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

The Great Shepherd and His Sheep

Jesus, our Great Shepherd, is leading us through our days and our nights. He is the One who truly cares for us and is watching over us for good. He loves us and desires that we stay close to Him. Apart from His guiding presence, we become the prey of evil that lurks on every side.

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

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
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.

See Also John 10:1-18 and 1 Peter 2:25

Hebrews 13:20-21

Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Heartstrings: His Banner of Love

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 

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

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. 

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

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.

Celebrate Jesus' Victory Over the Grave

He rose triumphant over the grave! 

"Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." (John 10: 17,18)

All praise and thanks to the Father, who gave us His Son to reconcile us to Himself; and to Jesus who surrendered His will to the will of the Father; and to the Holy Spirit who raised Him from the dead.

"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." (Romans 8:10,11)

Because He lives, we have this blessed, glorious hope. Rejoice!

"Behold, I show you a mystery: we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall 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 shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:51-57)

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)

"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)

Before The Throne of My God

A Meditation: Today is a Gift from God

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.

Psalm 104 (Some excerpts below):

"He sends the springs into the valleys; they flow among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. By them the birds of the heavens have their home; they sing among the branches. He waters the hills from His upper chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works. He causes the grass to grow for the cattle and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth, and wine that makes glad the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengthens man's heart.

He appointed the moon for seasons, the sun knows its going down." (Psalm 104:10-19)

This great and wide sea in which are innumerable teeming things, living things both small and great. There the ships sail about; there is that Leviathan which You have made to play there. These all wait for You, that You may give them their food in due season. What You give them they gather in; You open Your hand, they are filled with good. You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the earth. (Psalm 104:25-30)

All these and more He does. The Lord is good and His mercy endures forever.
Worship and bow in His presence. Praise the Lord!


- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Life is Merry & Bright With Jesus Every Season

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

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Time Goes By

Devotional

How the years come and go. Each new year, we celebrate a new beginning. Excitement builds for all the things we hope to accomplish, but so often, we find ourselves procrastinating and before long, we close the book of blank pages. We are workers in God's vineyard, and our Master will require of us a reckoning of what we have done for His kingdom. He also cares about our desires and wants to fulfill them in accordance with His will and purpose for our lives. He's ready and willing to help us get back on track and make a difference in our world.

Time - The old saying that time waits for no man is absolutely true. Daybreak gives way to nightfall, and the hands on the clock keep moving. The days turn into months and the months into years. We celebrate birthdays and each new year brings us hope for a brighter future. That future is embodied in the will of God for our lives. Many times we make our plans for things that would satisfy us here and now, with little consideration as to how it fits into the eternal purpose of God.

We all want to feel useful in the hands of God. That our time spent on earth is used wisely for the greater good. We envision living a long and healthy life and accomplishing the goals we have set. For the child of God who believes in the finished work of Christ, our primary work is to do the will of God, just as Jesus stated of himself.

God has put desires into our hearts that He wants to fulfill. He invites us to ask of the Father anything in His name and He will do it. Again, this speaks of praying His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. It's not my will, but His.

Our God-given gifts and talents are intended to bring a blessing to those who would benefit from their use. God is honored as we exercise ourselves in them. Remember the Bible story of the servants who were entrusted with their master's goods and had to give a reckoning of their talents? The servant who hid his talent out of fear, received a scolding and confiscation of the single talent he had received.

Whatever we have been given of God, let us use it for His glory. Not comparing ourselves to others, for God has dispensed to each of us according to His will and purpose. Not being fearful, for the more we use the gift, God will bless it, for it is bringing Him much glory and praise. Amen.

Our life's journey is one of time on our way to eternity. While often beset by various trials and tribulations, our heavenly Father is with us. Rejoice! Our lives and times are truly in His hand. Let Him say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the Lord." {Matthew 25:21}

-A Walk In The Garden Devotionals

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Morning Devotion: I Will Sing From the Covert of Your Wings

In the morning, my prayer shall come unto thee O Lord. You are my strength and my song. Daily I will seek your face. You awaken me to the beautiful sound of your voice. Whatever lies ahead, I know that you are with me to lead me all the day. I will trust and not be afraid. I will rest in your love and sing from the covert of your wings. Let your peace reign in our hearts, even as we keep our minds on thee Lord God. Amen.

Today's Scripture Reading: 

Psalm 91:1-7

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

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

Thanks be to God who loves us!