Merciful, Gracious God

Read Devotion

Abide in the Vine

John 15:1-14

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 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. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are my friends if you do whatever I command you." (See remaining chapter verses)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Bible Verses About Love

Christian Journey: Pruning

Devotion: Saved By Grace, Boundless Love

Thanks be to God for His great love and mercy, 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 after His 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.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)

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

"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 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 2:4-10)

"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)

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:23-24)

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Amen.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Merciful, Gracious God

Good Friday Reflections

Easter Devotions

A Life of Faith in The True and Living God

See Also: Christmas Devotions

Eternal Blessings For The Heart

Jesus Christ, Our Great High Priest, Redeemer, Savior and Lord

Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, has atoned for our sins, once for all, and has reconciled us to God our Maker. 

God's perfect sacrificial Lamb without blemish, offered Himself for our redemption, and is the only Mediator between God and men.

John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

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

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Hebrews 10:1-7
For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect.

For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said, 'Behold, I have come—In the volume of the book it is written of Me—To do Your will, O God.' "

Isaiah 53:4-6
Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Hebrews 10:14
For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

Hebrews 10:19-23
Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

(See also Hebrews Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 in its entirety.)

Matthew 27:50-53
And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

Ephesians 2:13-18
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

(See Ephesians Chapter 2 in its entirety.)

The good news of God's salvation is to be proclaimed in all the earth. Whosoever will, may come, both Jew and Gentile; receive God's pardon and walk in newness of life.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Merciful, Gracious God

Saved By Grace, Boundless Love

An Enduring Love

God's Perfect Sacrifice For Sin

The Humility of Our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus

Easter Devotions

Heartstrings: His Banner of Love

Daily Walking in the Love and Light of God

Thanks be to God who is love, and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who came into the world in human flesh, to save us from our sins, and reconcile us to God. 

He who still abides with us, by His Spirit, shines His light on our pathway, and fills us with the same. Glory to His name!

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) See also verses 17-21.

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shall call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it may be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:18-23)

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. (Isaiah 9:2) See also Matthew 4:13-17.

I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. (The Gospel According to John 12:46)

Related Bible Readings: Matthew 22:37-40; John 1:1-18; John 8:12; John 13:34-35; John 21:15-17; Ephesians 5:1-21; Romans Chapter 5:8; 1 Corinthians Chapter 13; The First Epistle of John in its entirety (5 Chapters); Psalm 119:105

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

 

Keeper and Preserver of Our Souls

The Keeper of our souls, the Lord Almighty, is He who loves and cares deeply for His "Vineyard." He causes it to blossom and bud, and fill the world with its fruit. He is zealous for its preservation. 

"I, the LORD, keep it, I water it every moment; lest any hurt it, I keep it night and day. Fury is not in Me. Who would set briers and thorns against Me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together. Or let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." (Isaiah 27:3-5)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

More Bible Readings:

Matthew 16:18
"I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."

John 15:16
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 

John 17:11-12
"Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled." (Jesus also prayed to the Father for His disciples to be kept from the evil one. See verse 15 and the entire prayer in Chapter.)

1 Peter 1:3-5
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. 

Mark 8:34-38
When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous, and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." 

Psalm 12:5-8
"For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now I will arise," says the LORD; "I will set him in the safety for which he yearns." The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. You shall keep them, O LORD, You shall preserve them from this generation forever. The wicked prowl on every side, when vileness is exalted among the sons of men.

Psalm 16:1
PRESERVE me, O God, for in You I put my trust.

Psalm 31:23-24
Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.   Selah 

Psalm 41:1-3
BLESSED is he who considers the poor; the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him on his bed of illness; you will sustain him on his sickbed.

Psalm 86:1-5

BOW down Your ear, O LORD, hear me; for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am holy; You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in you! Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry to You all day long. Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. 

Psalm 97:10-12

You who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.

Psalm 121:7-8
The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore. 

See also David's prayer for deliverance from evil men in Psalm 140. 

Psalm 145:20-21
The LORD preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD, and all flesh shall bless His holy name forever and ever.

Proverbs 2:6-9
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path.

Proverbs 4:5-6

Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you.

Proverbs 5:1-2
My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding, that you may preserve discretion, and your lips may keep knowledge.

Isaiah 49:8-9
Thus says the LORD: "In an acceptable time I have heard You, and in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You as a covenant to the people, to restore the earth, to cause them to inherit the desolate heritages; that You may say to the prisoners, 'Go forth,' to those who are in darkness, 'Show yourselves.' "

Jeremiah 31:10-14
"Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, 'He who scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him as a shepherd does his flock.' For the Lord has redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of one stronger than he. Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, streaming to the goodness of the Lord—for wheat and new wine and oil, for the young of the flock and the herd; their souls shall be like a well-watered garden, and they shall sorrow no more at all. Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old, together; for I will turn their mourning to joy, will comfort them, and make them rejoice rather than sorrow. I will satiate the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, says the Lord." 

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. 

2 Timothy 1:12
"For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day." 

2 Timothy 1:13-14
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

Jude 1:24-25
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

Monday Greetings and Blessings

Today is a gift from God. "Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! Selah. (Psalm 68:19)

He has given us His Word whereby man shall live. His Holy Spirit to those who believe on Him, without measure. His amazing grace and a hope that anchors the soul. Strength for the journey and peace that surpasses all understanding. His deliverance, His longsuffering and His forgiveness. His correction, His mercy and His justice, all wrapped in love.

Time would fail to tell of all His benevolence. Yet, consider His works and providence in creation. Read more.

Good Friday Reflections

All thanks and praise be to eternal God, for His love, mercy and grace. For the sacrifice for sins, through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord. For the promised Holy Spirit given—our Comforter, Teacher, Helper and Guide. Amen.

Do you know Him today? Come as you are; His arms are open wide.

Believe on Him whom God raised from the dead, and be saved.

New Testament Bible Readings

The Gospel According to John | Chapters 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 & 21

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More Reflections

Meditation: Such Wondrous Love

God's love is perfect. It is complete and overflows the heart with confidence and security. One cannot add or take away from the love of God. It never ceases, cannot be altered, neither improved upon. It's far-reaching and free to all.

We were created in the image and likeness of God, who is love. Everything he says and does, stems from love. The sin and transgression of Adam and Eve, resulted in grave and perpetual consequences throughout the generations of humanity. But in the fullness of time, Christ, the second Adam from above, who knew no sin, became sin for us, and bore the penalty for our sins in human flesh. 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)

The Apostle Paul prayed to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, "That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:16-19)

Such wondrous love! Enjoy, walk in, be surrounded by and infused with His unfailing love.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Bible Verses About Love

Inspiration For Our Daily Christian Walk

When we put our trust in the Lord, we will experience the fullness of His peace in our hearts and minds. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith; He's the God of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Knowing He loves and cares for us, we can joyfully live one day at a time. Thank You faithful Savior and Friend. Amen.

Related Bible Reading:

Isaiah 26:3 & 4; Psalm 20:7; 1 Chronicles 5:18-20; Proverbs 3:5 & 6; Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:6-8 

God's Love, God is Love

Thanks be to God, who has lavished His love on us, through Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord. His beautiful name is music, in my ears and heart!

"He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love." (Song of Solomon 2:4)

God is love. Whosoever will, may come to Jesus, and experience the joy of His salvation.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Bible Verses About Love

What a Loving Savior!

Praise the Lord who has redeemed His people and brought us to His banqueting table. When He enters our lives, He restores our broken walls and gates. He fills our hearts with much joy and gladness. Oh, how His heart rejoices... oh, how He loves His own.

Hear the Word of God by the prophet Zephaniah: "The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

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Bible Verses About Love

Morning Devotion & Prayer

 

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."

Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge. His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. (Psalm 91:1-7)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Tonight's Devotion: Believe God, He Cares for Us

Tonight's Devotion: 

Believe God, He Cares for Us

We are victorious; we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ. As we journey through life, many challenges will confront us, but we can smile in them, because our Great and Awesome God cares deeply for us and is able to deliver. If He cares for the flowers of the field and the birds of the air, how much more us? Believe God!

"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 8:38 & 39)

Amen.

A Walk In The Garden Devotions
Hope & Encouragement for Life's Journey

Behold what manner of love...

Greetings Beloved,

"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." (1 John 3:1)

The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Life is Merry & Bright With Jesus Every Season

Daily walk Jesus. Having Christ as the center of our joy, and knowing that He loves us so much, all of our seasons can be merry and bright. Whatever you're going through, draw near to God and He will draw near to you. In His presence, there is fullness of joy; at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. He is altogether lovely. Let us worship Him in the beauty of His holiness, in spirit and in truth. May His peace rule in our hearts; may His joy overflow our souls.

Click here to send Christmas greetings

Today's Devotion: An Enduring Love

Pondering the greatest and ultimate sacrifice, Christ made on behalf of the human race, one's finite mind cannot fathom the enormity of it all. It takes the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth, teaching us what we in ourselves are incapable of grasping. As we grow in the knowledge of Him who gave us Himself, we can then appreciate more and more the reality and relevance of His enduring love.

The Dictionary defines love as “An intense affectionate concern for or passionate attraction to another person.” The Word of God says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) 

So fervent and intense was His love for lost souls, Christ did not regard the pain He would endure: The accusations, mocking, scourging, insults, taunts, betrayal, and denials. If He had considered these things, He would have done like His friends—He would have found the nearest exit and flee into obscurity, but His purpose was ordained, and He was intent on its fulfillment. Fulfilling the will of His Father was His mandate, and He was not to be stopped by detractors.

Such enduring love was demonstrated to the fullest extent. There are few who willingly give up their own lives without a fight. In His agony, you could hear Him in your heart whisper, “I love you.” You could feel it as He opened His mouth and said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

You saw it in His full surrender, as He gave them His hands and His feet. He did not clench His fist, but opened His palms to the thrust of the nails. He could have exercised His authority and divine powers in their midst. He could have disappeared to their utter amazement, but He didn’t...He endured!

He knew it was our sins that alienated us from true fellowship with our Maker; He knew we were prisoners of His greatest adversary Lucifer and the fallen angels. Once the works of the devil were destroyed, and the sting was taken out of death, we could experience the healing of our own wounds.

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

Let us therefore thank God for His enduring love; He has shed His love abroad in our hearts. May we reciprocate and love the LORD our God, with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbor as ourselves. (See Luke 10:27)

Let us abide in His enduring love!

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Christmas Devotions

Good Friday Reflections

Easter Devotions

A New Creation in Christ

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 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 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 open 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

A Walk In The Garden Devotions
Hope & Encouragement for Life's Journey