God's LIGHT: Energy, Power Might, Strength, Riches

God's LIGHT revolves around the concept of Grace, which is central to His nature and His relationship with the new humanity.

"But to each one of us Grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift." Ephesians 4:7

Grace, as depicted in the Bible, is the manifestation of God's will, wisdom, favor, energy, might, power, strength, abundance, and riches.

"to the praise of the glory of His Grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6

Grace is freely given to all who believe in Jesus Christ, the embodiment of Grace and Truth.

"And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of Grace and truth. For of His fullness we have all received, and Grace upon Grace. For the Law was given through Moses; Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ." John 1:14, 16-17

God's Grace is freely bestowed upon humanity as a gift, not earned through works or merit.

"Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of Grace, so that we may receive mercy and find Grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Grace is given in abundance, surpassing any human understanding or expectation.

"But He gives a greater Grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives Grace to the humble.” James 4:6

Through Grace, believers receive strength and power, especially in times of weakness or adversity. God's Grace empowers us to overcome challenges and persevere in faith.

Grace is received by those who approach God with humility and confidence, recognizing our need for His mercy and assistance.

"Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31

Grace facilitates inner strength, transformation, and renewal, leading to the growth and strengthening of the inner being.

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;" 2 Corinthians 4:7

Grace enables us to be established IN CHRIST and anointed by God's Spirit. Being IN CHRIST means we live and abide IN the Heart of God, in HIS TRUTH, illuminated by His LIGHT.

"and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might." Ephesians 1:19

God's Grace operates beyond human limitations, abundantly providing for the needs of His people and surpassing all our expectations.

"Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!" 2 Corinthians 12:7

Grace allows us to experience the fullness of God's love and power, enabling us to live in alignment with His Kingdom.

"so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His Grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:7

Grace is a tangible expression of the Kingdom of God, indicating its presence and influence in the lives of surrendered followers.

"For by Grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

Grace empowers SAINTS to participate in God's work, including the casting out of demons and the advancement of His kingdom on earth.

"And He has said to me, “My Grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

God's KINGDOM Living is characterized by the abundant outpouring of His Grace, which enables believers to experience His strength, transformation, and abundant provision, ultimately manifesting His kingdom in our lives and the world.

"And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of Grace and truth." John 1:14

Please soak on the following Scriptures before venturing into the next section:

"But by the Grace of God I am what I am, and His Grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of us, yet not I, but the Grace of God with me." 1 Corinthians 15:10

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

"being justified as a gift by His Grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;"
Romans 3:24

"But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the Grace of God and the gift by the Grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many." Romans 5:15

"The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the Grace of God was upon Him." Luke 2:40

"Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16

"Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God," 2 Corinthians 1:21

"that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man," Ephesians 3:16

"But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." Matthew 12:28

ONE with God’s Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit, as depicted in the Bible, embodies God's presence and guidance in the lives of believers, facilitating our spiritual growth and empowerment.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." John 14:26

Understanding God's laws, principles, values, and way of being regarding the Holy Spirit reveals His divine purpose and role in the lives of humanity.

"Peter said to us, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the FORGIVENESS of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38

The Holy Spirit serves as our Helper and Teacher, guiding us into truth and reminding us of Jesus' teachings.

"If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be IN YOU." John 14:14-17

Through the Spirit's presence, we receive divine wisdom and understanding.

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" John 14:15

Believers are temples of the Holy Spirit, signifying His intimate dwelling within us.

"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come." John 16:13

God’s presence emphasizes the sanctity and consecration of our bodies as vessels for God's Spirit.

Love for Jesus is Demonstrated through Obedience

"And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." Acts 13:52

The Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who love Jesus, enabling us to live according to His will and purpose.

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." 2 Corinthians 3:17

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. The Holy Spirit brings freedom from bondage and enables believers to live by God's principles, free from the constraints of sin and worldly influence.

"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit," Jude 1:20

Believers experience joy and empowerment through the Holy Spirit's presence. The Spirit fills us with joy, strength, and spiritual gifts, enabling us to live victoriously and fulfill our calling.

"For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." Romans 8:14

Praying in the Holy Spirit builds us up in our faith, allowing us to communicate with God in a deeper, more intimate manner. The Spirit intercedes on our behalf, aligning our prayers with God's will.

"Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16

Those led by the Spirit of God are recognized as sons of God, indicating our adoption into God's family and our conformity to His likeness.

"(for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), " Ephesians 5:9

The Spirit transforms us from within, enabling us to worship in spirit and truth.

"The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart." Luke 6:45

The Holy Spirit produces good fruit in us, manifesting His presence through qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." Galatians 5:22-24

Understanding God's laws, principles, values, and way of being regarding the Holy Spirit reveals His desire for intimate fellowship with us, guiding us into truth, empowering us for ministry, and transforming us into vessels of His GLORY and Grace.

Healing IN CHRIST

Healing IN CHRIST is a central aspect of God's divine plan for humanity, encompassing FULL physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration.

"But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, believers have access to God's healing power, which is manifested in various ways.

"and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed." 1 Peter 2:24

Jesus bore our sins and sicknesses on the cross, providing spiritual and physical healing for all who believe in Him. Jesus, the Spirit of Truth heals us using God’s LIGHT, which is God’s LIFE.

"He heals the brokenhearted And binds up our wounds." Psalms 147:3

His wounds (TRUTH about the LIGHT) bring about healing and restoration, demonstrating God's love and mercy towards humanity.

"One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing." Luke 5:17

Jesus demonstrated authority over sickness and demons, showcasing His ability to heal all kinds of diseases and ailments. Because Jesus bestowed his healing upon us, He also taught us, showed us, and then empowered us to do the same. We are called to heal the sick, raise the dead, clean the lepers, and cast out demons.

"Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give." Matthew 10:8

We are empowered to continue Jesus' ministry of healing, praying for the sick, and expecting miraculous restoration through faith IN CHRIST.

"Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and immediately they *spoke to Jesus about her. And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she waited on us. When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed." Mark 1:30-32

Healing often accompanies faith and confession of sins. The healing comes through HIS LIGHT. We are encouraged to pray for one another, confess our sins, and believe in God's ability to restore and renew both body and soul by Grace working through HIS LOVE.

"And He called the twelve together, and gave us power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. And He sent us out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing." Luke 9:1-2

Jesus' healing ministry is marked by compassion and gentleness of HIS LIGHT and LOVE, reflecting God's heart for the broken and suffering.

"Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." James 5:14-16

We are called to restore others with a spirit of gentleness, helping each other find healing and wholeness IN CHRIST.

"Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases;" Psalms 103:3

Healing is facilitated through the power of God's Word and prayer. When we pray, God sends ministering Angels of His LIGHT.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalms 51:10

We are to speak God's promises of healing over ourselves and others, trusting in His faithfulness to fulfill His word in us and through us.

"And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing us." Mark 6:13

God's healing extends beyond physical ailments to the innermost being, bringing about TOTAL renewal and transformation of the heart and spirit.

"and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from our wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive our sin and will heal our land. " 2 Chronicles 7:14

God promises to give us a new heart and spirit within us, removing hardness and restoring sensitivity to His leading.

"And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing our faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.” And some of the scribes said to themselves, “This fellow blasphemes.” And Jesus knowing our thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then He *said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.” And he got up and went home. But when the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men." Matthew 9:2-8

Healing IN CHRIST encompasses the holistic restoration of body, soul, and spirit, demonstrating God's COMPLETE compassion, power, and desire for wholeness in His children.

"and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out," Luke 8:2

We are called to participate in this ministry of healing, trusting in God's promises, and proclaiming His love to a broken and hurting world.

"He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she got up and waited on Him. When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill." Matthew 8:16

Please soak on the following Scriptures before continuing to the next section:

"While the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought us to Him; and laying His hands on each one of us, He was healing us. Demons also were coming out of many, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But rebuking us, He would not allow us to speak, because they knew Him to be the Christ." Luke 4:40-41

"Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in our synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people." Matthew 4:23

"Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted." Galatians 6:1

"He sent His word and healed us, And delivered us from our destructions." Psalms 107:20

"Jesus *said to him, “I will come and heal him.” Matthew 8:7

"As for me, I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me; Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.” Psalms 41:4

"Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." Ezekiel 36:26

THE Greater Works of Jesus Christ (trials, tribulations, afflictions count it all joy)

The Greater Works of Jesus Christ encompasses a profound spiritual journey marked by trials, tribulations, and afflictions, all of which are transformed into opportunities for growth, healing, and spiritual maturation in Christ.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His Grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:3-6

Through God's laws, principles, and values, we are empowered to navigate LIFE's challenges with faith, perseverance, and joy.

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

We are intricately crafted by God for good works, predestined to walk in His divine plan and purpose. Every trial and tribulation is part of God's sovereign design to conform us to the image of Christ and bring glory to His name.

"All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified." Romans 8:28-30

Through faith in Jesus Christ, we become new creatures, reconciled to God, and entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation.

"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21

We are messengers of His LOVE called to be ambassadors for Christ, extending His LIGHT and Grace to a broken world.

"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation," 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

Amid affliction, God comforts us, providing solace and strength to endure.

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20

We are called to give thanks in all circumstances, trusting in God's faithfulness to heal and restore.

"To proclaim the favorable year of the L ord And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn," Isaiah 61:2

We are endowed with spiritual gifts and empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform greater works WITH Jesus Christ.

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials," James 1:2

We are called to preach the gospel, heal the sick, cast out demons, and proclaim the kingdom of God with boldness and authority.

"for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Philippians 2:13

God promises to heal and restore us, turning our mourning into joy and our wilderness into a garden of abundance.

"For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son," Colossians 1:13

We are invited to return to Jesus our Master, confessing our sins and receiving His abundant Grace and mercy by His promise and His Faithfulness.

"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." Romans 12:1

God's Grace abounds in every situation, transforming trials into opportunities for spiritual growth and maturity EVERY TIME.

"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all Grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." 1 Peter 5:10

We are called to trust in God's unfailing love and provision, knowing that He works all things together for our good.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

THE Greater Works of Jesus Christ encompasses a journey of faith marked by trials, tribulations, and afflictions, all of which serve as catalysts for spiritual growth, healing, and transformation in Christ.

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 1:2

Through God's Grace and power, we are equipped to overcome every obstacle and fulfill our divine purpose with joy and thanksgiving.

"For the Grace of God has appeared, bringing SALVATION to all men," Titus 2:11

Please enjoy soaking in the following Scriptures as God’s Word transforms you from the inside out, healing your entire MIND, BODY, SOUL, and SPIRIT in Jesus' name!

"For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under Grace." Romans 6:14

"And Stephen, full of Grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people." Acts 6:8

"in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your affliction.”" Mark 5:34

"See now that I, I am He, And there is no god besides Me; It is I who put to death and give LIFE. I have wounded and it is I who heal, And there is no one who can deliver from My hand." Deuteronomy 32:39

"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;" 2 Peter 1:2

"For the heart of this people has become dull, And with their ears they scarcely hear, A d they have closed their eyes; Otherwise they might see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I would heal them ." Acts 28:27

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills." 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

"For the heart of this people has become dull, With their ears they scarcely hear, And they have closed their eyes, Otherwise they would see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, And understand with their heart and return, And I would heal them.’ " Matthew 13:15

"He (Jesus) has blinded their eyes and He hardened their heart, so that they would not see with their eyes and perceive with their heart, and be converted and I heal them.” John 12:40

"Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness." Matthew 10:1

"Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere." Luke 9:6

"Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth." Jeremiah 33:6

"while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:30

"For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit." 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

"Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves." John 14:11

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it." John 14:12-14

"Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner." John 5:19

"For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel." John 5:20

"For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them LIFE, even so the Son also gives LIFE to whom He wishes." John 5:21

"and to have authority to cast out the demons." Mark 3:15

"and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ " Luke 10:9

"For momentary, LIGHT affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison," 2 Corinthians 4:17

"For He inflicts pain, and gives relief; He wounds, and His hands also heal." Job 5:18

"I will heal their apostasy, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from them." Hosea 14:4

“Return, O faithless sons, I will heal your faithlessness.” “Behold, we come to You; For You are the Lord our God." Jeremiah 3:22

"I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and to his mourners, Creating the praise of the lips. Peace, peace to him who is far and to him who is near,” Says the Lord, “and I will heal him.” Isaiah 57:18-19

"Come, let us return to the Lord. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us." Hosea 6:1

"For I will restore you to health And I will heal you of your wounds,’ declares the Lord, ‘Because they have called you an outcast, saying: “It is Zion; no one cares for her.’ " Jeremiah 30:17

"‘What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of “Grace, Grace to it!” ’ ”" Zechariah 4:7

"The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." 1 Thessalonians 5:28

"that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in SALVATION." Romans 10:9-10

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful." Colossians 3:15

"Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:1-11

"Indeed, the Lord will comfort Zion; He will comfort all her waste places. And her wilderness He will make like Eden, And her desert like the garden of the Lord ; Joy and gladness will be found in her, Thanksgiving and sound of a melody." Isaiah 51:3