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 Devotions

Related Bible Readings:

Exodus Chapter 20; 1 Samuel Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 and Isaiah Chapter 2

Inspiration For Our Daily Christian Walk

Related Bible Devotion:

Keeper and Preserver of Our Souls

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

Heartstrings: His Banner of Love

In the Garden and Under the Shade of His Love

If you’ve ever taken a walk in a beautiful garden, you are in no haste to leave. You slowly pace your steps, as you take time to gaze in wonderment and touch the flowers. You might occasionally stoop to move some twigs out of the way.

As we walk in the light of God’s Word, He reveals the glories of His garden—His perfect will for our lives is manifested, as we grow in the grace and the knowledge of Him, who atoned for our sins and brought us into His glorious kingdom.

In the garden, we find our calm repose away from the cares of life. We cast our doubts and fears aside and believe on His name. Being formed in us, His sweet fragrance is diffused to the glory of His name.

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)

Inspirational Thought

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Revelation 3:20)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Inspiration For Our Daily Christian Walk

Perfecting a Glorious Church Without Spot, Wrinkle or Blemish

The Lord God, whose ways are perfect, is coming for a holy church without spot, wrinkle or blemish. Saved by and kept by His amazing grace, He continues to transform our lives, for His glory and praise!

"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)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

God's Anointing and Power in Our Lives

Mankind in a fallen, captive state, is incapable of rising to the high stature, high calling of God. Thanks be to God, for the anointing that removes burdens and breaks the yokes of sin, that keeps us bound. 

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 

Daily Meditation: Glorifying God in Our Lives

"For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 Corinthians 6:20)

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 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. As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in my love." (John 15:5-9)

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)

"I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore." (Psalm 86:12)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

A Vessel Of Honor For The Lord

Tuesday Blessings: Sanctification

A Prayer
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.

Amen and Amen.

See Also:

A Vessel of Honor For The Lord

 Circumcision

Trust in The LORD with all your heart.

View Devotion

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)

"We are buried with Him by baptism: that as like 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." (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

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

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 

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.

Rejoice!

Speak to one another, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always, for all things to God the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. {Ephesians 5:19}

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

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 

A Walk of Obedience

Any loving parent has great joy in seeing his or her children listen to, obey, and emulate that which is good and builds strong character. How much more our heavenly Father who made us in His image and according to His likeness, desires that we hearken to, obey His voice, and walk in His ways. When we walk contrary to His will and purpose, we find ourselves entangled with the cares and deceptions of life, and no godly fruit is produced. Only in the LORD, are our souls satisfied; only in the LORD, can we experience true peace, joy and contentment, as we grow in the grace and knowledge of Him, who is gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy.   

"For I did not speak to your fathers, or command them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices. But this is what I commanded them saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.' Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but followed the counsels and the dictates of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward." (Jeremiah 7:22-24)

"Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." (1 Samuel 15:22)

"If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword." (Isaiah 1:19 & 20)

"Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea." (Isaiah 48:18)

"If you love Me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me, because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." (John 14:15-21) 

"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)  See entire chapter.

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (John 10:27) See entire chapter.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Related Bible Readings: Genesis Chapters 2 and 3; Exodus Chapter 20; Hebrews Chapter 3; Ezekiel Chapter 33; Jeremiah 6:16-20; Jeremiah 16:10 & 11; Jeremiah Chapters 42, 43, 44; Psalm 19:7-14; The First Epistle of John Chapter 2; Romans Chapters 1 and 2; Romans 5:19-21; Romans Chapter 13; Acts Chapter 5; The Epistle of James Chapter 1; Philippians Chapter 2; Ephesians Chapter 2; Ephesians Chapter 5; The First & Second Epistles of Paul to the Thessalonians; The First Epistle of Peter Chapter 1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew Chapter 15:8 & 9; Matthew 22:35-40 

Children of God, Heirs of His Righteousness

Through faith in Christ Jesus, we become children of God—Born again, not of the sinful nature and its seed, but the incorruptible nature of God. Justified by faith and deemed righteous in His sight.

"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)

"He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name." (John 1:11 and 12)

"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 5:19-21)

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are the children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. (1 John 3:1-3) 

"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." (Ephesians 2:8, 9)

"Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever." (1 Peter 1:23) See also 1 Peter 2:9 and 10.

"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." (Romans 8:16,17)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Related Bible Readings: Matthew 5:6; Matthew 6:33; John 3:1-21; Ephesians 2 in its entirety; Philippians 1:9; Hebrews 11 in its entirety; Romans Chapters 4 and 5 in their entirety; First Epistle of Peter Chapter 1:22-25

Christmas Greetings & Blessings

May your hearts overflow with hope, peace and joy, as you celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, today and forever. King of kings, and Lord of lords, Hallelujah!

Bible Reading: Luke 2:7-14

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!" 

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

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

 

Keeper and Preserver of Our Souls

The Keeper of our souls, the Lord Almighty, is He who loves and cares deeply for His "Vineyard." He causes it to blossom and bud, and fill the world with its fruit. He is zealous for its preservation. 

"I, the LORD, keep it, I water it every moment; lest any hurt it, I keep it night and day. Fury is not in Me. Who would set briers and thorns against Me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together. Or let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." (Isaiah 27:3-5)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Inspiration For Our Daily Christian Walk

God gives His people power in the valleys, to walk on the high places, to drink of His rivers and streams, to walk in the light of His Word, to walk in the Spirit. With Him is the fountain of life.

Praise His holy name!

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Related Bible Readings: Psalm 23; Habakkuk 3:19; Psalm 18:30-36; Psalm 32:8; Psalm 36:5-9; Psalm 119:105; John 8:12; Romans Chapter 8 in its entirety.

Monday Blessings: The Presence of Our Faithful Lord

Having the knowledge and the assurance, that the Great God of heaven and earth is with us wherever we go, we are encouraged to be strong and of good courage. Life's journey is not an easy road we travel, but with our faithful God leading and guiding the way, and our trusting in His Word, meditating in it day and night, we can possess His promises, and enter into His perfect rest. God who commands and controls the seasons, never fails. Follow on.

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Related Bible Readings: Joshua Chapter 1; Exodus 13:21 & 22; Exodus 33:12-17; Numbers 9:15-23; Deuteronomy 31:6; John 16:12-15; Hebrews 4:1-11; 1 Peter 5:10 & 11; 2 Peter 1:1-11

A Glorious Life in Christ

Heart to Heart: An Altar of Prayer and Worship

Fill our hearts with Your glory, Lord God!

Related Bible Readings: Exodus 33:18-23; Exodus 34:1-10; Exodus Chapter 40; 1 Kings 18:21-39; 2 Chronicles Chapter 7; Psalm 51; Ezekiel Chapter 43; John 4:23 & 24; Galatians 5:22-26; Hebrews 13:15 & 16

Monday Blessings: Faith is the Victory

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1 John 5:4)

Without faith, it is impossible to please God. (See Hebrews 11:6)

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 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