He came as a witness to testify concerning that light so that through him all might believe. John1:1:15
In the King James Bible, the third best-selling translation, the word "light" appears a total of 235 times.
Light” in the Bible can be a metaphor for life, happiness, righteousness, or understanding. The Bible is clear that light comes from the Lord God, the “Father of the heavenly lights”
You can see Him in the beauty of the sky. You can see Him in the trees that reach for the heavens. You can feel Him in the warm summer breeze that brushes upon your skin. You can hear Him in the sweet melody of a song. You can smell Him in the crispness of the winter air. You can taste Him in the sweetness of life you witness unfolding before your eyes ...His light will engulf your senses and guide you on the most amazing spiritual journey you can ever experience.
We are all seeking a brighter existence. Our souls crave it. Our hearts long for it. We are seeking a deep peace in our souls. We are seeking absolute acceptance, and deep love in our hearts. When we are blessed by His gift of light. He will ignite a burning fire in your soul. Allowing His light to illuminate within you. You will be pulled closer to his majestic presence and his light will shine through you lighting the path for others.
I pray that his children unite and boldly spill His light upon the darkest corners of the earth. Oh, how I LOVE the light, Be the light! Unite! For I am a child of the light.
It's Him, It's always Him.
“Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.”John 12:36 NIV
“Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark but will have the Light which is Life.”
John 8:12 AMPC
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 AMPC
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravening wolves. MATTHEW 7:15
There are 54 verses about false teachings.
Meaning of false: not true or correct; erroneous: a false statement. uttering or declaring what is untrue: a false witness.
Ok so just WOW… Are any of you feeling like me, on information overload?? There is so much information these days. So many things affecting our peace of mind and daily sleep patterns. No matter where I turn, tv, newspapers, and the web we are on information overload. Yes, we are living in a world of crisis and unprecedented times. Yes, we have a global issue of epic proportions??? It’s called Covid19!! Yes, the president seems to be giving us daily updates? And new stats at every turn. When I am in information overload, I tune out and TUNE IN so I can catch my breath. I reach for my Bible and try to dive into the word and escape with Jesus. This alone time is where I can regain my sanity. One story leads to another and before you know it, I am in a prayer conversation with the one who gives me peace of mind and soothes my soul ...
I always share with him what is in mind on my heart. So, Today I asked why are there so many people believing everything they hear and see??? It’s very disconcerting?? So many are in panic mode?? When we see the word pandemic in the news? Do we review it with all the sources available? Do we cross-reference the subject to a comfortable level and come to a conclusion for ourselves and our families? I would hope the answer is yes. But what jumps out at me at every turn are the ones that continue to share their thoughts about the end of the world? Rumors of war and end times? Just how do we understand and sift through the glut of so many diverse facts and opinions? Everyone has their take on what is happening? Many state God has spoken to them? About Politics, Conspiracies, Chemical (germ)warfare! Etc.… They even back it up with scriptures mostly in the book of revelations? We even have many people that have nothing more than an opinion "LIVE" on Facebook to enlighten us further? I feel my head is spinning as we speak and it's not from Covid19...
I am of the opinion this is what drives many to panic mode? I am by no means claiming to be an expert. And LOVE God for giving us insight to our future. But I do know that when I feel a tug in my heart and an unsettling feeling in my soul. I MUST turn to God and our Savior for answers. I know they will gently walk me through scriptures and speak to my soul. Thus, helping me get a comfort level if the statements are TRUE or FALSE. I began to question, are the news commentaries and articles written lining up with GOD’s word and teachings? They must align with ALL of his teachings, not just one chapter or not just one scripture or not one word. When taken out of contents I feel they can be used to misguided our hearts. I feel that when it aligns with God's word is when the truth will resonate deep within your soul. So, I urge you to watch, listen, and read everything. Sift the subject through God’s hands, and his word, let him speak to your soul and help you sift out false rumors before reacting to anything we see and hear. We do need to stay informed to the best of our ability while staying grounded in Christ to make the very best decision possible as we travel through this life crisis. Do not be led into panic mode by false teachings. Be diligent in the discovery of facts and pray, pray a lot, have that conversation with God. Conduct your life with your discerning soul. May peace replace panic. May love replace hate, and may we get through this thing we call life together. ✌️✝🌎When you feel you are in overload mode. Tune out and TUNE IN to God's Word, and... Just Breathe!
“Also, at that time, many people will say that they are prophets from God. Their message is false, but many people will believe them.”
Matthew 24:11
“But [on the other hand] the one who prophesies speaks to people for edification [to promote their spiritual growth] and [speaks words of] encouragement [to uphold and advise them concerning the matters of God] and [speaks words of] consolation [to compassionately comfort them].”1 Corinthians 14:3 AMP
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 2 Timothy 4:3
Beloved, do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
"God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer." Mother Teresa
In the King James version the word - pray - appears 313 times.
The meaning of prayer: a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship:
Prayer? What’s that? I don’t have the time? When do we pray? To who do we pray? Am I doing right? Is God listening? Will my prayers be answered? When looking back at my life I have prayed more in the last 23 months than I have prayed in my entire lifetime. Like most of us, I prayed when I had a life situation that I could not handle... an illness of a loved one, a test, a hospital stay, a doctor appointment. Etc. However, so many things have changed in the last few months. This includes my prayer life. During this time my prayers have evolved into the most amazing heart-opening conversations with the most beautiful Souls I have ever encounter. My Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. My doubts and questions have been answered one by one. Prayer is the most amazing time of every day. It is alone time with one or all of the Triune. There is always time to pray because of the Omnipresence of God he hears you no matter where or what time it is. Isn’t that a beautiful thing! His ears and heart are open 365 days a year! Anytime day or night! When I questioned to whom should I pray? I am so confused? The Father? The Son? The Holy Spirit? I will share something beautiful that transpired during these months. In my prayer, to God, I told him I could not call him Father it was way to formal because we were in communication so often and Father seemed so formal? Some may think that it is a little odd. But it is what brought a unique closeness. So that day with his help I started calling him LOVE. Because that is what I think of when I think of Him. Roll forward about 5 months and it was soon to be Easter and I felt like I was leaving 2 very important souls out ?? That is when my name for the Father (LOVE) turned in LOVEs. Since that day my prayers are directed to the Trinity. So, when I am asked to whom you pray. The answer is simple I pray to My LOVEs ... they are my Three in ONE. The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. The question for many becomes, Am I doing it right? I believe there is no wrong or right. You just need to take the time and speak to them from your heart. Are they listening? Of course, they are! There are times we feel God is not listening. But truly he is always listening and always in control. We may not get what we pray for? We do not know what’s ahead. However, if we seek him and hold on to him with everything we have. He will see us through all the times ahead the good as well as the challenges. Here are a few things that have impacted my prayer life I hope sharing it blesses at least one soul.
1. Spend time building a relationship with them. (Triune)
2. Listen to music that moves your soul when you pray. It will turn prayers that are robotic and flat to many passionate loves filled conversations. (earbuds recommended)
3. Document your conversations. It is amazing to look back and see how your faith has grown.
4. Ask them what you can do for them. It's not always a take situation.
5. Relax and just love them but be ready to be loved back.
6.Show gratitude
Praying can be the most heartwarming, soul searching, gift we can ever give and receive. Don't let those prayers be left unsaid! Well, all this talk of prayer is planting a desire for me to close my eyes and escape for a while. Bye till next time! 🙏🏻
“One day, Jesus was praying in a certain place. He finished praying. Then, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Master, John taught his disciples how to pray. Please teach us as he did.’” Luke 11:1 EASY
Meaning of Balance: an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady:
As our world seems to be spinning out of control. Most of us are helplessly staying locked up in our homes as we watch the details of the coronavirus play havoc with our, health, our finances, our sanity? My fragmented thoughts drifted to the word balance. And how the scales are shifting with every new moment that ticks by? How do we cope in the days and challenges ahead?? How do we bring our individual world into some type of order and balance ... When my thoughts drifted to the word balance? I immediately thought of a game I play with my granddaughter. We stand arms stretched out from our shoulders, we lift one foot 3 or 4 inches from the floor and hold it as long as we can. A great test of balance and a true challenge between generations. lol. We normally can hold that position for approximately 1-3 minutes. I do believe this is a good example of how many of us relate to God. We try to balance life, health, and love on our own? We struggle and think we can do it without God’s help, a least for a little while. But eventually, we will lose our balance and touch the ground and lose and or possibly take a major fall. So, I ask myself how can we avoid this?? And again, my heart always brings me to realize it’s Him!! He is always the answer 😁. However, this word unveiled a bit more information... He is our assurance, He is our lifeline, He is our love... But in order to bring all the elements that affect our life, into a beautiful stable balance. He MUST be in the center of your heart, then even if the scales tip as our life challenges arise. He will be there to hold you while you work through any situation. He will love you with a Love that will fill your every need. He will bring a balance to every facet of your Life!! Run to Him, make him the center of your heart, and ultimately the core of your life. It’s His promise of LOVE that will stabilize your world.
Tip the scales in your favor!
We should be balanced by loving God and enjoying earthly blessings while not putting any hope in them. Timothy 6:17.
For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
Photography, Design & Written by Lori Garner
Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull
Bible Verses From (KJV) Sinner's Prayer
Inspiring Music: YouTube
Listen To Our Hearts - Casting Crowns - with Lyrics
A gentle answer turns away wrath. But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
There is 17 scripture that references the word answer.
The meaning of answer: a thing said, written, or done to deal with or as a reaction to a question, statement, or situation:
The word answer can cause us to pause when we are searching for solutions or just reasons for things that happen in our daily lives. In our present fractured world and with events that seem to change faster than we can even comprehend.
Like millions across the world, many of us have asked Google, Suri, or have searched on our computer in hopes that our choice of electronics would point us in some kind of direction. We are starving for a few moments of sanity, hope, and peace and are searching for answers to what seems to be a bad dream. I am guilty as well, we have such a vast amount of information right at our fingertips. However, while in my search I am so disheartened by the things I see?? I see so many references about the demise of our world.
The END. Yes, it is written. The Bible is full of clues. Tribulations Wars, Earthquakes, Floods, Pandemics.? These subjects are scary? I must admit I have not read revelations in its entirety? But as I began to question how could this be? My Heavenly Father is the very essence of the greatness LOVE we will ever know? That is who he is! How could the Bible have such a dark chapter and it not contain His Love?? This boggled my mind?? So, I started to look for answers. And guess what??? I found it!!
There is Love in revelations. But it seems many people share the bleakness of our future! And they do not seem to mention who God LOVED and adored the most! It’s His Beautiful Son Jesus. His power and Love spills out on the pages in revelations as well. I do agree we need to understand the full picture and yes there will be trials, most likely of epic proportions.
We are living through one right now it’s called COVID-19, And unless you are under a rock you are fully aware of our situation. However, in my quest for answers, I did find LOVE smack the middle of revelations. It’s Him it is always Him. He is our Savior, He is our Prince of Peace, He is the Greatest LOVE story we will ever know...
So please don’t panic, open your Bible or Bible app, get on your knees, and just LOVE Him ❤ your life is in His hands and our future is with Him. Let Him point us in the direction we should go. His LOVE Frequency will never have a blackout!! So, plugin and get that fire burning in our hearts ✝🔥❤.
May God, Jesus, and The Holy Spirit live in heart of God's people today! Stay Safe.
Answer =
it’s Him, it’s always Him 😍
“But anyone who tells messages from God is speaking to other people. That person is helping other people to understand more so that they become stronger. Also, he is helping people to be more sure and happier. He is helping them to be without trouble in their minds.”
1 Corinthians 14:3 EASY
“And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb (Christ), each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of fragrant incense, which are the prayers of the saints (God’s people).”
Revelation 5:8 AMP
“Then I looked, and this is what I saw: The Lamb stood [firmly established] on Mount Zion and with Him a hundred and forty-four thousand who had His name and His Father’s name inscribed on their foreheads [signifying God’s own possession]. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of great waters and like the rumbling of mighty thunder; and the voice that I heard [seemed like music and] was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne [of God] and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased (ransomed, redeemed) from the earth.” Revelation 14:1-3 AMP
“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen” (Rev. 22:21).
'Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.' Jeremiah 3:33
Meaning of cry shed tears, typically as an expression of distress, pain, or sorrow: weep
The word cry hits home in these turbulent times that we presently are facing. From one day to the next our world has made a dramatic change??? How did things get so terrible so fast?? This is a serious time, but if truth be told it has been unfolding for a long while. It is bringing many of us through a full range of emotions. And we find ourselves with many unanswered questions?? How can we survive? What can we do? Are we at the mercy of our government to make global decisions? We have little to no control? However, we must look to mitigate the things that we can control. We ALL must be vigilant in taking all personal and necessary actions of containing and not spreading this vicious virus. It brings darkness and anxiety that can consume our very existence. When I think of My Family, My Friends, and Our World? I have been brought to tears by the uncertainty of life and the days ahead. I find those moments are heartfelt but fleeting... Ever since that pivotal moment in time when I was introduced to an amazing solution to any situation. I now do not allow any issue to play havoc with my heart and soul ... When and if I feel a hint of darkness. I immediately call upon My Savior, My Hero, My God, My LOVEs...There is where I feed my soul. Although I may not get an immediate remedy. My perspective will change as I get close His illuminating light, or dive into His word... That is where I find HOPE! That is when the darkness will lift, and light will shine brighter from within... My tears turn from sadness to tears of worship. Tears of worship can bring miracles and cleanse our souls. That is where our strength can be found. That is where our peace can be felt. That is where the healing begins. It’s in His Love for His Children! That is, you and me ... Search for Him, Find Him, Love Him ... as much as He loves you...!! He has loved you from the beginning of time and has promised to Love you to the end. Then I smiled because I remembered that He has also promised us that we would be with him for eternity. And that is a promise we all must raise our hands and say I am here count me in...
Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” NLT.
The Lord gifted the birds to sing a lovely melody to Him early in the morning.(Psalm 147:7)
Music is a subject that is near and dear to my heart. However, I must confess I enjoyed music as a child but as an adult, I did not possess a large collection of music.I did not have a particular genre or artist that I liked. I do not play an instrument, nor do I sing for public ears to hear... (lol). However, God's plan for me changed so many things in my life including a new-found love of music... Like many of us, I rely on talented men and women to bring the tune, melodies, and lyrics to life. However, I DO believe that Music is a gift from heaven. My story started when a friend introduced me to her songs where I heard and felt a stirring in my soul of spiritual nature. As she faded from my life ... And with each passing day, my focus became clear, and God began to gently guide me to songs that spoke to my heart and soul delivering thought-provoking messages. I felt a love that I had never experienced before, and this LOVE began to grow... It seems that the music and lyrics began to fuel a spark for God that laid dormant in my heart and soul for a very long time. And that spark became a fire and my relationship with God became alive. Several months ago, my new found loves merged and that blew my soul wide open. That day like many days before I had been listening to a song on my iPhone’s earbuds while writing in my note app.
When suddenly from nowhere my writing began to be my prayer to my Heavenly Father... Then with the music playing something magical happened. I found my communication with God became alive with a passion I did not even know existed. My prayers were no longer flat and robotic. or as I describe them “grey” they were full of vibrant colors and held a love for God that has grown to a beautiful mutual love and understanding. My prayers are no longer prayers, but indeed they have become conversations. Since that day I have continued to listen to music and write my communication (prayers) with him. I now have over 290+ songs that I have downloaded most within the last 22 months ... To continue my quest for knowledge about the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit. And from the gentle nudging of a dear friend, four weeks ago I finally started to open the Bible. And to my excitement and surprise, I found music engrained and travels throughout the pages of the Bible ... Did you know there are over 1150 verses in the Bible that reference a form of the following words, which may be related to music: music. melody. song. hymn. instrument. sound.
As a gift to yourself, I challenge you to try praying to music that moves your soul. You may never be the same. (earbuds and writing your conversations with God is fully recommended) ❤.
“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” Ephesians 5:19 KJV
'I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.' Psalms 104:33
'Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.'
Photography & Written by Lori Garner
Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull
Bible Verses From (KJV) Sinner's Prayer
Inspiring Music - YouTube Video
The word hope is mentioned 129 times 121 verses in the Bible
In Scripture, according to the Hebrew and Greek words translated by the word “hope” and according to biblical usage, hope is an indication of certainty. “Hope” in Scripture means “a strong and confident expectation.”
Hope is an amazing human resiliency that can manifest itself in the bleakest situation. Hope can soothe the smallest of uncertainties, to the largest of despairs. It can bring peace to your soul and love to your heart. But where does it come from? How do we achieve HOPE when we have our lives changing so rapidly?? So many unsettling questions. Hope is a complicated word? Is it attainable by just exercising a positive attitude? I do not want to diminish the fact of having a positive attitude can reduce stress and anxiety. But I have found the very nature of Hope is a looking forward attitude and does not live in the present action of positivity. However, when we further examining the word HOPE there seems to a secret sauce that seems to be present in HOPE. It’s built on our Faith, where an optimistic state of mind produces a peace that can be felt in our soul. When we reach any level of Hope we can feel the burden lifted, the darkness and uncertainties dissipate, and a view of the future possibilities seem to be attainable. So, what is it? How do we attain this Hope? What is this secret sauce? Well, I did mention we must have faith. But faith in what or whom?? If we are seeing Hope as a future possibility the only answer is its Him.
I Love that it is always Him. He is the only one that knows his children, their immediate needs, and understands what it will take to pursue and attain our future existence. As you see the secret sauce is truly not a secret, he has promised us a future. So how do we partake in this beautiful magical gift? It truly is pretty simplistic. and spelled out several times in the Bible.
Luke 10:27 - And he is answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.
I can only pray that this word study has pointed you to seek Hope and embrace a future free of burdens or darkness. It’s time to gather, exercise Faith, and place our HOPE in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Our future depends on them! 1x1x1 = Him
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes: but its leaf will be green and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8.
Proverbs 24:14 Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
Photography & Written by Lori Garner
Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull
Bible Verses From (KJV) - Sinner's Prayer Inspiring Music: YouTube Video
The meaning of defender: a person who defends someone or something:protector. There are 28 verses about Defender in the Bible.
Who do we run to when we feel hurt, violated or scared?? As children our parents offer that place of safety, where we find comfort and hide if necessary, from life’s boo boos ... Like most parents, you will become that protector or defender that will fight every battle thrown before your child. However, where do we turn for ourselves, when we need someone to help us through a difficult life trial?
I have been blessed by God to have amazing family and friends to support and love me through anything life has thrown at me. They have loved, protected and defended me. Even when I have not been aware that I needed it. So, what about God where was he?? He is the great defender? He is our protector? Our comforter? How does he do these things? Here are my thoughts to these questions. YES, He is all those things and Yes, he answers our prayers and fulfills our needs.
You see he is not boastful or proud. He allows others to move in our lives doing his work under his direction. You may not realize it was Him that hugged you as your mother placed her arms around you. Or when your father gently kissed your cheek. Or when your friend or your significant other held your hand or wiped a tear. You saw the physical person ... But it was God moving in your life. He is the greatest orchestrator of people and knows who you need in your life at any given time. So, the next time you see someone come to your aid? Look them in the eye and let your soul quietly ask “Is it you? “and in the stillness of your heart you will hear his voice whisper, “Do not fear, for I am with you” And you feel his peace and his love deep in your soul.
"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10
“It will become a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the LORD because of oppressors, and He will send them a Savior, a [Great] Defender, and He will rescue them.”Isaiah 19:20 AMP
Photography & Written by Lori Garner
Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull
Bible Verses From (KJV) - Sinner's Prayer Inspiring Music: YouTube Video
The word strength and its derivatives are mentioned over 360 times in the Bible, applying to both natural and supernatural strength.
Strength; the quality or state of being physically strong: puniness, the capacity of an object or substance to withstand great force or pressure:
Are we strong? Or do we crumble when put through a life event? Sometimes the strongest people have a raging war inside that cannot even be detected ... We all have weaknesses we wrestle with??? However, when we are put to the test is when our true character can be seen. Is it a personal issue? Relationship issues? Is it a family issue? A medical issue? Or is it how to cope with life and its uncertainties? Just turn on the news?? Life can be scary! We all have had moments when we become vulnerable, raw, and insecure!! After all, we are Human!! The questions become, where do we go? To whom do we turn?? Will we rise above those doubts? Will we rise above those fears?? Do you search for that inner strength? Deep down there is a still small voice that can guide your heart. There is a flame 🔥 that flickers within your soul... There is a presence other than your own that can give you the strength to endure things you never thought possible... It’s Him. It’s always Him ... I am here, can you feel my power? Can you feel my strength? Can you feel my love?? Just open your heart I will hold you, I will fill your every need! Listen to my whisper “Come my beloved Let’s do this !!” I am with you let me be your strength. lean on me!! Find peace in my arms!! Show the world your strength and let’s do life!! I am with you always!! I love you!! Thank you LOVEs you are beyond words...
“God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.” 2 Samuel 22:33
"Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God
you have an everlasting rock."Isaiah 26: 3-4
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."John 14:27
“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.” Helen Keller
Photography & Written by Lori Garner
Bible Collaboration - Joann Turnbull
Bible Verses From (KJV) - Sinner's Prayer Inspiring Music: YouTube Video
You Are My Strength by Hillsong With Lyrics Worship Video
