Judas sold his soul for thirty pieces of silver…. I wonder, what is the price for a soul these days??

Meaning of sold (sell) Transferring the property of a thing for a price or equivalent in money.

We located 101 verses that speak to the word sold.

As we embark on this Christmas Season the word sold came to my mind as I sat in my car in front of a group of retail stores...I sat there and just people watched... Many were bustling around, there seemed to be great excitement in the air..  I am not sure if the pace seemed fast because of excitement of the holiday or perhaps it was due to the cold weather... Many were taking great care in picking out the most beautiful tree on the lot. And soon a salesperson allowed the money to exchange hands and just like that the tree was sold....   

With Christmas Music playing softly on my car radio,  my mind soon drifted here.. This is the most amazing time of year... I for personal reasons love it!!! Because of a personal gift I received from my Creator!!  

But then I thought it is so sad that so many people have bought into the commercialism of such a significant day... And my eyes welled up with tears and my heart became heavy.  

So how and when did we lose our grip on what Christmas Day is truly about?? 

I feel it is a "Black Friday Day" when our main goal is to scurry into a store pick out a gift for our families and friends without asking ourselves if we are sold out to the Birthday Boy Himself?? What are we giving Him this year??  Have we bought into the most amazing LOVE we could ever receive??  It is no secret that we have already been bought for a price!! It is His priceless gift to all mankind... 

Have you asked Him, What do You want for your Birthday??? 

Or is He even on your shopping list?? Stop and think about that for just a moment? Only you and your heart know the answer... I say...

Celebrate Him this Christmas by giving Him your LOVE... It truly is what He desires most!!  Place Him at the top of your Christmas list today and forevermore. 

1.        Jesus 

It's Him! It’s always Him!!! 

Merry CHRISTmas... I pray you too become sold out for Jesus. It truly is where our treasure of life and love begins... 

 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19 -21ESV

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Hawk Nelson - Sold Out (Official Lyric Video)

"Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Return to Me,” declares the Lord of hosts, “that I may return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.  Zechariah 1:3
 

Meaning of drought, a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. 

We located approximately 41 verses the refers to the word drought.

Have you ever been so thirsty that nothing seems to satisfy your thirst?? I cannot fathom the thought of how some countries suffer for lack of water...  We are a spoiled lot... Many take this gift of water for granted... 

When we examine a drought, we can see the life being drained. Our earth will become so dry it will literally crack open... and life will wither away... Layers of dirt can be carried away with the wind... 

There are many droughts we could study in the Bible. But my heart landed on spiritual drought.  What is the cause? How do we quench our thirst? If we do not find that pure water source, can we shrivel up and spiritual die?? 

I can only speak from my heart. The cause of a spiritual drought is LIFE.  Life happens ... There are many things in this life that will distract us and pull us away from what should really matter... 

I have found that we can quench our thirst by immersing ourselves in the living water Himself... Never stop loving Him. Speaking to Him and worshiping His very existence. Fill yourself with His word... It will wash your soul... and yes our soul can get parched and shrivel up. It will lay dormant and not be able to breathe... and sadly their light source will become dim.

I know this firsthand. I was going through the motions of living a busy life. I was outwardly happy... But even without my realizing it... 

My soul had become dormant and unresponsive. I could not feel her presence.  And without my calling out or even knowing Him. The Holy Spirit sensed that my soul had lost her way. But then one unexplainable day in May of 2017 without warning He doused me with a healthy dose of living water 💦...  My thirsty soul became fully immersed in this amazing beautiful sparkling water...It took my breath away.  And for a moment my soul became bewildered and confused...But as she felt this warm and gentle love.The fog began to lift..

It was at that moment she realized that it was Him... She had forgotten her first LOVE.. And how He made her feel.  As He whispered gentle words of love.. She began to hear the rhythmic beating of her own heart.  She was excited about the newfound freedom they shared. With each new passing day He began to teach her about His love and life... and the wonders that He created. She listened with an open heart and her spirit became stronger and she felt more alive than she had felt in a very long time. Joy filled her heart.  Peace and tranquily engulfed her very senses whenever He was near... She felt safe in the shadow of His wings. I will admit.... 

Somewhere during this journey of recovery... This once dormant soul fell in love with her rescuer!  I loving call Him My Savior. 

It’s Him, It’s always Him

I wish I could bottle this living water and give it away to every living soul...But this water can not be contained... It runs free and My Savior holds the key... 

One who lives in the shelter of the Most High will stay in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” All of us go through times of spiritual drought. Psalm 40:1-2 

Photography & Written by Lori Garner

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube)

Lauren Daigle - Rescue (Official Music Video)

“My soul is full of longing for the secret of the sea. And the heart of the great ocean sends a thrilling pulse through me.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow -

Meaning of water: a colorless, transparent, odorless liquid that forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain and is the basis of the fluids of living organisms.

Water popularly represents life. It can be associated with birth, fertility, and refreshment. ... Christians are baptized with or in water, symbolizing a purification of the soul, and admission into the faith.

Water has mentioned a total of 722 times in the Bible, more often than faith, hope, prayer, and worship. That's an amazing fact!! 

What is this precious resource? Unfortunately, there are many places in the world that struggle with having the ability to have this cool, clear.. thirst-quenching liquid. Many of us take it for granted until we are deprived of this gift. It is estimated that a person can survive without water for about 3 days. 

Did you know that approximately 60% of the human adult body is water?According to H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological Chemistry 158, the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: 31%.

I find it quite interesting that we must rely on water to survive. It’s a heavenly life source and part of His master plan…  Our body’s chemistry is reliant on the natural water that God created for survival? And our soul"s life is reliant on Him for spiritual survival. Our body's timeline on this earth is short-lived but our soul remains timeless. It only makes sense that He would refer to himself as the “living water.” 

 “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.”

 (John 4:10). 

I can only share my thoughts from a spiritual perspective. I do believe many people are living with a spiritual drought that can last for months, years or it can eventually cause them pain and possibly cause spiritual separation from our Creator.  Some squander this precious gift. Some occasionally stop by to wet their feet. While others jump in and allow Him to immerse them completely. 

In the scripture below Jesus shares that we must be born out of water and spirit. 

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. John 3:5

So let’s not drown in the facts, and let’s try to simplify this if not in my mind alone. When our bodies lack this precious life source within approximately 3 days. Our lips become dry, our skin loses its color, our major organs will begin to shut down and our body's life as we know it could end. 

Lack of living water to the soul. The soul will begin by hiding. Sadness and darkness will consume its very existence. This drought will choke out the possibility of quenching its thirst and soon it will wither and be lost for eternity!!! 

Our souls are drawn to this “Living Water” by His love, His beauty, and His grace. It fills our hearts to the point we crave Him because our souls inordinately desires Him. It knows that it’s the only chance of surviving. It knows it is the only way to grow into a beautiful existence with the one who gives us life on all levels... Its our souls goal to one day return to its life source. It’s amazing how intricate and beautifully designed we all are. He is such a mastermind. He gives life. He gives us the freedom to live it. But He planted a desire in our souls to return to Him. It's much like a migration of the soul. And that my friend is an amazing love story. 

It’s Him, It’s always Him! 

And I am always thirsty for more!! 

Genesis 1:1-3 “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. 

Revelation 14:7 Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all the springs of water.”

Genesis 1:7 “So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so.”

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Inspiring music from Youtube 

Kelly - Psalm 42 (Live)

 If there are two persons praying, there are three. If three meet to pray, there are four praying. There is always one more than you can see. - S.D. Gordon...

The body is an external dwelling that reveals a person's status and lifestyle.

God created the body as a tabernacle for our spirit/soul to assist each of us in our quest to fulfill the full measure of our creation. Our bodies allow each of us to experience His great plan for our lives. 

When we think of our bodies do we see the miracles each of us possesses? Our first miracle is at conception… Our bodies are indeed a wondrous miracle of creation.

The vastness of the multitude of these creations can boggle the mind .. Each one of us is given the basic equipment but all have different colors, different genders, different faces, unique in every way… How does He do it??? 

But when we examine this marvel we must ask why? What is the purpose of this outer casing we show the world?? We all know that this body is only a temporary state..

However, our soul and spirit are eternal… 

We know so little about our spiritual existence… But we are told if we believe in Christ we will be with Him for eternity… wait what ???! Until the end of time… time as we know it….may not exist in the spiritual world... 

Our body was given to us as a Temporary Temple thus giving our soul a place to reside, a place to call home. This is where our soul has the ability to learn and grow… and experience life on earth… I believe that our soul silently muddles through life following our mind in search for something … It’s purpose?? 

But there is a day that will come… a day that is reserved for that soul alone. It’s a day when everything you have experienced will begin to make perfect sense… 

It is the day we are touched by our Heavenly Creator… That is when the soul becomes alive… Our soul will feel His brilliant love!!! There is nothing on this planet that can compare… Our soul will be drawn to Him like a bee to sweet nectar.. and the soul will rekindle a LOVE for Him in return !!! Because the soul has now found their purpose!!  Their true LOVE … Their Creator … the soul realizes without Him … life of any kind would not be possible !!!  There is an unspoken bond between our Soul and the Spirit of our Holy God!!! 

Take care of your temporary body… but nurture and care for your soul… Your soul holds the golden ticket to paradise!!!  

It’s with Him… it will always be Him!!

The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit, he gave us. 1 John 3:24

Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull

Sinners Prayer 

Inspiring Music by (youtube) 

Hillsong - Spirit lead me (Lyrics)

Become the person you were meant to be, light your inner fire and follow your heart’s desire. Leon Brown… 

Meaning of stoke .. add coal or other solid fuel to (a fire, furnace, boiler, etc.).

The word stoke is only used one time in the Bible. 

It's 3 am and I can not sleep… as I close my eyes and begin to pray the word stoke nudged my mind and stirred the smoldering fire within… 

What sets our souls on fire? What is this pull God has placed within my soul to chase this greater existence? This greater peace?  This greater LOVE… 

Has this kindling been placed in our souls before birth… Does it sit dormant just waiting for that golden opportunity? That date with destiny, when our Heavenly Father has preordained the exact moment-in-time of when He will remind us of who we are… and how our story began… ??

We are all His children … When He created us He placed His seal of ownership on our heads. And sprinkled His love into our hearts. He lovingly kissed our tender souls…And then gently placed us in our mother's womb… 

I believe this precious kindling sits waiting in silence… Waiting like combustible atoms of light! All waiting for God to unlock and ignite the fire of heaven's light.

This is what I consider the rebirth of the soul. Many call it an awakening… However, I find it odd that there are those that claim an awakening of the spirit … and they may find many gifts!!  However, they miss the most important ingredient, the reason, the main event… and our true purpose... 

Even when it's our Heavenly Father’s very breath that has stirred up that primal craving to search for more… Some still do not get it ...It is sad that many do not cherish this gift or for that matter even acknowledge where it came from. 

He gently blows His heavenly breath into our smoldering souls… the fire within our hearts begins to spark and the flutter of new life can be felt. He lovingly stokes the coals with such care and He sings a love song that resonates with the most intimate places in our souls. His love is the purest love that we could ever be blessed to feel. 

The coals react with the oxygen in the air and the glowing red heat turns into a flame. This fire can be equated to birth and resurrection… 

This portion of His heavenly love has had our name on it since the beginning of time. 

The power of this love is beyond our human understanding. It is a beautiful process of reconnecting with our Creator… Our mission in this life is to find our way Home so we can reunite with our first love. 

It is our destiny to fall madly in love with the greatest soul that I have ever grown to know… 

It's Him, it will always be Him. 

Breathe on me…  your sweet breath of LOVE🔥it contains enough octane to blow the human mind… He is the eternal breath of life… 

The Spirit of God hath made me, And the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. Job 33:4 KJV

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God John 3:5 

I love how He inspires my soul… 

Photography, Art & Written by Lori Garner  

“For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world.

John 6:33-35

 The meaning of hunger: have a strong desire or craving for

The word hunger is in the Bible approximately 75 times.

Hunger such an appropriate word especially when Thanksgiving is only a few days away. Many of us are searching for those recipes that bring back memories of old. We began to make a shopping list and discussing our headcount. Unfortunately, the CDC has tried to help with those decisions this year. Many of us are mad, some of us are disheartened… Some of us are so disillusioned with life itself.  

My heart is heavy for those who have lost sight or their way.

Have you ever found yourself standing in front of the refrigerator with a blank stare saying I don’t know what I feel like eating ?? Many of us have that same look as we cover our faces to protect ourselves from harm. 

As difficult as things may seem. I must admit, there is a hunger, that I have found difficult to quench. But there is good news. There is no mask required. There are no limits on how many can come.  Actually, the more the merrier. As you find this hunger you will find your purpose. You will find peace. You will find a love like nothing you have ever experienced.  

It’s a hunger that will change every aspect of your life. It’s a hunger of the soul. 

If you let this hunger be your guide you will be filled with joy and happiness that will radiate from within.  You will be a part of a private party with one of the most incredible souls we could ever grow to know.  His presentation is beyond words. The place setting is pure white and beautifully accented with gold. He adorns the table with amazing flowers that He lovingly created.  The room will be filled with the aroma of love. The room will have a warm glow coming from His amazing light.  

Oh my… Why don’t we crave Him? He is the LIFE….of the party and all of our dreams.  No one can stop His love. 

It's Him, It's always Him.

I for one am thankful for my family, my friends, and for the hunger, He has placed within my soul. He WOWs me!

Table for 2 this way…. 

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 6:35

Photography Design & Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV  / Sinner's Prayer

Music from Youtube

Fall Afresh - Amanda Cook | Bethel Music Worship

"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." James 1:6

Meaning of storm, a violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, thunder, lightning, or snow. A tumultuous reaction; an uproar or controversy: 
Move angrily or forcefully in a specified direction:

The word storm is in the Bible in 119 

Storms can come when we least expect them.  Many can come with complete knowledge allowing you to prepare for the worst... When I think of storms I think of Florida where in my lifetime I have weathered many violent storms. 

As I think about these storms, I have witnessed the devastation they can cause on life and property. In life, there are storms we face that rage within. 

Let’s look at the storms of life that we feel in our soul… It starts with a distant rumble. We can see grey clouds moving swiftly across the sky… Lighting crashing and bolts of light furiously light the dark sky. The winds pick up speed… And we hear the sounds of the rumbling get closer and closer … Everything in its path is showing signs of being battered and worn…  

The human soul will hide in fear thinking that it will not be able to stand the violence felt. But when our soul retreats and goes deep. Something amazing happens we find God's gift. He instilled a resilience and a hunger for life in each life He has created... as soon we find Him there these storms lose their strength and soon die. And our soul finds a strength we did not even realize existed. It’s at these times we began to understand the beauty of our Heavenly Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

He is our rock, our anchor, our Savior. Find Rest in Him when you face any storm life may throw your way. Get anchored and Feel Him in your soul….  

Its Him, It's always Him.

And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. Matthew 8:24

Written by Lori Garner

Bible Verses From KJV, Easy  / Sinners prayer 

Photo by Johannes Plenio from Pexels

Inspiring Music: Casting Crowns - Praise You In This Storm (Official Lyric Video)