptation?  Or how about if He did away with sinful thoughts and feelings?  And wouldn't it be great if He gave us perfect faith?

Send some angels, Lord.  Get rid of evil influences.  Make the enemy disappear.

Make the spirits obey You.


It sounds wonderful, doesn't it?

And yet, I have to stop and think about this.  If I really had those things, if I really could make Jesus do what it takes to make life *work*, would I really do the right things?

For indeed, if I could manipulate His power and authority, wouldn't I end up re-making Him into my own image?

And in the end, would it really turn out that I had Jesus at all? 

I think that I would find that I had made a messiah, but had totally missed out on The Messiah.


And, after all, that's who arrived in the manger.

THE Messiah (with a capital "M" – amen!)

The One with ultimate power and authority.  

And yet, the One who laid it all aside to arrive as a helpless baby, a human with weakness and frailty.  The One who willingly relinquished His God-ness and deigned to come into our world.

He, who controlled the natural world, entered atoms and molecules.

He, who controlled the physical body, inhabited one Himself.

He, who controlled the spiritual realm, left angels to walk on earth.


Yes, Jesus had ultimate and sovereign control.

And yet, as mentioned before, He set aside that position of authority for something else.

Someone else.

Me.

And you.

I am stunned by the immensity of this.


You know, truthfully I don't really want to control Him.  I just want to know Him.  More and more, forever and ever.

JESUS RULES!!






He gave up His divine privileges.
He took the humble position of a servant.
He became like other human beings.
And was born in the likeness of men.





(THE NATURAL WORLD)

"And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger.  And they went and woke him, saying, 'Master, Master, we are perishing!'  And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm...And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, 'Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?'" (Luke 8:23-25, ESV)


(THE PHYSICAL BODY)

"John's two disciples found Jesus and said to him, 'John the Baptist sent us to ask, 'Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?'  At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind.  Then he told John's disciples, 'Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard – the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.  And tell him, 'God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.'" 
(Luke 7:20-23, NLT)


(THE SPIRITUAL REALM)

"When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons...When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, 'What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?  I beg you, do not torment me.'  For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man...Jesus then asked him, 'What is your name?'  And he said, 'Legion,' for many demons had entered him...Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these.  So he gave them permission.  Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned." (From Luke 8:27-33, ESV)


(THE MESSIAH)

"At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon.  He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel...That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there.  He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, 'Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised.  I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people.  He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!'" (From Luke 2, NLT)

"'But what about you?' [Jesus] asked. 'Who do you say I am?' Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah.'" (Mark 8:29, NIV)

"...these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:31, NIV)


(HIS AUTHORITY)

"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.'" (Matthew 28:18, ESV)

"Jesus answered [Pilate], 'You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.'" (John 19:11, ESV)

"'Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?'" (Matthew 26:53, NIV)

"And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit." (Matthew 27:50, ESV)


(HIS RULE AND REIGN FOREVER)

"Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.  Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.  When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.  Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:6-11, NLT)

"Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.  For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.  The last enemy to be destroyed is death.  For he 'has put everything under his feet...When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.'" 
(1 Corinthians 15:24-28, NIV)

"... I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven.  He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence.  He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him.  His rule is eternal – it will never end.  His kingdom will never be destroyed."
(Daniel 7:13-14, NLT)

"Jesus said, 'It is finished.'" (John 19:30, NIV)

"'Look, I am coming soon...I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.'"(Revelation 22:12-13, NLT)



In this Advent season, will you take another look at the manger and see the humbleness of a Savior who laid aside His God-ness to become one of us?

How can you worship Him anew?



Linked with:

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40 comments:

  1. That's one of the things I have come to appreciate so about Jesus is that there is always something to new to learn about him. If we are willing to come awake and willing to seek him, he will show us things we have not yet seen or pondered before.

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  2. By missing this is it any wonder why they want to leave Him out?

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  3. The Word says that there will come a day when "every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord." What a great day that will be.

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  4. Your post brought to mind a beautiful song by the group 4Him, "A Strange Way to Save the World." It is truly mind-boggling to think that soon, and very soon, we'll behold His glory & authority ~ which goes to say this Advent Season is such a momentous time to make Him room.

    Here's a link to referenced song. You'll love it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBCVIJBB7o4

    Blessings ...
    Kathleen

    P.S. I'm still laughing over your recent comment about being naked & afraid. I feel the same way every time is shower, too. :D

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  5. Jesus does indeed rule! And too many are still waiting for something else to arrive. The waiting isn't easy, but the waiting allows him to mold us into what he needs us to be. Amen!

    Blessings,
    Kenzel

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  6. We used to sing this chorus at church that sums it all up...
    Mighty is our God, Mighty is our King, Mighty is our Lord, Ruler of EVERYTHING!

    Blessings!

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  7. "For indeed, if I could manipulate His power and authority, wouldn't I end up re-making Him into my own image?"

    Yes, indeed! As would I! For that is what our sinful hearts would like to do - make more of what pleases us. May His will take over our desires and heart more and more every day!

    Thank you again for linking up with Inspire Me Monday and for sharing your beautiful words!

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  8. Authority without being authoritarian. God's aura of power through gentleness, and grace. Allowing free will but nudging with the Holy Spirit.
    Following you from Playdates. A great post and would love you to link to Sunday Stillness. http://www.janiscox.com/sunday-stillness-how-to-encourage-each-other/
    Blessings,
    Janis

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  9. Jesus rules for sure and I do wish more people and the whole world would believe that. What a wonderful world it would be....

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  10. Hi there, here from Solo De Gloria - his authority to see all that "I" walk through and that He sees all the world brings comfort this holiday. Thank you! - Emily

    http://pherophotographyandpoetry.blogspot.org

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  11. Totally enjoyed reading this Sharon; I hadn't thought of the way Jesus ruled like you broke it down with the natural, physical, and spiritual, but so true! And so true while I would want to have him rule in my favor over some of my wants and desires, I'm glad that he knows better, because I truly don't want to make him in my own image indeed!

    betty

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  12. Authority is an amazing word and although Jesus used his authority with wisdom, as you say, he could have come down off that cross, but He knew it was necessary that he drink the entire cup and complete his mission. There are occasions when a Christian can use that same authority and miracles will happen, such as heal the sick, let it rain, or let it stop raining, etc. The Jews waiting for their messiah, wanted him to work politically for their own hidden agenda, and they were so mistaken. Had they known they would not have participated in His death - - but then - - how could they know as their hearts were darkened. Thanks for sharing your awesome post with us here at "Tell me a Story."

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  13. Beautiful, inspiring and God honoring words, Sharon. Nothing left to add, really. You have stated the truth so wonderfully, as always.
    Blessings~

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  14. Oh, that's me! Wanting to force nature and other people to do MY will instead of stepping back and acknowledging Jesus' authority! Thank you for the reminder!

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  15. All those ones you named as having authority are people who are or were totally award of where that power comes from which in turn made them humble people just like Jesus. In this season we see and hear about the super natural power of God encased in a baby. Not exactly how I would excerpt power if I had any, I would have at least come to earth as a full grown man...but then that is human power. Great post Sharon...

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  16. Oh Sharon...This post is so full of truth and well written! I really needed to read this today. I woke up asking God to show me clearly what I needed to know about Jesus, and to send me some inspiration. This time of year can get so depressing when we see so much of the world around us so full of greed and everyone is thinking about the things they want for Christmas...even some stores no longer will display the word 'Christ'mas!
    I had to go to three big stores in order to find a manger set....and not because they were sold out either.. but all the colorful decorations and santas and such were abundant. It was so depressing to me this year.
    I was so happy to come across this post...such a wonderful reminder of who Jesus is and just exactly what He has done for us.
    And just think, one day He will do all those things you are asking...When The Father tells him it is time. And I believe we will all be a part of it...not just a witness to it.
    Merry CHRISTmas, Sharon and God bless!

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  17. I just love coming here to visit - and receive a dose of insight and inspiration from you, Sharon! Your comments about controlling Jesus made me think of the Lord of Rings Series by JRR Tolkien. Not a parallel, of course, but only in the way that certain characters thought the ring could be controlled. We humans have this idea about what we want and how things should be, but in reality those things often don't turn out as we envision. Seeking God and submitting to His authority (Jesus rules!) is the only way to ensure success! Blessings to you!

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  18. Excellent post. You always give so much thought and insight into your posts.
    Jesus Rules....Amen!

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  19. I am not sure if my other comment posted! :) If it didn't, my point was just that most leaders don't concede authority easily. But those who do? Clearly, they are following in the authority of Jesus.

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  20. I'm catching up, my friend! Missed the last three but now I'm all there. Jesus Rules - you best believe it! Fingerprints of God and your deep reflections on topic--I'm so there. BUT--Faces in stuff??? Are you kidding?? I thought I was the only looney tune who saw faces. Never ever have spoken of it or heard anyone else speak of it. It was a nifty way to pass time as a child--staring into patterns and trees and wood piles and flowers and wall textures and whatall, finding all sorts of faces. They became characters in little stories I'd entertain myself with. And, yes--the trick was to LOOK for them. Brilliant spiritual principle lesson. I am always so blessed to read your candid posts. I love how you put into words in a conversational manner the commonplaces we share. I wonder how many others see those things, too. Bless you!!!
    Joy!
    Kathy

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  21. Jesus, indeed, rules. I'm always amazed how he humbled himself to come down to earth to save us. Thanks for sharing your Advent pondering!

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  22. Seriously, Sharon, I can always be sure that when I come here I will be blessed by what you are sharing. Wow. Jesus Rules!! Amen! But you've just, as always, given us so much to reflect on. I absolutely love how you share your heart. I just loved this SO MUCH. Grateful for you, friend. xoxo

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  23. Dear friend, I am SO blessed, as always, by reading your precious words. I love hearing Jesus exalted! He means SO much to me, and every moment I live, I want to draw ever closer to Him and enter more into His presence. The other day, I was talking to someone, and I just blurted out, "I miss HIM!" I can't even explain exactly what came over me...I just had this overwhelming desire to just BE with Him, you know? The disciples were so abundantly blessed to be able to walk with Him, in the flesh. But, you know what? We can have His Spirit abide WITHIN us!!!! How precious He is to my soul! Thank you ever so much for always speaking His Word here and for sharing what He lays upon your heart. You are precious to me. God bless you this Christmas!

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  24. The free will truly is a double edged sword… but the fact that He gave us free will as a gift and then made a way through His perfect and final blood sacrifice is humbling. Nothing we've ever done could deserve it… In His humility we find the example of His perfect love and what it is we're to look like, or at least strive for. Your heart yearns well, sister. Thanks for pulling mine along with you.

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  25. Amen! :) I try to be in charge sometimes, but I'm thankful ultimately I'm not! Thanks for linking up for #ThreeWordWednesday.

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  26. Amen to all of that - Jesus rules my life, and my families. "As for me and my house...we shall serve the Lord". :)

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  27. It is either the cold medicine/antibiotics talking, but after that first line of "JESUS RULES!" my thought was "Fo-shizzle!" (I think I have issues today.)

    I totally agree with ALL of this-- sometimes I do try to force Jesus to do/rule over something (cure this sinus infection right----- NOW!) but I have learned (the hard way) that His will always is better than my plans-- in all realms.

    PS: Sorry for the excessive used of dashes and parentheses. It is how my brain is working today. In. Short. Little. Bits. :-)

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  28. Yes- Fo-shizzle! I love it. He is the Ultimate Authority--AMEN!

    It's the submission part that we have a problem with. I'm still working on it myself :-)

    Blessings,

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  29. Good post. When we grow in our understanding of His incredible power we also grow in our realization of the tremendous work He did in becoming man and becoming our Messiah.

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  30. Hello friend, just stopping by to tell you I will be in San Diego the end of February. We will need to see if we can figure out connecting. Oh how I would love to meet you in person. Merry Christmas!!!

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  31. Some of my favorite praise and worship songs are about how Jesus rules and how much power he has over everything. Such an important message!

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  32. there's comfort knowing He's got everything under control. He gets the last word. Hugs and wishes for a great weekend.

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  33. Yep, He rules! Love the comfort in that knowledge.

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  34. When Jesus comes back, He won't be that baby anymore, but He will come in full manifestation of His authority to make wrong things right. Meanwhile, He is patient, not willing that any should perish. What love!

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  35. AMEN! Jesus rules with power and authority -- through him we are saved.

    He has all things in control and we simply need to seek wisdom through the word and trust in him.

    Thanks for sharing at the #CHRISTMASbloghop!

    Wishing you a lovely weekend.
    xoxo

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  36. This is so powerful! "They wanted a man who would restore the nation of Israel.
    They wanted a man who would give them back their OWN power and authority." But Jesus rules. There lies the tension: we want a God, but we want to be Him.... the essence of sin. Thanks for sharing this post- choc full of truth!

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  37. Amen and WOW! Jesus Rules!!! He sure does! Jesus rules in all authority and power and what a powerful introduction to Christmas! (Although I'm a week late from when you posted this, it's perfect for this week) and packed with Sharon's power of words and God's truth (as always) ... however, at the time I am finally commenting, you are perhaps preparing this week's post and have lovingly left comments on many of mine as I was AWOL/(ahem, sick) ... (hoping I'm not in for a reoccurrence)

    I too am stunned by the Immensity of the Babe that humbly came in a manger, as Our Messiah and His coming that way and also leaving the way He did and all the in between. Love the song by 4 Him that Kathleen shared. {maybe because I like 4Him but also it does go with this, when you think about this as a "strange way to save the world"} I'd have to agree. Yes, my how marvelous and magnificent He is! as often Sharon, your deep thinking, vulnerability and simple honesty of seeking and taking us deeper in our relationship by questioning and showing us how Jesus showed authority and over what He chose to exert that authority! Astounding! {and outstanding} Love your larger than life list of people with the aura of authority! but of course, Jesus is on the top cuz Jesus rules! {oh yeah} but how long and how far do we give Him control? complete control?

    My favorite portions:

    Might I too be guilty of this?: "I confess, sometimes I want to "force" Jesus to use His power and authority to make life *work*." Not my will but Thine (yet we still give Him our lists of mine... hoping His will might hurry up or perhaps bend toward ours)

    and this one {absolutely floor stopping - WOW} "For indeed, if I could manipulate His power and authority, wouldn't I end up re-making Him into my own image?" and how many have and do?

    How awesome is this: "And yet, the One who laid it all aside to arrive as a helpless baby, a human with weakness and frailty. The One who willingly relinquished His God-ness and deigned to come into our world."

    Yep, Sharon, the precious power and impact of a baby in ones' life brings: JOY, peace, love and HOPE into ones' sorrow, turmoil, despise or despair and melts all of us into believing in miracles again, miracles in life, miracles of power and authority yet to come. Holding on for All that His Glory shines into our corner of the world.

    Not sure if your last comment to me means that you're closing up Santa Sharon's Shop for the celebration of Christmas(and I won't see a post tomorrow)
    but just in case, and you missed my update email...let me wish you and yours a blessed and merry Christmas (though it might be bittersweet, I'm hoping for more sweet and good memories). Chin up and cheers! Look up and keep this focus as you have given us: JESUS ONLY YOU (JOY) ... I know you have this within you!

    Love and hugs, prayers and peace~Peggy

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    1. oh and I forgot momentarily: wags/grrs from my furry family especially Chiqui (my beagle looking one) and hugs from me to that beloved beagle, Marty!!! I'm sure he's spoiled silly by a gramma like you! Smile and rejoice (that you have him and not 4)

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  38. Jesus does rule! Your posts are filled with insight and inspiration and always leave me with so much rich Word to ponder. Merry Christmas!

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  39. Another great post and I am so glad that Jesus does Rule, Thanks for sharing at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

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