Inspiration For Our Daily Christian Walk

With God's divine joy filling our lives, we can rejoice in all life's circumstances. Christ, our Savior and Lord prayed to the Father, that His disciples would have His joy fulfilled in themselves. See His prayer offered up to God (John Chapter 17), as the time drew near, where He would experience betrayal, agony, accusation, crucifixion, resurrection. 

"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." (Hebrews 12:2)

"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:11)

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

In Romans Chapter 12, Paul encourages us to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation; continuing steadfast in prayer.

Peter in his First Epistle (Chapter 1) writes of joy unspeakable and full of glory.

"The joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)

"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)

All praise and thanks to God who loves us and brought us salvation. He makes His abode with those who love Him, and nothing shall separate us from His everlasting love. 

May the fruit of His joy, and all His fruits, flourish in our lives, by the power of the Holy Spirit. To Him be glory in His church. Amen.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Related Bible Readings: Isaiah Chapter 61; John 16:20-24; Philippians 4:4; Galatians 5:22 and 23 

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 18-21.

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

Spread Christmas cheer. Find Christmas eCards at www.awalkinthegardengreetings.com

 

A Living Sacrifice, Holy and Acceptable to God

Praise and thanks be to God, for His marvelous grace which brought us salvation, through Jesus Christ. He offered up Himself for the sins of the world, by whom those who believe are justified and sanctified.  

Daily walking with the Lord, God's finished work transforms and perfects us, as we yield to the Holy Spirit. 

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)

"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)

Our humble gratitude is exemplified in praise and thanksgiving to God, and the way we conduct ourselves in a sinful world, from which we were called. On the altar of God, we present ourselves daily as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service. (See Romans 12:1 & 2)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Related Bible Readings:

Romans Chapter 5; Romans Chapter 8; Titus Chapter 2; Ephesians Chapter 4; Philippians 2:1-18; 2 Timothy 3:1-17; Galatians 2:16-21; Hebrews 13:1-21; The Book of James 

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)

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

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

Happy New Year!

All glory, honor, praise and thanksgiving to the Great Shepherd! "For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations." (Psalm 100:5)

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, we know not what the future holds, but we can trust the Lord our God, with all our heart, for He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. The Overseer of our souls is all knowing, all wise, all powerful. No one or anything can pluck us out of His hand. We are the sheep of His pasture and He will direct our steps in His will and purpose, as we trust and obey His voice. In His care, we need not fear. Nothing shall separate us from His love. Like His servant David, we too can say, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23:6)

Amen.

A Prayer for Today
Lord, speak to my heart, every waking second of the day...

A New Year Has Begun
Thanks be to our great God who has preserved us to this day. A new year has begun, and we know not what the future holds, but we know...

Devotional: Time Goes By
How the years come and go. Each new year, we celebrate a new beginning...

Prayer Journal
Find daily prayers for life's journey...

God is in the details of our lives, not the devil

Life has its challenges - Be it some important undertaking or simply living our day to day lives confronted by and surrounded by details of one sort or another.

For those whose trust is in the Almighty, we can rest assured that the Lord will lead and guide us; that He will perfect all that concerns us; that He is working all things together for our good; that He will make the crooked places straight, that light has dawn for us in darkness.

There is absolutely nothing that is too difficult for the Lord. He is the all wise God, Creator of heaven and earth. 

Though buffeted, we are not ignorant of the devil's devices. Jesus said, "Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh and hath nothing in me." (John 14:30)

God is in the details of our lives, not the devil.

The Bible speaks of Daniel and Joseph: Godly men who were able to tell and interpret hard dreams that the soothsayers and magicians could not. There is a wisdom of this world, and then there's the wisdom from on high. God is our wisdom and peace. We need not fear.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

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A Prayer of Thanksgiving on Good Friday and Always

Jesus died for sinners

Lord Jesus, today your followers the world over, pause and reflect on your great sacrifice—Your trial, suffering and death by way of a cross. We acknowledge and appreciate the ultimate demonstration and profession of your love for us. Like a lamb, you were led to the slaughter—you willingly laid down your life to provide atonement for our sins. 

We thank you this day and every day, for cleansing us and delivering us from the powers of satan—from a life of darkness and separation from God our Maker, to a life of light and love, in your Holy presence.

Our souls rejoice in the hope, that some day, you will show Yourself in the clouds, to take us where You are, and forever we shall be with You. 

As we continue on our earthly sojourn, guided and strengthened by Your Holy Spirit, help us to do Your will. Grant us courage, as we go into all the world to share Your gospel. We have no other Savior.

Amen.


- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

That the Word of the Lord Might Be Fulfilled...

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing, saying:

Thus says Cyrus king of Persia. All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. Who is among you of all His people? May the Lord his God be with him and let him go up!
2 Chronicles 36:22-23

Hear and take courage all you saints in the earth who fear God and has received His Son the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. What God has purposed and spoken for you as an individual, a body of believers and for a nation shall surely come to pass. And He will accomplished it by His awesome zeal and power.

We read in the aforementioned scripture that the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia. God is in His holy temple, let all the earth be silent before Him. The heart of the king is in His hands and He does whatsoever He pleases for He the Lord is Sovereign.

The temple at Jerusalem was in ruins. Time and time again, God's people had returned to serving their idols. God had said that if they continued in their ways, He will remove their beautiful temple, and make it a byword to all who pass by, and send them into captivity, because they had forsaken the true and living God, to bow down to a piece of wood and stone that have no breath in them. In His mercy, He also promised that He will remember His people, and bring His people back to their land. And that they shall fear Him and serve Him. And in the years to come, the Messiah, the Lord Jesus came to the Jews and to a temple that was rebuilt.

The nations of Persia, Media and Babylon were not God-fearing nations, but even within them, God was still moving by His Spirit on the hearts of men to accomplish His purposes, and He is still doing so today. God delivers and God restores. When the set time has come to fulfill His word in your life, His church, the nation—He will do it. The truth is, all things are in God's hand and there is nothing He cannot do. When this truth takes root inside our hearts, faith will rise and the chains of doubt will be broken forever. God desires that His ways be known upon the earth.

Let Your glory come to Your temple, Lord God! We are Your temple. Let Your word heal and restore. Walk about Your temple; repair broken lives and deliver those who seek Your deliverance. Bring to pass the word You have spoken, and Your determined end; for we wait upon You, and long for Your glory to fill our lives, and the knowledge of Your glory the earth.

There are many forces striving against Your church and Your kingdom, but we know their striving is in vain. We believe on Your name. We are Your instruments of grace. Let Your glory shine through us. You work and no man can stop Your hand. You desire souls for Your kingdom.

Fulfill Your word. Strengthen our hearts so that we do not faint. Evil prowls on every side, but Your light conquers the darkness.

Reveal Your arm in the midst of the nations. Let the heavens and the earth declare Your glory and Your praise! In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.


For Bible Study & Devotion:
The Book of Ezra
The Book of Nehemiah

The Lord bless you and fill you with the knowledge of His will. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

See Also:

The Old Christmas Story That Never Grows Old in Our Hearts