“Moses spent forty years thinking he was somebody; forty years learning he was nobody, and forty years discovering what God can do with a nobody. D. L. Moody…

Meaning of Christian relating to or professing Christianity or its teachings. 

The word Christian is only mentioned three times in the New Testament. 

As strange as it may sound to many I do not use the word, Christian... I truly don't know why? But like many things in this amazing journey with God. I do not have the answers... It seems that my heart just instinctively knew that I had to follow this great LOVE that fell upon my soul on that monumental day in May of 2018. 

At the time, I had no idea where this love came from or what it was... But it placed a hunger in my soul that could not be satisfied. The more I discovered the more I became enamored with this Godly presence. From the outside looking in people would see me as a ”Christian”??? 

It sounds like a label I could proudly wear across my chest. So why did I not throw the word ”Christian” around while I traveled this most amazing journey... 

Come with me as I try to unravel this word.  What is the mystery of why I never call myself by this label? Don't be critical or discouraged if you use this word that is perfectly ok... God knows our hearts and our intentions and gives us all such unique and diverse opportunities to truly know Him on an intimate level. 

So let's discover how the word Christian came to be and if it fits our individual needs. 

The three places the word Christian appears in the Bible is in Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and 1 Peter 4:16

And when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year, Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples (A) were called Christians first (B) at Antioch. Acts 11:26 

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 1 Peter 4:16

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian Acts 26:28

After diving into this word. It does seem to be a label given by the government of Rome to a group of disciples and or churchgoers... 

I am set aside. I am a follower of Christ. And if you must label me you could call me a ”Christian” you would probably be right. However, I have discovered in this world of labels, labels seem to create division... 

However,  I have also discovered that His love can build bridges between all diversities... One day we will all discover that we are truly all one world ...  under ONE great LOVE... under one supreme God.

Once bitten by this LOVE there is no turning back.

So call me what you will... I know who my heart follows... And you can call Him Jesus Christ... My Lord and Savior... 

It's Him. It's always Him!!! 

And if you must label me you can call me a Child of God...  Now that's a label I can live with!! It speaks of the power of His Love for His Child... He loves me... and that is a WOW... 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube) 

Who You Say I Am - Hillsong Worship

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

The meaning of the name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua/Y'shua., which is based on the Semitic root y-š-ʕ (Hebrew: ישע‎), meaning "to deliver; to rescue."

A Simple search in the KJV shows the name Jesus is used approximately 983 times in the New Testament.

We started a Bible word study a few years ago. We have successfully completed 822 words since December 14, 2019. We have danced through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelations. We have listened, read, and studied many scriptures and verses. They all try to gently teach us of the beautiful man with a Heavenly connection. This connection goes deeper than anyone on earth can even begin to fully understand. Many of us have difficulty in understanding the Trinity and how they so beautifully tie and work together.

I do believe God tried to teach the many tribes of ancient times. Very few listened. Very few learned the lessons, very few obeyed. So, He felt it necessary to come to earth and live among us. I think this was for 3 major reasons. 1. To see for Himself if what He was asking of us was indeed attainable 2. To teach us how to live and how to love. 3. And the most important reason of all is because of His love for each one of His children. 

Just think we are loved so passionately by the one that created all the heavens and earth. His love is beyond words. I have discovered that the greatest lesson in this masterpiece written to guide us called the Bible is His LOVE. He has proven He will go to any lengths to take care of the ones He loves. He will go from birth to death to prove His undying love for each of us.

Something happened to me a few years ago that opened my heart and placed a fire in my soul to discover as much as I can about this amazing Heavenly man that earthly men and women call Jesus. 

As a child, His given Hebrew name was Yahshua. The name became Jesus came after it was translated from its original language. Jesus was placed gently in His earthly mother's womb with a mission. He came with a hard-fast agenda from His Father.  His mission was to rescue us from ourselves. 

He willingly gave us His entire life. Do you ever wonder why we do not know many facts about Jesus the young boy? Did we even rob Him of His childhood? And then as He traveled through the Master’s plan He found Himself in one of the most horrific acts possible. When I think of this monumental moment on the cross, it wounds my soul and makes my heart bleed.  How could we do this to this beautiful gentle soul? His mission was of peace, He was sent because of love. 

He never said I don’t want to do this find someone else I will just come back to my heavenly home… NO, He knew in His Heart the only chance His children would have for redemption is to follow through with His plan. When we look at His life how are we not humbled? How are we not in awe of the very mention of His name? I do know He has returned to His rightful place with the Trinity. Our amazing Father, His Beautiful Son, and God's very breath we know as the Holy Spirit. 

Together they are our 3 in 1… They speak to our hearts and intercede in our lives daily. They offer us a love that has transcended time and space. It truly is the greatest love story ever told.

He must have shouted out on that faithful day. Earth to Heaven… 

Mission accomplished… put a log on the fire I am coming home! WOW what a celebration there must have been in Heaven!! He must have had the biggest hug from His Father.. as his Father gently whispered in his ear welcome Home my Son, I love you; with you, I am well pleased."

It's Him, It's always Him. 

“You are the most beautiful man that there is. You speak words of grace. God has made you special forever.” Psalms 45:2 EASY

“For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.” Isaiah 53:2 KJV.   

 “Serve and worship the awe-inspiring God. Recognize his greatness and bow before him, trembling with reverence in his presence. Fall facedown before him and kiss the Son before his anger is roused against you. Remember that his wrath can be quickly kindled! But many blessings are waiting for all who turn aside to hide themselves in him!” Psalms 2:11-12 TPT

Design & Written by Lori Garner 

Meaning of decide - come to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration:

The word decide is in the Bible approximately 59 times.

Did you know that some sources suggest that the average person makes approx 35,000 choices per day? 

Today I have a decision to make, what word should we study today? So many words so little time? Have you ever in your lifetime stood at the crossroad to indecision?? So many decisions to make? how do we even cope??? 

Are you the one that cast caution to the wind?? Or do you methodically study all the pieces to the puzzle and then make your move? I wonder hmm do we dare see what the Bible has to say?? 

Well, I decided to start here 1 Samuel 14:7 ”His armor-bearer responded, “Do what is in your heart. You choose. I’m right here with you whatever you decide.”

I have found that our Father gives us the choice to believe in Him.. He gives us the choice to follow His Son, Jesus. And He gives us the choice to embrace the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Hmm, decisions, decisions. Some dance around Him but can not decide to love Him with all their heart and soul. Some only give Him a fragment of their heart but keep a stronghold in it, so they can quickly rip it back if the fire gets a little hot. A few jump in with vigor, and fall in love. They fall so hard that it affects change, it affects the very nature of the person. It opens their soul to a beauty and a love beyond our world. And they embark on an amazing journey of discovery. 

And as this beautiful love story unfolds you began to find your way and the beauty within will began to show. A softer more caring heart will be merge. But it's you that has to decide. Personally, the decision to follow Him should be a no-brainer.. But He wants us to willingly come... To willingly follow Him. And to be willing to love Him with of your heart and soul!! 

Its Him. It's always Him.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

Psalm 27:14

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  /  Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music: You Know Me - Steffany Gretzinger | Bethel Music Worship

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.Philippians 4:11

Meaning of need circumstances in which something is necessary, or that require some course of action; necessity:  

I do believe I may need help finding out how many times the word need is in the Bible. 

Putting that thought aside for now. As I watch people in general we all have needs some more than others... Some are givers and some are takers. Be honest and look deep within and ask yourself which title do you fall under ?? Giver? Taker? 

There are so many needs in our world. But many of us are so busy living our lives that we may have a tendency to overlook many of them. 

The words “I need” can become a selfish action. I ask you to take a moment and say with me... I need! And now you finish the sentence ... 

Where is your heart? Is your need a monetary want? Then it truly is not a need but a WANT.  Many of us get caught up in the rat race of ownership of “things” and lose sight of what we should value most. 

Many of us pray for our wants instead of our needs... Do you use your time with our Heavenly Father wisely? Do we bring the needs of others before Him? 

Have you ever asked Him, what do may need? Many of us think of Him as an unlimited ATM. We pray and stand there waiting with our hands open ready to receive our materialistic wants... 

Do we behave like His spoiled children? Or do we humble ourselves before Him and truly ask Him what can I do for you? What do you need of me today? When we began to shift our hearts and minds towards the needs of others our hearts start to open and we began to see the true value of life and our monetary wants become less important.  You may find a love bigger than you even realize existed...You may find a joy that has been hidden deep within. You may find the true meaning of life!!! 

It’s Him, It’s always Him

It's His amazing LOVE... That spills out upon the hearts that are willing vessels. Have you felt Him stirring in your soul? 

I NEED Him now and forever !! 

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  /  Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music: 

Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace) [Official Lyric Video] - Hillsong Worship