Nothing to Hide

 

 

This is the 109^th letter:

 

Text for the day: 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

 

Our Theme for the day: Nothing to Hide

 

Our Devotional

 

"Never give away your work. Because people don't value what they don't have to pay for." These are the words of Nancy Hale, who understood something about life. In our final devotion for the year remember, you are not called as servant leaders to peddle the word of God for profit like so many are doing. On the contrary, speak for Christ before God to men today with sincerity, like men sent from God. Do not lose heart because people are not responding as you like you desire to see them respond. You have been given a ministry of mercy from the Lord, continue on doing it.

 

As you are about to walk into a new year, it’s time to renounce your secret and shameful ways. It’s time to stop using deception and distortion. Set the truth plainly before every man's conscience in the sight of God, and let the spirit of God do its work. If your gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who do not want to listen, because they are perishing. In the days of Paul, truth still remained hidden. This situation was not due to a lack of clearness in the gospel itself, but to the attitude of the minds and hearts to which it was addressed. Paul’s thinking for the minority that persisted in following the false apostles among the people of Corinth was that they repent, and the Vail of salvation, be open. Matt. 18:11, Luke 15:4, 6, 24, 31, 32; 19:10

 

God is giving His last call for the year; don’t be taken back by the blindness of the people of this age. Their gods have blinded their minds, they are unbelievers. Today let the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, shine from you. Be open and have nothing to hide, because you are God’s servant continue to walk and work by His side.   

 

Join us next time for another ray of sunshine from Garden Ministry.

 

 

Our Prayer for today:

That the peace of God which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

 

Prayer Request

Let us pray for the families of the latest deaths by storms and landslides in Brazil.

The worst incident had occurred in Jacarepagua, in the western part of Rio de Janeiro state,

where a family of five died in a landslide. So far there are 11 deaths.

 

 

We are into our 29^th week since starting Garden Ministry; it is growing with

new people asking to subscribe to it each day. If you are gaining spiritual

muscle mass, and strength through Garden Ministry, and would like to help

some-one else gain Spiritual muscle mass and strength also.

Then send Garden Ministry your Testimony at,

http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ . Garden Ministry would love to

share your Testimony with our faithful viewers and readers.

So ask yourselves, which letter or message from Garden Ministry helped

you to hold on to your faith, or helped someone else hold on to theirs?

 

Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.

 

If you are blessed by these “uplifting gems”, share them.

 

These letters are written by Elder Kevin Santucci

 

For further information, comment or requests, E-mail Garden Ministry:

http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/

 

Garden Ministry would love to thank you today for your prayers and continual

faithfulness of sharing these letters with others like your self. Thank you for

your insightful comments to Garden Ministry. If you love to leave a comment,

go to our website at http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ and then comment,

follow the directions and then you will be finished. Truly I am encouraged how

little can become much when you place it in the master’s hand. To all our

faithful readers on behalf of the Garden Ministry team, we wish you Gods

riches Blessings.

 

EXAMINATION TIME

This is the 108^th letter:

Text for the day: 2 Corinthians 13:5 (King James Version)

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Our Theme for the day: EXAMINATION TIME

Our Devotional

Finally examination schedule, this was the poster that was huge on the wall by the employment office. Forty applicants had applied and Bill was one of them. Bill a hard worker and every one knew it, hated to be tested. The day had come, but Bill was not prepared for the test, he had spent the time in studying, but his mind was not prepared. Not everyone is ready for an examination, but we must examine ourselves, whether be in the faith or not; we must prove our own selves" (2 Corinthians 13:5). If the mind is not ready for an examination, or test, it doesn’t matter what good thing you do in leading up to that test, you are unready. We should examine our mind daily. To check our attitudes, this should not be a hard thing to do. To criticize our temper, disposition, thoughts, words, inclinations, purposes, and deeds, calls for our highest attention. . How can we intelligently ask the Lord for the things we need, unless we have a right mind? This is the day to prove by the Scriptures the condition of our spiritual health.

Most people around the world live in a religious community, but many in their religious life are making crooked paths for their feet. Their prayers are offered in a loose, haphazard manner. If you are placed in a position of responsibility, remember that of yourself you are unable to do that which is required of you. We need the Lord. Every day remember that you are a spectacle unto the world, to angels, and to men. In what ever area of life you are called as servant leaders, serve cheerfully. Examine yourself and take up your work, however humble it is, and wherever you may be placed. Christ, our example in all things, was poor, that through His poverty He might make many rich. Finally, those whose heart is filled with the grace of God and love for the perishing will find opportunity, to speak a word or do a kind act in season to those who are weary.

The end of the calendar year has come, to the Christian this is examination time, and God is calling upon you to serve Him in every transaction of life for the coming year. The world is no more favorable today for the development of Christian character than in Noah's day. Wickedness is widespread across our world, which calls for our minds to be focus through our test. Are you ready for your next test?

Join us next time for another ray of sunshine from Garden Ministry.

Our Prayer for today: Father, help me to look with in so I can help those without. Prayer Request For a lady who is 49 years old in need of a change in her life, from drinking to Christ. We are into our 29th week since starting Garden Ministry; it is growing with new people asking to subscribe to it each day. If you are gaining spiritual muscle mass, and strength through Garden Ministry, and would like to help some-one else gain Spiritual muscle mass and strength also. Then send Garden Ministry your Testimony at, http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ . Garden Ministry would love to share your Testimony with our faithful viewers and readers. So ask yourselves, which letter or message from Garden Ministry helped you to hold on to your faith, or helped someone else hold on to theirs? Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see. If you are blessed by these “uplifting gems”, share them. These letters are written by Elder Kevin Santucci For further information, comment or requests, E-mail Garden Ministry: http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ Garden Ministry would love to thank you today for your prayers and continual faithfulness of sharing these letters with others like your self. Thank you for your insightful comments to Garden Ministry. If you love to leave a comment, go to our website at http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ and then comment, follow the directions and then you will be finished. Truly I am encouraged how little can become much when you place it in the master’s hand. To all our faithful readers on behalf of the Garden Ministry team, we wish you Gods riches Blessings.

WHEN GOD SPEAKS

 

This is the 107^th letter: 

Text for the day: Revelation 3:20 (King James Version)

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

                                                                                                                                                                                        

Our Theme for the day: WHEN GOD SPEAKS

 

 

 

Our Devotional

 

 

In the book of Revelation 3:20, Jesus is seen giving an invitation to all men to open the door of their hearts, that He may come in. The biggest question is not how did Jesus get outside, or why is He outside so long? It is found in the text itself… “If any man hears my voice, and opens the door”. In literature the word “if” introduces a condition or supposition. It doesn’t matter which country you come from, or what language you speak the meaning of the word “if” is the same. To grant, allow, or suppose. In past times God spake to His called out people by many ways, through inspired thought, impressions, dreams, visions, personal visitations, audible voice, prophet, king, songs, His written word, nature, and even the heavens. That if they would listen, and follow they would be His blessed people. Today God may still use some of or all of these ways to speak to his people, but to the end that they may hear His voice.

Last day events, are only apart of God’s way of getting our attention, to the end that we may hear His voice. As servant leaders in the Lord in these last days, God wants to move you on to new highs in ministry. You must not stop and be content and celebrate with your success this past year, there is still a work to be done and a victory to be won. Many people of our world are still sitting in darkness and the shadow of death. Many are right in our churches, still fighting with the old man of sin. The question today is who will give the call; “If any man hears my voice, and opens the door” I will come in to them? Is pride, love of the world, or selfishness in your heart shutting Jesus from those who are living in sin? If it is, then confess and forsake these things and make the love of Jesus your theme from this day forward. Turn these things out of your heart. Take time to pray to God for His overcoming grace. Die to sin, and make the happy exchange for Jesus, his presence, his love, his power to minister.

 Looking back at the text in Revelation 3: 20, "If any men hear my voice, and open the door the promise is “I will come in and sup with him and he with me." Have you heard the voice of Jesus? Have you responded to that voice? Has the cutting, saving message taken hold of your soul, and worked a reformation in the life? Or, have you suffered this precious voice, to be drowned by the confusion of the world? If you don’t hear the voice of Jesus, how will the people hear his voice through you? Jesus speaking to this matter in Matthew 15:14, “Let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”

On the other hand there are some today who are hearing the voice of Jesus and not letting Him in because of stubbornness and a love for sin and the world. God’s words are sin no more and open your hearts. You can hear his voice if you will. You must first listen to His voice, and then empty the heart of every besetting sin, that room may be made for Jesus, that he may come in and abide with you. Finally, as you hunger and thirst for righteousness, Jesus will come in and sup with you, and you with him. Will you search carefully your heart, and see what you indulge in and cherish, that displeases Jesus and keeps the door of your heart shut against the dear Saviour? Today God speaks!

 

Join us next time for another ray of sunshine from Garden Ministry.

 

Our Prayer for today: Father, search our heart carefully, and see if there be any cherish sin in us that is displeasing thee, cleanse it from us that we may hear your voice today.     Prayer Request For a newly baptized Christian who is having trouble with the addictions of the demons of drinking alcohol and smoking.     We are into our 29th week since starting Garden Ministry; it is growing with new people asking to subscribe to it each day. If you are gaining spiritual muscle mass, and strength through Garden Ministry, and would like to help some-one else gain Spiritual muscle mass and strength also. Then send Garden Ministry your Testimony at, http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ . Garden Ministry would love to share your Testimony with our faithful viewers and readers. So ask yourselves, which letter or message from Garden Ministry helped you to hold on to your faith, or helped someone else hold on to theirs?   Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.   If you are blessed by these “uplifting gems”, share them.   These letters are written by Elder Kevin Santucci   For further information, comment or requests, E-mail Garden Ministry: http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/   Garden Ministry would love to thank you today for your prayers and continual faithfulness of sharing these letters with others like your self. Thank you for your insightful comments to Garden Ministry. If you love to leave a comment, go to our website at http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ and then comment, follow the directions and then you will be finished. Truly I am encouraged how little can become much when you place it in the master’s hand. To all our faithful readers on behalf of the Garden Ministry team, we wish you Gods riches Blessings.

 

 

TAKE ME BACK (Part 4) (BE LIKE THE WISE MEN)

 

 

 

Welcome to Garden Ministry, where the soil of the mind is broken up, fertilized, and made ready for the toiling of the Holy Spirit.
Garden Ministry’s purpose is to encourage the workers in the field of the Lord, and to keep them looking up to Jesus.

 

This is the 106^th letter: 

Text for the day: Numbers 24:17 (King James Version)

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

                                                                                                                                                                                        

Our Theme for the day:   TAKE ME BACK (Part 4)

(BE LIKE THE WISE MEN)

 

 

 

Our Devotional

 

 

Have you ever been told something for your good more then once? How did you feel having the same thing repeated to you? Did you respond after the matter was brought to your attention the second time or did you need a third or fourth engagement? In 4004 B.C. this earth was awaken to the sound of the coming of the son of God in a humble birth in the city of David. But the news by the shepherds did not arouse the people to glorify and praise God. Instead they went back to their normal way of living, and merry making. Researchers say if you want to get people to pay attention to what you have to say, speak or write short. This is true in all areas of life.

Most of the things we do at work are in the format of an email, proposal or presentation – these documents your audience wants to get through quickly. The faster and more concisely you get to your point, the more likely your listener or reader will stick with you and understand your message. "If the president of the United States got up and addressed his nation or the world in 270 words, it'd be a top news story. People will pay more attention because he was brief. So what went wrong with the first message to the world of the birth of Jesus which causes God to send more messengers? The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden "the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God." Rom. 11:33.

About forty days after the birth of Christ, Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord, and to offer sacrifice. This was according to the Jewish law, and as man's substitute Christ must conform to the law in every particular. (DA 50.1) Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men, (magi, or philosophers) from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. These men belonged to a large and influential class that included men of noble birth, and comprised much of the wealth and learning of their nation.

The light of God is ever shining amid the darkness of heathenism. As these magi studied the starry heavens, and sought to fathom the mystery hidden in their bright paths, they beheld the glory of the Creator. Seeking clearer knowledge, they turned to the Hebrew Scriptures. In their own land they treasured the prophetic writings that predicted the coming of a divine teacher. Entering the holy city, they go to the temple. But to their amazement they find none who seem to have a knowledge of the newborn king. Their questions call forth no expressions of joy, but rather of surprise and fear, not unmingled with contempt.

     The priests are rehearsing traditions. They extol their religion and their own piety, while they denounce the Greeks and Romans as heathen, and sinners above others. The wise men are not idolaters, and in the sight of God they stand far higher than do these, His professed worshipers; yet they are looked upon by the Jews as heathen. Even among the appointed guardians of the Holy Oracles their eager questionings touch no chord of sympathy. (DA 60 - 61)

The Bible goes on to say, “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. But in heaven this was good trouble, this was God’s way of awakening the world again to the greatest news of the Saviour. And when King Herod had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: as it is written by the prophet, (Micah 5:2). Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they departed; lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.  

And when they were come into the house, (note not the manger were the shepherds saw Him) they….. Fell down, and worshipped him: and presented…… their treasures, they presented gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream they return not to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. Joseph was also visited by an angel in a dream, encouraging him to go into Egypt, for safety: until the death of Herod. When King Herod, heard that the wise men had gone home without telling him where Jesus was, he became very angry! He sent soldiers to Bethlehem to kill all boy babies under two years old, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. (Matthew 2:1-18) Today like it was in the day of the wise men, women are crying for their sons. Sons who are been killed by Satan, this time through drugs, guns, and immoral life style. Finally in the words of James Black who is the Director NAD YPAC Ministries, “This is a day of celebration for recognizing and honoring the gift of God’s Son.” Not that Christ was born on December 25^th; all preachers know he wasn’t. But that we celebrate the opportunity to tell all men of His birth. As servant leaders let us freely share the word of God with all we meet about the soon return of Jesus in power and great glory.

 

Join us next time for another ray of sunshine from Garden Ministry.

 

Our Prayer for today: Lord, help us be quick to listen and do your will today.     Prayer Request For a son with addictions and which is causing his family great   pain and worry.   We are into our 28th week since starting Garden Ministry; it is growing with new people asking to subscribe to it each day. If you are gaining spiritual muscle mass, and strength through Garden Ministry, and would like to help some-one else gain Spiritual muscle mass and strength also. Then send Garden Ministry your Testimony at, http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ . Garden Ministry would love to share your Testimony with our faithful viewers and readers. So ask yourselves, which letter or message from Garden Ministry helped you to hold on to your faith, or helped someone else hold on to theirs?   Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.   If you are blessed by these “uplifting gems”, share them.   These letters are written by Elder Kevin Santucci   For further information, comment or requests, E-mail Garden Ministry: http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/   Garden Ministry would love to thank you today for your prayers and continual faithfulness of sharing these letters with others like your self. Thank you for your insightful comments to Garden Ministry. If you love to leave a comment, go to our website at http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ and then comment, follow the directions and then you will be finished. Truly I am encouraged how little can become much when you place it in the master’s hand. To all our faithful readers on behalf of the Garden Ministry team, we wish you Gods riches Blessings.

 

 

TAKE ME BACK (Part 3) (SHEPHERDS AND ANGELS)

 

 

 

 

This is the 105^th letter: 

 

Text for the day: Luke 2:15

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

                                                                                                                                                                                        

Our Theme for the day:   TAKE ME BACK (Part 3)

(SHEPHERDS AND ANGELS)

 

 

 

Our Devotional

 

 

Can I get a witness, came from the voice in front of the church. This was the first morning of the share your faith stories at a New Haven church in New Haven. This was a moment at the beginning of their worship service when anyone could come forward to make an announcement or testimony. People had a love-hate relationship with this time. On the one hand, it was a chance to see the diverse vitality of the congregation and to match a face and a name. For newcomers, it was a wonderful introduction to the strong lay leaders of our church. Announcements and testimonies had to be watched so they did not become long and tedious and interrupt the worship. As we look back in time to the week leading up to the birth of Christ, we see that God had prepared witnesses to testify of that glorious event.  In the book of Luke chapter 2:8 the Bible says, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger” Luke 2:8-16. The angels had long wondered at the plan of men’s redemption. They had watched for century’s the preparation of the beloved people, and now they where watching to see how the people would receive Him, not in his full glory but garb in humanity. While the nations around were dealing in fables and worshiping false gods. “To the land where the glory of God had been revealed, and the light of prophecy had shone, the angels came. They came unseen to Jerusalem, to the appointed expositors of the Sacred Oracles, and the ministers of God's house.” (DA 43)

As these heavenly messengers made themselves through the city, they were amazed with what indifference the people whom God had called to communicate His light where sleeping with His truth. This nation had been preserved as a witness for God, knew not that the time of His coming was now at hand. Leaders of which everyone looked up to, where in the temple for the morning and the evening sacrifice which represented the Saviour; but where not in the community pointing the people to the Saviour. These servant leaders were eating and drinking at the expense of the people, but knowing not that the greatest event of the ages was soon to take place. They took joy in their meaningless prayers, and rites of worship to be seen by men. Among these servant leaders they had strife for riches among themselves and worldly honor. As we look at the people of the scared truth, their hearts were full of selfishness and worldly engrossment, which snuffed out the joy that thrills the heart for service. Note, only a few were longing to behold the glorious event, of these where humble Shepard’s. There is a lesson hear for all to learn, God is not subject to the theological way of thinking. When theologians are looking for someone to call on to speak on behalf of them or as a recommendation for some one else they call on them who have been to the theological center. But God looks to call the humble.

This is not to say that God can’t use the theologian, but to him they must be humble. God can do far more with the humble with no formal training, than with the trained that are not humble. The Bible goes on to say that after these Shepard’s saw Jesus, they departed with great joy telling whoever wound listen, they made known the things they had seen and heard. In other words they became witnesses. "And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God. Luke 2:17-20

To you in the common walks of life, God is speaking to you, angels are longing to attend your steps if you will be led by God's command. We over the next twenty four hours should pause and reflect over the Saviour's great sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall. Today as servant leaders what are you willing to give up? Human pride, self-sufficiency, may be the desire to be the first to achieve that big something in life. Paul reminds us to, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits, Romans 12:15-16

Today let us take time to thank God for those humble Shepard’s, and those persistent angels.

 

Join us next time for another ray of sunshine from Garden Ministry.

 

Our Prayer for today: Lord, bless all your humble servant leaders with a double portion   of your spirit to serve thy people today.     Prayer Request For a mother who is looking for a church or organization of which   she can take her three girls too, so they can help with the serving   of food or anything that’s needed for the poor.   We are into our 28th week since starting Garden Ministry; it is growing with new people asking to subscribe to it each day. If you are gaining spiritual muscle mass, and strength through Garden Ministry, and would like to help some-one else gain Spiritual muscle mass and strength also. Then send Garden Ministry your Testimony at, http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ . Garden Ministry would love to share your Testimony with our faithful viewers and readers. So ask yourselves, which letter or message from Garden Ministry helped you to hold on to your faith, or helped someone else hold on to theirs?   Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.   If you are blessed by these “uplifting gems”, share them.   These letters are written by Elder Kevin Santucci   For further information, comment or requests, E-mail Garden Ministry: http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/   Garden Ministry would love to thank you today for your prayers and continual faithfulness of sharing these letters with others like your self. Thank you for your insightful comments to Garden Ministry. If you love to leave a comment, go to our website at http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ and then comment, follow the directions and then you will be finished. Truly I am encouraged how little can become much when you place it in the master’s hand. To all our faithful readers on behalf of the Garden Ministry team, we wish you Gods riches Blessings.