A Prayer For Today

My Faithful Father, Savior and Friend, 

My soul rejoices, in You who bids me come to Your throne of grace. I exalt You in praise and worship. You are my God and there is no other. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; keep me on the straight and narrow way, by day and by night. In Your holy, righteous name, I pray with thanksgiving. 

Amen and Amen.

Heartstrings: His Banner of Love

In the Garden and Under the Shade of His Love

If you’ve ever taken a walk in a beautiful garden, you are in no haste to leave. You slowly pace your steps, as you take time to gaze in wonderment and touch the flowers. You might occasionally stoop to move some twigs out of the way.

As we walk in the light of God’s Word, He reveals the glories of His garden—His perfect will for our lives is manifested, as we grow in the grace and the knowledge of Him, who atoned for our sins and brought us into His glorious kingdom.

In the garden, we find our calm repose away from the cares of life. We cast our doubts and fears aside and believe on His name. Being formed in us, His sweet fragrance is diffused to the glory of His name.

In His presence, we have peace and liberty. Come, walk with the Lord, in the shade of His love. Come and know His unspeakable joy. His desire is to have fellowship, as He did in the beginning, before the fall. If you have never experienced His grace and forgiveness, His arms are opened wide. Whosoever will may come.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16 & 17)

"You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalm 16:11)

Inspirational Thought

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Revelation 3:20)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Inspiration For Our Daily Christian Walk

Perfecting a Glorious Church Without Spot, Wrinkle or Blemish

The Lord God, whose ways are perfect, is coming for a holy church without spot, wrinkle or blemish. Saved by and kept by His amazing grace, He continues to transform our lives, for His glory and praise!

"He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)

"It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)

The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: "Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words." Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?" says the Lord. "Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!" (Jeremiah 18:1-6)

"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your hands." (Psalm 138:8)

"But He knows the way I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10)

"But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." (Philippians 3:7-12)

"For in that He died, He died unto sin once: but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace." (Romans 6:10-14)

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1 and 2)

"Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."(1 Peter 2:4 and 5)

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy."
(1 Peter 2:9 and 10)

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10)

"That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:27)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

God's Anointing and Power in Our Lives

Mankind in a fallen, captive state, is incapable of rising to the high stature, high calling of God. Thanks be to God, for the anointing that removes burdens and breaks the yokes of sin, that keeps us bound. 

God anointed Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him. (See Acts 10:38)

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." (Isaiah 61:1-3)

At God's appointed time, "The Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8)

Jesus who appeared in the flesh, and was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin, was able to resist the devil, and cast Him out of many, for He was full of the Holy Ghost and power. This Jesus, is calling disciples to Himself, to live holy lives, and to proclaim the good news of salvation in the earth, with signs and wonders following. 

All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)

"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject to you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."  (Luke 10:19-20)

In order to be effective ambassadors for Christ, we must be sanctified and consecrated vessels, reconciled to God, fruitful in every good work; bringing glory to His name.

"And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Romans 8:10-11)

"Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)

"Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."
(2 Corinthians 1:21 and 22)

A Prayer:

All thanks and praise to God our Father, for Christ His Son: Prophet, Priest and King; for the blessing of the Holy Spirit, and the anointing that breaks the yokes, and sets us free; for the power to daily walk in the Spirit; for a new and living way; for an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, that doesn't fade away. Amen.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Related Bible Readings:

In the Scriptures, God instructed Moses to make a holy anointing oil. (See Exodus 30:22-33 for its use and purpose.)

Luke 4:1-15; Luke 9:1-3; Luke 10:19 & 20; Acts Chapter 2; Isaiah 10:27; Matthew 11:28-30; Galatians Chapter 5; Colossians Chapter 1, 2, 3 and 4; Psalm 23, Jeremiah Chapter 1; Ephesians in its entirety; First Epistle of John 2:27-29; Acts Chapters 1 and 2; Romans Chapters 6 and 12; Hebrews 1:8 & 9; First Epistle of Peter in its entirety; Philippians Chapter 3; 2 Corinthians Chapter 5; Joel 2:28-32 

Daily Meditation: Glorifying God in Our Lives

"For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Corinthians 6:20)

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in my love." (John 15:5-9)

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

"I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore." (Psalm 86:12)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

A Vessel Of Honor For The Lord

Tuesday Blessings: Sanctification

Happy Easter, Rejoice in Hope

Christ being risen from the dead, assures us that our hope is not in vain. He is the Author and Finisher of our Faith. Praise God! 

"Whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He shall be held by it." (Acts 2:24)

"Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." (Romans 4:25)

"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified." (Galatians 2:16)

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." (John 11:25-26)

"We are buried with Him by baptism: that as like Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection." (See Romans Chapter 6 in its entirety.)

"Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal  must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."

"O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:51-55)

A Prayer:

Thank You Lord for reconciling us to God; for the hope of eternal glory; for being our Great High Priest, who intercedes for us. For being our forerunner and the anchor of our souls. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

God's Perfect Sacrifice For Sin

Jesus Christ, Son of God, willingly gave of Himself, to be the perfect sacrificial Lamb, for the sins of the world. 

"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Ephesians 1:7)

All thanks and praise to our gracious God, for His love and tender mercies. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (See John 3:16-21 and 2 Peter 3:9)

Recognizing that Jesus had done nothing worthy of condemnation, one of two criminals, who hung next to the Lord, said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." 

And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." (Luke 23:39-43)

O, the blessings of God's grace! Whosoever will may come, receive a pardon and be set free from sin, become slaves of righteousness.

A Prayer:

Thank You risen Lord, for teaching us in the ways of God; for bearing our sins in Your body on the cross; for Your offer of salvation, and faith to believe. Draw souls by Your Spirit, to the Light that is You. May Your word run swiftly and be glorified. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Inspiration For Our Daily Christian Walk

With God's divine joy filling our lives, we can rejoice in all life's circumstances. Christ, our Savior and Lord prayed to the Father, that His disciples would have His joy fulfilled in themselves. See His prayer offered up to God (John Chapter 17), as the time drew near, where He would experience betrayal, agony, accusation, crucifixion, resurrection. 

"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)

"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11)

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

In Romans Chapter 12, Paul encourages us to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation; continuing steadfast in prayer.

Peter in his First Epistle (Chapter 1) writes of joy unspeakable and full of glory.

"The joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)

"You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." ( Psalm 16:11)

All praise and thanks to God who loves us and brought us salvation. He makes His abode with those who love Him, and nothing shall separate us from His everlasting love. 

May the fruit of His joy, and all His fruits, flourish in our lives, by the power of the Holy Spirit. To Him be glory in His church. Amen.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Related Bible Readings: Isaiah Chapter 61; John 16:20-24; Philippians 4:4; Galatians 5:22 and 23 

Heartstrings: Glorious Praise to the God of Heaven and Earth

Praising God from a pure heart, acknowledging Him in all of our ways, is pleasing in His sight. He is God, Creator, and Ruler of all. We have no life apart from Him. The life of every living creature, and the breath of all mankind is in His hand. (See Job 12:10)

He has no pleasure in disloyal hearts. (See 1 Samuel 15:20-23, Isaiah 29:13-14, Ezekiel 33:31-32, and John 4:21-24)

"Let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven." (Lamentations 3:41)

"Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is the great God, and the great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth; the heights of the hills are His also. The sea is His, for He made it; and His hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand." (Psalm 95:1-7)

See Also: Psalm 1, Psalm 2, Psalm 3, Psalm 4, Psalm 5, Psalm 7, Psalm 8, Psalm 9, Psalm 13, Psalm 16, Psalm 18, Psalm 19, Psalm 22, Psalm 23, Psalm 24, Psalm 27, Psalm 28, Psalm 29, Psalm 30, Psalm 33, Psalm 34, Psalm 42, Psalm 43, Psalm 47, Psalm 48, Psalm 50, Psalm 64, Psalm 65, Psalm 66, Psalm 67, Psalm 75, Psalm 81, Psalm 89, Psalm 92, Psalm 98, Psalm 99, Psalm 100, Psalm 101, Psalm 103, Psalm 104, Psalm 105, Psalm 106, Psalm 107, Psalm 108, Psalm 111, Psalm 112, Psalm 113, Psalm 115, Psalm 117, Psalm 118, Psalm 134, Psalm 138, Psalm 144, Psalm 145, Psalm 146, Psalm 147, Psalm 148, Psalm 149, Psalm 150

For deeper meditation, read the entire Book of Psalms.

Rejoice!

Speak to one another, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always, for all things to God the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. {Ephesians 5:19}

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions