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

Children of God, Heirs of His Righteousness

Through faith in Christ Jesus, we become children of God—Born again, not of the sinful nature and its seed, but the incorruptible nature of God. Justified by faith and deemed righteous in His sight.

"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)

"He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name." (John 1:11 and 12)

"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:19-21)

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are the children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 John 3:1-3) 

"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." (Ephesians 2:8, 9)

"Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever." (1 Peter 1:23) See also 1 Peter 2:9 and 10.

"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." (Romans 8:16,17)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Related Bible Readings: Matthew 5:6; Matthew 6:33; John 3:1-21; Ephesians 2 in its entirety; Philippians 1:9; Hebrews 11 in its entirety; Romans Chapters 4 and 5 in their entirety; First Epistle of Peter Chapter 1:22-25

Light For The Journey

Walking in the light of God's Word, faith takes root in our hearts, and produces strong confidence and rejoicing in God, who by His grace, has called us out of a world of darkness, to live in His glorious light. 

By faith, we believe the gospel of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who has sent His followers to make disciples of all the nations, and has promised to be with us always, even to the end of the age. 

Growing in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, dissolves all doubts and fears, and makes His church steadfast and resolute in faith and good works. Faith in Him lights our way on the journey of becoming Christlike, and fruits of righteousness, which are by Him alone, fill our lives. In this, His name is glorified!

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12). See also John 3:16-21 and Psalm 119:105. 

Related Bible Readings: 2 Corinthians 5:7; 1 John:1-10; Romans 1:16-21; Romans Chapter 10:1-17; Hebrews Chapter 3; Hebrews 10:19-24, Hebrews Chapter 11; Matthew 6:22-34; Mark 11:22-26; Ephesians 2:1-10; Proverbs 3:25 & 26; Habakkuk 2:4; Acts 16:22-31 

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

A Prayer For Today

Today I awoke and blessed the God of my life, who determined that I shall see the morning light. To this afternoon hour, I am still alive, so there must be a purpose yet, for me in this earthly tent. Lord speak to my heart, every waking second of the day, and even when I lay me down my head. Incline my heart to do your will. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Born a King, to Reconcile Us to God

During his questioning of Jesus, the governor Pilate inquired if He was King of the Jews. Jesus in turn asked Pilate if he was speaking for himself about this, or did others tell him this concerning Him (Jesus). As is always the case, the Lord goes to the root and heart of all matters. 

More questions from Pilate ensued and Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here."

'Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are you a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." ' (John 18:37)

He who made all things is the Lord God Almighty; the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, Ruler of all, the Word made flesh. He is righteous, just, merciful, gracious and true.

Open your heart to the Lord and receive Him today. He will come in and sup with you and you with Him. What a privilege, what a high honor!

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1)

Jesus, the gift to the world that lasts forever! He is the way, the truth and the life. Eat of Him and drink of Him, this Christmas Season and always. Share the blessed good news!

Related Bible Readings regarding the purpose and mission of Christ, His finished work:

The Gospel According to John, Chapter 1, Chapter 3:1-21, Chapter 6:22-71, Jesus' Prayer to the Father for His disciples in John 17:1-26)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

For unto us a Child is born; unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace. -Isaiah 9:6

 

The Old Christmas Story That Never Grows Old in Our Hearts

Click here for Devotion

A Prayer for Today

Garden Devotion: A Prayer for Today

"The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree 

the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify

the place of my sanctuary; and I will make

the place of my feet glorious."

(Isaiah 60:13)

More Inspiration:

Let Zion Rejoice

Daily Prayers

Inspiration For Our Daily Christian Walk: Rest in the LORD

Trusting in the Lord, we can have and enjoy blessed rest for the mind, spirit, soul and body. Believe in Him and enter in.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)

You will keep him in perfect peace,whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3)

Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12)

The captive exile hastens, that he may be loosed, that he shall not die in the pit, and that his bread should not fail, but I am the LORD your God, who divided the sea whose waves roared. The LORD of hosts is His name. (Isaiah 51:14-15)

There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself  also ceased from his works as God did from His. (Hebrews 4:9-10)

And on the seventh day, God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. (Genesis 2:2)

Bible Verses About Rest

Encouragement For Our Daily Christian Walk

Related Bible Readings: Isaiah 40:31; James 1:2-4; James 5:7 & 8; Psalm 37:1-8; Psalm 40:1-3; Psalm 62:5-8; Romans 12:12; Hebrews 12:1-3

Related Devotional: In The Waiting Room

Saved By Grace

Thanks be to God for His amazing grace! He gave us a Deliverer to save us from our sins and the penalty thereof, through the sacrificial offering of His Son as the perfect Lamb of God. How deep and wide is His love for humanity, whom He created in His image and likeness. Such love cannot be measured; it's boundless and free. If you don't know Him, His arms are open wide. Come as you are.

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

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Amen.

Related Bible Reading: John 3:16-21; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:4-10

 

1. Find Bible verses about love   2. Faith Is The Victory Devotion

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Thursday Inspiration: Shine the Light of Jesus into a Dark World

Related Bible Reading: Matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." 

Today's Devotion: What a Mighty God!

The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens; 

by His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew.

(Proverbs 3:19-20)

Bless The Lord, O My Soul

Strength for Life's Journey

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More Than a Conqueror, Possessing the Promises of God Whose Possession We Are

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter:1-9)

After many great conquests by God's people led by Moses and Joshua (conquering entire lands and dispossessing mighty kings, and giving their lands as an inheritance to the children of God,) the Lord still had this to say to Joshua in his old age: "You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed." (Joshua 13:1)

Caleb was forty years old when Moses (at the commandment of God) sent him and eleven others to spy out the land of Canaan. It was a good and fruitful land; the cities were fortified and very large, and giants (descendants of Anak) were there. Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, "Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it." (Numbers 13:30) The men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we." (Numbers 13:31). They considered themselves grasshoppers in their own sight and in the sight of the giants. (Numbers 13:32 & 33)

Caleb at the age of eighty five and still strong, reminded Joshua of the promise Moses made to him concerning an inheritance he was to receive for wholly following the Lord. And so, Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb as an inheritance. (Joshua 14:6-15)

Arise faith and prayer warriors! Experience the power of God and the joy of His salvation from day to day. Take possession of all that Christ has wrought for us. He has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious promises. (2 Peter 1:3 & 4)

We have an eternal inheritance. Having believed the word of truth, the gospel of our salvation, we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:13 & 14)

Amen.

Happy Easter! Christ Is Risen Like He Said He Would

He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again." And they remembered His words. (Luke 24:6-8)

 Find Easter eCards at A Walk In The Garden Greetings

The Sin-Bearing Messiah

Jesus, God's sacrificial Lamb without blemish, died for our sins, to reconcile us back to God. Thank You Lord for Your mercy and grace!

Whosoever will may come; believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. Oh, how He loves you and me!

Related Bible Readings: John 3:16-21; Luke, Chapter 23; Colossians 1:20-23

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Bible Verses About Love

A Godly Living Prayer

More prayers for life's journey:

Visit the Prayer Garden

To God, Alone Wise, Be Glory Forever

Messengers of God's Grace

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things...

Inspirational Thoughts: A Well-Watered Garden

God's Good Work in Us

Praise God for His transforming work in our lives...

Fruit of the Spirit in a Yielded Vessel

A Lively Hope

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)

More Encouragement >> Bible Words of Comfort