The 4th of July weekend 2020, to be honest, did not start out having much vibe of Independence, at least not to me. Independence: the quality or state of being independent: not subject to control by others (for me the others indicates mankind).

So instead of news and fireworks displays I went where I Know I can find Freedom and Independence: His Word. I started with Priscilla Shirer: Going Beyond Ministries: the Armor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePbAv6NuKzQ This took me right on into the study I am doing with my Legacy sisters Spiritual studies group. Our session the last 7 weeks has been on ” Putting on the armor of God.” Of which the most important piece to me is the topic of tonight’s study: The Sword of the Spirit: The Word of God. Her sermon and my study brought even more attention to: like life you do have to choose how you will use your Sword – which are the words rolling off your tongue. Did you know the sword isn’t just to Kill? The edge of the sword can be used to smote/cut out or cut off. When you look at it this way it becomes clear The Word is much like a surgeon’s scalpel which cuts away diseased flesh bringing repentance & having done it’s work the patient’s flesh restores, heals, and grows back new. As it says in Heb.4:12: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. In this surgical procedure the Sword of the Spirit (word of God) cuts away the chains that bind your spirit and you are Free (Independent) to walk in the promise of God.

As you follow the 1st most important commandment: To love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. The Sword of the Spirit begins it’s procedure within you. As to Love anyone you must get to know them personally & communicate with them. We naturally want to know more, seek within to understand who they are, who you are, to gain an understanding of the Words being spoken so you can grow closer as One. In this seeking we also gain an independence that cannot be taken away and will bear the fruit of he 2nd most important commandment: to love your neighbor as yourself.”  Yes, it is LOVE that gives independence. To do that you must get to know your Creator, yourself and your neighbors. As you do this you will come to the awareness we are all of the same origin and what makes us, the Earth, and Heavens work is LOVE. Gen 1:27 God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God (Love) created he him; male and female created he them. Colossians 3:10 – And have put on the new [man/woman], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created them:

So this year, even when it sometimes sounds like all my independence is being threatened, I can put on my armor, pick up my Sword (His Word) and quickly cut away the lies/deceit/and all things evil so that I Can continue to walk in the Love & Freedom God’s Word promises Me.

Like this in Isaish 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Love and Light in all you do.