The Story of the advent and the year end celebrations

THE STORY OF THE FISRT ADVENT AND THE YEAR END CELEBRATIONS.

Good day, All,

Season’s Greetings and a healthy 2020 to you and your families.

With only a few more days before we wish each other a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Many of us are in a mode of reflection during this season. For one reason or another, we find ourselves thinking of the past 12 months of our good times and bad times. Our loved ones living and gone, but not forgotten. 

 

For the most part, the pandemic has dominated the news since day one. We’ve all had to adapt to a “change of how we do things privately and publicly. 

 

What that looks like in the new year, is difficult to imagine. But we must stay optimistic!

 

On the other hand. With so many people in need, due to a loss of jobs, houses, or food. Things are just not what they used to be. 

The climate has cooled down in many parts of the earth, where it had reached record highs. At this time, more people are taking out time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Whatever you do, may you take out some time to pause and reflect.

As it was said many years ago, "What matchless love, Jesus manifested by coming to earth for falling men! 

 

Behold the angel's song to the shepherds over Bethlehem as the Saviour was born. Shall not our hearts echo the glad strain, Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, goodwill to all men!

Although we do not know the exact day of Christ's birth, on December 25th we honor the sacred event. 

 

Lord forbid that anyone should be so narrow-minded as to overlook the event because there is an uncertainty in regard to the exact time. 

 

Let us do what we can, to fasten our minds and the minds of the children upon those things which are precious to every one who loves Jesus. Let us teach them how Jesus came into the world to bring hope, comfort, peace, and happiness to all.

The angels explained the reason of their great joy, saying, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” 

 

My Brothers, and sisters, youth, and children. As you celebrate the coming Christmas. Take a moment to count the many things for which you are grateful. Then present a gratitude offering to God for your appreciation of the heavenly Gift?"

Soon JESUS shall return again. Not as a baby in a manger this time, but as King of Kings and Lord of Lord! But the big question is, will we be ready? If not why? And if we are ready, how can we help someone easl to be ready!

 

Our Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ, is comng! He is coming to reconciled earth to heaven, and thus paved the way for the great and glorious day of His return when—as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. He will bring the fullness of His reconciliation to men to its eternal consummation.

This is the great hope of all who acknowledgment Christ as Lord. But to all who have rejected Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives, the Second Coming will be a sad and fearful event. 

The Patriarchs, Prophets, and the apostles all longed for His coming. Those who were martyred through the years, and those who have falling asleep even up to our generation, have expected His return long before now, yet, the promise is still sure. 

 

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come” (2 Pet. 3:9, 10, NKJV).

The apostle Paul affirms the certainty of our hope in these words: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. (1 Thess. 4:16-17. NKJV). 

 

We have this hope that burns within our heart,
Hope in the coming of the Lord.
We have this faith that Christ alone imparts,
Faith in the promise of His Word.
We believe the time is here,
When the nations far and near
Shall awake, and shout and sing
Hallelujah! Christ is King!
We have this hope that burns within our heart,
Hope in the coming of the Lord.

2
We are united in Jesus Christ our Lord.
We are united in His love.
Love for the waiting people of the world,
People who need our Savior’s love.
Soon the heav’ns will open wide,
Christ will come to claim His bride,
All the universe will sing
Hallelujah! Christ is King!
We have this hope this faith, and God’s great love,
We are united in Christ.

My friend, "The second coming of Jesus is not wishful thinking. It is our certain hope. 

 

In the quietness of this moment, why not, right now, make your complete surrender to the One who, at Calvary, surrendered all for us?

With these things in mind, many people will take time to celebrate Christmas which is the story of the matchless love of God that was manifested to the world! Some will talk of angels as they sing because the Redeemer was born. They will honor the sacred event that brought hope, comfort, peace, and happiness at a time when there was no hope.

Some people will celebrate Hanukkah. Which is a Jewish holiday which celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over the larger Syrian army. ... This celebration will last for eight days.

Yet there will be some who will not take part in the traditional celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or the New Year’s festivities. They will happily share in the joy of their fellow neighbors, colleagues, classmates and friends with the knowledge that though we may have different beliefs, we can all live together in peace and harmony.

Today I encourage you in your own way to count up the many things for which you are grateful for during this holiday season and present a word of gratitude to God, Yahweh, Jehovah, Allah, El Shaddai Etc. for the heavenly Gift.

As the new year opens for us in a few days’ time. May we take a moment to reflect on our many successes and our few losses, whatever they may be, and learn from them.

For me, I am seeking for a closer relationship with God, my immediate family, external family, friends, community, and most of all my colleagues.

I believe great things await all of us in the new year, once we work together with a will to make a difference for the good, in our communities.


May God bless you.

Song of the day: Watch "Richard Smallwood with Vision!" I'll See You Again!"

https://youtu.be/1lo6ja2VWYo

Do you have questions that have not been answered? Would you like to know more about the God of the Universe? Then contact me at Garden Ministry. Just email your questions today!

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

Why not tune in to our newest ministry. It’s called, (YOU AND THE WORD). You can be seen on Facebook live every Friday evening from 7 o’clock, Eastern Standard Time, or 8 o’clock in Bermuda. YOU AND THE WORD is an open Bible study that you can join in to with your question or comments. Join me by name Kevin Santucci on facebook live.

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

Blessings, Blessings, Blessing

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/

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CELEBRATION OF REDEEMING LOVE

*CELEBRATION OF REDEEMING LOVE*

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:17

In the hearts of all mankind, of whatever race or station in life, there are inexpressible longings for something they do not now possess. This longing is implanted in the very constitution of man by a merciful God, that man may not be satisfied with his present conditions or attainments, whether bad, or good, or better. God desires that the human shall seek the best, and find it to the eternal blessing of his soul.

Satan, by wily scheme and craft, has perverted these longings of the human heart. He makes men believe that this desire may be satisfied by pleasure, by wealth, by ease, by fame, by power; but those who have been thus deceived by him (and they number myriads) find all these things pall upon the sense, leaving the soul as barren and unsatisfied as before.
It is God's design that this longing of the human heart should lead to the One who alone is able to satisfy it. The desire is of Him that it may lead to Him, the fullness and fulfillment of that desire. That fullness is found in Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Eternal God. "For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in Him should all the fullness dwell;" "for in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." And it is also true that "in Him ye are made full" with respect to every desire divinely implanted and normally followed.
Haggai calls Him "the Desire of all nations," “And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.” Haggai 2:7

No human agent can supply that which will satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul. But the one who is life! Speaking of HIM the BIBLE says, “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.” “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” Revelation 3:20; John 6:35.

It is God's design that this longing of the human heart should lead to the ONE who alone is able to satisfy it. The desire is of Him that it may lead to Him, the fullness and fulfillment of that desire. That fullness is found in Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Eternal God."

Today GOD is waiting for HIS LOVE to shine fully in us and through us. As it is said, "Love never claims, it ever gives. Love ever suffers, never resents never revenges itself." — Mahatma Gandhi

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. "Love, will not betray you, dismay or enslave you. It will set you free." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

"His name shall be called Immanuel, . . . God with us." "The light of the knowledge of the glory of God" is seen "in the face of Jesus Christ." From the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; He was "the image of God," the image of His greatness and majesty, "the outshining of His glory." It was to manifest this glory that He came to our world. To this sin darkened earth He came to reveal the light of God's love,--to be "God with us." Therefore it was prophesied of Him, "His name shall be called Immanuel."

By coming to dwell with us, Jesus was to reveal God both to men and to angels. He was the Word of God,--God's thought made audible. In His prayer for His disciples He says, "I have declared unto them Thy name,"--"merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,"--"that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them." But not alone for His earthborn children was this revelation given. Our little world is the lesson book of the universe. God's wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which "angels desire to look," and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love.

In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which "seeketh not her own" has its source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto.

In the beginning, God was revealed in all the works of creation. It was Christ that spread the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth. It was His hand that hung the worlds in space, and fashioned the flowers of the field. "His strength setteth fast the mountains." "The sea is His, and He made it." Ps. 65:6; 95:5. It was He that filled the earth with beauty, and the air with song. And upon all things in earth, and air, and sky, He wrote the message of the Father's love.

Not to condemn but to save! This is why JESUS came! Today, “there are souls who are trembling in unbelief. They ask, “How can I know that God is reconciled to me? How can I be assured that He loves and pardons me?” It is not for you, dear youth, (or anyone), to make yourselves just with God. Jesus invites you to come to Him with all your burdens and perplexities.... Accept the promise and the provision that God has made.... Look away from self to Jesus; for in Christ the character of the Father is revealed.

The blood of Christ in ever-abiding efficacy is our only hope, for through His merits alone we have pardon and peace.

The character of God as revealed by Christ invites our faith and love, for we have a Father whose mercy and compassion fail not. At every step of our journey heavenward He will be with us to guide in every perplexity, to give us help in every temptation.

Your reason and imagination should be touched with the life-giving power of Christ, that forms of beauty and truth may be impressed thereon. There are great and precious truths that demand your contemplation, in order that you may have a sound foundation for your faith by having a correct knowledge of God. O that the superficial, vain seeker for truth would learn that the world by wisdom, however much acquired, knew not God.

It is proper to seek to learn all that is possible from nature, but do not fail to look from nature to Christ for the complete representation of the character of the living God. By contemplation of Christ, by conformity to the divine likeness, your conceptions of the divine character will expand, and your mind and heart will be elevated, refined, and ennobled. Let the youth aim high, not relying upon human wisdom, but living day by day as seeing Him who is invisible, doing their work as in the sight of the intelligences of heaven....

He who constantly depends upon God through simple trust and prayerful confidence, will be surrounded by the angels of heaven. He who lives by faith in Christ, will be strengthened and upheld, able to fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold upon eternal life.” OFC 165

From my family to yours, Seasons Greetings and may Heaven always shine on you and your family.

Song of the Day:
https://youtu.be/KsKZPjJncFU

Do you have questions that have not been answered? Would you like to know more about the God of the Universe? Then contact me at Garden Ministry. Just email your questions today!

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 

Why not tune in to our newest ministry. It’s called, (YOU AND THE WORD). You can be seen on Facebook live every Friday evening from 7 o’clock, Eastern Standard Time, or 8 o’clock in Bermuda. YOU AND THE WORD is an open Bible study that you can join in to with your question or comments. Join me by name Kevin Santucci on facebook live.

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

Blessings, Blessings, Blessing

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/

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THE RIGHT SHELTER AND EMERGENCY KIT

I can’t believe it, ten years have come gone since I started writing devotionals. Some of those devotional have been long, and some short. Some have been right to the point, and others you had to dig deep to get the main point. But through it all, we all have been blessed. Getting up early mornings for the last 10 years has been a commitment. Today’s devotional thought is dedicated to everyone who has read one of my devotionals in the last 10 years. If you have time, go into the section (About Garden Ministry) and see how Garden Ministry got started. May God bless all of you.

THE RIGHT SHELTER AND EMERGENCY KIT

Over the last few days, we have heard more on the news about the Atlantic Ocean, tropical storms and hurricanes. This is because it’s that time of the year when a tropical storm or hurricane will likely, more likely, or most likely cross at least 28 island nations and more than 7,000 individual islands in the Caribbean, which includes islands off the coasts of South and Central America as well as those in the Leeward and Windward Islands and the major islands of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (home to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, the east coast of America and Canada. This is that time of the year when timeline for threats, watches and warning, hurricane preparedness, and national warnings should be taken seriously by all within these regions.

The Bible speaks of a spiritual storm that is looming. In fact the outer shears of the storm we are currently feeling. This storm is so powerful that the measurements are beyond our wildest dreams. Whereby it is called the Time of Trouble. Let us take a brief look at the spiritual forecast. “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good.

When you think that is it, it says, treacherous times are coming, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. The admonition today is, avoid such people, but always show love. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions. These people are always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses, so these types of people also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith.

But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men..... Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while at the same time, evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. My word to all  today is, make sure you have the right shelter and emergency kit from the storm. Enjoy you day.

A prayerful moment:  Lord, help us all be sheltered and have our emergency kits in order before the storm comes.

Song of the day: Tennessee Ernie Ford - Stand By Me (This is an old song)

Do you have questions that have not been answered? Would you like to know more about the God of the Universe? Then contact me at Garden Ministry. Just email your questions today!

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  

Why not tune in to our newest ministry. It’s called, (YOU AND THE WORD). You can be seen on Facebook live every Friday evening from 7 o’clock, Eastern Standard Time, or 8 o’clock in Bermuda. YOU AND THE WORD is an open Bible study that you can join in to with your question or comments. Join me by name Kevin Santucci on facebook live.

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

Blessings, Blessings, Blessing 

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ 

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EDUCATION AND THE BODY HEALTH TIP 1

In Him “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3. 

It's that time of the year again, where most householders with children from per-school to university are preparing for the new school year. In order for education to be successful, it is important to know the source and aim of it.

True education means more than pursuing a certain course of study. It has to do with the whole person and with the whole period of existence possible to human beings. It is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, and the spiritual powers.

When true education that is taught in the classroom is permitted, it changes the student, intellectually, emotionally, socially, mentally, psychologically, physically, artistically, creatively and spiritually. By increasing access to quality education in a holistic approach, the results can be transformational for any individual, local community, and society at large. The value of investing in true education is indisputable: it reduces inequality between women and men, improves economic development, promotes peace between one another, peace with your Creator, and lifts people out of poverty.

Did you know that true education begins with a breakfast like a king, a lunch like a prince, and an early dinner like a pauper? Through a good meal, the mind and body is made healthy and energized to receive information and readily impart information.

Good health for the school year does not always come from medicine and vitamins, but from a good meal and being at peace with your fellow man and God. This leads to peace of mind, laughter, love for one another, and a good school year.

In these days, much can be said concerning the nature and importance of “higher education.” But true education moves the student on to Him who overseas eternity, who imparts out of His mouth now, “knowledge and understanding to whosoever He wills.” Proverbs 2:6. All true knowledge and real development have their source in a knowledge of God.

This school year, we shall meet many temptations. But we must guard over the appetite; as parents, we must teach our children by example as well as by precept to use a simple diet, and move away from the high seasonings which break down the body. We must teach our children in all levels of their schooling to be industrious, not merely busy, but engaged in useful labor. Seek to arouse the moral sensibilities. Teach them that they are not their own, God has a claim upon them, even from the early years of their childhood…. Keep before their minds that they were not created merely to please themselves, but to be the Lord’s agent for noble purposes.

Between the mind and the body there is a mysterious and wonderful relation. They react upon each other. To keep the body in a healthy condition to develop its strength, which every part of the living machinery may act harmoniously. Today this should be the first study of our life. To neglect the study of the body in education is to neglect the mind. It cannot be to the glory of God for His children to have sickly bodies or dwarfed minds. Let us all work towards a healthy body and extra-ordinary mind this school year. Have a fantastic day.

A prayerful moment: Our heavenly FATHER, keep all students, teachers, and principles in your care this school year. Amen.

Song of the day: Draw me close to you Michael W. Smith

Do you have questions that have not been answered? Would you like to know more about the God of the Universe? Then contact me at Garden Ministry. Just email your questions today!

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  

Why not tune in to our newest ministry. It’s called, (YOU AND THE WORD). You can be seen on Facebook live every Friday evening from 7 o’clock, Eastern Standard Time, or 8 o’clock in Bermuda. YOU AND THE WORD is an open Bible study that you can join in to with your question or comments. Join me by name Kevin Santucci on facebook live.

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

Blessings, Blessings, Blessing 

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ 

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DON'T MISS YOUR CALLING

"The reason (why) a lot of people do not recognize opportunity is because it usually walks around wearing overalls looking like hard work." By Thomas A. Edison. Looking at the word of God it says, “And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” Luke 9:2

Christ established His temporary hospital on the green hill slopes of Galilee and in every other place where the sick and the suffering could be brought to Him. In every city, every town, every village through which He passed, with the tender compassion of a loving Father He laid His hand upon the afflicted ones, and made them whole. This same work He has empowered His called out church to do in our day.

At the close of His earthly ministry, when He charged His disciples with a solemn commission to go “into the entire world, and preach the gospel to every human” He declared that their ministry would receive confirmation through the restoration of the sick to health. "You shall lay hands on the sick,” He said, “and they shall recover.” Mark 16:15, 18. By healing in His name the diseases of the body, they would testify to His power for the healing of the soul.

Did he the Saviour’s commission to the disciples include all believers to the end of time? Yes, His commission is given to all the saints down to our day who are living in the end of time.

Today there is great need for the teaching of health reform, but who will pick up this work? There is greater need of understanding nature’s ways of healing, but how many people are willing to take out time to learn, so all can be helped? Health care has gone through the roof, which soon, only a few will be able to afford. At the same time, the world is full of those who need to be ministered unto—the weak, the helpless, the ignorant, and the degraded.

Who would be willing to walk into Nature's Pharmacy and ask God for wisdom to be able to help his people? God’s people are to be genuine medical missionaries. The call today is for GOD'S saints to learn how to minister to the needs of all men’s soul and body. They should learn how to give the simple natural treatments to relieve pain and remove disease. As they minister, they should be familiar with the principles of health reform, that they may show others how, by right habits of eating, drinking, dressing, and sleeping that sickness may be prevented and health regained.

Through the agencies of nature, God is working, day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment, to keep us alive, to build up and restore us. When any part of the body sustains injury, a healing process is at once begun; nature's agencies are set at work to restore soundness. But the power working through these agencies is the power of God. All life-giving power is from Him. When one recovers from disease, it is God who restores them. 

Sickness, suffering, and death are work of an antagonistic power. Satan is the destroyer; God is the restorer. The words spoken to Israel are still true today of those who recover health of body or health of soul. “I am the Lord that healeth thee.” Exodus 15:26.

The desire of God for every human being is expressed in the words, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 2.

He it is who “forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies.” Psalm 103:3, 4.

When Christ healed disease, He warned many of the afflicted ones, “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” John 5:14. Thus He taught that they had brought disease upon themselves by transgressing the laws of God and health laws, and that health could be preserved only by obedience to these laws.

Let it be made plain that the way of God's commandments is the way of life. God has established the laws of nature, but His laws are not arbitrary exactions. Every “Thou shalt not,” whether in physical or in moral law, implies a promise. If we obey it, blessing will attend our steps. God never forces us to do right, but He seeks to save us from the evil and lead us to the good. May the Great Physician bless everyone who goes forward with a desire to humbly and tactfully help others today. My life is blessed with some of the most amazing people. Thank you for being part of my journey. Enjoy your day.

A prayerful moment: Lord the needs are many today; please prepare me to be of better service to all. .

Song of the day: Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) | BYU Noteworthy (Chris Tomlin A Cappella Cover)

Do you have questions that have not been answered? Would you like to know more about the God of the Universe? Then contact me at Garden Ministry. Just email your questions today!

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  

Why not tune in to our newest ministry. It’s called, (YOU AND THE WORD). You can be seen on Facebook live every Friday evening from 7 o’clock, Eastern Standard Time, or 8 o’clock in Bermuda. YOU AND THE WORD is an open Bible study that you can join in to with your question or comments. Join me by name Kevin Santucci on facebook live.

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

Blessings, Blessings, Blessing 

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ 

Links to this post     

HELP IS ON THE WAY!

 "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12, 13

Throughout history there has been a few faithful men and woman of every generation who have been courageous people. These persons have sacrificed their own comfort and freedom to stand up for principles of human dignity and liberty.

This is because they all held on to a spiritual call outside of themselves, which propelled them to a commitment of duty of service for others. Though all not professing a religious background, they all practice a religion of principle of the heart that was ignited by love.

Note religion is not a magical word or a trick of the mind. It is a biblical fact that if we long to be saved, we must look to GOD through Jesus only. This is our only hope of gaining victory over how we are feeling, strength for tomorrow, and eternal life to come.

Through this we have the true science of healing for body, mind, and soul. The mind must not be centered upon any human being, but upon God, and the finishing of His work in this generation. "The man who seeks to pattern after any man's character will make an utter failure. Each person is to look to God for himself."

As it was in the days of Christ, it is today, “there is a blindness upon human minds that is willful. Jesus said, “This people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them” Matthew 13:15. 

On June 24, 2019. in Boston, a woman was knocked down by a car and killed on Massachusetts Avenue. As I veiwed this sight from my window in the hotel, I got to thinking about the value  of a persons life.

For more on this story go to, (The Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/06/24/fatal-pedestrian-crash-shuts-down-piece-mass-ave/GXl8yr34JMCnsFlmrqOiDJ/story.html

Did you not know that the work of God for the salvation of men is the one work of supreme importance to be carried forward in our world; but many do not see this, because their interest is more with the ranks of the enemy than with the loyal soldiers of Christ. They do not see the necessity of the cooperation of the human with the divine agency.

The Lord has bidden us: “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” Philippians 2:12, 13. This is the plan which God has revealed to us to guide us in all the plans and purposes of life. But while men pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” Matthew 6:10, many reject the very means by which God would establish His kingdom.

When they are willing to count all things but loss that they may win Christ, their eyes will be opened to see things as they really are. Then they will turn away from the earthly attractions to the heavenly. Then they will see the true nature of the worldly, selfish enjoyments that they now value so highly, and these things that they now hold so dear will be given up.

All heaven is looking upon you who claim to believe the most sacred truth ever committed to mortals. Angels are waiting with longing desire to cooperate with you in working for the salvation of souls. Will you refuse this heavenly alliance in order to maintain your connection with society where God is not honored, where His commandments are trampled upon? How would the truth ever have been brought to you if others had felt so little interest in its advancement as some of you manifest?

Today the cause of God demands our help, that it may be established upon a proper basis, and that the truth may be carried forward into new fields, to those who are ready to perish. Can you who claim to be sons of God refuse to aid in this work? Will you, in order to receive an earthly return, withhold your means from the treasury of God, and let His work be shamefully neglected? It is grievous to consider what might have been accomplished in the saving of souls if the heart and service of all who profess to believe the truth had been undividedly given to God. Work has been negligently done. If self had been hid in Christ, sinners might, through wise, ingenious methods, have been won to the truth, and today be in cooperation with God. 

Now, before the time comes when you must render up your account to God, I urge you to give heed to His word, “Lay up for yourselves” a “treasure in the heavens” Matthew 6:20; Luke 12:33, not in secret societies. Consider that there is only one Proprietor of the universe, and that every man, with his time, his intellect, his resources, belongs to the One who has paid the ransom for the soul. God has a righteous claim to constant service and supreme affection. God's will, not your pleasure, is to be your criterion. And though you should accumulate a fortune less rapidly, you are laying up treasure in heaven. Who of the church is resolved to maintain his spirituality? Who will develop an experience that reveals Christian fervor, persevering energy? Who, like Jesus, will not fail nor be discouraged, not in grasping means for the service of self, but in laboring together with God? 

All who are striving for the crown of everlasting life will be tempted as was their Master before them. He was proffered the kingdoms of the world if He would pay homage to Satan. Had Christ yielded to this temptation, the world would have passed forever under the sway of the wicked one. But, thank God, His divinity shone through humanity. He did that which every human being may do in the name and strength of Jesus. He said, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” Matthew 4:10. If this is the way you meet temptation, Satan will leave you, as he left Christ, and angels will minister unto you, as they ministered unto Him.

To those who have thought and talked of the great advantages to be gained by worldly association, the Lord declares, through the prophet Malachi:

“Your words have been stout against Me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against Thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered” Malachi 3:13-15. These are the thoughts of many, if the words are not spoken. 

“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name. 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. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not. For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch” Malachi 3:16 to 4:1.

Here are the people that in the world are judged to be greatly favored; but there comes a time when the children of God are distinguished as those who are honored of God because they have honored Him. 

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” 1 John 3:1-3.”  2SM 135 - 138

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12, 13. "There is nothing more important than this moment." Unknown 

"The love which Christ diffuses through the whole being is a vitalizing power. Every vital part—the brain, the heart, the nerves—it touches with healing. By it the highest energies of the being are roused to activity. It frees the soul from the guilt and sorrow, the anxiety and care, that crush the life forces. With it come serenity and composure. It implants in the soul, joy that nothing earthly can destroy—joy in the Holy Spirit—health-giving, life-giving joy." 

"Whenever you see a successful person, you only see the public glories, never the private sacrifices to reach them."By  Vaibhav Shah. Today I encourage you to stop trying to steer the river, and enjoy the ride! May your day be filled with love. 

A prayerful moment:  Father help me find peace in the river of your love.

Song of the day: Don Moen - Rivers Of Joy

Do you have questions that have not been answered? Would you like to know more about the God of the Universe? Then contact me at Garden Ministry. Just email your questions today!

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  

Why not tune in to our newest ministry. It’s called, (YOU AND THE WORD). You can be seen on Facebook live every Friday evening from 7 o’clock, Eastern Standard Time, or 8 o’clock in Bermuda. YOU AND THE WORD is an open Bible study that you can join in to with your question or comments. Join me by name Kevin Santucci on facebook live.

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

Blessings, Blessings, Blessing 

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ 

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ARE YOU READY TO FLY?

ARE YOU READY TO FLY?

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.

During the Egyptians dynasty, they regarded the eagle as a symbol both of the great spirit and the sun at noon. They saw the Eagle as rising over mundane restraints into the realm of mystical awareness and spiritual progress. Now to the ancient Romans and Greeks, the eagle was looked upon as a sacred god, or even a symbol of transport. From high above, the eagle symbolizes awareness to those mysteries that humans find difficult to grasp. From the eagle’s vantage point, it allows you to discover patterns that guide you toward greater spiritual knowledge they said.

The Native Indians saw the Eagle as a symbol for great strength, leadership and vision. ... In early times, the eagle was seen as a symbol of hope and strength, representing salvation.

Through our theme text as found in Isaiah 40:31, we see the eagle as a symbol of a bright future for all who believe. Because the eagle is a symbol of courageous, and of how we should stretch our limits, as we use the storms of life with it winds, to lift us up higher, far above the dark clouds of discouragement, trouble and pain.

The eagle is a symbol of how we shouldn’t accept the status quo, but rather reach higher and become more than you believe you are capable of.

The symbol of the eagle helps us look at things from a new and higher perspective.

It helps us be patient with the present; knowing that the future holds possibilities that you, or I, may not yet be able to see now, but we shall get there if you have faith in the Living God!

The word eagles appear nine times in the King James version, and eagle appears twenty four times. The word, “eagle conveys the powers, and messages of the spirit; it is man's connection to the divine because it flies higher than any other bird. ... It bestows freedom and courage to look ahead. The eagle is symbolic of the importance of honesty and truthful principles.” By Trish Phillips

The bald eagles have large wings compared to other birds, allowing them to soar and hunt vast areas with a minimum of effort. During migration they can travel 400 to 500 miles a day. But did you know that, “the White-tailed Sea Eagle is the fourth largest eagle in the world! Measuring up to 0.94m in length with a wingspan of up to 2.45 m (8 ft) which is the largest wingspan of any eagle, and is on average the fourth heaviest eagle in the world, the largest known specimen weighing approximately 17lb.”

When you see two eagles together, it likely means they are a mated pair, as many eagle species pair for life.

Eagles and Hawks are different from each other, whereby they do not feed together.

The late Myles Munroe once said;

1: (According to Proverbs 30:19), “The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid." “Eagles fly at high altitudes, not with low-flying birds like sparrows or other small birds. If you want to be an eagle Christian, you need to fly with other eagles and stay away from sparrows and ravens.

2: Eagles have strong vision, with an ability to focus on objects up to three miles away. When an eagle sights his prey, he will not move his focus from the prey until he successfully captures it. In order (for us) to succeed, we must have a clear vision and remain focused no matter what the obstacles may be.

3: Eagles feed only on fresh prey, never eating dead things. Vultures eat dead animals, but eagles will not. As children of God, we need to be careful about what we feed your eyes and ears on, especially on the Internet, movies, phone, or TV.

4: When storm clouds gather, eagles get excited. An eagle uses the storm’s wind to lift themselves up higher, far above the clouds. In the meantime, all the other birds hide in the leaves and branches of the trees on earth. When storms of life come our way, we can use the storms of life to rise us to greater heights. High achievers thrive on challenges and use them profitably. Are you a high achiever, or are you running to a hiding place on earth?

5: An eagle tests before it trusts. When a female eagle meets a male and they want to mate, she first tests his commitment. Then and only then, will she allow him to mate with her. Remember, whether in private life or in business, one should test the commitment of people intended for partnership.

6: During the time of training her young ones to fly, a mother eagle throws the eaglets out of the nest. Because they are scared, they jump into the nest again. Next, the mother eagle pushes the eaglets off the cliff into the air. As they shriek in fear, father eagle flies out and catches them upon his back and brings them back to the cliff. This goes on for some time until they learn to start using their wings to fly. The people who love us do not let us languish in sloth but push us hard to grow and prosper. Even in their seemingly harsh actions, they have good intentions for us—and these steps are necessary to teach us to fly and navigate through life trusting God for ourselves. “As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:” Deuteronomy 32:11, KJV

The word of God encourages us to, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31.

Eagles don’t always have a soft and easy life, nor will we. But like the eagle we can rise above the storm. Today God is calling you to wait on Him and learn to soar higher, above the cares, trials, and trivial pursuits of life. Continue to wait on the LORD, He will renew your strength; and you shall mount up with wings like eagles, you shall run and not be weary, you shall walk and not faint.

A prayerful moment:  Loving Father, I wait for thee in all things as of today. Amen

Song of the day: Donnie McClurkin Wait On The Lord With Lyrics(ft. Karen Clark Sheard)

Do you have questions that have not been answered? Would you like to know more about the God of the Universe? Then contact me at Garden Ministry. Just email your questions today!

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  

Why not tune in to our newest ministry. It’s called, (YOU AND THE WORD). You can be seen on Facebook live every Friday evening from 7 o’clock, Eastern Standard Time, or 8 o’clock in Bermuda. YOU AND THE WORD is an open Bible study that you can join in to with your question or comments. Join me by name Kevin Santucci on facebook live.

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

Blessings, Blessings, Blessing 

If you know of ten persons who need a word of encouragement, forward this to them today: https://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ 

Links to this post