A New Month Has Sprung!

The Lord be glorified, the Lord be magnified in it!
Bloom where you are planted.

This post also appears at A Walk In The Garden Greetings

Heart to Heart: Wonderful Counselor

Praise the Lord, our Wonderful Counselor! He is holy, righteous, good, true, merciful, gracious, longsuffering, just, all-wise, all-knowing, all power is in His hand. By His word, He made the heavens and the earth and everything in them, visible and invisible. Nothing or no one can stand against Him and His purposes. He executes His perfect plans without fail. Blessed be the name of the Lord God, Most High! He bids us come, seek His face and walk in His ways. From generation to generation, He is the same. Glory, Hallelujah! 

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Praise Jesus, The Author and Finisher of Our Faith

In Christ, we have a sure foundation and an anchor for our souls. He is the Captain of our salvation and will perfect all that concerns us. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. Thanks be to the Father of our Lord, who strengthens us with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith, that we may be rooted and grounded in His love, overflowing with thanksgiving. Amen.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Related Bible Readings: Hebrews 10:19-39; Hebrews Chapters 11 and 12; Colossians 2:6 & 7; Romans 1:16 & 17; The Epistle of James; Ephesians Chapter 3

Hope Beyond The Grave

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. 

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 

For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Kingdom Work: The Ministry of Reconciliation

In His vineyard and His garden, God is fulfilling His purpose for a reconciled world to Himself. He works in and through His church, to spread the gospel of His saving grace, through Jesus Christ. 

Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." (Matthew 9:37 & 38)

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "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." Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 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 5:17-21)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Glorious Living in the Presence of God

God in ages past, appointed Aaron, (of the tribe of Levi) a high priest, whose rod sprouted and put forth buds, and produced blossoms, and yielded ripe almonds. In his duties, Aaron offered gifts and sacrifices for sins, for himself and the people, and blessed them as God instructed. 

The same God caused a Rod to come forth from the stem of Jesse and a Branch out of his roots—Our Great High Priest, (of the tribe of Judah) the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior of the world, sinless Sin-Bearer, Mediator, Perfecter.

By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But to do good and to communicate, forget not: for with such sacrifices, God is well pleased. (Hebrews 13:15 & 16)

Experience the glory of living daily in the presence of God. Great is His love and care.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Related Bible Readings: Numbers 6:22-27; Numbers Chapter 17; Isaiah 11:1; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews Chapter 5, and a study of Hebrews in its entirety. Psalm 42;  Psalm 145; Proverbs 10:22; Romans Chapter 12; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Ephesians Chapter 2; James 4:6 & 10

Bible Verses About Peace | Bible Verses About Joy | Bible Verses About Rest | Garden Devotion: A Prayer for Today

Anointed Christ and His Church

"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)

Jesus Christ, whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power, went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil. God has also anointed His church with the same anointing, to testify of His saving grace, proclaiming His gospel to the ends of the earth, with signs and wonders following.

To Him be glory now and forever. Amen.

See Also:

Fruit of the Spirit in a Yielded Vessel
https://www.awalkinthegarden.com/2018/08/fruit-of-spirit-in-yielded-vessel.html

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.

A Living Hope

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. Cont'd...

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:3-9)

Related Bible Reading: Romans Chapter 8 in its entirety

Easter Greetings & Gratitude

Rejoice! Christ who died, as God determined, was raised for our justification. Thank you Lord!

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

"Who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him." (Hebrews 5:7-9)

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

"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)

Our High Priest, who rent the veil of the temple, has provided a new and living way through His blood. Praise God Almighty! Amen.

The Risen and Ascended Christ

The Gospel According to Luke | Chapter 24

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 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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Inspiration For Our Daily Christian Walk

1 Samuel 15:22

To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. 

Numbers 9:18-23
At the command of the Lord the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the Lord they would camp; as long as the cloud stayed above the tabernacle they remained encamped. 

Even when the cloud continued long, many days above the tabernacle, the children of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not journey. 

So it was, when the cloud was above the tabernacle a few days: according to the command of the Lord they would remain encamped, and according to the command of the Lord they would journey. 

So it was, when the cloud remained only from evening until morning: when the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they would journey; whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud was taken up, they would journey. 

Whether it was two days, a month, or a year that the cloud remained above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would remain encamped and not journey; but when it was taken up, they would journey. 

At the command of the Lord they remained encamped, and at the command of the Lord they journeyed; they kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by the hand of Moses. 

A Prayer For Today

Thank You Lord for Your unfailing love, and the blessing of a new day. To behold Your beauty, and to inquire in Your temple. In Your holy name, I pray. Amen. 

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

Today's Bible Reading: Psalm 1

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. 

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. 

The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Related Bible Reading: Ezekiel Chapter 17 & Psalm 16:11

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

Related Devotion

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