Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Monday, November 18, 2024
A Declaration of Thanks, Praise and Worship
Thank You Lord, for the blessing of Your salvation, Your love, Your light and truth.
You are the Lord God Almighty! There is none like You or ever shall be. Thank You for Your mighty hand and outstretched arm—mighty to save, mighty to deliver, God who loves and cares for our souls. Thank You for Your goodness.
All power belongs to God, all authority. Blessed be God, who sits on His throne, ruling over all—Holy, righteous, just and true, longsuffering, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in mercy.
Be magnified, be glorified, be exalted, Lord of hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!
Amen and Amen.
- A Walk In The Garden Devotions
Related Devotion
Heartstrings: Glorious Praise to the God of Heaven and Earth
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Thursday Blessings: Trust in the Lord With All Your Heart
in the stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears.
with Your Holy Spirit, with joy and peace,
as we trust in You. Amen and Amen.
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Seasons of Transformation
Thursday, September 5, 2024
Daily Growing in the Lord Our God
He who made us and redeemed us with His precious blood, desires to be formed in us, and have us grow in the knowledge of Him, in whom we live, and move and have our being, the Creator of all things visible and invisible, the Lord God Almighty. He wants us to bud, blossom and fill the whole earth with His fruits, bringing glory and honor to His name. The Lord be glorified, the Lord be magnified, the Lord be exalted!
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." (Luke 2:52)
"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:11-16)
"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7)
"Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious." (1 Peter 2:1-3)
"Everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Hebrews 5:13-14)
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase."
(1 Corinthians 3:6-7)
"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:9-11)
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18)
"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen." (2 Peter 3:18)
- A Walk In The Garden Devotions
Saturday, August 17, 2024
God's Word Sown on the Soil of Fertile Hearts, Brings Forth Much Fruit
Jesus explains the parable of the sower and his seed:
Luke 8:11-18"The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they shall believe and be saved. But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fell on good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience. No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him."
Related Bible Readings: Luke 8:4-10; John 15:1-16; Matthew 7:15-20; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 3:17-21; Philippians 1:9-11; Psalm 119:11
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
In The Prayer Garden
Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. (Psalm 141:2)
Let us unite in prayer; visit the prayer garden.
Monday, June 3, 2024
God's People are His Holy Temple, a Dwelling Place of God in the Spirit, For His Glory and His Praise
"And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden." (Genesis 3:8)
All thanks and praise to the LORD God Almighty, who has redeemed us through the precious blood of Jesus Christ, out of every tribe and tongue and people. The sacrifice of animals for sins was a shadow of Christ's work on the cross. The LORD has called and filled His church with the Holy Ghost, empowering us to bear much fruit and glorify His name.
God's people are His holy dwelling place, His peculiar treasure. He is near to those who call upon Him in truth; to those whose hearts are upright before Him; He makes His presence known to those who seek His face and walk humbly in His ways. He takes away the stony heart and gives us a heart of flesh, to obey His voice and do that which is pleasing in His sight.
In His holy temple, there is hope, joy unspeakable and full of glory, peace like a river, grace, and every good and perfect gift. To Him alone, belongs all glory, honor, praise and worship, perpetually.
"Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; See also Chapter 3, and John 2:19-22)
"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24)
"Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit."(Ephesians 2:19-22)
"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 2:4-5)
"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." (1 Peter 2:9)
In the days of Solomon, when the construction of the temple he determined to build for God, was completed, and the ark brought into the inner sanctuary of the temple, to the Most Holy Place: "It came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD saying: "For He is good, for His mercy endures forever," that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of God."
Similarly, when Solomon had finished praying at the temple dedication, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.
(See 2 Chronicles Chapter 5 and 2 Chronicles Chapter 7)
God had said to Solomon: "Concerning this temple which you are building, if you walk in My statutes, execute My judgments, keep all My commandments, and walk in them, then I will perform My word with you, which I spoke to your father David. And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake My people Israel." (1 Kings 6:12-13 )
For the building of the tabernacle, in the days of Moses, God called and filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of artistic workmanship and ability to teach; in him and Aholiab and gifted artisans, to do all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, in the building of the tabernacle, according to the pattern God gave to Moses. At its completion, with all things set in place, as God commanded Moses, the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
(See Exodus Chapters 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
Christ in us, the hope of glory. Fill us LORD with Your glory! Amen.
- A Walk In The Garden Devotions
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Sing Songs of Praise to Our God
and I will bless Your name forever and ever.
Your name forever and ever.
and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
and Your faithfulness every night.
with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to Him
a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.
my being. May my meditation be sweet to Him;
I will be glad in the LORD.
Monday, April 22, 2024
The Great Shepherd and His Sheep
We cannot make it through life in our own strength; it is way too small. Our Great Shepherd is our Savior and Lord, who has called us to His perfect rest.
Psalm 23
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores
my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness
for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow
of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your
rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my
enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of
my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Inspiration For Our Daily Christian Walk
Sunday, March 31, 2024
Easter Sunday Greetings: Glorious Resurrection
Because Christ lives, we too shall live. What blessed hope!

Friday, March 29, 2024
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.' "
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.)
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.
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
Thursday, March 14, 2024
All God's Judgments are Righteous, Just and True
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)
"Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been manifested." (Revelation 15:3-4)
- A Walk In The Garden Devotions
Related Bible Readings: Deuteronomy 32:1-4; 1 Samuel 16:6-7; Psalm 19; Psalm 23; Psalm 75; Psalm 89; Psalm 105; Psalm 145; Proverbs 14:34-35; Ezekiel 31; Isaiah 46:12-13; Isaiah 61:8-11; John 7:24; Acts 10:34-48; Revelation 19 and further study Revelation in its entirety.
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Let It Rain!
Friday, February 16, 2024
The Spirit of The LORD is Life and Power
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light."
"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being."
(Genesis 1:1-3; Genesis 2:7; See Chapters 1 and 2 in their entirety for the creation story, and Ezekiel 37:1-14 about the valley of dry bones.)
"You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the earth." (Psalm 104:30)
"There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD." (Isaiah 11:1-2)
"This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts. 'Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of "Grace, grace to it!" ' "
"The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands shall also finish it. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you." (Zechariah 4:6 & 9)
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8; see also Acts Chapter 2, Isaiah 61:1-3; and Romans Chapter 8)
"When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you." (John 16:13-14; see also John 14:15-21)
"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. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:16-21)
- A Walk In The Garden Devotions
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Inspiration For Our Daily Christian Walk
- A Walk In The Garden Devotions
Related Bible Readings: Matthew 14:22-33; James 1:2-6; Hebrews 6:17-20; Hebrews 12:1-3; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 43:2; Psalm 46
Related Devotion: Walk on Water
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
The captain of our salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ, has wrought a great work in the earth, in bringing many sons to glory. O, praise His holy name!
He who was made perfect through sufferings, is perfecting a glorious church. His joy has become ours; let the redeemed declare His high praises!
By Him all things were created, both visible and invisible. The Lord, He is God; from age to age the same. His kingdom is forever.
Rejoice in the LORD, our eternal hope and stay.
Psalm 100
"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."
Hebrews 1:8-12
But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions."
And:
"You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail."
Hebrews 2:1
"Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
Colossians 1:3-4
"We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints."
(See Colossians Chapter 1 in its entirety: about walking worthy of the Lord, bringing forth fruit, increasing in the knowledge of God, continuing in the faith, grounded and steadfast, not moved away from the hope of the gospel.)
Hebrews 2:9-13
"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: "I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praises to You."
And again: "I will put My trust in Him."
And again: "Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."
Hebrews 12:2-3
"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. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."
Hebrews 13:8
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Philippians 4:4
"Rejoice in the LORD always. Again I will say, rejoice!"
- A Walk In The Garden Devotions
Monday, December 25, 2023
Christmas Blessings: A Savior Who Is Christ The Lord

Christ was conceived in the womb of the virgin Mary, the betrothed wife of Joseph of the house and lineage of David.
"And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:7-14)
abide in His love!
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
The King of Glory Wants to Come In
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Season Greetings: Everlasting Joy and Peace
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
A Bible Reading For Today
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Wednesday Blessings: Circumcision
the stony heart and for a new heart of flesh.
For putting Your Spirit within us; for inclining
our hearts to You, to walk in Your statues, to keep Your
commandments, and Your judgments, and do them.
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
The Lord God Almighty Is The Only God
The Lord God Almighty, who made the heavens and the earth, is the only God. There is none beside Him or ever shall be. Praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded and they were created. He owns the breath of every living creature and all mankind.
"Who gave Him charge over the earth? Or who appointed Him over the whole world? If He should set His heart on it, if He should gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath, all flesh would perish together, and man would return to the dust." (Job 34:13-15)
Idols are worthless. They are a poor substitute and cannot deliver any. In God alone, we must trust and rely on. No one or anything is His equal. The Lord of hosts is His name; worship Him in the beauty of His holiness.
- A Walk In The Garden DevotionsRelated Bible Readings:
Exodus Chapter 20; 1 Samuel Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 and Isaiah Chapter 2
Monday, October 16, 2023
Inspiration For Our Daily Christian Walk
Thursday, September 28, 2023
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.
- A Walk In The Garden Devotions
Monday, September 11, 2023
Heartstrings: His Banner of Love
Friday, September 1, 2023
In the Garden and Under the Shade of His Love

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)
- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Inspiration For Our Daily Christian Walk
Monday, June 26, 2023
Perfecting a Glorious Church Without Spot, Wrinkle or Blemish
"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)
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
God's Anointing and Power in Our Lives
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
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Daily Meditation: Glorifying God in Our Lives
Monday, May 1, 2023
A Vessel Of Honor For The Lord
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Tuesday Blessings: Sanctification
Lord, be glorified in my life!
Let me be for Your praise and Your glory.
Let me be a vessel of honor for thee.
In Your holy name, I pray
with thanksgiving.
Sunday, April 9, 2023
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)
"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as 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. (Romans 6:4-5, 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
Friday, April 7, 2023
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
Friday, March 17, 2023
Inspiration For Our Daily Christian Walk
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
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.
- A Walk In The Garden Devotions
Thursday, February 2, 2023
A Truly Liberated and Fruitful Life Brings Glory to God
The one, true and living God, the everlasting King, made the heavens and the earth and everything in them, by His great wisdom and power. Not the gods that are a lie and shall perish.
All God's works are done in truth; He is the truth. In Him, there is no falsehood or margins of error.
Being enticed by the devil, the first man and woman sinned and sin led to death, physically and spiritually. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, the second Adam from above, to reconcile us to God.
Jesus declares in John 14 verse 6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
To follow Christ, is to walk in truth and be set free. For whom the Son sets free is free indeed. (See John 8:31-59)
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." (John 15:7 & 8)
For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regards to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:20-23)
For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. (The Third Epistle of John, Chapter 1:3 & 4)
A truly liberated and fruitful life, brings glory to God. Abide in Him and eat His words.
- A Walk In The Garden Devotions
Related Bible Readings:
John 1:14 & 17; John 4:23 & 24; John 7:14-29; John 8:31-59; John 14:6 and John 14:15-17; John Chapter 15 in its entirety; John 16:12-15; John 17:3 & 17; John 18:37; First Epistle of John in its entirety; 1 Corinthians 13:6; 1 Corinthians 5:8; Galatians Chapter 5; Ephesians 6:10-24; 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2; 1 Timothy Chapter 4; 1 Timothy 6:3-6; 2 Timothy 2:15-19; Hebrews 10:26 & 27; James 5:19 & 20; Second Epistle of Peter in its entirety; Epistle of Jude; Genesis Chapter 3; Psalm 25:4, 5, 10; Psalm 33:4; Psalm 43:3; Psalm 85:10-13; Psalm 86:11; Psalm 89:14-18; Proverbs 3:3 & 4; Proverbs 23:23; Isaiah 42:8; Isaiah Chapter 44; Isaiah Chapter 61; Jeremiah 10:1-16