Agape is a term referring to love, "the highest form of love, charity" and "the love of God for man and of man for God". 

Skin the thin layer of tissue forming the natural outer covering of the body of a person or animal:

There are 29 verses in the Bible about skin. 

Do we ever just think of skin? What is it? What is it’s purpose?? Did you know that our skin is made up of 60 percent water 💦...

When this curious word came to us to study? I thought Skin what an odd thing to study when this is a Bible word study.  

And then my mind went in many different directions. Skin is amazing as it protects and holds all things together for a greater purpose.. human life.

I thought of the ones who have suffered from skin issues. In Biblical times many suffered from a skin diseased know as leprosy they were cast away and treated unkindly?  It is written Jesus healed them from their own internal prison.  

Unfortunately, there are times even today. That some treat others as though they have this dreaded illness. Which brings such heartfelt pain.

I do believe skin is skin it may carry different pigmentation but at the end of the day, it’s still skin. Making all mankind the same yet uniquely different.

And then there are many quotes about skin.. but the one that stands out the most in my mind is a quote from renowned investor Warren Buffett “Skin in the game.” 

Which clearly points are you all in? Will you stand strong and take the risk? So we must ask ourselves when it comes to our Heavenly Father, Yeshua, and the Holy Spirit are we all in? Do we have our “skin in the game” of life? 

Or do we give our Creator one day a week? One devotion per day? Or one closing prayer at night? 

Each of us will have different degrees of skin in the game? 

10%, 50%, 75% or 100%..let’s be real honest? Only you and our Creator knows the answer.

I do know from reading His word the 3N1 has 100% of Skin in the Game. He has proven it time and time again. 

It’s Him, it’s always Him 

"Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." Romans 8:5, NIV: 

“My bone clings to my skin and my flesh, And I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth. Job 19:20

Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  /  Sinners prayer

Tattoo - Music City Tattoo / Nashville Tn

Inspiring Music Seal - I've Got You Under My Skin (Audio)

Meaning of courageous: not deterred by danger or pain; brave.

The word courageous is used six times in the (KJV) bible.

What is it in our human makeup that makes some of us courageous in times of trouble and some of us crumble like a cookie?? Some are willing to give up their own lives to save someone they do not even know. 

When trouble arises do we run to help? Or do we run away and hide ?? Life has many challenges, health, financial, relationships. During my life, I have witnessed single parents having the courage to step up to the plate for their children time and time again. I have seen friends come and stand firm and offer a shoulder when life got  messy. I have seen families hold each other up during life trials.  I have witnessed courage in the face of life-threatening illnesses. 

I do believe courage comes in all sizes from the simplest gesture to the biggest heroic event. But where and how do we get the strength to execute this type of courage? 

In my quest to understand this word I looked to people that in my opinion have shown courage. And I found that each one has a uniqueness about the act. However, there is one thing that I have witnessed. It is not seen in all who display courage. There are some that have this beautiful peace that can be seen and felt when you are around them. 

How do they have such peace, such courage, such love ?? There does seem to be a common denominator. It seems to come from a deep place within the soul. It is a God-given unexplainable peace and strength.. sometimes it boggles the mind... 

I do feel we should keep God closer than our own skin.. because life is fragile and having Him in our lives before we are put through any test definitely gives us a Divine edge.  Don’t wait. Have the courage to stand up and make Him the center of your life.. and reap the rewards now !! He is the true gift of life! 

It’s Him, it’s always Him 

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 

1 John 4:18 

Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  /  Sinners prayer 

Inspiring Music Beckah Shae - Your Presence (Official Video)

The clock is always clicking.. don't waste a moment. Tell someone you love them before its too late.

Meaning of time: the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole.

"travel through space and time.”.  a point of time as measured in hours and minutes past midnight or noon.

There are approximately 21 verses in the Bible about time.

When did we become a society driven by the tick-tock of a clock? We are always in a rush. Deadlines to meet. Meeting to attended?  We juggle work, home, family, friends? Where does the time go? Do you remember when you were a child it seemed that your birthday and other holidays seem they would never come? But as adults birthdays and holidays come so fast they make our heads spin?? 

Somehow, I feel we need to get back to the basics of stopping long enough to appreciate and make the most out of each given moment. I know we are all tired of hearing no one has to tomorrow promised. However, this word study seems to contradict that statement.

I found in the scriptures we do have tomorrow promised. Please read Ecclesiastes 3:11 it clearly states “He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.’

It also states in James 4;14  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For 

He has thought of everything and He has left us so many clues.. Why don’t we see them? I guess we are just too busy watching the clock?

So, what do we do with this little nugget of information? I say we take our eye off the clock and focus on Him because our life is but a vapor and in time it will vanish from the earth.

But as we focus on Him. He will teach us what to value. Who to value, When to value. He holds all the secrets in His heart. His beauty is He is willing to share them with His children. We just need to be ready to listen.  

Our Father gave us the moon, the sun, and the stars to guide our days, our nights, our months, and years.  And the tools to learn each valuable lesson. 

I see this as a simple math problem. 

1.   Earthly possessions + Life = Vapor  

2.   Our Heavenly Father + love = Promise of Eternity 

Choices 

It's Him, It's always Him 

He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

James 4;14  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now, is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you. Hosea 10:12

Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  /  Sinners prayer 

Photo by Jordan Benton from Pexels

Inspiring Music Time After Time - Cyndi Lauper (Boyce Avenue ft. Megan Davies & Jaclyn Davies) 

“Take time to smell the roses.” Cling to those special moments in time.. 

The rose is considered to be the most “perfect” of all flowers.

There are 48 verses in the Bible about the word Rose.

Do we take the beauty of creation for granted? Do we stop? and truly see Him in all things? Do we see His delicate work? Do we smell its sweet fragrance?  

The word Rose takes me to the beauty of one single flower. When is the last time you held the artwork of God in your hands? When is the last time you truly have taken that moment to stop and study His mastery and artistic eye? When is the last time you felt His hands touch your soul? When has your heart felt that indescribable LOVE from Heaven? 

Let’s hold that one beautiful red rose. You will feel the delicate soft petals; your eyes will witness the depth of the colors that flood your mind. You will smell the fragrance that will fill your lungs with a peace that will be felt in the depths of your soul… Each of His creations are truly miracles.  We can only appreciate the beauty if we get lost in the thought of the what, when, and whys of His purpose?

Christ, Himself refers to Himself as the Rose… His life was much like a beautiful rose. Beautifully orchestrated and played out for the world to see.  His life painted a picture for us of such depth and rich in color. He has left His sweet fragrance in the very air we breathe. His spirit softly awakens hearts with whispers of love. 

Why is it that the rose seems to be the most sought-after flower? When we generally see the rose, we see love, we see romance, we see intimacy and passion. Everything that speaks to our hearts and touches our souls.

However, the red rose symbolizes Christ’s bodily suffering as well as the blood He shed on such a pivotal day so long ago.   There is where we see the greatest love for mankind. We feel His romance for hearts that cannot be put to death. His intimate soul knowns our names and feels our very heartbeat… His passion and pursuit of His children cannot be stopped. It has been planned since the beginning of time for each Man, Woman, and Child. 

His voice and sweet fragrance are in each gentle breeze. So, the next time someone tells you to stop and smell the roses… You will know, the what, when, and why. 

Its Him, It's always Him.

"I am the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys. Like a lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters . . . Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away . . . let me see your face, let me hear your voice; For your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely." (Song of Solomon, 2:1 - 2, 10, 14, NKJV).

The grass withers, the flower fades,

But the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8

The flowers have already appeared in the land;

The time has arrived for pruning the vines,

And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land. Song of Solomon 2:12

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. Thessalonians 4:14

Photo Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  /  Sinners prayer

Inspiring Music 

Lost In Your Love (feat. Sarah Reeves) - Brandon Lake | House of Miracles

And said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3

Approachable friendly and easy to talk to.

The Bible has approximately 10 verses in the Bible.

When looking at the word approachable… I wonder do you think of our Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as approachable? 

Do you run and fall into His arms? Do you touch His Heavenly Face? Or do you see Him somewhere in a faraway land sitting in a throne surrounded by Heavenly Host? And as we pray do our prayers go on some invisible communication device to His office for distribution?

I do believe He is Royalty. I do believe He possesses such greatness. He is the King of our universe. I believe when we think of Him in those thoughts, we are so taken by just the mere thought of Him. We are at a loss for words and we hesitate to approach because of fear or for lack of understanding, there is so much more to who He is…

Yes, He possesses majestic greatness, and His persona demands respect. But let’s not confuse respect by putting Him, on a shelf, and deem Him Unapproachable. Or like the wizard in the wizard of OZ… He hides behind His Kingdom… 

I will share my thoughts… In my journey, I meditate. And as I meditate many wonderful moments have unfolded. I have walked with Him, I have touched His face, I have even heard His laugh. And I have felt physically His great love in my soul. I witnessed His kindness. His presence can bring tears of joy… He is an amazing Father, Teacher, and Friend. He is so approachable… As a matter a fact He craves our closeness. He desires our LOVE…And He is calling out His children one by one…

He does not force Himself on us, He wants us to open our hearts and approach Him. He wants our unselfish Love. He is waiting for His children to run to Him. He is waiting with open arms…

Its Him, Its always Him

And I am forever His child… I know this… Because He told me so…

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus Philippians 2:1-5

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2

Photo Design & Written by Lori Garner

"And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye." ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Meaning of blind: unable to see because of injury, disease, or a congenital condition.

There are approximately 74 verses about the word blind.

Our eyes are such an amazing gift… To not be blessed with sight must be such a true challenge. I can not even begin to imagine. I do believe most of us do not give it much thought unless we are faced with a problem with our eyes. The smallest grain of dust can cause such a major discomfort.

Some say the eyes are the window to our soul… So, how does someone that has been blind from birth see? How do they see the beauty that surrounds them daily? I do believe they build extrasensory abilities. Many of these abilities we find difficult to understand. Just how do they do it?

I don’t know exactly how they manage.  So before I continue to write about the word blind. I will close my eyes and try an experiment.  I will use my ears to hear the music, I will use my sense of touch and my sense of smell and I will see what if anything I can see…Can our spiritual eyes see what our human eyes can not? I say yes, without a doubt I know you can. 

My soul felt the beautiful music, as it opened my heart.  I could feel the vibrations of the sounds being made. There was a sweet smell of home in the air. And in my mind's eye, I began to see many details of our Savior's face. 

I will describe what I saw with my spiritual eyes. He appeared to be approximately 30 years of age. His hair was brown shoulder length. As I approached Him I could look into His eyes they were a deep shade of blue. There I could see His kindness. His beard and mustache were neatly trimmed. And he had the most amazing smile. A smile that can speak volumes to my soul. 

So how does this happen? How do we see with our spirit? I believe it is His voice… It calls to our soul. Our soul hears His song of love.. and our heart vibrates to the sound being made while we feel His presence. There is a sense of home felt when He fills your heart with an explainable love. And then the mind paints a picture..with all the detail our sense have gathered. And we can see a vision of Him that speaks to our mind, and then we began to feel Him in our heart and soul. 

How sharp are your senses? Do you see our Heavenly Father in your mind's eye? Do you hear His voice? Do feel that sense of home? 

If not I urge you to close your eyes. I urge you to invite Him into your heart. Listen for His voice because I know He is calling your name.  And if you diligently seek Him you will find Him. And for those who do not believe or that have no desire to find Him. Here is a quote from a remarkable blind soul. 

“Better to be blind and see with your heart, than to have two good eyes and see nothing.”  (Helen Keller)  

With her extrasensory abilities... She found the beauty in Her soul and shared it with the world. It's not a secret... 

It's Him, It's Always Him

 He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them.” John 12:40 

 “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God Second Corinthians 4:4

Photo Design & Written by Lori Garner

The word world appears in approximately 42 verses in the Bible.

The biblical concept of the world falls into five categories: the physical world, the human world, the moral world, the temporal world, and the coming world. 

Our Creator created such amazing wonderful people, places, and things. Do we truly value His work? Do we see beauty? Do we appreciate His artistic merit?? Do we take care of His gifts? 

When I look at our world. I feel we are missing what is truly important. I see destruction. I see people desperate to return to what we once knew. I see changes, I see a divide. I see broken hearts…. 

I must admit I sometimes feel unworthy of what I found. But then I think about it I did not find it, He found me. And I did not even know I was lost. He opened my heart to see His beauty in every child’s eyes.  He opened my ears to hear His sweet voice in the wind as it calls my name. He opened my eyes to see the amazing wonder of life in our world.

You see when we focus on God and look to Him to guide us. Our world could be spinning out of control, and we will see beauty, we will see HOPE, we will see Peace, we will see His amazing unconditional LOVE. 

Many that have come before us have tried to tell us of His story… Do we listen? Do we read His word? Do we make time for Him or do we dismiss Him with little regard? Do we put it off until a better time? I ask you what is a better time? Is it when we are faced with the reality of what lies ahead?  Eternity?  

Do we look to Him and want to spend eternity with Him for selfish reasons? Is it so we can continue living… Or do our souls truly know Him and do we long to return to our first LOVE… Do you hunger to hear His voice? Do we love Him and want Him to know how important He is to our very existence?

Our world can place many things in our path to pull us away from Him.  We all have choices to make every day. I say choose beauty, choose peace, choose a LOVE like no other.. I say choose ….

Him! It's always Him. 

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. Roman 12:2 NIV

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Mark 8:36 NIV

Photo Design & Written by Lori Garner