2-13-13

To my brothers and sisters in Christ... I will miss you all, as well as our chats, and all the words of encouragement. All of you have been a great inspiration and I will never, ever forget any of you. The world is getting darker, but, because of people such as you, the Light can---and does---still shine!!

May your light shine forever!

Be blessed...always...

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12-26-12

Even the wisest among us is severely limited by his/her own human limitations. There is only so far one can see, only so much one can accomplish on one's own. Each one of us is, for lack of a better phrase, "trapped," bound within the confines of a severely limited circumference of visual and physical capabilities.

But, when one becomes connected to another individual, the ability to "see" becomes a little more enhanced as other perspectives are gained, the physical endurance a little stronger as a burden is shared. And as an individual becomes connected to more and more like-minded individuals, he/she becomes linked together with others through a common bond, and sight becomes far reaching into the horizon, as strength is acquired.

In a way it is as if we are each a piece of a jigsaw puzzle, being connected to others to form a picture created by the Master Designer.

It is in being of like mind that His picture comes together. As we gain in sight and strength, we can see this Picture come together so much more clearly than when we were traveling on our own. Look at a piece of a jigsaw puzzle: separate, singled out, all alone, it is almost impossible to be able to comprehend the picture all laid out before us. But, once the pieces are connected, the picture comes together, and is all that much clearer to see.

Beautifully.

"Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Selah

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12-15-12

At this time of year, when we should be getting ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord, our nation is in mourning. There are no words that can make up for the losses felt among family and friends. Our hearts go out to the families who are suffering due to this tragedy. May God comfort you All.

God Bless...

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Reason, Season, or Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you figure out which one it is,

you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON,

it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty;

to provide you with guidance and support;

to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a God-send, and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,

this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,

because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.

They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;

things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,

and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

— Unknown

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Point of View:

A child brings home his report card, laden with very bad grades, and gives it to his father. The father looks it over with a scowl on his face and says to his son, "Now what do you have to say for yourself?"

The son thinks for a minute, then grins really big and replies, "You can be proud of me, Dad. At least you know I didn't cheat!"

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In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise...

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The sun rose silently; a molten fiery ball slowly ascending into the cloudless pastel rainbow which was the morning sky... The palest of blues dominated the palette, with light pink, mauve, peach, and orange the color of sherbert arranged in large bands above the earth.

Outside of the normal morning hustle and bustle, there was no extraordinary fanfare marking the arrival of one of God's spectacular masterpieces, other than the song of the morning creatures voicing their greeting to the coming day. To all outside appearances, the dawn broke alone, with (mostly) none the wiser, the colors blending together perfectly.

A magnificent display that led to a fantastic day!

May you all enjoy the rising of the sun, and see the Splendor of our God in the Masterpiece He creates!

Be blessed...

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<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ATTENTION >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I AM MARRIED, AND VERY HAPPILY SO. I AM NOT LOOKING FOR "THAT KIND" OF RELATIONSHIP THROUGH THIS SITE.

AGAIN: I AM NOT LOOKING FOR "THAT KIND" OF RELATIONSHIP.

SORRY.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ATTENTION >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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Moving.

The very word evokes images of many boxes and bags, furniture in large trucks. Going through material possessions to decide what to take with and what to leave behind. Leaving behind the "junk" of one's life. Leaving behind the life one has become familiar with, and the people associated with that life. Going to another place, starting a new life in new surroundings, making new friends.

This can, in many ways, be a parallel to becoming "born again." Leaving behind the old life and beginning a new life in Jesus. Leaving the "junk" behind as sins are washed clean through the blood of Christ.

Just as one is welcomed into the neighborhood of where they choose to reside, may you be welcomed into the Kingdom of God with open arms.

Be blessed...

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9-26-12:

Wishing you all peace and joy, and strength in our Lord.

God Bless!

D

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9-3-12:

Sometimes, we find ourselves going along a certain, specific path. We become familiar with this journey, anticipating what may come along, looking forward to what lies ahead beyond each bend. We don't mind the slight hills and valleys we cross over and through. Because the path has become so familiar, we are confident in our steps as we make our way into the future.

But then, out of the blue, we go around a certain curve, only to find the way blocked. There seems to be no getting around it, or over it, or under it, let alone through it. Our only obvious choice is deciding which other path we are going to take in order to continue our journey.

Seems obvious.

But is it?

Is there not another way to get through, or over, or around that obstacle?

Up to then we relied on ourselves to make our way along the journey. Things going great, the path smooth with tiny bumps in the road, but really, not a big deal. Now, well, that's a different story. Relying on ourselves, no, there doesn't seem to be a way around the obstacle in front of us.

But with God, all things are possible.

"I am the Lord, the God of every person on the earth. Nothing is impossible for me." (Jeremiah 32:27, NCV)

Rely on Him to get you through the journey. Turn to Him. If this is the path you are meant to be on, He will pull you through.

"A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." (Proverbs 16:9 NKJV)

There are many people in this world who bear the impairment of being blind, either from birth or from disease or an accident. Some are paired up with guide dogs to help them along in their daily journey. They put their trust in another to get them safely from point A to point B every day. And the dogs do their duty in safely navigating around obstacles and preventing their human charges from becoming harmed from various threats (oncoming cars, etc.).

A physical comparison to what we all should be doing spiritually.

We should put our lives, our faith, and our trust in God's hands. He sees the hidden pitfalls before us, while we remain blind to them. And He will guide us around them, keeping us from harm. He will do this, if we let Him lead us. If we follow His guidance, His way.

"Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day." (Psalm 25: 4-5 NKJV)

Trust in Him to guide you. Take His hand, and let Him lead the way.

God Bless...

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My heart is overflowing with a good theme;

I recite my composition concerning the King;

my tongue is the pen of a ready writer...

Psalm 45:1

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From an email:

"Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point."

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"Learn from Me..."

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

"Learn from Me..."

Jesus is stating He is the Living example for us. He is the Master Teacher, and all of us are His pupils. He tells us to learn humility ("for I am gentle and lowly in heart..."), something that seems to go against the grain of a very egocentric human race. It apparently is a very hard lesson for us to learn not only as individuals, but as a society.

Throughout the Bible are numerous teachings and warnings against walking in pride.

"When pride comes, then comes shame;

But with the humble is wisdom." (Proverbs 11:2, NKJV)

This Proverb basically sums up what befalls those who live their lives in pride. It doesn't go into detail as to what exactly happens, but one can imagine the many things that may occur to someone living in pride:

"Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18; NKJV)

A dire warning, and strong prophecy. For the garment of pride is an apparel of man, not of God. There are many warnings and urgings against such ways of living because it greatly displeases our Lord. As humans, we must make a conscientious effort to not succumb to such an easy sin. For it is all too easy to get caught up in pride.

We create something that seems remarkable, we take credit for it and are proud. We get "puffed up" over it especially when it exceeds our own expectations. We say, "Yes, I did this! Me! With my own hands I created..." The boasting begins. If the work is a huge project that draws in a large audience, the feeling of pride can become intoxicating. We begin to believe ourselves important, above others, and we tend to "look down" on everyone else not within our immediate circle.

Perhaps it is even worse when others throw the garment of pride onto us. An (hypothetical) example: Say, for instance, a once "unknown" person sings a song on national TV, and the world goes wild. Admirers clamor for more, fan groups begin, and in a flash the lowly unknown "nobody" becomes an overnight sensational "somebody." He is lifted to higher places than ever imagined possible before. Newfound wealth accompanies the newfound wonder. It is hard to take off that particular garment of pride.

But it must be taken off. To not give the glory where it is due is a form of stealing. Who gave this person that talent for singing? They did not get it on their own. "Oh, they were born with that; it comes naturally to them." Really? So why was that particular person born with that particular talent?

God gives each individual special abilities, talents if you will. Everything He gives is a gift to us. It is the responsibility of the one bearing the gift to use it in such a way as to glorify Him. "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more." (Luke 12:48, NKJV)

When one uses his gifts solely for his own gratification, other sins of pride creep in such as greed, arrogance and self-seeking. Many times the person forgets where he came from, and that cloak of pride becomes his own passion. He may become harsh and hard-hearted, lacking sympathy and mercy for those around him. He may actually begin to mistreat others around him as he becomes wrapped up in self absorption. "The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor; let them be caught in the plots which they have devised. For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire; he blesses the greedy and renounces the Lord. The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts." (Psalm 10:2-4; NKJV)

This may last for quite a while, or for a very short period of time. Eventually, however, there will be a price to pay for this iniquity:

"Your fierceness has deceived you,

The pride of your heart,

O you who dwell in the clefts of the rock,

Who hold the height of the hill!

Though you make your nest as high as the eagle,

I will bring you down from there,” says the LORD. (Jeremiah 49:16; NKJV)

And yet, for those who walk in humility, who leave off self-seeking, who are in search of the Lord their God, come the glories of God's promises: "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life." (Proverbs 22:4)

Therefore, shake off the cloak of pride, and put on the robe of humility, and turn to the Lord: "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14; NKJV)

Jesus taught His disciples the importance of a humble spirit. He said, "Learn from Me," and He showed them the way:

So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." (John 13:12-17; NKJV)

Be blessed.

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Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

When Jesus went to the cross for us, willingly, knowing what He would have to endure in order to bring salvation to a thankless world, He took all of our sins upon Him. He paid the ultimate price for our ransom---yours, mine, even the people across town; the rich, the poor, and all those in between. Jesus sees no difference in our souls. He believes each one of us is worth the price He had to pay to save us. To Him, we are all precious.

Why? Because He loves everyone equally, and wants no one to be lost. He wants all of humanity, all of His creation, His children, to be able to live the lives He created us to live. But someone had to pay the price of iniquity, and He knew no human being could fulfill that payment on his or her own. So He gladly paid that price for us Himself.

When He was nailed to the cross, we, throughout the span of time and history, were nailed on the cross with Him. Ironically, each one of us helped drive the stakes into His hands and feet; we pierced His side. How? By sinning. The very reason He was crucified to begin with. So yes, even as He was nailed to the tree to take away the sins of the world, so we were nailed right along with Him. Our sins died with Him.

"...if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)

When we declare that Jesus is our Savior, and we are then baptized in His name for the forgiveness of our individual sins, and we receive His free gift of the Holy Spirit, we are then truly saved. We then begin to live as stated in Galatians 2:20. It is a natural occurrence which takes place within us. As we continue our individual journeys along the path with Jesus, "we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

And so this is the time to remember what Jesus did for us. Remember He did for us what we could not do for ourselves. He died, taking our sins to the grave with Him. But He then rose from the grave; the grave could not hold Him. Our sins were left behind as He rose to Glory.

And in His rising from death, so we, too, shall rise. When we remember what happened that first Easter morning, so long ago, we can take comfort in the knowledge that not only is our Savior the One who died for us, He is also the One who conquered death! He rose from the dead, and is making a place for us! We, too, shall rise! For it is written:

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

Happy Easter, Everyone.

Thank you, Jesus!

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I Will...Because I Can...Because of the Great I AM!

Exodus 15:2

The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.

Habakkuk 3:19

The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.

Ephesians 2:4-10

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

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Sometimes, while travelling our individual paths, we find ourselves wandering alone. We may become uncertain of our way, stumble, and maybe even become a bit disoriented on our journey. There may be times of trouble in our lives, or moments of doubt, and we call out for help.

For those who trust in the Lord Jesus, we may oftentimes expect a direct answer from Him during our most uncertain or troubling circumstances. And yet, in many cases, it seems that He uses those particular moments to send certain people into our lives to answer one another's need. "As iron sharpens iron..." Sometimes just an encouraging word is all it takes; sometimes a bit of a rebuke when we've gone astray and need to be redirected to the right course. And, sometimes, just a non-judgmental ear to listen to us. Sometimes, it is the littlest of things that can mean the most.

To all my friends, present and past (and future), who have come into my life for one reason or another, thank you. May God bless you all!

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To everything there is a season...

...A time for every purpose under heaven... Ecclesiastes 3:1

Sometimes we don't even realize that a season has ended until the very last second. It takes us by surprise, or, in some cases, by storm; if the ending is brought about by something crashing down around or upon us, we could say we are weathering a storm.

Sometimes, the ending is a peaceful event, one we anticipate, and perhaps even long for.

What many don't realize at first is that the ending of one season in their lives constitutes the immediate beginning of another. Changes. We all have them. We all anticipate them to a certain extent. An addition to the family; a new job; purchasing a house or downsizing to a rental; furthering one's education. The list of changes can go on and on almost indefinitely. (And let's be honest: sometimes it seems that list IS indefinite, doesn't it??)

Choices need to be made regarding these changes. Sometimes the choice is easy. Sometimes it isn't. Many factors need to be taken into consideration regarding certain changes and choices. These factors very well may determine the course and duration of the next season of our lives.

May you gain wisdom from our heavenly Father as you make the decisions that direct the course of your life. May your Seasons be productive, fruitful, and enjoyable...

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It's not WHAT you have in your life, but Who you have in your life that counts..

Think about that.

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Jesus: With Him...for LIFE

John 7:37

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

John 14:6

Jesus answered, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life..."

http://www.jango.com/stations/263921398/tunein?song_id=579413

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3-16-12

NOTICE: The following is not intended to offend anyone, but it is intended to make everyone think.

Thank you.

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Tell Me the Truth...

People often say to each other, "Tell me the truth. The honest truth." The one receiving this request usually has a multitude of thoughts going through his/her mind ("Uh-oh. What did I do?" "Is this going to be a trick question?" "Think, man. Think! What am I supposed to say??") before actually producing a comment, or the sought after "honest answer." The request itself is often made in reference to how one looks ("Do I look fat in this dress?" "Does this plaid shirt go with these striped pants?"); if he/she was right in acting a certain way ("I told her about it; but that was the right thing to do, right?"); or if he/she is justified in carrying out a certain act ("...so I went and did... But I had every right to, don't you think?").

Too often, though, people request an "honest answer" when in fact they are really searching for approval from others. This helps them feel justified in what they feel, how they act, and what they do. This actually helps influence their lives and how they perform in the future. They don't really want to hear the truth, no matter how much they say they do. In reality, they only want someone to make them feel good about themselves.

Oh, there are some out there who really do seek after "the honest truth," and they are very open and receptive to the given answer, no matter what that answer is. But those people seem to be few and far between.

Those seeking after the "honest truth" do so to many different queries, as mentioned above. Most do so after the physical, or material things in life. And some are for valid reasons.

But what about the spiritual things of life? Such as life everlasting? Does anyone question those things? And if they do, to what degree?

A question for you: What is "your truth" regarding your spiritual well-being? Do you believe your soul will go to another place once life on this earth is done? If yes, what do you need to do in order to make sure this happens? Where does your belief on this stem from? Where do you get your answer from concerning this "truth?"

Many do believe their soul will go to heaven after their physical death. They obtain this "truth" through their belief surrounded by the truths told in the Bible. That is the mainstay of their faith, and rightly so. It is stated in various areas throughout the Bible that Jesus was sent into the world to save the world. John 3:16-17 (NKJV) states: "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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." Many focus on this passage, and stop. But, they don't realize this is only part of God's saving grace. There is more to it, and many don't like to hear the next part of the Truth...

Believing that Jesus was sent to be our Savior is half of the equation. Jesus explains to someone in search of the Truth: "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. " John 3:5 (NKJV) This is the other part of the equation. Believing that Jesus came into the world to die for our sins, plus being born of water and Spirit, equals life everlasting in heaven.

What Jesus was referring to, of course, is baptism. But He was referring to two baptisms: one of water, and one of Spirit. Sometimes the two occur at the same time, but not always. Speaking to His disciples before leaving them, Jesus said, in Acts 1:5 (NKJV) concerning their baptism: "for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

Many people have been "baptized" when they were infants. They were sprinkled with water on their foreheads, and declared "saved." But is this correct? Consider the following and think...

In Acts 2, the disciple Peter talks to the crowd about the Truth. When he is finished, the people ask what they need to do. He responds in verses 38-39 (NKJV): "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."

Now, keep in mind that the word "baptize" comes from the Greek "baptizein" which means to immerse. The full immersion in water symbolizes the death of the old life, the sin, and the rising into new life in Jesus. Does sprinkling water on an innocent baby's forehead take away its sins? How can a baby repent of its sins? Something to think about.

One needs to be fully repentant upon being baptized, fully committed to God and turning his/her life around; turning away from a life of sin and following God's commands. The person needs to want to be forgiven of his/her sins. Can a baby do that?

As Paul states in Romans 6:3-4 (NKJV): "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Again, the full immersion into water signifies our burial, and our rising out of the water signifies our being raised from our sins and into new life in Christ.

When a person is baptized with the Holy Spirit, they become spiritually filled through the grace of God. It is God's promised gift, as stated in Acts 2:38-39. How a person knows when he/she has been filled with the Holy Spirit: "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:4 NKJV) There is more concerning speaking in other languages in 1 Corinthians 14.

These are the great Truths our Savior gave to us. And through His disciples He sent His Truth out into the world at large: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned;" (Mark 16:15-16 NKJV)

This is the honest Truth.

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Regarding the above, people may say that's not their belief, and they may question mine. That is fair. I accept that. My belief is based on the written Word, which I consider to be Truth. So, what if I'm wrong?? Well then, I suppose I'll have lived my life doing the best I can, trying to help others as I'm able, being true to myself, my faith, and to others, and hopefully I will not have hurt anyone in the process.

But what if I'm right??

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Language of Love

If there is one language that everyone should be able to understand, it is the language of love. Not everyone feels the same kind of love, of course, but everyone has, at one point or another, felt love. Be it for a parent, a sibling, a spouse, a child, a friend, or even an animal, love is a natural part of the human experience. Be it for a fleeting moment, or for decades, love has been felt.

It should be looked at as a treasured gift, something freely given and something received with both gratitude and honor.

It is something that should never be falsified, for there are few things worse, or sad, than faking love: hearing someone tell someone else "I love you" when you know in their hearts it just isn't true, well, that simply goes against the grain of what love is all about. And sadly, it puts a taint, a blemish, on the whole concept itself.

But to witness true love, and to hear those words between those who sincerely feel that with each other, is a vastly wonderful experience. It is sacred, something to be revered. And it is something that should never, ever be taken for granted.

And there is a higher Love, the One who created the concept, who is, in fact, THE concept of Love: God. It is written in the Bible what Love is and what it isn't:

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud.5 Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done. 6 Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth. 7 Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always endures. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

In a world that seems so cold, confused, and hard hearted, it is sometimes almost impossible to imagine that real Love can be found amongst others so readily. In today's society it has summarily been trampled on, cheapened, degraded, and debased, abused and twisted around to the point that many do not trust even the concept of Love, let alone Love itself. But it is only because these people have not experienced true Love. Instead they have experienced an "idea" of love, and usually someone else's idea of it. And, usually, it is the wrong idea. The wrong interpretation.

It is almost as if the new interpretation of love is the exact opposite of what is written in Corinthians, which would then probably read as follows:

Love is not patient and kind. Love is jealous, it does brag, and it is proud. Love is rude, is selfish, and does get upset with others. Love does count up wrongs that have been done. Love takes pleasure in evil and hides the truth. Love patiently accepts nothing. It never trusts, never hopes, and never endures.

Seeing it written that way, it is much easier to see the world mirrored in those words. How many people did you think of---that you personally know---who fit those declarations as you were reading them? How many in the world are patient and kind towards each other? How many are so jealous of their spouses or boy/girlfriends? (In other words, how many couples are controlling their partners' actions due to an unreasonable jealousy?) How often do you hear people berating each other for what the other person had or hadn't done? How many times do you hear of domestic violence, all done in the name of "love?" How many divorces are there these days? With that kind of love, how can there be trust, hope, or endurance?

That seems to be how "love" works in today's society.

It is mankind's own twisting of the concept that has made it what it is today. And it's all over the world, not in just one pocket of the country.

But that is not love.

That is evil, pure and simple. Evil that has gotten into the minds and hearts of mankind and twisted and warped mankind's thought patterns, leaving it with seemingly no hope what so ever. For that is evil's MO. That is how it works. It doesn't want its victims to realize what true Love is, for then evil would have no quarter here on earth. And evil is bent on survival. It will go to any lengths to find and keep its victims in the dark.

And yet the true source of Love has other plans. Our Lord Almighty, the living concept of Love itself, has given mankind a way out of the darkness. He has already sent His Son, Jesus, to pay our ransom. We are His. All we have to do is answer His call when we hear it.

He calls to us in many ways and in many venues. Some literally see a sign, and feel the call. Others hear Him speaking through others. And still others find Him through the arts.

There is a Pete Townsend song, one that was very popular in the '80's, which might be considered an invitation from God:

When people keep repeating

That you'll never fall in love

When everyone keeps retreating

But you can't seem to get enough

Let my love open the door

Let my love open the door

Let my love open the door

To your heart

Let my love open the door

Let my love open the door

Let my love open the door

Let my love open the door

When everything feels all over

Everybody seems unkind

I'll give you a four leaf clover

Take all worry out of your mind

Let my love open the door

Let my love open the door

Let my love open the door

To your heart

Let my love open the door

Let my love open the door

Let my love open the door

Let my love open the door

I have the only key to your heart

I can stop you falling apart

Try today, you'll find this way

Come on and give me a chance to say

Let my love open the door, it's all I'm living for

Release yourself from misery

There's only one thing gonna set you free

That's my love, that's my love

Let my love open the door

Let my love open the door

Let my love open the door

Let my love open the door

When tragedy befalls you

Don't let it drag you down

Love can cure your problems

You're so lucky I'm around

Let my love open the door

Let my love open the door

Let my love open the door

To your heart

So an interpretation of the lyrics could be God asking permission to enter one's life, to melt the hardness surrounding the heart, to do away with the corrosives that have rusted the hinges, and made it impossible for one to unlock the door him/herself. He has the key, and is willing to use it, if one will only let Him. That is all He seems to be asking.

Let His love open the door, and true Love will be experienced. All worries fade away, all tragedies are turned around. The sham and shabbiness of the false love experienced in days gone by will be forever forgotten, for His Love cures all. The heart will be filled with immense joy; sadness will disappear. And the declarations in 1 Corinthians 13 will become truth.

God's language is Love. It is what He is. He is asking people permission to enter. He will not enforce any part of Himself on others if people don't want Him to be a part of their lives. It is their choice. And the enemy is doing its all to make sure people say no. But God doesn't give up. He will continue to call. He will continue to knock. He will continue to offer His outstretched hand that holds the key...

The language of Love should be universal. God is asking.

Is anyone responding?

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Colossians 3:14

Even more than all this, clothe yourself in love. Love is what holds you all together in perfect unity.

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Romans 12:10

Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves.

Romans 13:8,11-12

Be under obligation to no one---the only obligation you have is to love one another. Whoever does this has obeyed the Law. You must do this, because you know that the time has come for you to wake up from your sleep. For the moment when we will be saved is closer now than it was when we first believed. The night is nearly over, day is almost here. Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark, and let us take up weapons for fighting in the light.

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Forgiveness:

"All of us have been hurt or offended by others at one time or another in our lives. Sometimes these hurts run so deep that it's hard to 'let go' of them, even when the person who hurt us has apologized, repented, and asked for forgiveness. When we begin to recognize the depth of our own sin, and the incredible sacrifice that Jesus Christ made on the cross for our sin, we can begin to forgive others, even ourselves."

Everyone who believes in him (Jesus) receives forgiveness of sins through his name.

-----Acts 10:43

Forgive and you will be forgiven.

-----Luke 6:37

Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.

-----Ephesians 4:32

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

-----Matthew 6:14-15

Bear with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person becasue the Lord forgave you.

-----Colossians 3:13

"...in addition to forgiving others, we need to forgive ourselves. When you believe in Jesus Christ, and repent of your sins, you are now blameless before God. Try to fully embrace this fact. Obviously, if the Son of Got sets you free from sin, you are free indeed!"

"Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more."

-----Hebrews 10:17

"If someone evil stops sinning and keeps my laws, if he does what is right and good, he will not die; he will certainly live. All his sins will be forgiven, and he will live, because he did what is right. Do you think I enjoy seeing evil people die?" asks the Sovereign Lord. "No, I would rather see them repent and live."

-----Ezekiel 18:21-23

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Romans 8:29

Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, so that the Son would be the first among many brothers.

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Who is Jesus?

Who is this person that many are talking about, wondering about, wanting to know, but are maybe afraid to ask? Why is his name coming up in certain circles, but not others? Why is his name associated with all things good to some, and at the same time almost tabooed by others? Who is he?

Almost everyone knows he is the Son of the Virgin Mary, as well as God's only Son. So in that respect he is the Son of Man and the Son of God. But is that all? That would be like saying you are your parents' child. Okay, but is that all you are? Is there not more to you? Is that all you represent? (Hopefully you said no.)

And so it is with Jesus.

He is grandly known in the Bible by various names: Son of Man; Son of God; the Alpha and Omega; the Great I Am; Savior; Redeemer; the Good Shepherd; the Lamb of God; the Prince of Peace (I leave you peace; my peace I give you---John 14:27), to name a few. He is all these things, and more. On a more personal level he is friend and confidante, a big brother to all.

He is Love.

These are all names, all classifications of who Jesus is and what he represents. But he is so much more than just these words listed on the page. To confine him to within the boundaries of these written words would be like trying to fit a boulder within the confines of a postage stamp.

Jesus is so much bigger than the words.

In Luke 2:11 the angels declare, "Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord."

Christ the Lord. Our Savior. That's Jesus. What/Who was our Lord coming to save? John 4:42 shows the Samaritans declaring, "We know that this man really is the Savior of the world." And 1 Timothy 4:10 indicates, "We hope in the living God who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe."

Amazing. Christ the Lord. Our Savior. One man, who is both the Son of Man and the Son of God, was born into the world to save it.

What was he saving the world from? 1 John 3:5 states: "You know that Christ came to take away sins and there is no sin in Christ." And further in verse 8: "The devil has been sinning since the beginning, so anyone who continues to sin belongs to the devil. The Son of God came for this purpose: to destroy the devil's work."

What a huge undertaking! To destroy the devil's work. To wipe out everything the enemy had built up over the centuries in the world. Centuries of deep-rooted habits, mindsets, patterns, ways of living---sins. And Jesus was in the world for only 33 years and would accomplish this with one act. Amazing.

Christ the Lord. Our Savior.

But why even bother? Why should One such as he even want to do such a thing? People rejected him, made fun of him, spit on him. While many couldn't get enough of his teachings and his examples, just as many---and even more---couldn't get him out of the world fast enough. He made them feel uncomfortable. Change their way of life? Repent of their sins? Who was he to try to make them change their ways? Who was Jesus?

Why would he even want to put himself through all the misery?

John 3:16 says, "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life."

Love. God loves us. To show his great love for us he made the ultimate sacrifice: that of his Son. He sent him to be the Sacrificial Lamb, to wipe out our sins once and for all through the shedding of his own blood. Is there any greater love?

Love: Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done. Love is not happy with evil but is happy with the truth. Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always remains strong. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Is that not Jesus? Do the scriptures not prove over and over again how patient and kind Jesus is towards others? Has he ever bragged or been proud (because I am gentle and humble in spirit---Mathew 11:29)? Has he ever been rude or selfish? Is he not the embodiment of the Truth (I gave them your message...Dedicate them to yourself by means of the truth; your word is truth---John 17:14, 17)? Has he not always remained strong, and encouraged others to remain strong also (But be brave! I have defeated the world!---John 16:33)?

Is Jesus not Love?

And so, in his great Love for us, Jesus commits the most unselfish act one could perform: giving himself in order to save another. To save the world. One life for all who believe. To bring to himself all who would trust in him, believe in him, and love him in return. "He gave himself for us so he might pay the price to free us from all evil and to make us pure people who belong only to him---people who are always wanting to do good deeds." (Titus 2:14) "I gave them the same glory you gave me, so that they may be one, just as you and I are one: I in them and you in me, so that they may be completely one, in order that the world may know that you sent me and that you love them as you love me. Father! You have given them to me, and I want them to be with me where I am, so that they may see my glory, the glory you gave me; for you loved me before the world was made. Righteous Father! The world does not know you, but I know you, and these know that you sent me. I made you known to them, and I will continue to do so, in order that the love you have for me may be in them, and so that I also may be in them." (John 17:22-26)

Christ the Lord. Our Savior.

Our Redeemer.

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All of us are bestowed a gift. For some, it may be the gift of music. Just witness all the wonderful talent on this site! For others, the gift of singing; again, listen, and you will hear. For still others it may be painting or drawing, woodworking or working with stained glass. And for even others, the gift of writing.

Whatever your talent, whatever your gift, do not be afraid to use it. Use it gladly, for others do not have your exact talent. But also use it wisely, and humbly. Do not be arrogant about it, for pride goeth before the fall. But my friends, don't be afraid to use your gifts. As long as they are not used to harm others, they should be used.

Do not be intimidated by those who may have a similar talent, for, like food, each person's gift holds a certain flavor. An opera singer, for instance, should not be compared to a heavy metal artist. So do not compare your work to someone else's, for that is not fair to that other person, nor is it fair to yourself. Be true to yourself, and you will be true to your talent.

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Philippians 1:6

God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.

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1 Corinthians 1:10

I beg you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that all of you agree with each other and not be split into groups. I beg that you be completely joined together by having the same kind of thinking and the same purpose.

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From Joslin:

A measure of a Friend :

One who accepts you, tolerates you,

Ready to sacrifice for you,

Ready to help you,

Shares a tear with/for you,

Laughs with you,

Corrects you,

Supports you,

Shares the Bond of Trust and loyalty.

Shows you what Love is.

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Exodus 34:6

The Lord passed in front of Moses and said, "I am the Lord. The Lord is a God who shows mercy, who is kind, who doesn't become angry quickly, who has great love and faithfulness."

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Deuteronomy 7:9

So know that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God. He will keep his agreement of love for a thousand lifetimes for people who love him and obey his commands.

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Isaiah 65:16

People in the land who ask for blessings will ask for them from the faithful God. And people in the land who make a promise will promise in the name of the faithful God, because the troubles of the past will be forgotten. I will make those troubles go away.

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Romans 1:12

I mean that I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you.

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"Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you---rise to a new life]! Then you shall see and be radiant, and your heart shall thrill and tremble with joy...

Your sun shall no more go down, nor shall your moon withdraw itself, for the Lord shall be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended...

I, the Lord, will hasten it in its [appointed] time."

----from Isaiah 60 (Amplified Bible)

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"With the loving mercy of our God,

a new day from heaven will dawn upon us.

It will shine on those who live in darkness,

in the shadow of death.

It will guide us into the path of peace."

Luke 1: 78-79

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2 Thessalonians 2:16

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father encourage you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us, and through his grace he gave us a good hope and encouragement that continues forever

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Romans 15:13

I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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John 10:10

A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness

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Saint Theresa's Prayer:

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be..

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing you are a child of God..

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing,

Dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.

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Like a drop of water being carried along in the stream of Life, we each must travel our own path to our final destination. It is unknown what each drop will face along its journey: some may get by seemingly unscathed, traveling along at a steady pace for a set amount of time, reaching that destination unharmed.

Others may find themselves being hurtled along, being knocked against boulders, being rammed against logs, and encountering many other turbulent experiences before, finally, reaching their destination.

To all my Friends, and to those who are just "visiting:" May you find Peace in your lives to help get you through the times that aren't so peaceful; may you know the power of forgiveness; and may your days be filled with sunny skies as you travel along your paths...

May God bless you All...

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Philippians 4:4

4 Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy.

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All around the world people are hurting from something: emotional, physical, even spiritual pain is felt everywhere. Some may be coping with a great loss; others may be experiencing a broken bone, or a newly found disease; others may be facing surgery or are healing from a surgery; and still others may find themselves with a broken spirit, not knowing where to turn. The following is for anyone and everyone who may find themselves in any painful situation...

Jeremiah 33:6

"But then I will bring health and healing to the people there. I will heal them and let them enjoy great peace and safety."

Malachi 4:2

"But for you who honor me, goodness will shine on you like the sun, with healing in its rays. You will jump around, like well-fed calves."

Psalm 30:2

"Lord, my God, I prayed to you, and you healed me."

Matthew 4:23

[ Jesus Teaches and Heals People ] Jesus went everywhere in Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the Good News about the kingdom of heaven, and healing all the people's diseases and sicknesses.

Acts 4:22

The man who received the miracle of healing was more than forty years old.

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God's Gifts

It's in the silence of the soul,

Where peace and wisdom stay,

To guide us through the din and strife,

Confronting us each day.

God placed this gift within us,

With His loving Grace,

Knowing that we need His love,

When trials of life we face.

This strength will gently guide us,

His love will see us through,

Releasing gifts of faith and hope,

To bear, what we must do.

---Colette Fedor

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Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most...We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

- Marianne Williamson, American author and lecturer

What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.

- Aristotle

I have learned that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.

–Henry David Thoreau

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.

- George Washington Carver

Just because you make a mistake doesn’t mean you are a mistake.

- Georgette Mosbacher

Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.

- Eleanor Roosevelt

A smile is a light in the window of the soul indicating that the heart is at home.

- Anonymous

A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.

–William Shedd

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.

- Walter Winchell

The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.

- Elbert Hubbard

Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.

- John Heywood, sixteenth-century English poet

A friend is one who knows us, but loves us anyway.

- Fr. Jerome Cummings

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

- Leo Buscaglia

Many men go fishing all their lives not knowing it is not fish they are after.

–Henry David Thoreau

No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted.

- Aesop, Greek fabulist

Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.

- Albert Einstein

A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve.

- Joseph Joubert, French philosopher

It is not our purpose to become each other; it is to recognize each other, to learn to see the other and honor him for what he is.

-Hermann Hesse

Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.

- Mother Teresa

My life is my message.

- Mahatma Ghandi

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Nature's first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf's a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.

-------------Robert Frost

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Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.

Life is beauty, admire it.

Life is bliss, taste it.

Life is a dream, realize it.

Life is a challenge, meet it.

Life is a duty, complete it.

Life is a game, play it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is sorrow, overcome it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a struggle, accept it.

Life is a tragedy, confront it.

Life is an adventure, dare it.

Life is luck, make it.

Life is too precious, do not destroy it.

Life is life, fight for it.

------------Mother Teresa

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The Word of God. Nature (including animals!! Dogs, cats, horses, anything!). Reading. Listening. Writing.

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Psalm 100

1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Bible; The Sons of Oil; The Light of Pentecost; Are You Ready for Your Healing? The Harbinger; Visions Beyond the Veil

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Ephesians 6:10-17 KJV

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand agains the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith; wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God...