Key Vocabulary

This key vocabulary list looks at the Biblical-theological and neuroscience terms used in the Nature Immersion: Creation Walk.

Addictive Process: An anxiety reaction begins the initial transfer of chemicals from neuron through axon to neuron, called feedback. If anxiety state continues at an elevated level, the brain adjusts to restore balance, by changing structure. In terms of alcohol addiction, the alcoholic drinks six beers. The ethyl alcohol metabolizes to dopamine and the result is the intoxicating feeling of euphoria. During the transfer of dopamine through axons, the tubes conducting the neural chemicals expand four to five times carrying the greater volume. The change in axon structure is called tolerance or habituation (May, 1988; Carnes, 2014). After chemical transfer, axon diameter decreases in size but not as small as the original. The axon is now larger in diameter and requires more dopamine to have the same euphoric feeling. The next time the alcoholic consumes six beers, she will need more ethyl alcohol to have the same soothing effects because the diameter of axons has increased. Since the axons have tolerated or changed in structure, more of the intoxicating substance or behavior is needed to have the same analgesic or pain reducing effect. If anxiety reaction continues, the brain achieves a state called adaptation (May, 1988). Brain cells transform in composition, personality alters, DNA changes. This addict state now depends on the substance or relationship which began the anxiety reaction whether chemicals, sex, erotic images, gambling, working, etc (May, 1988, Carnes, 2014). 

Adaptation: When axons tolerate or change in structure, more of the intoxicating substance or behavior is needed to have the same analgesic or pain reducing effect. If anxiety reaction continues, the brain achieves a state called adaptation (May, 1988). Brain cells transform in composition, personality alters, DNA changes. This addict state now depends on the substance or relationship which began the anxiety reaction whether chemicals, sex, gambling, working, etc (May, 1988, Carnes, 2014). 

Anxiety State: There are four anxiety states in the human body. 1-Homeostasis is a balanced state of awareness, The Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) is online with spiritual connection. 2-Striated muscle anxiety is a lower anxiety state in which hands and fingers move, eyes blink, facial muscles respond to emotion. This state means the brain is capable to process, be intimate. 3-Smooth muscle anxiety is an anxiety state in which deeper muscles are effected and the body seems stiffer. A person sits without expression or facial muscle movement. The subtle facial reactions of smiling, blinking, itching disappear. The brain is disabling and not able to process content in a compassionate, reasonable, aware state. 4-Cognitive perceptual distortion is a disabled state in which the mind cannot process information and in fact may distort input. Words can be misinterpreted, conspiracy thinking presents, sight and sound altered.

Association and Dissociation: Association is a regulated brain state in which the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is engaged/online with awareness, intimacy, compassion, and reason. This state can be termed, spirituality activated. Dissociation on the other hand is a dysregulated brain state in which the preftontal cortex (PFC) is disengaged/offline. The white matter wires connecting the hemispheres begin separation due to elevated anxiety with loss of blood flow to the PFC. This produces a dissociative brain state in which people, places, things, sights, sounds, smells may not be associated. The dissociative brain is now “unaware” and cannot be intimate. This spiritual state is deactivated or offline.

Cognitive Perceptual Disruption: Cognitive perceptual disruption refers to a disturbance or alteration in the way an individual processes thoughts, perceptions, and sensory information. This can manifest as difficulties in understanding, interpreting, or responding to stimuli from the environment. Such disruptions may affect attention, memory, decision-making, and overall cognitive function, leading to challenges in navigating daily activities and interactions. This phenomenon is caused by various factors, including stress, anxiety, fatigue, or neurological conditions, impacting how one perceives the God of our understanding and engagement with the world around them.

Communion: The final act of the Nature Immersion Creation Walk is communion. The Greek term for communion, eucharist, means “giving thanks”. Sharing the cup and the bread of Christ gratefully celebrates the redemption of humankind from sin to intimacy with God through Christ by His Spirit.

Creation: The natural order of beings formed by the intentional will of a compassionate Creator God. Creation by God refers to the divine act of bringing the universe and all its beings into existence. It encompasses the intentional and compassionate will of God, who forms and shapes beings with purpose and meaning. According to theological beliefs, God’s creation is often viewed as not just a one-time event, but a continuous process of nurturing and sustaining life.

In many religious contexts, creation is celebrated as a reflection of God’s character, reflecting His creativity, power, and love. The natural world, with its intricate ecosystems and diverse forms of life, is seen as evidence of God’s glory and artistic expression. 

Furthermore, the idea of being created in the image of God establishes a connection between humanity and the divine. This belief emphasizes the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, suggesting that each person carries an aspect of the Creator’s character within them. 

Ultimately, creation by God is viewed as an invitation for humanity to engage with the world, recognizing the sacredness of life and the importance of stewardship over the environment. Through this lens, all creation is a manifestation of God’s ongoing involvement in the world, encouraging believers to experience and reflect on the divine presence in every aspect of life.

Created Beings: The use of the term “being” affirms the image of God in the Creation. This moves meaning from an object or item only concept like a “rock” to a more accurate connection of a solid complex creation of essential minerals and compounds. This term can de-objectify the created order focusing rather on benevolent intention of God. Historically culture “objectifies” humans distancing them from the image of God to become items, commercial containers for economic gain, and or ultimately victims.

Creation Theology: God exists always creating, changing, restoring, redeeming, healing, and speaking. The Holy Spirit in Creation constantly nurtures the natural order as a mother cares for her young. (Genesis 1:1-2) The Created order “declares the glory of God”.

Feedback: Chemical transfer in the brain when anxiety reacts. The purpose of feedback brings balance or homeostasis. For example, when new prescription glasses are worn for several days the prescription may be uncomfortable until the brain responds chemically to reduce the anxiety. When walking on the beach, the brain responds to the sound of crashing waves with feedback to block the sound. Suddenly, attention is drawn to the sound of the waves breaking on the beach and awareness that the brain was blocking the sound. Dairy farms smell pungent. The farmer however no longer reacts to the smell because the brain has adjusted chemically to the acrid aroma bring system balance reducing anxiety.

God Speaks in Creation: The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal “intimacy with God”…their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4)

Habituation (Also called Tolerance): The initial transfer of chemicals from neuron through axon to neuron is called feedback. If anxiety state continues at an elevated level, the brain adjusts to restore homeostasis or balance, by changing structure. In terms of alcohol addiction, the alcoholic drinks six beers. The ethyl alcohol metabolizes to dopamine and the result is the intoxicating feeling of euphoria. During the transfer of dopamine through axons, the tubes conducting the neural chemicals expand four to five times carrying the greater volume. The change in axon structure is called tolerance or habituation (May, 1988; Carnes, 2014). After chemical transfer, axon diameter decreases in size but not as small as the original. The axon is now larger in diameter and requires more dopamine to have the same euphoric feeling. The next time the alcoholic consumes six beers, she will need more ethyl alcohol to have the same soothing effects because the diameter of axons has increased. Since the axons have tolerated or changed in structure, more of the intoxicating substance or behavior is needed to have the same analgesic or pain reducing effect. 

Homeostasis: Neurological homeostasis refers to the state of balance and stability in the brain’s functioning and processes. It involves the regulation of neurotransmitters, neural pathways, and overall brain activity to ensure optimal functioning. In a state of homeostasis, the brain is able to effectively process information, maintain emotional stability, and perform cognitive tasks efficiently. This state is characterized by a well-functioning prefrontal cortex, which is involved in reasoning, decision-making, and emotional regulation. When homeostasis is disrupted, it can lead to various issues, such as anxiety, stress, or other mental health conditions. Overall, achieving neurological homeostasis is crucial for maintaining mental and spiritual well-being.

Humility and Generosity: The PFC focus with Nature Immersion.

Intimacy with God: The 7 intimacies of Creation are: Spiritual, beauty of the created order, rest, pleasure, compassionate presence, reconciliation, and sexually healthy intimacy. (Genesis 1-4) The insular cortex located in the pre frontal cortex is responsible for intimacy in relationships and associating people, places, things, sights, sounds, and smells. Intimacy is essential to bring a dissociated state to an associated state. We call this associated state, “online”.

Meditation: Intentional focus on the character of God in creation through sound, sight, somatic sensation, and movement for the purpose of spiritual growth. Meditation connects the neurology of the brain and body, specifically the prefrontal cortex responsible for spirituality. Blessed is the one whose…pleasure is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water…whatever they do prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3) Meditation reconnects white matter wiring connecting left and right brain hemispheres producing an associated neurological state called interoception.

Meditation on Motion (MOM): A meditation technique to increase attentive prayer. MOM connects the neurology of the brain and body to movement. This activates the intimacy part of the prefrontal cortex called the insular cortex. Specifically, meditation activates the proprioception and enteroception system of the brain. This system enables the brain to process information externally called proprioception, and internally termed enteroception.

Nature: The word nature originates from the Latin, “natura” meaning birth, origin, natural constitution or quality. The verb form is “nasci” meaning “to be born”. Biblical theology makes a distinction between nature and deity. Although nature bears the image of God, the Bible does not equate nature’s essence to be divinity. Nature and the created order include land and wildlife. The term can also relate to inanimate beings and the processes effecting them. For example, a stone can be referred to as a being as opposed to a product made by conscious decision by humans we call, artificial.

Pleasure: One of seven intimacies of Genesis 1-4. The word “Eden” as in Garden of Eden means, pleasure. The final images of the Book of Revelation 21-22 restore “Eden” to the earth for God and man to enjoy together.

Pleasure of Compassionate Presence (PCP): A meditation technique connecting the neurologcial circuitry of the brain to the body through sensing sight, sound, somatic information, and smell. The Pleasure of Compassionate Presence is a prayerful meditation on the benevolent presence of God in our being.

Polyvagal Theory: Polyvagal Theory, created by Dr. Stephen Porges, is all about understanding how our nervous system affects how we feel and interact with the world. This theory suggests that we have three main parts to our nervous system. First, there’s the sympathetic nervous system, which kicks in when we’re stressed or scared—think fight-or-flight. Then there’s the parasympathetic system, which helps us relax and feel calm. A key player in this is the vagus nerve, which helps us manage our emotional responses and social connections. One interesting concept from Polyvagal Theory is “neuroception,” which is how our body instinctively senses safety or danger around us. When we feel safe, we’re more likely to connect with others and enjoy our surroundings. But when danger looms, our body reacts to protect us—sometimes by revving up for action or, in other instances, winding down to conserve energy.

Prefrontal Cortex: In mammalian brain anatomy, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the cerebral cortex which covers the anterior part of the frontal lobe. Many scholars indicate a direct link between the will to live, personality, intimacy, and spirituality with the prefrontal cortex. This brain region is responsible for spirituality, planning complex cognitive behaviors, system homeostasis, decision making, regulating sexual neural pathways, awareness of social cues, and some aspects of language. The activity of this brain region is called executive function organizing thoughts and actions with meaning.

Executive function analyzes conflicting ideas, good, bad, better, best, same, different, future outcomes, working for goals, predicting results, expectation, and social control. One aspect of social control is regulation of sexual neural pathways. The frontal cortex forms boundaries, and moral code. More anterior regions of the frontal cortex support boundary formation at higher levels of abstract thinking (APA Dictionary, 2021).

Providence of God: The both historical and present care, guidance, nurture, and control of the creation by God moving in divine purpose. Providence refers to God’s ongoing involvement in the world and in the lives of individuals. It encompasses the belief that God not only created the universe but also continues to care for and sustain it. This divine guidance means that God is actively orchestrating events and circumstances to fulfill His purposes and plans. 

Providence can be understood in various ways:

1. **Sustaining Power**: God’s providence involves maintaining the existence and order of creation. This includes the natural laws governing the universe, as well as the life and well-being of all created beings.

2. **Guidance and Direction**: Providence implies that God provides direction and guidance, leading people toward their destinies and helping them navigate life’s challenges. This can manifest through circumstances, wisdom, or a sense of peace regarding certain decisions.

3. **Care and Protection**: The concept of providence also emphasizes God’s care for humanity. This includes protecting individuals from harm and providing for their needs, even in times of hardship. 

4. **Purpose and Redemption**: Ultimately, God’s providence aims toward the fulfillment of His redemptive plan for humanity. This culminates in the belief that God works all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

Understanding God’s providence can offer comfort and assurance, especially during difficult times, reinforcing faith in His loving and purposeful engagement with creation.

Sexual Trauma Shutdown

PTSD literature has long identified the parasympathetic response to trauma called “shutdown”.

Porge uses the term polyvagal theory to describe this phenomenon in the human system.

Polyvagal shutdown is a state of prefrontal cortex disabling triggered by the dorsal vagal nerve when the body experiences real or perceived threat. This protective mechanism, acts as last resort when fight-or-flight responses are insufficient. It’s characterized by a drop in heart rate, respiration, low energy, dissociation, and feelings of disconnection or numbness. 

Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, outlines a hierarchy of nervous system states: 

• Ventral Vagal State: .
  This is a state of prefrontal cortex activity is characterized by calm, relaxed breathing, and a sense of connection to oneself and others.
  
• Sympathetic State: .
  The fight-or-flight response, triggers by perceived danger followed by increased heart rate, breathing, and alertness. 
  
• Dorsal Vagal State (Shutdown): .
  When fight-or-flight is not possible, the dorsal vagal nerve activates, leading to shutdown or immobilization. 
  

In dorsal vagal shutdown, the body conserves energy and reduces pain perception by: 

• Decreasing heart rate and breathing thus reducing the body’s metabolic demands. 
  
• Dissociation involves a feeling of detachment from the body or surroundings. When sexual trauma triggers shutdown, the brain is unable to process sexual health content.
  
• Numbness and emotional detachment manifest as a lack of feeling or a sense of disconnection from awareness, compassion, and reason relating to sexual health content.
  
• The body conserves energy by reducing activity levels with feelings of fatigue.
  
• Digestive problems, nausea, or changes in pain perception may occur.

In this work the disabling of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in shutdown, prevents processing of sexual health content.

Shalom Space: A place of prayer and reflection on the Genesis God of Creation, Jesus the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Shalom Space has limited artificial distractions, enhancing connection to God in Christ. Jesus speaks about prayer in private. His example often models intimate prayer in nature.

Shock-Biological circulatory shock is the body’s instinctual, fight-or-flight stress response to the profound emotional trauma of a significant loss. This is not a metaphor; grief triggers a physiological cascade of hormones and nervous system changes that can have significant physical and mental health consequences. 

When a person experiences a traumatic loss, their brain interprets the event as a threat to survival. This activates the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, initiating a series of physiological changes. 

• Release of stress hormones: The adrenal glands flood the body with cortisol, adrenaline (epinephrine), and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). While useful for a short-term crisis, persistently high levels of these hormones can damage the body.
• Fight-or-flight response: Adrenaline and noradrenaline cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate as the body prepares to confront or flee from a threat. This diverts blood flow away from non-essential functions like digestion and toward major muscles and the brain.
• Immune system suppression: Elevated stress hormones suppress the immune system, leading to inflammation and a reduced ability to fight off illness. Studies show that bereaved individuals can experience measurable differences in immune function for many months after a loss.
• Changes in brain activity: Neurological changes occur in the limbic system, which controls emotion, and the prefrontal cortex, which handles executive functions like memory, concentration, and emotional regulation. 

Physical and mental symptoms of biological shock 

The physiological changes induced by the shock of grief can manifest in a wide range of intense symptoms. 

Cardiovascular 

• “Broken heart syndrome”: Medically known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, this is a real and temporary condition where intense emotional stress causes a sudden weakening of the heart muscle. Symptoms can mimic a heart attack, including chest pain and shortness of breath.
• Higher heart attack risk: In the days and weeks following a significant loss, the risk of having a heart attack increases.
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure: These effects can last for an extended period after the initial loss. 

Nervous system 

• Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, confusion, and disorientation are common cognitive effects.
• Anxiety and panic: The persistent stress response can create feelings of anxiety and panic, sometimes with a heightened sense of alertness.
• Numbness and dissociation: The brain may attempt to protect itself from emotional pain by inducing a feeling of numbness, fogginess, or detachment from reality.
• Oversensitivity to noise: This can be a result of the heightened state of awareness characteristic of the fight-or-flight response. 

Other physical symptoms 

• Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, frequent waking, or excessive sleeping can occur.
• Fatigue and exhaustion: Processing emotional trauma is draining and can lead to persistent fatigue.
• Digestive problems: Stress hormones can upset the digestive system, causing nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, or constipation.
• Aches and pains: Muscle tension and increased inflammation can cause headaches, back pain, and joint pain.
• Changes in appetite and weight: People often experience a loss or increase in appetite, which can lead to weight fluctuation. 

Shutdown

PTSD literature has long identified the parasympathetic response to trauma called “shutdown”.  Porges uses the term polyvagal theory to describe this phenomenon in the human system. In this work shutdown will be connected to the processing and communication of sexual health content.

Polyvagal shutdown is a state of prefrontal cortex disabling triggered by the dorsal vagal nerve when the body experiences real or perceived sexual threat. This protective mechanism, acts as last resort when fight-or-flight responses are insufficient. It’s characterized by a drop in heart rate, respiration, low energy, dissociation, and feelings of disconnection or numbness. 

Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, outlines a hierarchy of nervous system states: 

• Ventral Vagal State: .
  This state of prefrontal cortex balance is characterized by calm, relaxed breathing, and a sense of connection to oneself and others.
  
• Sympathetic State: .
  The fight-or-flight response is triggered by real or perceived danger followed by increased heart rate, breathing, and alertness. 
  
• Dorsal Vagal State (Shutdown): .
  When fight-or-flight is not possible, the dorsal vagal nerve activates, leading to shutdown or immobilization. 
  

In dorsal vagal shutdown, the body conserves energy and reduces pain perception by: 

• Decreasing heart rate and breathing thus reducing the body’s metabolic demands.  Dissociation involves a feeling of detachment from the body or surroundings. When sexual trauma triggers shutdown, the brain is unable to process sexual health content.
  
• Numbness and emotional detachment manifest as a lack of feeling or disconnection from awareness, compassion, and reason relating to sexuality. The human system becomes unable to process sexual health and safety content.
  
• The body conserves energy by reducing activity levels with feelings of fatigue.
  
• Digestive problems, nausea, or changes in pain perception may occur.

The disabling of the PFC in shutdown, prevents processing of sexual content. The treatment for sexual trauma shutdown therefore has potential to activate the PFC with awareness, compassion, and reason. 

Smooth Muscle Anxiety: This still state of the body may become more rigid, and individuals might experience symptoms such as digestive discomfort, increased heart rate, or shallow breathing. This condition indicates a higher level of distress where the brain’s processing capabilities diminish. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) becomes less engaged, leading to difficulties in emotional regulation and rational thinking.

Smooth muscle anxiety can impede one’s ability to feel present and connected, thereby hindering personal intimacy and engagement with the environment. Recognizing this state is essential for developing coping strategies that promote relaxation and facilitate a return to homeostasis. Techniques such as deep breathing, prayerful meditation, or gentle physical movement can help alleviate smooth muscle anxiety and improve overall well-being. Smooth muscle anxiety refers to a state of tension and stress that affects the body’s involuntary muscles, which are responsible for functions such as digestion, circulation, and regulation of internal organs. Unlike striated muscle anxiety, which involves voluntary movements, smooth muscle anxiety typically manifests as stiffness or tightness in areas that may not be readily noticeable, such as the gastrointestinal tract or internal organs.

Striated Muscle Anxiety: Striated muscle anxiety refers to a state of heightened tension and activity in the body, particularly involving the skeletal muscles that control voluntary movements. In this state, muscles may tighten, and individuals may exhibit physical signs such as fidgeting, tapping fingers, or shifting positions. This type of anxiety indicates that the brain is still capable of processing experiences, as the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is engaged. 

However, it is characterized by a reduced ability to be present and intimate due to the stress response. While people may be aware of their emotional state, their ability to fully engage and process situations compassionately is compromised. This level of anxiety can often manifest in feelings of nervousness and restlessness, making it difficult to focus or maintain calmness.

Understanding striated muscle anxiety is important for recognizing how physical tension relates to mental, emotional, and spiritual states, providing insights into methods for relaxation techniques that may improve overall well-being.

Trigger: A trigger is a stimulus (such as people, places, things, sounds, sights, smells, thoughts, or situations)  causing a strong and often disproportionate emotional or physical reaction in a person, typically because it reminds them of a past traumatic event or worsens the symptoms of a mental health condition. The response can feel like the past trauma is happening again in the present, and it differs from a typical reaction because the intensity of the emotional response doesn’t match the current situation. Triggers are common in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but they can also affect individuals with anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders. A trigger is the leading edge of yielding to temptation. Understanding our unique triggers and the competence to attend to them can assist as Paul says, to prevail over temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Creation Scriptures

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:6-8,14,15

And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters…

Genesis 3:8

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day….

Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight (pleasure) is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

Psalm 8:3

When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place—

Psalm 19 

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they reveal knowledge.

They have no speech, they use no words;

no sound is heard from them.

Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.

It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,

like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

It rises at one end of the heavens

and makes its circuit to the other;

nothing is deprived of its warmth.

The law of the Lord is perfect,

refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right,

giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant,

giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is pure,

enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm,

and all of them are righteous.

They are more precious than gold,

than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey,

than honey from the honeycomb.

By them your servant is warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.

But who can discern their own errors?

Forgive my hidden faults.

Keep your servant also from willful sins;

may they not rule over me.

Then I will be blameless,

innocent of great transgression.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart

be pleasing in your sight,

Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 23:1-4

A psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

    He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters, 

    he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

    for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk

    through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

    for you are with me;

 your rod and your staff,

    they comfort me.

Psalm 33:6

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

Psalm 46:1-11

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song.

God is our refuge and strength,

    an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam

    and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

    the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;

    God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord Almighty is with us;

    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the Lord has done,

    The desolations he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease

    to the ends of the earth.

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

    he burns the shields with fire.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

    I will be exalted among the nations,

    I will be exalted in the earth.”

The Lord Almighty is with us;

    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 115:116

The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.

the firmament.

Psalm 136.1-9

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of gods.

His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords:

His love endures forever.

to him who alone does great wonders,

His love endures forever.

who by his understanding made the heavens,

His love endures forever.

who spread out the earth upon the waters,

His love endures forever.

who made the great lights—

His love endures forever.

the sun to govern the day,

His love endures forever.

the moon and stars to govern the night;

His love endures forever.

Psalm 150:1-2

Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power…

Proverbs 3:19-20

The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding. By His knowledge, the watery depths were broken open, and the clouds dripped with dew.

Job 9:8-9

He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, of the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.

Job 38:4-7

Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its foundations set, or who laid its cornerstone, …

Isaiah 40:26

Lift up your eyes on high: Who created all these? He leads forth the starry host by number; He calls each one by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

Isaiah 45:12

It is I who made the earth and created man upon it. It was My hands that stretched out the heavens, and I ordained all their host.

Jeremiah 10:12

The LORD made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.

Daniel 12:3

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Nehemiah 9:6

You alone are the LORD. You created the heavens, the highest heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all things, and the host of heaven worships You.

John 1:3

Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.

John 20:11-16

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene in Garden Beauty

Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Acts 14:17

Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.”

Romans 1:16

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to every one who believes….

Romans 1:20

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse.

Colossians 1:16

For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Hebrews 11:13

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Revelation 4:11

“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and were created.”

Revelation 22:2

On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.