Devotion: Living in the Will of God

It is God, all-wise, all-knowing, all-powerful, in whom we live and move, and have our being. He holds our breath in His hands. Who but God knows what is best for us?

It would be fruitless, not to mention perilous, to live life lacking the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of God's will. The Holy Spirit who proceeds from God, knows what is the will of God, and leads and guides us into all truth. If one has not accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, such a one is spiritually dead, and in need of enlightenment. 

As we submit our wills to the will of God, we will find rest for our souls. We learn to trust Him in all life's circumstances, knowing that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

What a beautiful transformation: Walking in the light of God, and seeing things from His perspective. 

God does not, will not coerce any of the free-thinking souls He created, to choose the paths that are right. We must hear and hearken to Him and walk in His ways, if we are to experience His rivers of peace and joy in our lives. Left to ourselves, we become prey to the evil one, whose desire is to move us away from enjoying sweet fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Read how Jesus dealt with the enemy's temptations in Matthew 4:1-11. See also the temptation of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden (Genesis Chapter 3).

We must choose to reciprocate God's love and obey Him, praying His kingdom come, His will be done, in everything. His name alone be glorified! Amen. 

Related Bible Readings: John 6:38-40; Mark 3:35; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Hebrews 10:5-7; Hebrews 13:20 & 21; Matthew 6:10; Luke 22:42, Colossians Chapter 1.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Visit the Prayer Garden

Daily Meditation: Virtue and Praise

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

Women's Ministry | Church Event Themes

Here at A Walk In The Garden, you'll find messages of hope and encouragement, including resources for Christian Women's Ministry. 

50 themes to consider for your event planning.

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.

Anchored in the Lord

 

Monday Inspiration | Walking With Jesus

A Bible Reading For Today | Matthew 13:18-23

Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 

But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 

Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

                                                                                           - Matthew 13:18-23                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Happy New Year! The Sovereign Lord Reigns

Blessed be the Lord God of the ages. He rules over the nations with a scepter of righteousness. All His purposes and His determined counsel shall stand. 

He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. God who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. Glory to His name!

Our life and times are in His hands; the sum of our years are in His book. Therefore, we rest in His unfailing love, trusting and committing our ways to Him who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance.

The Lord be with you on your journeys! Amen.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Christmas Greetings From A Walk In The Garden

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

Salt and Light

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A Well-Lit Temple

Mindful Word: Time Through God's Eyes

 

God's Righteous Judgments Are In All The Earth, His Salvation To The Ends Thereof

God who in times past, commanded that His people walk in His statutes, keep His judgments and do them (recounted in Ezekiel Chapter 20), is the same God today. He changeth not. As it was then and is now, our faithful Creator desires to have a people who put their trust in Him and walk in His ways. 

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statues of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them is great reward. (Psalm 19:7-11)

There was not much rejoicing, as the people of God sojourned in the wilderness some forty years, but rather much complaining, and a desire to return to the land of their captivity. Many forsook the Lord for idols, the work of their hands, and they and their descendants did likewise in the land of promise. Yet, our God who is slow to anger and abounding in mercy, extended His grace, and sent His prophets to deliver His word, with the expectation that a rebellious people would acknowledge the error of their ways, repent and turn back to God, for their own good.   

There is not an arm like the Lord's, Creator of heaven and earth. He is mighty to save. Relying on a mighty army will not deliver any. "For the horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is from the Lord." (Proverbs 21:31; see also Ezekiel 17:15.)

God's righteous judgments are in all the earth; His salvation to the ends thereof.

Thus says the Lord God: "I will take also one of the highest branches of the high cedar and set it out. I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and will plant it on a high and prominent mountain. On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it; and it will bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a majestic cedar. Under it will dwell birds of every sort; in the shadow of its branches they will dwell."

 "And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the LORD, have brought down the high tree and exalted the low tree, dried up the green tree and made the dry tree flourish; I, the LORD, have spoken and have done it." (Ezekiel 17:22-24)

A Prayer: 

Thank You blessed Shepherd and Savior, for Your cleansing fountain. For the power to live a holy life. For taking away the stony heart and giving us a new heart and a new spirit within. For putting Your Holy Spirit within us, and causing us to walk in Your statues, to keep Your judgments and do them. To You alone wise God, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, now and forevermore. Amen.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

A Prayer for Today

Inspiration For Our Daily Christian Walk

 

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 in human flesh. 

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 3:16-21)

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

Devotion for Today: Healer and Restorer of Broken Lives

Merciful and gracious God, is He who stands ready to forgive, pardoning sin and purging iniquity. Oh, that men would serve Him and worship Him only, the Healer and Restorer of broken lives. He delights in the beautification of His people, whom He has called for His glory. 

Bible Reading:

I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon. 

They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. 

Ephraim shall say, What have I to do anymore with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.

Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Prudent, and he shall know them? For the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein. (Hosea 14:5-9)

A Prayer:

Plant Your Word in our hearts, Lord God. Let it find good soil and sprout; grow and produce an abundance of fruit of the Spirit. Lead and guide us in the paths of Your righteousness. Be thou glorified! In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Hope and Joy

 

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

5 Wisdom Proverbs For Our Daily Christian Walk

1. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. (Proverbs 19:8)

2. A man's steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way? (Proverbs 20:24)

3. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. (Proverbs 14:27)

4. A man's heart devises his way, but the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

5. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5 & 6)