Power in a Name

Ever wonder why when we pray we say “in Jesus’ name” Amen? I never really thought about it until a couple months ago we had a sermon on power and the name of Jesus.

The actual name ‘Jesus’ is the most powerful name on earth. When we are down all we have to say is Jesus and we instantly feel peace. We feel happier, better, calmer….I know I do. And that’s literally the only word that comes out of my mouth… JESUS. It’s quite astonishing that one name can heal. One name can cast out demons. One name can break chains, bring walls down. One name can raise the dead. One name brings Peace. One name can instill courage.

It reminds me of the song we sing at church  “There is power in the name of Jesus”. There IS power in the Name of Jesus. His name is above all other names. This is not my opinion. Whether a person decides to believe or not, this is fact.

Acts 4:12 says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved".

There’s no other name like it! When we are saved, the Holy Spirit comes and lives in our being. We then have the power of Jesus name behind us.

This is incredible power that we have working through us.

May we be worthy of upholding such Power. There is no higher name. Jesus you reign above it all.

Hallelujah! In Jesus’ name AMEN!

Philippians 2:9

God gave Jesus a name that is above all other names, and at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow in heaven and on earth

Proverbs 18:10

The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run to it, and are safe.

Luke 10:17. The seventy two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”

God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow”(Philippians 2:9).

Comparison is the Thief of Joy

I recently read this somewhere “Comparison is the thief of Joy”. It stuck with me for weeks. Ever more so in our society do we now see on social media, TV, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and the inevitable Facebook other peoples lives and what they’re doing, seeing, having, traveling to or experiencing.

I recall a time when we didn’t have any of these devices but we still came up with the saying (probably in the 80s) keeping up with the Jones’. As a kid I would look at what the popular kids wore or had or what they drove or the houses they were growing up in. Every so often that comparison crept in. Comparison back then though was usually only kept locally of who we knew or the people around us. Do you remember watching the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous with Robin Leech? That was then.  But now more than ever we see everyone one around us and everyone else in the world in what they’re doing immediately, or what they have or how much wealth they posses or how famous they are, etc. Then that comparison creeps in. Imagine our children with all this comparison. It leads to seeds of doubt, insecurity, inadequacy, jealousy, rage.

When I first started Real Estate I was worried was I enough? …Smart enough, old enough, educated enough? Insecurity and fear seeped into my spirit. My Mentor and Broker could sense it and gave me these wise words, “Just as we put blinders on a horse to help keep out distractions, noise and fear to keep them moving forward, keep your blinders on. Don’t look at this Agent and that Agent in what they’re doing, amount of sales, or years of experience etc. Do what only YOU can do.” That has stuck with me in many facets of life over the years not just my career. Comparing what you lack over someone else will steal your Joy in a heartbeat. Don’t do it! It reminds me of the parable Jesus taught about the talents and multiplying the talents. One person was given 5; one 2 talents and one was given 1 talent. The 5 multiplied his to 10, the one with 2 multiplied to 4 but the one became jealous and angry that he was only given 1 and buried it instead of multipling it. I always think of the person that received 2. He did not compare or become jealous of the one that received 5. He had his blinders on and worked with what God had given Him. And God said well done thy good and faithful servant to the one with 5 and 2.

Now I’m not saying be lazy, or not have ambition to have goals and aspirations in life. Nor does this mean if you have many things in life, that aspirations and possessions are a sin. Both are far from the truth. What I am wanting to express is be happy in what YOU are given!  For there is so much joy to be had in this life if you have Jesus in your heart.

Jesus said, Because I live, you will also live. On that day, you will realize I am in my Father and you are in Me, and I am in you. (John 14:19-20). If you have Christ in you, you are enough.

I need to mention a final point.  We also sometimes are our own worst enemy. We beat ourselves up in thinking, we don’t have enough money. We don’t have enough house or we don’t travel enough or if I just had “fill in the blank” then I’d be happy. Check yourself in those moments. Stop stealing your own joy. Put your blinders on. Be thankful for what you’ve been given. Do everything to the best of your ability. And never let anyone steal your JOY.

Matthew 25:14-30 parable of the talents

Phillipians 4:12 know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.

John 15:11
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full.

God Said

Have you ever really and truly just broke this down and thought about these two words ‘God said’.? I was in church probably about a month ago and I heard these words with a fresh perspective. Because we’ve all heard these words over and over again in our lives I’m certain at some point. But in that moment, a whole new level of peace rushed over me. The magnitude of these two words put together is truly all we need in life. We can take peace, heart, comfort, take love. It’s like a big bear hug with both of His arms wrapped around us all because ‘God said’. We see these words in the beginning of the Bible, “God said, ‘let there be light’.” He said, “let Us make mankind in the image of Us”. God said, “all things work together for good to them who love Him according to His purpose.”

Do you hear me as you are reading these words? Do you hear yourself speaking my words to you? God is saying “I’ve got you”. And He doesn’t have us just in the easy times or in the hard times or the mediocre times. He’s got us ALL. THE. TIME. God said, “there is evil in the world but take peace. I have overcome the world.”

If we heard no other words for the rest of our lives, we should be the most peaceful people in all the days. Because God said, we have nothing to worry about because God said we have nothing to fear because God said we may be in a moment in our lives where the enemy is coming upon us and the Red Sea is in front of us and we feel like we have nowhere to turn, but guess what? God said I will part waters. I will make a way. God said, “ I will redeem you from all your sin.” If you have asked Jesus into your heart and surrendered your life to Him, then you know of this peace I’m referring to. And if you don’t know, you can go to Him right now in this moment and surrender your heart and ask Him to come into your life and take over!

God said It is, it was, and it will become. Period. End of story. we can stop right there and be at continual, eternal peace.

John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Genesis 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Exodus 3:14 says, "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM”

Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose"

Begin Again

I’m just gonna shoot it to you straight today and ask a direct question. Do you go to church? Like for real. Not ‘yes on occasion’. Not ‘yes at Easter, Christmas and New Year’s’ or ‘Easter and Christmas’. Not a ‘couple times a month’. I mean do you go to Church every Sunday, every Wednesday if your church has Wednesday church… like every Sunday. And not just every Sunday I mean err Sunday. Ok, I hear you right now… all your excuses. ‘I work on Sundays’, go on a Wednesday. ‘Someone hurt me at church’ Ok, but what about the other 999 people at that church? Are you really allowing one person keep you from YOUR relationship with God? That is the enemy using that situation to keep your soul away. These are just a couple excuses. But stop. ‘I’ll watch online’. That’s good on occasion when you cannot be physically in church; however, don’t allow our technology today limit you from physical worship with others.  Let me put this into perspective. Our timed calendar gives us 24 hrs a day 7 days a week 365 days a year. Let’s break that down to just 1 week. That’s 168 hours each week…and we can’t seem to give God about 1.5 of those to worship Him and have community with others that are trying to do the same? Do you realize how much more your soul would grow and be at peace if you gave 1.5 hours a week to Him? (And who knows what God will do with more!) Let me remind you we are Mind (spirit), Body and Soul. Would you go a day without feeding your body food? We go to work and feed our mind with work or our purpose or are on the path to achieving our purpose by attending school, vocational school or college. So that leaves the soul. The Soul is like a desolate land starving for a rainstorm. We get our soul food from God’s Word, meditation and prayer; from community of others; from worship and pastors/mentors/teachers that help us grow deeper into Gods Word. I encourage you. Beg you; you must feed your soul because if you don’t the world will. Our culture is big on 30 day challenges right now so I challenge you to take this next 30 days and go to church atleast every Sunday morning. Pick one… any one. Pick 4 different ones if you want but pick them as long as each teaches from the Bible and is Christ centered. If you haven’t been to church in a while and are embarrassed because it’s been a while (that’s your excuse)… Begin again. If you go a couple times a year, take this next Sunday and begin again. We make food for our bodies a priority So make your soul a priority in your life. Make God number 1 in your life. Go to church for the next 30 days. I have absolutely no ounce of doubt it will rock. your. world.

Matthew 18:19-20 Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.

Hebrews 10:25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

John 15:4-5  4 Abide in me, as I also abide in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Peach and Purity

I recently went back to the farm in South Georgia with my daughters to visit family. It was a perfect February South Georgia weekend filled with flatland pastures for miles, picket fences, pine trees, small towns, country churches, afternoon slow drives along the lake and memories of a place I once lived; sweet tea and some of the best home cooking on the planet. Amongst our visit includes none other than our beautiful cousin named Dana. I’ve had the pure pleasure of being a member of Dana’s life for over 25 years. We are almost the same age with her just a little younger by 3 years. Dana was born with Down Syndrome yet that never stopped her from living the most fun filled, hard working, Jesus loving, in church volunteering, beaming with joy life. She has a smile that lights up everyone immediately in her presence. Early on she decided she wanted to be called Peach. And so it was 🍑. Peach color was painted in her room and peach anything is what she wanted around her. The purest of pure the Georgia Peach she is. For some of you reading let me explain. A Georgia Peach is a modern term for a southern belle; mannerly and proper, Jesus loving, the most lady of ladies in the southern state of Georgia. Sharp as a tack, Peach graduated from High School and worked for years in the court system and in the banking industry as her career. Don’t expect to put anything past her; she will crack a joke on the wit of a whim. She immediately spreads the purest form of Joy when she steps in the room. She exudes Jesus’ love in her life. To meet Dana is to meet an example of a daughter of Jesus. She has incredible parents and a Proverbs 31 mom. But Peach is in a league of her own burning a lasting impression of devotion to Jesus and people, illuminating joy and contagious laughter throughout all the people that she has graciously allowed to be a part of her life. I cannot help but share to anyone that reads this, the eternal impression she makes day in and day out on this earth. She has challenged us daily through her years to remember what’s important in life and that is love in the purest form. Love for one another; diehard love and devotion to a life for Jesus with a servants heart. She spreads eternal Joy and laughter, peace and hope in her living legacy. I challenge us to be more like Peach with pure hearts, love for one another and spreading eternal Joy. I will forever be changed and challenged by Peach and her living legacy of love

John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you.

I Timothy 4:12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Stop and Be

This was to be written in January. Forgive me in my own procrastination and “busyness”.

January is usually a slower month for me. In years past I use to hate January. Christmas is over. It’s depressing and cold. Dark and Gloomy. Long. But recent years I’ve used it for its good. To slow down. Stay in more. Reflect, be more aware of all the good around me, look forward and prepare for the hustle and bustle of the rest of the year. As I was doing yoga one morning in January the instructor said, “Stop and Be”. That really resonated and burned into my Brain since that day. Speak both words aloud. STOP & BE. It reminds me of when Grandma always said, “stop and smell the roses”. With our world today we have so many distractions for our time… multiple social media platforms, tv, work, emails, texts etc to keep us “busy”. We have FOMO (fear of missing out) and comparing our lives to each other trying to do the best, be the best, be the most beautiful, be everywhere and into everything that it robs us of what truly is important. Our culture now makes it almost impossible to “stop and be” and that if we do we are doing something wrong almost.

Remember back in 2020 when the world “Stopped” and stood still for a moment? In the moment perhaps we were worried about what was to come but God is ALWAYS in control. I knew then that that time too would pass and we would be Looking back (not wishing for Covid by no means) but wishing for that time that stood still again.

Time with God and our true friends and family, relationships and rest are what’s most important in life. So in this writing I wanted to stress deeply how it’s so important to not get caught up in our society’s distractions and to say it’s ok to “Stop and Be” every month! Not just in January. We must take Grandma’s advice to stop and smell the roses because we will wake up one day and the “roses” be gone. What she was stressing so is that the world does not stop. WE must stop and be present and enjoy what’s in front of us because time flies. It does not slow down for anyone.

I challenge you in every month this year not just January to “Stop and Be”, listen to Grandma, stop and smell the roses, be present, reflect on the good things and look forward to the things to come. And trust me…good things are coming!

Psalm 46:10 Be Still and know that I am God.

Exodus 20:8-10 Remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy.

Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.

Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.

New Beginnings

It’s January seventh in the year of our Lord 2024. I came to one of my favorite spots by the water—a park overlooking the Mobile, Alabama skyline—watching the sunset gloriously pierce the sky. Sunsets are one of my most favorite pastimes. Every one is different and as the sun is now past gone it still illuminates the sky. It’s past dusk and the colors are deep orange, reds, blues and purples coloring a straight rainbow with the Mobile lights twinkling like a hundred stars in the distance. I would have to say the last days of the year and the first days of the new year are some of my favorites. I usually take some time and ponder all the things of the previous year. Trying to remember the good and letting go of the bad. 2023 wasn’t one of the greatest for me so I’m definitely looking fiercely into 2024 for Newness and Renewed Vision. Growth and Strength.

However, the last day of 2023 was very special. On New Year’s Eve, My business partner and I watched one of our agents marry his love of his life. You see, for years now I create and write goals every year for my business but not just business but also physical health, spiritual health, and personals goals like where we would like to travel that year and how many books perhaps I’d aspire to read. I know for some it’s a bit much, but for this Type A personality it’s a must. I say that to say we started encouraging our agents to do so as well. And in the last part of 2022 we had sat down with this particular colleague and in the year past he had been heart broken and was telling us how he’d love to meet an amazing woman and eventually get married. I said ok! Why not! Let’s write it down. I can’t tell you how elated I was to watch his bride walk down the aisle and see before my very eyes his dreams coming true this New Years Eve.

I share this because sometimes we too need to hear and see with our own eyes these beautiful dreams coming true.

The beginning of a new year is a fresh start. Like the Sunset of another day and a Sunrise of a fresh new one. I challenge you if you haven’t ever done so to take this moment to reflect on the yester year but to look forward to freshness and the newness of a new chapter. Make a goal for yourself…Maybe 2. Write them down. Put them on your mirror. Pray. Do. And see what new things God has in store for you my friend.

Isaiah 43: 18-19

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Revelation 21:5

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Isaiah 40:31

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

II Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Growth

Wouldn’t it be nice if everything in our lives was “roses and rainbows”? Easy street and beautiful to view? What if we didn’t have a concern or worry in the world? That everyday was easy…with no struggle whatsoever. We all had millions; lived in lavish homes and everything was smooth sailing…food on the table and not a single worry, no cringing of where the next paycheck was coming….nothing.

For some people this year has a been a tough year. I’ll be the first to tell you it has for me. High inflation. Everything costs more. How are we paying for all those same things that cost 3 times less just 3 years ago? Some people have had loss of jobs or less income, loss of family members or have been stricken with cancer this year. Death, sickness, less money. The pressure is stacking up.

We say roses and rainbows but have you ever really pondered and thought of that saying? Because we live in a fallen world the roses now have thorns. Most people would argue they’re the most beautiful flower on earth but in order to bloom and become beautiful they grow thorns on the stems. Let’s move on to the Rainbows. I’ll be the first to tell you I’ve seen the most beautiful and stunning colorful rainbows in my life. But how do we get rainbows? Usually after a terrific storm.

Life is not always roses and rainbows. We endure challenges…sometimes super tough ones. Complete Heart break, sickness, gut wrenching cancer, death, loss, brokenness, not knowing where another paycheck is coming from. Life is tough and almost impossible to get through situations at times. But through these pains and sorrows, we encounter grit, perseverance, determination, courage, faith, new life and love. New perspectives and New ideas are born. New opportunities are presented; if life was easy always, we would not experience New strength, New power, New confidence. Growth happens in our souls.

So as much as it hurts to endure tough times, I thank the Lord for them. He uses everything for good. It reminds me of the potter molding and shaping clay into something useful and pretty. The clay must first endure immense heat before turning into a beautiful piece.

So whatever you’re going through, keep going. Climb the mountain, endure the storm, face the heat. Out of it comes Success, Faith, Growth, Greatness.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

John 16:33 ^“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

I Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

James 1:12 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.

Luke 8:24-25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.²⁵ “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.

In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

Stand in Victory

Have you ever thought about putting on Armor. Like the armor from Gladiator days. You know the kind we see in the movies. Of course we don’t have armor like that now but if you’ve ever toured a castle or traveled to England or Europe you’ve probably seen it in person. It’s heavy, bulky and huge! Many of you know and have seen me personally. If you haven’t let me paint you a picture…I am 5’1” (really 5’3/4” on a good day but let’s be real…we all “round up”). So can you imagine this little 5’ human with a sword, a helmet, breastplate, shield and those things you put around your calves and arms? Haha! I might be able to stand up but I literally would not be able to move. Most of you men and some women would, but not me!

Do you know God talks about Armor in the Bible? I remember when March 2020 hit and the world shut down, I felt a shift. A spiritual shift. When we think of armor, we think about those gladiators with physical armor—that’s a good picture. Paul even used that analogy in Ephesians 6 to fight spiritual battles. We are in serious world spiritual warfare today. People fighting, killing, confusion in children, temptation, lies, deception, fighting in Israel… there is division and isolation everywhere. It’s all around us. The enemy attacks where we are vulnerable. He distracts us and blinds us with anger, bitterness and division amongst people. So let’s look at what we are to put on everyday to combat that.

The FULL Armor. In a real battle, We would not just pick up a sword without our breastplate, or the belt without a helmet. As you consider this picture, it doesn’t work does it? We may be able to fight for a moment, but we would not stand FIRM. In order to stand firm, We have to put on EVERYTHING. So here we go—

1. Belt of Truth

2. Breastplate of Righteousness

3. Feet fitted with readiness from the gospel of Peace

4. Shield of Faith

5. Helmet of Salvation

6. Sword of the Spirit (Bible)

We are to put this on everyday. Everyday y’all! We have to stand firm in faith. There is a spiritual battle daily in our lives, in our country and in our world. Rise up daily. Let us lock arms spiritually together and with Jesus, create a wall against the enemy. Are we readying ourselves daily? So when that alarm goes off every morning, remember your Armor and get ready. TOGETHER let’s stand firm with the full Armor of God.

Ephesians 6:10-17

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God,so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us?

A Tribute to Men. Be Strong.

Men. I had this on my mind to write in June after Fathers Day. Please accept my apologies for the lateness of my thoughts. Better late than never though, right? As I ponder this celebrated day of man, I look at my Father and all the men that have been an influence in my life. We need you. Let me say this loud and clear. We need men! You may think, You of all people, a strong independent woman are saying this? Why, yes. Yes I am and I am certain mountains of other women would gather behind me in this effort. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll be the first to say I am an independent woman. A stubborn one at best that has the wherewithal to forge through just about anything by myself. However, that doesn’t mean I am lumped in the category of bashing man. Far from it.

My strong father, caring and loving uncles, my former father in law and friends made me the woman I am today. I thank you dad and all the men in my life with the bottom of my heart for being who you are and loving me.

I understand some people have had a bad childhood or experience with men in their lives. I am utterly and truly sorry for that. We are to look to men for manliness, strength, endurance, provision and guidance. Rocks to lean on in times of need. Our firm foundation in life and in our homes. Supporters of our careers and ambitions. They love us unconditionally and are prayer warriors for my children.  Lest we forget, God created man in His Image! As we look to the Bible for men’s defined role we see Jesus says man is to be the strength and leader but also to lay down his life for his family as Jesus did for the church. The people. ALL people. Men are to strive be as Jesus is to His people. A Rock, our Family Foundation; our Provider, our Strength, our Peace in the midst of a storm, a powerful Leader yet Servant-like for his family just as Jesus is. On a side note, women, chill out for a moment. That doesn’t mean men are superior over us, better than us, or are to rule with an iron fist or that we can’t be leaders as women. We all have our roles that are equal but different. Jesus never said we are beneath or lower or are to be abused. We are His daughters in Christ. That topic is a whole other subject to write later.

As I look at the world around us today, all the culture changes, social media and marketing propaganda, men are being attacked at the core. We have to rise up and fight. Men, we know you need us now more than ever to be your encouragers, cheerleaders in this fight against your manly existence.

What I’m trying to say is we need men to be men. We need your wisdom, strength, power, provision; care, love, guidance and support. I’m boldly saying men be men! Strong and courageous in this world that is trying to take you down. Rise up and be strong for all of mankind. Sure, we complain about your Neanderthal habits, occasional uncleanliness, your need to be naked, and dirty socks on the floor, but we are still your biggest fans. Without you we are well, just women. It is you that make us who we are meant to be. You need us. We need you. I Thank you Dad for being a Man’s Man. I love you for everything you are. Go forth, men, and be Men.

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV)

I Timothy 6:11-12 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.