The Prayer of Faith

The Prayer of Faith

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matthew 21:22

Have you ever notice when most people pray, they look for an immediate answer. But the first should seek after is, “Lord help me accept your will.” The second most important thing is, “Lord help me understand the important element in prevailing prayer.” It is said by them of old, that the prayer of faith is the only kind of prayer that is ever answered by God. The prayer of faith either conducted audible or in and inaudible expression of the desires of the heart, backed by faith gives result.

It is this faith that sends our prayers heavenward and the answer to our prayers earthward. But in order for us to receive an answer to our prayers, we need to repair or correct those things in our lives that hinder fellowship with God. Please review the following important passages: Compare Isaiah 59:1; Psalm 66:18; Proverbs 28:9; Matthew 5:23-24; 1 Peter 3:7; with 1 John 1:9; Psalm 32:1; 51:1; and Proverbs 28:13.

This faith gives our prayers wings so that they reach God. Sometimes the devil would make you believe that faith stops you from receiving heavens blessings. If you let him, he would make you believe that God has put brass over your heads and that your prayers cannot penetrate to the throne of God. Brothers and Sisters, Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, that imaginary brass barrier is doubt.

But this great obstacle to answered prayer is pierced through by living faith. Faith is the bow that sends the arrows of our petitions to the throne of the Eternal. A painted fire is no fire; a dead man is no man; and a faithless prayer is no prayer, because it has no life or power. Faithless prayers are like arrows without heads, swords without edges, and birds without wings. They cannot pierce, cut, or fly.

 At this point, let me make four suggestions that can help improve your faith.

(1) Be sure your prayer is grounded in the Word of God. This gives confidence.

(2) Be sure your prayer is not from a carnal or wrong motive, but directed by biblical principles. Learn how to rest in the intercessory ministry of the Holy Spirit and always pray according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

(3) Keep on asking, looking, and knocking in faith, then rest in God’s care, love, and timing for the answer of your prayers. Matthew 7:7-8

(4) Above all, ask the Lord to teach you what He wants to do in you and through you during your period of waiting.

Elijah had to learn the great lessons of faith by waiting on the Lord. After three years with the eye of faith resting on the promise of God, the sight of a little cloud was just the start of something big for him. In Elijah’s reaction we see the expectation of faith and a man grounded in and believing the Word of God. He didn’t hesitate. Immediately he sent his servant with a message to Ahab. “Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down that the rain stops thee not.” 1 Kings 18:41-46

It took faith on Elijah’s part to announce that rain was coming when no one saw the rain. Many professed Christians are in despair today because they are locked up in doubt. Their prayers are not answered because they do not use the key of faith. Moody declared that “prayer is the golden key that unlocks the treasures of heaven.”

With that said, “Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources’ of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching, we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation.” - Steps to Christ, P. 99.

What is the prayer in faith? The prayer of faith is a well-grounded assurance which we hope, and a conviction of the reality of things which we do not see. This faith depends wholly upon the promises of God with no evidence in sight except a “thus said the Lord.” Hebrews 11:1

One of the most beautiful illustrations of the prayer of faith is found in Matthew 8:5-10. A Roman officer made supplication to Christ in behalf of his sick servant. Jesus promised to visit his home and heal the palsied man. The centurion decided that he was not worthy to receive a visit from such an honored guest, and asked Jesus to “speak the word only,” and with assurance added, “And my servant shall be healed.” Jesus spoke the word, and the Gentile officer, with no evidence in sight, believed Him, and went his way rejoicing because his servant was healed. He believed that what he hoped and prayed for was his even before it was confirmed by eyesight. Jesus marveled at such faith, and told His disciples that He had not seen “so great faith, no, not in Israel.”

Since faith means depending on the word of God, there can be no genuine faith till God speaks or until we know what He has spoken. Otherwise it is presumption. This is illustrated by Peter’s experience in walking on the water. When the frightened disciples were assured that the “ghost” was Christ, Peter cried out, “Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.” Jesus answered, “Come.” Peter knew that to jump out of the boat without an invitation would be presumption. He knew that the waters of Galilee could not hold him up. That had been demonstrated many times in his fishing experiences. He knew that Christ must speak first before he could exercise faith. It was his faith in the word “come” that held him up. This was the substance of that for which he hoped and asked. When he took his eyes off Christ and exultantly looked back at his fellow disciples, he began to sink. Jesus saved him and rebuked him for his little faith.

James declares that many of our prayers are unanswered because we “ask amiss.” It is the Word of God that tells us what we need and gives us a knowledge of the promises of God. Therefore it is the Word that regulates our praying so that we know what to ask for. We show our faith by earnestly asking for what God has promised to give. The Lord delights to fulfill His word in answer to the prayer of faith. We are told that the Lord is very liberal in His dealings with those who ask in unwavering faith. The petitioner whose faith wavers does not get anything from the Lord. James 1:5-8

Faithless prayers are unanswered prayers. Prayers of doubt are the chief reason why so few prayers are answered in this faithless generation of unbelief and skepticism. The promise is that if we ask anything in His name, it will be granted. A bank note without a signature at the bottom is a worthless piece of paper. It is the stroke of the pen that confers on it its value. Prayer is a feeble thing in itself; but when endorsed by faith through Christ, it is valuable and avails much. It is faith that endorses the check with the name or promise of Christ.

Gods’ people will receive power to witness through the door of prayer. The omnipotent would send power like a rushing wind by the Holy Spirit through prayer. Prayer is a spiritual weapon which is not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of demonic strongholds. Through prayer the saints are able to cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5

Pagan bulwarks and evil strongholds fell before their prevailing prayers. “The gates of hell” could not prevail against the saints who pray. The prayers of Moses delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage and made of them a great nation. The prayers of Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and others delivered Israel from Babylonian captivity and restored the nation in their homeland. The Protestant Reformation changed the history of the world through the prayer of faith. The prayer of faith is the great strength of the Christian warrior today. Nothing else so enrages Satan or so surely prevails against him then the prayer of faith. He hates the name of Christ and is always alarmed when we call on Him for help against his devices. Earnest, fervent prayer causes Satan’s whole host to tremble and retreat.

He has been defeated by Christ on every battlefield in the pass, and He is still a defeated foe today. Like Paul we can say, “Thanks be to God which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

This triumph by faith is promised to the Christian “always” and “in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14. Satan dreads nothing more than when the saints pray in faith. The church that lost its Christ was full of good works. Its activities where multiplied but its time of meditation was set aside. Its organizations where increased but prayer found no place in their daily lives.

Through all of this, we see that souls may be lost in good works, as surely as in evil ways. The one concern of the devil is to keep the saints from praying in faith. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray in faith. May your prayers be mix with faith always.

Song of the Day: Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus - Cadet Sisters

Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to  comments  

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Dr. Kevin J.T. Santucci

Do you have questions that have not been answered and would like to know more about the God of the Universe? We would love to connect with you. Just email us your questions below! If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this email of faith on to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ 

The Power of Prayer

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15

The last two days was rest days from writing. They were day of reflection and meditation in our Ten Days of Prayer. Some of you have asked the question over these last few days. Why should we pray and what is its power in my life? The late Charles Spurgeon once said, "Prayer is the best response to hatred. It is well said that neglected prayer is the birth-place of all evil. Prayer is an art which only the Spirit can teach us. He is the giver of all prayer. No man can progress in grace if he forsakes prayer. He who knows how to overcome with God in prayer has heaven and earth at his disposal."

Others have said, “Prayer is as vital to the spiritual life as breathing is to the physical. We must “pray without ceasing,” just as we must breathe without ceasing. In either case death is the certain result of willful negligence or stubborn disobedience to the laws that govern our spiritual and physical beings. The penalty is not an arbitrary sentence, but rather the operation of natural law with its self-imposed judgment and punishment.” The person, who refuses to breathe, brings upon himself the sentence of physical death. Likewise the person, who neglects or refuses to pray, cuts off the source of spiritual life and the means of maintaining it.

Jesus taught, "…I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Matthew 17:20). 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 tells us, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they are divine to demolish the devil and his strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." The Bible urges us, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

The power of prayer is not the result of the person praying. Rather, the power resides in the God who is being prayed to. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him."

In today’s civilization, the evangelization of the world is a super human task. But it requires divine power and practical ways to capture the attention of the world like Jesus did. Jesus loved all, and we must do the same. John 5:6. In other words, when the church starts to meet the needs of the community, then the church will begin to attract people. When Jesus gave the gospel commission, He made it clear that if the disciples would preach the message, He would furnish the power, which will be unlimited.

The Father had placed all the power of heaven and earth in Jesus hands, that He might dispense it to the disciples for their world embracing task. The keeping and witnessing power required for their work was to be obtained from Christ for the asking. This omnipotent power would be sent through the agency of the Holy Spirit. The asking began in the upper room, and the power was given on the day of Pentecost. The power came “as of a rushing mighty wind.” Acts 2:1-21

On a later occasion, “when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together.” Acts 4:31. The prayers of Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail brought “a great earthquake” that opened the prison doors. Wind and earthquake are two of the greatest powers of nature. Prayer has cyclone and shaking power. It moves and changes things touched by its influence. Prayer is one of the chiefest of those spiritual weapons that “are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5

The prayers of the apostles not only shook the place where they prayed and the prison where they were confined but also shook kingdoms. Pagan bulwarks and evil strongholds fell before their prevailing prayers. No barrier could stand before the triumphant march of the soldiers of the cross as they “went forth conquering, and to conquer.” “The gates of hell” could not prevail against them. Most of the wonderful answers to prayer recorded in the Scriptures came as the result of the supplications of one godly man or woman. Some of these prayers changed the course of human history. Israel was many times saved by the prayers of a single man of God.

Joseph prayed, and God delivered him from the Egyptian dungeon, made him governor of the empire, and thus saved both Egypt and Israel during the time of famine. The prayers of Moses delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage and made of them a great nation. His prayers delivered them from destruction by the warlike Amalekites and again later from the wrath of an offended God at Mount Sinai. The prayers of Elijah defeated the purpose of Jezebel and saved Israel from a terrible apostasy and possible extinction. The prayers of Asa brought defeat to an Ethiopian army of one million men with three hundred chariots, the ancient tanks.

The earnest petitions of King Jehoshaphat brought victory to the small army of Israel when it was attacked by overwhelming allied forces. The prayers of Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and others delivered Israel from Babylonian captivity and restored the nation in the homeland. It was the power of prayer that wielded the sword of the Spirit in the great Protestant Reformation and thus changed the history of the world.

The prayer of faith is the great strength of the Christian warrior. Nothing else so enrages Satan or so surely prevails against him. He hates the name of Christ and is always alarmed when we call on Him for help against his devices. Earnest, fervent prayer causes Satan’s whole host to tremble and retreat. Though we belong to a defeated race, Satan our conqueror is a defeated foe. He has been defeated by Christ on every battlefield, and the victories of Emmanuel are promised to those who seek in faith. Every child of God should learn to say with Paul, “Thanks be to God which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

This triumph by faith is promised to the Christian “always” and “in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14. “Satan dreads nothing more than to see a praying child of God. The church that void of God, is the people who are full of good works, and no prayer. Their social activities are multiplied that meditation may be ousted. Their organizations and business meetings are increased that prayer may have no chance. This leads to souls being lost in good works as surely as in evil ways. The one concern of the devil is to keep the saints from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray.”-S. CHADWICK.

Prayer is the very soul of the Christian religion. Without it, profession becomes a hollow and lifeless form and religious experience a valley of dry bones. Ezekiel 37:1-14. It is prayer that gives religion its vitality, and spirituality its radiant glow. There are many religious practices, but only praying to God in Jesus name gives answers from God to the soul. It takes the worshiper into the holy of holies of devotion, the inner sanctuary of spiritual experience. It is the secret of the beauty of holiness. R.A. Torrey said in 1924 that there is freedom, peace, and security available through communication with God through prayer. Why not come before Him in prayer today.

Song of the Day: Power of Prayer

Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to tuccigardenministry.gmpost.blogger.com    

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin Santucci

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement through this devotional, please forward this email of faith on to them today: gardenministry.blogspot.com 

Privilege of Prayer

HE SPAKE a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Luke 18:1

Welcome to day two of the Ten Days of Prayer. In these ten days, it is the goal to draw into a closer relationship with God and men. In the parable of our text today, there was of the unjust judge who finally granted the request of the widow, not on the basis of justice, but because of her persistency. Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. By Calvin Coolidge

As we take a look at the word parable, we learn that it comes from the Latin parabola, which means comparison or illustration. It is a thing figuratively expressed-a figure or similitude. The purpose of our text today teach all not to lose heart in prayer and give up too soon. Faintness is a condition of weakness or weariness. It symbolizes the loss of hope and faith. It describes one who becomes discouraged and gives up. It is the opposite of hope, faith, courage, and persistency.

The widow of the parable repeatedly came and entreated the judge. She refused to take “No” for an answer because she knew that her cause was just and that it was the duty of the judge to grant her request. He doubtless treated her discourteously and did everything possible to discourage her, but to no avail. The judge is called “unjust” by way of contrast with a just God. If an unjust judge will finally render justice and grant the persistent request of a suppliant, surely “the God of Justice” will hear and answer the requests of His people when they are in harmony with His will.

This is true even “though He bear long with them” or “although He seems slow in taking action on their behalf.” (Weymouth.) To us, God sometimes seems slow in answering our prayers. What is the reason for this delay? Most answers to prayer must be delayed for the good of those who pray. Prayer does not change God, nor does it change His mind. He already knows our needs and longs to supply them. He even anticipates our needs before we pray. “It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24.

Prayer changes us. It changes our attitude and our character. It prepares us to receive and appreciate what God finally gives us. Parents ruin their children when they immediately grant every request. Such children become greedy, selfish, self-centered, proud, and unappreciative. They are often ruined for this life and for all eternity. The best children, and later the most useful and unselfish men and women, are those whose requests were often denied or at least delayed until their characters were developed. By years of self-denial and discipline in the school of experience, they learned to be unselfish and appreciative. The greatest men and women are developed in the school of hard knocks. Would our heavenly Father be less wise than earthly parents in training His children?

 Even though God does hear and answer the persistent prayer of faith, Jesus ended the parable with the question, “Nevertheless when the Son of man comes, shall He find faith on the earth?” Because of delayed answers to prayer, faith sometimes wanes. Faith will be especially scarce in the last days, when it should be the most plentiful. The question of Jesus is answered in Revelation 14:12, where we are told that our Lord will be welcomed at His return by a people who have “the faith of Jesus.” “The faith of Jesus,” or the kind of faith Jesus had, will be obtained in the same way He obtained His faith-”by prayer and fasting.” (See Matthew 17:19-21)

Only praying people develop faith, and only those who enter into the prayer life of Jesus can have the same kind of miracle-working faith He had. Such a people will be on earth when He returns. A people of faith who are persistent in prayer will proclaim a message that will lighten the earth with its glory. The greatest need of the modern church is a spiritual revival, and this will come only in answer to prayer. Every revival since Pentecost has been produced by a few praying saints who were persistent in their requests.

The refreshing showers of the early rain came in answer to the continual prayers of a small group. It is not necessary to wait for a mass movement in the church. One righteous person can move the arm of God. The power that shook the world in the great Reformation came from the secret place of prayer. From the same source must come the power that will complete the Reformation and bring a people back to the faith and practice of Christ and the apostles.

Prayer is therefore the greatest privilege of Christians in this sinful and rebellious world. It is the breath of spiritual life to the soul. It is to the spiritual life what breathing is to the physical. But its neglect leads to certain spiritual death.

Prayer is communion, or conversation, with God. It is the golden cord that connects man with God. It is the power that moves the arm that moves the world.

Prayer can change the most hopeless, discouraging outlook. It makes the future as bright as the promises of God.

Someone has said, “Prayer is the golden river at whose brink some die of thirst while others kneel and drink.” Let us not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6, 7

Song of the Day: Andrea Bocelli - The Lord's Prayer.

Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to tuccigardenministry.gmpost.blogger.com     

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin Santucci

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement through this devotional, please forward this email of faith on to them today: gardenministry.blogspot.com  

Let Us Pray

Good day Prayer Warriors,

For the next ten days, the church of which I am apart of is having Ten Days of Prayer. In these ten days, it is my goal to invite you to join me in prayer for all people under heaven.  May I take the liberty to personalize this message of prayer for all. This year, I believe that God desires to work through people like you and me in making in making the lives of others better. I believe that many miracles will be seen through these Ten Days of Prayer.

I believe that the Holy Spirit will bring about a revival, and reformation towards the conversion of souls renewed through the passion of ministry that heals our lands and relationships. I believe that through prayer leaders will be strengthened. I believe that from January 11-21, 2017, these days of prayer will be in an unusual way that causes spiritual growth. So start today in calling your group to meet in daily prayer by phone, messenger, facetime, or in person. Let us take time to unite with a church member, neighbor, job colleague, and family member in these Ten Days of Prayer between January 11 and 21. Encourage yourself to take out time every day, over these next ten days to present to God someone new in your prayers.

The Bible encourages us to, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. One of my favored writers said, "PRAYER to the Great Physician for the healing of the soul brings the blessing of God. PRAYER unites us one to another and to God. PRAYER brings Jesus to our side, and gives new strength and fresh grace to the fainting, perplexed soul. By PRAYER the sick have been encouraged to believe that God will look with compassion upon them. A ray of light penetrates to the hopeless soul, and becomes a savor of life unto life. PRAYER has "subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire,"--we shall know what this means when we hear the reports of the martyrs who died for their faith,--"turned to flight the armies of the aliens."

Join me on the weekend of January 21, at the church of your choosing, to take out a few moments in the service for prayer for your families, church and needs of your country. This day should be a day of celebration for what God has done in answer to the united prayer of all around the world. 

I hope these ideas and suggestions will help make the Ten Days of Prayer 2017 a powerful experience for your small group or church family. As you embark on this journey, take time to read the promises of God in His word and hold them close to your heart.

Lastly, I will like for you to share with me, and our readers, what the Lord in doing for you through these Ten days of prayer. So email me your testimonies. Remember, everyone will be given a blessing over these ten days. So let us take out a few moments to share them. 

Items you will need over the next Ten Days: 1. Prayer Journey; 2. Daily Theme for the day in your time of prayer; 3. Ask another Church, group, or friend to unite with you in prayer for each day; 4. Set aside a special time each day for your time of Prayer over these next ten days.

Remember; Satan is thrilled if he can keep us talking about the problem instead of praying about the problem. So let us pray. 

Song of the Day: Hear My Prayer - Maranatha Singers

Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always.

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings 

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin Santucci

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement through this devotional, please forward this email of faith on to them today. gardenministry.blogspot.com 

Two Times Mine

And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Malachi 3:17

"THESE words were spoken in a graceless age, when religion was peculiarly distasteful to men, and when they scoffed at God's altar and said of His service, "What a weariness it is!" In those days the scornfully asked, "What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance?" Despite the evil of those dark days, Gods kingdom was cheered on by people who were like bright stars, and sentinels of righteousness who broke through the dark to lighten hearts. As these custodians, guardian, keeper, and watchman spoke out against the false doctrines that were being preached in the great congregations of their day. Many people mocked them for their thinking and the way they worshiped God, because they allowed sin to openly be practice in their congregation.

Other sins such as, physical adultery including affairs, multiple affairs, prostitution, and other sexual behaviors became common within the church. These heinous unfruitful works of darkness became so shameful, even to speak of the things that that were doing in secret. Ephesians 5:11-12

On the other hand, there were smaller assemblies of worshipers which God gazed upon with great delight as they tried to live up to all the light they know. Though the house of worship was often deserted on prayer meeting nights, the weekly worship service was sometimes full. As to the study of God’s word in the homes of the people, or a weekly mid-week Bible study. This had also fallen. But there were those who "feared the Lord" and who "spoke often, one to another," and our God, who regards quality more than quantity, had respect to these elect twos and threes! God "listened and heard" and approved of their conversation, and noted it. The Bible says "A book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon His name." Malachi-3-16

God valued these hidden faithful once, over, and above, the faithless found, that He calls them His "jewels." God sets a great value upon those whom He calls His jewels today, as Christ has purchased them with the price of His own blood. He paid the purchase money for our redemption, and if we will lay hold upon the treasure, it is ours by the free gift of God.” He declares, in that great day when He gathers His peculiar treasure, He would look upon these hidden ones as being more priceless than emeralds, rubies, or pearls!

On that day, God shall look on every sinner by nature, Psalm 51:5 / Romans 5:12 / Romans 3:23, that has been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, 1 Peter 1:18-19 / Colossians 1:20 / Galatians 3:13 / Romans 8:1-3 / 2 Corinthians 5:21 / Galatians 4:4-5 through a spoken word, a living witness, a sermon, a testimony, or even a devotional. He shall look on them and have respect, 1 John 1:7. To these twos and threes of our day, that come together, and talked often of God’s word, Matthew 18:20.

Jesus will come again, Hebrews 10:37 / James 5:7-8 / Hebrews 9:28 / 1 Thessalonians 5:2 / Matthew 24:36 / Matthew 16:27 / Titus 2:13 / Revelation 19:11-16 / 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 / Matthew 25:31-46, He shall say to you His jewels, “Now you’re mine, mine, two times you’re mine, once because I made you, twice because I bought you. Now you’re mine, mine, two times you’re mine. Both times because I love you so. To those of you who have put off the study of God’s word, and the worship of Him in a weekly service of your liken. It is my prayer today that you as a jewel in God’s eye now, shall not be thrown away in the judgment like worthless pebbles and chaff, Psalms 1:4

Psalm 34:21 says, “Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.”  But to them that lived a life of faithfulness before God. Who were not looked upon so favorably at times by others, but answered the call of God. God shall say, “They shall be mine in that day when I am putting my jewels into my crown, for they shall be precious in my sight.” Isaiah 43:4

Song of the Day:



Thank you for your prayers for this ministry, and may the blessings of the Lord rest on you, and your family always. If you have a comment, write to tuccigardenministry.gmpost.blogger.com 

Blessings, Blessing, Blessings

Garden Ministry Devotionals are written by Chaplain Kevin Santucci

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement through this devotional, please forward this email of faith on to them today: gardenministry.blogspot.com 

Holy Spirit come and take your place!

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Psalm 56:3

As the former son-in-law, all that David held dear on earth had been swept away from him. His father-in-law, King Saul, had driven him from the castle, his procession, and country. As his trails increase by the power of Satan working through earthly agencies. His neighbors the Amalekites had come and stolen everything from his city; even his wives and children had been made prisoners. Later his friends had threatened kill him.

In this hour of utmost extremity, David looked earnestly to God for help. He “encouraged himself in the Lord,” recalling many evidences of God’s favor. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee” (Psalm 56:3), was the language of his heart. Though he could not discern a way out of the difficulty God would teach him what to do. "In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?" Psalm 56:11-13

"The heavy and continued trials through which many of the Lord's people have passed, should teach them to be silent and patient under lighter crosses. Yet they are often tempted to repine and despond under small sorrows. For this we should check ourselves. David comforts himself, in his distress and fear, that God noticed all his grievances and all his grief’s. God has a bottle and a book for his people's tears, both the tears for their sins, and those for their afflictions. Psalms 56:8

God observes our grief which is cause through trails with tender concern. It doesn't matter what you’re going through, if you sincerely believe that God is able to help you. You may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man shall do unto me; for man has no power but what is given him from above. Thy vows are upon me, O Lord; not as a burden, but as that by which I am known to be thy servant; as a bridle that restrains me from what would be hurtful, and directs me in the way of my duty. 

Today learn how to practice the gift of thankfulness, follow your prayers with the gift of mercy. If God has delivered you from sin by his pardoning mercy, He will deliver your soul from death, which is the wages of sin. If the Lord has begun a good work in you, He will carry it on until the perfect day. ‎Proverbs 4:18-19 KJV / Proverbs 4:17 KJV / Proverbs 4:18 NIV / Proverbs 4:18 NLT 

Make up in your mind right now, I am going to stop looking back. Let us learn how to walk in the fullness of God’s word. By it, God will keep you from sin and even the appearance of sin. Aim high in all your expectations in the Lord for full victories. Pray that God will help you be of a better service to the Lord. Serve Him without fear, but in love. Remember, if God’s grace has delivered your soul from the death of sin, he will bring you to His Kingdom.

God puts us all in each other’s lives to impact one another in some way. Take time today to wish someone a Happy, Healthy, and Holy New Year. May the God of Grace equip you with an abundance of His mercy to help in every need, and humbleness for every success. May He give you more knowledge to teach, wisdom to help, and understanding to know the difference. Remember God promised that no weapon formed against you or your family will prosper, as long as he is with you.

Lastly if we are going to make it in 2017, we need the power of God working through the Holy Spirit working in us. “WHAT are acceptable objectives in our quest for the Holy Spirit? We should never seek for this precious gift for selfish purposes. Some may desire it to enhance their popularity and make themselves great in the eyes of others. Human beings like power, for power brings many advantages. Power may be used for great good or for great evil. But never in the work of God as some may do. Acts 8:9 / verses 19, 20

Great power is promised to the remnant church this first day of the year. Should we not seek most earnestly for that power? The promised blessing is for us as well as the early disciples. Our task is as great as theirs. Let us arise and claim the promised blessing that brings all other blessings in its train. Let us fulfill the conditions upon which it is promised and be sure that our objectives are worthy. Then the Spirit will surely come in His fullness. Holy Spirit come and take your place!” Right Objectives in Seeking the Holy Spirit By A. L. Ham  

Song of the Day: Holy Spirit - Joyous Celebration