SING UNTO GOD A NEW SONG

Today, I call your attention to the singing talent which God has blessed so many people with. If this is one of the gifts you have received from God, you have a duty to share it with the world.

You should cultivate it; for the human voice in singing is one of God's entrusted talents to be employed to His glory.

On the other hand, those who do not surrender their will and talents back to God, the enemy of righteousness, make a great account of them in his service. And that which is the gift of God, to be a blessing to souls, is perverted, misapplied, and serves the purpose of Satan to the destruction of many. 

“This talent of singing is a blessing if consecrated to the Lord to serve His cause.  The Bible says, "O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.

2. Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.

3. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.

4. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods." Psalm 96:1-4. 

As you go through your day today. Take a moment to strengthen your voice by training it.

These are some steps to strengthen your voice. Before you start singing, warm up your voice by breathing deeply, moving your tongue around, and pretending to chew. To strengthen your speaking or singing voice, trill your lips and practice saying tongue twisters. 

HERE ARE SOME VOCAL WARM-UPS FOR SINGERS:

1. Yawning techniques 

The movement of yawning relieves tension in your face, relaxes your voice, and helps improve its range. 

By loosening up your jaw, throat, tongue and facial muscles, you’ll be much less likely to strain your voice. Plus the motion also increases the amount of oxygen to your brain, making you more alert

2. Humming warm-ups 

Humming is one of the best all-round exercises, specifically for stretching your vocal cords without straining them. It can also help to develop and improve your vocal resonance and tone quality, making your overall vocal performance a higher quality. Well, there’s a natural science to it. The vibrations produced by the humming sound actually relaxes your facial muscles and relieves tension that can affect your voice.

3. Make vowel sounds

Creating vowel sounds with your voice can work to improve both your vocal clarity and articulation. Well, it makes sense that having an increased level of control over the shape of your mouth, and tones of your voice, will naturally improve the quality of tone, pitch, vowel shape, and breath control of your singing.

When you form vowel shapes with your face, such as “Do Re - Mi - Fa - So - La - Ti - Do”, it’s essential you’re aware of the right lip, tongue, and jaw position.

Song of the day: "Isn't that why He Came, sung by Edrene Malcolm is a blessing and timing. 

Take a minute to look at the video, 

https://youtube.com/watch?v=kKeN6B0ykDo&feature=shared

Have a great day 

By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Dr. Kevin J.T Santucci 

GOD’S HAND OF MERCY

Between the evening of September 14 and the morning of September 15, 2023, Bermuda was affected by the tropical winds of Hurricane Lee. With most of the population following the guidelines set out by the government and the Bermuda Police Service, people stayed off the streets and, in their homes, or place of work. Let us take a moment to celebrate all Essential Services who had a part to play in the safety of the people of Bermuda. But most of all, let us take a moment to thank God for covering us from the full force of the storm. 

Today, many will spend the day cleaning up, and others will attend to the care of the people of the island. In reflection, at 4:00 am this morning, I ask the Lord what lessons can we learn from Hurricane Lee, and the tropical force winds on the island of Bermuda? In my morning devotion with my family, the LORD said, "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore, despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: for he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole." Job 5:17, 18. 

Then He said, "I do not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men. I have my purpose in the whirlwind and in the storm, in the fire and in the flood. I, the Lord, permit calamities to come to my people to save them from greater dangers. I desire everyone to examine their own heart closely and carefully, and then draw near to me the LORD, that I may draw near to you. Your life is in the hands of me. I see dangers threatening you that you cannot see. I am the giver of all your blessings; the provider of all your mercies; the orderer of all your experiences. I see the perils that you cannot see. 

At times, I may permit to come upon you that which fills your hearts with sadness, because I see that you need to make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. I know your frame and remember that you are but dust. Even the very hairs of your head are numbered. 

I the LORD of all the universe work through natural causes to lead my people to remember that I have not forgotten them, but that I desire of them to forsake the way which, if were permitted to follow unchecked and unreproved, would lead them into great peril. So I permit trials to come their way. These trials come to all in different ways to lead everyone to investigate their hearts and to see if they are purified from all that defiles them. 

Constantly I the Lord am working for your present and eternal good... Every soul that is saved must be a partaker with Christ of His sufferings, that they may be a partaker with Him of His glory. How few understand why the LIVING GOD subjects them to trial. It is by the trial of your faith that you gain spiritual strength." 

My friend, The Lord seeks to educate His people to lean wholly upon Him.... Let everyone examine his own course of action. Let everyone ask themself whether they are meeting the standard that God has placed before them. Can we say from the heart, I lay aside my own will? “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart”? Psalm 40:8. 

Do you ask daily, “Lord, what is thy will concerning me?” May we answer these questions with a true heart today, and submit our will, to the will of God fully! May the peace of the Lord go with you, and may you find favor, and comfort in His word today.

DREAM BIG, WORK HARD, AND STAY FOCUS

Today’s message is dedicated to all persons seeking to better themselves in service to others, and the twenty-three new recruits of the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service 2023. In life, if you are going to reach the top of anything, you must DREAM BIG, WORK HARD, AND STAY FOCUS! 

 The upward line of growth comes through education. Yet, did you know that education doesn't stop when you leave school? If you are seeking to improve your country, and your family, it must begin with you. A wise person once said, "True education does not ignore the value of scientific knowledge or literary acquirements, but above information it values power; above power, goodness; above intellectual acquirements, character. The world does not so much need men of great intellect as of noble character. It needs men whose ability is controlled by steadfast principles. "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom." "The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright." Proverbs 4:7; 15:2. 

True education imparts this wisdom. It teaches the best use not only of one but of all our powers and acquirements. Thus it covers the whole circle of obligation—to ourselves, to the world, and to God." This leads me to the subject of character building. Because "character building is the most important work ever entrusted to human beings, and never before was its diligent study so important as now. Never was any previous generation called to meet issues so momentous; never before were young men and young women confronted by perils so great as confront them today."

 
 Lastly, let us look at selfish rivalry. "In God's plan, there is no place for selfish rivalry. Those who measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12. 

Whatever we do is to be done "as of the ability which God giveth." 1 Peter 4:11. It is to be done "heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord." Colossians 3:23, 24. May you be encouraged as you seek to improve upon the gift God has given you. Blessings, Blessings, Blessings. 

 Watch "DREAM BIG, WORK HARD, AND STAY FOCUS: 

https://youtu.be/JR4Flt-AtvY?si=7Z86cfsZWoilNyb1

 

*HURRICANE UPDATE IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN WITH A WORD OF HOPE*

By now, many who live in the Atlantic Ocean know that we have not had any let-up when it comes to this time of the year and the hurricane season. Today, a hurricane by the name of Lee is making its way westly, with a projection of going northwest. Hurricane Lee has powered up to a category five storm at this moment, packing wind speeds of up to 160mph (260km/h) as it churns through the Caribbean.

It could cause dangerous beach conditions on the US east coast by Sunday, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. On its current path, the storm is not projected to make landfall anywhere yet. Lee is the 12th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. For further updates, listen or look at your latest updated news. 

 A word of encouragement; "The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today." By H. Jackson Brown, Jr. 

 The word of God in speaking about His protective power says, "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." Psalm 34:7. Through the Holy Angels, God shields His children and sustains their lives every day. God commissions His angels to save His chosen ones from calamity, to guard them from “the pestilence that walketh in darkness” and “the destruction that wasteth at noonday.” Psalm 91:6. 

 It's not only our physical lives He wants to preserve and be in health; He longs to preserve and protect our spiritual lives. As the Great Watcher, He has sent out His Holy Angels to defend and guard us in countless ways every day. Today, exclam with me, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.” Psalm 28:7 If you have been blessed through this message, let us know.

A DAY OF REST

This week, many of us have had a busy, yet fruitful week. With that said, we have so much to thank God for, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV.

Today I am thankful to God for your brotherly kindness and love. You are exceptional, important, needed, unique, and a blessing to so many people.  

The Bible teaches, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6, 7.

What does it mean to not be anxious, and rest in the Lord?

"It is not the will of God that His people should be weighed down with the cares of this world.". Because it is not work that kills; it is worry. The only way to avoid worry is to take every trouble to Christ. Moving forward, let us not look on the dark side of life. Let us cultivate cheerfulness of spirit in the light of God’s eternal glory!

Let us turn from the dusty, heated thoroughfares of life to rest in the shadow of Christ's love today. Here we gain strength for conflict. Here we learn how to lessen our toils and worries and how to speak and sing to the praise of God. If we would be possessors of God’s perfect peace and rest, we must be willing to rest in Him now.

As it is said by them of old, “In trusting in God continually there is safety; there will not be a constant fear of future evil. This borrowed care and anxiety will cease. We have a heavenly Father who careth for His children, and will and does make His grace sufficient in every time of need.” Today is a day of rest, if we do well the duties of today, we will be ready for the duties of tomorrow.

May this day bring you the fullness of the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance in all things. 

 

SMALL THINGS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

 

Watch "SMALL THINGS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE - The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS)" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/-p845YPKc00 

Today's inspirational message is dedicated to the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service and their families, all essential services in Bermuda and the world.

"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."

"If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way."

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."

The Bible says, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." Ecclesiastes 9:10.

The voice of duty is the voice of God—an inborn, heaven-sent guide. Whether it be pleasing or unpleasing, we are to do the duty that lies directly in our pathway. If the Lord would have us bear a message to Nineveh, it will not be pleasing to Him for us to go to Joppa or Capernaum. God has reasons for sending us to the place to which our feet are directed...

"It is the little foxes that spoil the vines, the little neglects, the little deficiencies, the little dishonesties, the little departures from principle, that blind the soul and separate it from God.

It is the little things of life that develop the spirit and determine the character. Those who neglect the little things will not be prepared to endure severe tests when they are brought to bear upon them. Remember that character building is not finished till life ends. Every day a good or bad brick is placed in the structure. You are either building crookedly or with the exactness and correctness that will make a beautiful temple for God. Therefore, in looking for great things to do, neglect not the little opportunities that come to you day by day. He who neglects the little things, and yet flatters himself that he is ready to do wonderful things for the Master, is in danger of failing altogether. Life is made up, not of great sacrifices and of wonderful achievements, but of little things." The Review and Herald, December 29, 1910.

Whatever your hands find to do at all times, do it with all your might. Make your work pleasant with songs of praise. If you would have a clean record in the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, or any other area of service, and the books of heaven, never fret or scold. Let your daily prayer be, “Lord, help me do my best... Give me energy and cheerfulness. Help me to bring into my service the loving ministry of YOU, THE GREAT I AM.”

Prayer for the day:

LORD, help me look upon every duty this week, however humble, as sacred because it is part of Your service for me. Help me not to allow anything to make me forgetful of YOU. Most of all, help me bring you into all that I do this week. Father, help me do my best, and be the best at whatsoever I put my hand to from this day forward. Lastly, help me to move forward cheerfully in my learning and service to my country, with my heart filled with YOUR joy.

Have a Happy Day

By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Dr. Kevin J.T Santucci

THIS IS THE DAY OF SMALL THINGS

We all face tremendous challenges these days. Yet we can find our greatest consolation in the Lord, the spirit of unity, and teamwork. 

The word of the Lord to us today is, “For who hath despised the day of small things? Zechariah 4:10.

“In rebuilding the house of the Lord, Zerubbabel had labored in the face of manifold difficulties. From the beginning, adversaries had “weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building,” “and made them to cease by force and power.” But the Lord had interposed in behalf of the builders, and now He spoke through His prophet to Zerubbabel, saying, “Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain.” ...

Throughout the history of God's people great mountains of difficulty, apparently insurmountable, have loomed up before those who were trying to carry out the purposes of Heaven. Such obstacles are permitted by the Lord as a test of faith. When we are hedged about on every side, this is the time above all others to trust in God and in the power of His Spirit. The exercise of a living faith means an increase of spiritual strength and the development of an unfaltering trust. It is thus that the soul becomes a conquering power. Before the demand of faith, the obstacles placed by Satan across the pathway of the Christian will disappear; for the powers of heaven will come to his aid. “Nothing shall be impossible unto you.”

The way of the world is to begin with pomp and boasting. God's way is to make the day of small things the beginning of the glorious triumph of truth and righteousness.” Sometimes He trains His workers by bringing to them disappointments, apparent failures, and even death. It is His purpose that they shall learn to master these difficulties through Him. 

“Often men are tempted to falter before the perplexities and obstacles that confront them. But if they will hold the beginning of their confidence steadfast unto the end, God will make the way clear.... Before the intrepid spirit and unwavering faith of a Zerubbabel, great mountains of difficulty will become a plain; and he whose hands have laid the foundation, even “his hands shall also finish it.” By Prophets and Kings p. 594-595.

Today the challenge of carrying out our responsibility and duty as a team member is before us. The moment to announce our hope with power has come. Let us take hold of our duty right now, and go forward in the name of the Lord. May the peace of the Lord go with you both now and forever more. Amen. Blessings, Blessings, Blessings.

By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Dr. Kevin J. T Santucci 

A TRUE CHAMPION

            

You may have heard it said, "Be careful how you take advantage of people." For hundreds of years, people have taken advantage of other people because they believe they can get over them. Today's true story is an example of integrity at its best. 

Is winning all that counts, or saving money in one area, while spending it like a foolish person good? Some of you may say yes to these questions. Yet are you absolutely sure about that?

On December 2, 2012, a Spanish athlete Iván Fernández Anaya was competing in a cross-country race in Burlada, Navarre. He was running second, some distance behind race leader Abel Mutai - bronze medalist in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the London Olympics. As they entered the finishing straight, he saw the Kenyan runner - the certain winner of the race - mistakenly pull up about 10 meters before the finish, thinking he had already crossed the line.

Fernández Anaya quickly caught up with him, but instead of exploiting Mutai's mistake to speed past and claim an unlikely victory, he stayed behind and, using gestures, guided the Kenyan to the line and let him cross first.

He was the rightful winner. He created a gap that I couldn't have closed" "I didn't deserve to win it," says 24-year-old Fernández Anaya. Everyone saw that the Kenyan runner Abel Mutai was a few meters from the finish line, but got confused by the signals and stopped, thinking he had finished the race.

The Spanish runner, Ivan Fernandez, was right behind him and, realizing what was happening in front of him, began shouting for the Kenyan to keep running. Motai did not know Spanish and did not understand. Yet, Fernandez pushed Mutai to victory.

One reporter asked Iván after, "Why did you do this?" Iván replied, "My dream is that one day we can have the kind of community life that pushes ourselves and others to win as well."

"But why did you let the Kenyan win?" the reporter insisted. Fernández replied, "I didn't let him win, he would win. It was his race." The reporter insisted and asked again: "But you could have won!"

Fernández looked at him and replied, "But what is the merit of my victory? What is the honor of this medal? What will my mother think?"

"In the Burlada cross-country race there was hardly anything at stake [...] apart from being able to say that you had beaten an Olympic medalist," says Fernández Anaya. "But even if they had told me that winning would have earned me a place in the Spanish team for the European championships, I wouldn't have done it either. Of course, it would be another thing if there was a world or European medal at stake. Then, I think that, yes, I would have exploited it to win... But I also think that I have earned more of a name having done what I did than if I had won. And that is very important, because today, with the way things are in all circles, in soccer, in society, in politics, (in the workplace), where it seems anything goes, a gesture of honesty goes down well."

“Values are passed on from generation to generation. What values do we teach our children and to what extent do they inspire others to earn them? Most of us take advantage of people's weaknesses rather than helping to strengthen them.” Credit: Reddit.

If you are taken advantage of, or exploiting someone today, stop it, and do the right thing. God is looking. The Bible teaches, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21.

Remember, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9. Do you want to be a true champion, then do what is right to all men, at all times, and walk in your integrity.

Video of the day: https://youtu.be/omIDvBSoId8

 

By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Dr. Kevin J.T Santucci 

REFLECTING THE IMAGE OF CHRIST

Today is a great day to start paying more attention to what you eat. Because it can change you from your head to your feet. This principle should also be applied to what we allow our eyes to feed on, and our ears to hear.

Let us learn to reflect upon our present blessings of which every man has a few, and not on our past misfortunes, of which all men have many.

Among the more important things to consider in life is the power that comes in "beholding." We become changed into the likeness of the things we "behold." "Beholding" good things is very positive, and causes us to become like the positive thing(s) we are beholding; "beholding" bad and evil things, we become like those bad things. I am not sure most of us realize to what degree we are influenced, either for good or for bad, by the things we "behold"!

"If we gaze even a moment upon the sun in its meridian glory, when we turn away our eyes, the image of the sun will appear in everything upon which we look. Thus it is when we behold Jesus; everything we look upon reflects His image, the Sun of Righteousness. We cannot see anything else, or talk of anything else. His image is imprinted upon the eye of the soul and affects every portion of our daily life, softening and subduing our whole nature. By beholding, we are conformed to the divine similitude, even the likeness of Christ." By Testimonies to Ministers, 387-389.

The Apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians 3.18, "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

It is impossible for any of us by our own power, or our own efforts to work this change in ourselves. It is the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, which Jesus said He would send into the world, that changes our character the image of Christ; and when this is accomplished, we reflect, as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord. That is, the character of the one who thus beholds Christ is so like His, that one looking at him sees Christ's own character shining out as from a mirror. Imperceptibly to ourselves, we are changed day by day from our ways and will into the ways and will of Christ, into the loveliness of His character. Thus we grow up into Christ, and unconsciously reflect His image.

It is time for us as professed Christians to unfocus our eyes and ears on the things of this world. Because, if we are going to make it to Heaven, we must be willing to fulfill the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20, and stop concerning ourselves with the evils of the lowlands of earth.

As the eyes are being trained to see only the commonplace things of this earth, the mind will dwell upon the evil things the eyes behold. This will eventually cause the religious experience to become shallow and unsatisfying. Sad to say, what follows is light and valueless words from the mouth, and even cursing. 

Speaking on the measure of a man's worth, In the book Heavenly Places page 237, these words are penned, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8.

What a man is has greater influence than what he says. The quiet, consistent, godly life is a living epistle, known and read of all men. Holiness is not shaped from without or put on; it radiates from within. If goodness, purity, meekness, lowliness, and integrity dwell in the heart, they will shine forth in the character; and such a character is full of power. Not the instrument, but the great Worker in whose hand the instrument is used, receives the glory. The heart filled with the Saviour’ s love, daily receives grace to impart. The life reveals the redeeming power of the truth.

The witness borne concerning Jesus was, “Never man spake like this man” (John 7:46). The reason that Christ spoke as no other man spoke was that He lived as no other man lived. If He had not lived as He did, He could not have spoken as He did. His words bore with them convincing power, because they came from a heart pure and holy, burdened with love and sympathy, beneficence and truth....

While the shepherds were watching their flocks on the hills of Bethlehem, angels from heaven visited them. So today, while the humble worker for God is following his employment, angels stand by his side, listening to his words, noting the manner in which he does his work.... If he trusts constantly in God, these angel watchers will not allow his work to deteriorate. They will not permit it to be warped into lines that will imperil the cause of God. The Lord is looking upon the work that comes from the hands of His people. He will judge every piece of work, to see of what sort it is.

Pure and undefiled religion speaks for itself. It transforms the characters of all who receive it, improving their usefulness and beautifying all with which it is brought in contact... A man's worth is not measured by the position of responsibility that he occupies but by the Christlike spirit that he reveals. When the Saviour abides in the heart, the work bears the impression of the divine touch. Self does not appear. Christ is revealed as the One altogether lovely.”

The big question today is, how can such a person reflect the image of Christ? How can they send forth the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness into all the dark places of the earth? As you go through your day today, remember, to be a Christian is to be Christlike. May you have a HAPPY DAY! Blessings, Blessings, Blessings

By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Kevin J.T Santucci

For information on foods, go to: 

https://www.facebook.com/reel/608442684665910?sfnsn=mo&mibextid=XttrFM

A NATIONAL HERO

“There is truth in the statement “Heroes mirror a society.” Looking at the past and reviewing the heroic records of a nation give us an idea of the fabric of a culture, of the values esteemed by a civilization.” By Adventist Review.

"A national hero is a person who is admired and acknowledged for their courage, outstanding achievements, and noble qualities."

 A national hero is a person who goes beyond the call of duty and makes significant positive contributions to the growth and development of society.

A national hero is someone who shows no partiality and represents all of us and not a few.

A national hero is a person with proven integrity. Who shows a sense of courage to support positive action, points out negative actions, and dares to fight for all with a full knowledge of their likely risks.

A national hero is a person who promotes the country’s sovereignty, development, national pride, and unity among its inhabitants.

A national hero is a person who makes great sacrifices at the expense of personal interests where necessary, even at times the sacrifice of their health, and sometimes families.

A national hero is a person who has been given a vision of great things and understands the truth that is needed to open doors to those visions for the success of all. 

A national hero has courage or bravery and is appreciated by all people.

A national hero is a person that does not serve themselves, but others as an example of righteousness, truth, and justice.

A national hero is a person who demonstrates good manners in one’s behavior, relationships, and interaction with others. 

A national hero is a person who has a humanitarian spirit and looks out to help others first, instead of being materialistic. 

Lastly, there are some unsung heroes who have graced our earth. These people have done a great work, and no one has remembered them. It is said, “There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now there lived in that city a poor but wise man, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man. So, I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But nevertheless, the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.” Ecclesiastes 9:15-16.

There are many heroes in the Bible for various reasons. Let us take a moment daily to read about them. Because to know your heroes is to know yourself: your values and your collective history, which makes you great. Today, let us not forget our national heroes, but recognize and celebrate them for their contributions to their society and its culture.

May GOD bless all national heroes of Bermuda for your faithfulness. 

By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Kevin J.T Santucci 

MIGHTY GOD

This is a Father's Day Picture of our son Jonathan, our daughter-in-law Kelly, our grandson Blaise, and our granddaughter Karis. Although Kevina is not with us who is in the picture, she will always be in our hearts. Rest until the morning when there will be no more pain, suffering, nor death. Missing in the picture is our adopted daughter Noluthando Nkwali, her husband Solomzi, and our other grandson Anda from South Africa. 

It is always good to thank the Lord, for He alone is worthy to be praised! Today, we come to the end of another week on this Father's Day weekend. Words cannot express my personal gratitude for the great things God has done for me, my family, my friends, my colleagues, and my community. I am also thankful for what God has done through me for others this past year! To God be the glory! 

 Today’s Father’s Day devotional is a special one. Because I would like to share a part of myself through pictures of my wife Karon and our family. Over the years, things have not always gone the way we would have loved them, but we have always trusted God for the outcome. Putting God will first in all things in our home, is the key to our success as a family. We have also learned that “Society is composed of families, and is what the heads of families make it. Out of the heart are “the issues of life”; and the heart of the community, of the church, and of the nation is the household. The well-being of society, the success of the church, the prosperity of the nation, depend upon (the) home influences…” AH, 151.

Storytime with Karis

Like David, I can say, "I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13:6

And like the prophet Jeremiah, we can all publicly exclaim, “It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23.

When God allowed me to become a father, it was a humbling thing for me. Because I wasn't just a husband to my wife, I was now a father to a child. As nature would have it, Karon and I because parents of a son, and then, we became a parent of another who lived in South Africa. Over time we lost contact with this third child, but thanks be to God, Kevina kept in contact with her and didn't tell us. Now over two years since Kevina passed away, we have reconnected with our third child. What a mighty God!

My friends, "The home is the heart of all activity, but if God is not the center of the home, the home will only be a house where people go in and out with no purpose. The elevation or deterioration of the future of society will be determined by the manners and morals of the youth growing up in our homes...

God would have our families symbols of the family in heaven. Let parents and children bear this in mind every day, relating themselves to one another as members of the family of God. Then their lives will be of such a character as to give to the world an object lesson of what families who love God and keep His commandments may be.” AH, 171.

Our granddaughter Karis and her dad Dionn. 

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging for bread." Psalm 37:25. God has fed us, He has clothed us, and He has sustained our lives. Should we not educate ourselves and our children to respond with gratitude to our Heavenly Father in all things? The answer is yes!

Today, men are going from pillar to post, as did the ungrateful nine lepers who had been cleansed and healed of their obnoxious disease without coming back and giving thanks. God supplies our every need according to His riches in Heaven. Have we, not any reason to talk of God's goodness and His power?

We should always remember that thanksgiving is the fruit of true and willing obedience. The Lord is the object of our worship, and to praise His holy name shows respect for His efficiency.

Considering God’s great love for all of us, what does gratitude to God look like to you?

It is said, "Where thankfulness is a decent verbal response, gratitude, on the other hand, goes a little deeper than words, as it motivates us to take action, expressing sincere appreciation. It recognizes our current bounty of blessings but notices the small and maybe inconvenient blessings as well."

My wife Karon and I.

On behalf of my wife, family, and Garden Ministry, Happy Father’s Day weekend to all fathers. If God has done something for you this week, take out a minute to show forth your gratitude to Him today by writing a few lines in our comment suction. Now may the peace of the LORD go with you. Blessings, Blessings, Blessings. 

Song of the day: https://youtu.be/zl62KqAruBo

By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Kevin J.T Santucci 

KEEP ON SMILING

You may have heard it said, "What you give is what you get back." This statement is partly true. Because the law of life in all things is, what you give will come back to you in greater blessings or curses than you gave.

 

Janet P. Sureshkumar once said, "Happiness is the birthright of all, and laughing is a natural aspect of life and part of the universal human vocabulary." She goes on to say, "We all express our happiness by smiling or laughing. Laughing makes one feel good. It is natural, spontaneous, and occurs unconsciously."

"It is the duty of everyone to cultivate cheerfulness instead of brooding over sorrow and troubles. Many not only make themselves wretched in this way, but they sacrifice health and happiness to a morbid imagination. There are things in their surroundings that are not agreeable, and their countenances wear a continual frown that, more plainly than words, expresses discontent.” These depressing emotions are a great injury to our health if not overcome. They can hinder the process of digestion, and interfere with nutrition. But if you allow cheerfulness and hope to brighten your pathway, you will have the health of flesh.

The Bible reminds us that, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22.

“The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize. Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, and distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death.

Disease is sometimes produced, and is often greatly aggravated, by the imagination. Many are lifelong invalids who might be well if they only thought so...

Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, and love, promote health, and prolong life. A contented mind, and a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. Gratitude, rejoicing, benevolence, trust in God's love and care—these are health's greatest safeguard.

The power of the will and the importance of self-control, both in the preservation and in the recovery of health, the depressing and even ruinous effect of anger, discontent, selfishness, or impurity, and, on the other hand, the marvelous life-giving power to be found in cheerfulness, unselfishness, gratitude, should also be shown.

There is a physiological truth—a truth that we need to consider—in the scripture, “A merry [rejoicing] heart doeth good like a medicine.” The true principles of Christianity open before all a source of inestimable happiness. We should encourage a cheerful, hopeful, peaceful frame of mind; for our health depends upon our so doing.”

The Apostle Paul says to rejoice and stop worrying. When you rejoice, you express it through smiling and laughing. It is more contagious than a cough, flu, sniffle, or sneeze. A smile and a laugh cause a domino effect of joy and happiness and set off a number of positive physical effects as well. Did you know that laughing strengthens our immune system and helps us recover from illness, thus bringing joy into our life?"

This is the day of smiling and laughing. Let us cultivate sympathy, cheerfulness, kindness, and love for others. Let us take out a moment to share these things with someone today, and keep on smiling!

Song of the day: Keep On Smiling - Winston Fergus (Onix Records)"

Go to link: https://youtu.be/KdYdAyk5UUM

By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Kevin J.T Santucci. 

EVEN ME

The song “Even Me” was written by Elizabeth Harris Codner in 1860 During a time of prayer. The words came to Mrs. Codner and the hymn quickly took its form. Over the years, the song has blessed millions of people around the world to seek the blessings they long for from the Lord! 

The lyrics of the song are simple. 

“I. Stanza 1 is addressed to the Lord in general to ask His blessings

“Lord I hear of showers of blessings

Thou art scattering full and free

Showers the thirsty souls refreshing

Let some drops now fall on me

Even me, Lord.

Even me---.

Let some drops now fall on me.”

 A. All spiritual blessings in heavenly places are found in Christ Jesus: Eph. 1.3
 B. These blessings are sometimes symbolized as showers: Ezek. 34.26
 C. The request, "Let some drops now fall on me," is reminiscent of the the Syro-phoenician woman whose humility suggested that even the dogs can eat of the crumbs of the table: Matt. 15.21-28

II. Stanza 2 is addressed to the Father to ask His mercy
"Pass me not, O God, my Father, Sinful though my heart may be;
Thou mightst leave me, but the rather, Let Thy mercy light on me."

Even me, Lord.

Even me---.

Let some drops now fall on me.”

 A. The fact is that all all responsible human beings have sinful hearts because they have sinned: Rom. 3.23
 B. If we remain in sin, God will pass us and His wisdom will have nothing to do with us: Prov. 1.20-32
 C. However, if we are willing to turn from our sins and submit to Him, His mercy will save us: Tit. 3.5

III. Stanza 3 is addresed to the Savior to ask His favor
"Pass me not, O gracious Savior, Let me live and cling to Thee.
I am longing for Thy favor; Whilst Thou’rt calling, O call me."

Even me, Lord.

Even me---.

Let some drops now fall on me.”

 A. Jesus has promised that in no wise will He pass or cast out those who truly want to live and cling to Him: Jn. 6.37
 B. Of course, those who come to Him must truly be longing for His favor through an attitude of humble submission, as did Mary: Lk. 1.30-38
 C. Jesus calls all people to come to Him, so the request, "Whilst Thou’rt calling,O call me," can be understood to indicate that His call is received only by those who hear and accept the gospel message: 2 Thes. 2.13-14

IV. Stanza 4 is addressed to the Spirit to ask His power
"Pass me not, O mighty Spirit! Thou canst make the blind to see;
Witnesser of Jesus’ merit, Speak the Word of power to me."

Even me, Lord.

Even me---.

Let some drops now fall on me.”

A. It was by the miraculous power of the Spirit that miracles were performed, such as causing the blind to see: Matt. 12.28, 20.19-34
 B. This same Spirit was sent as a witness to testify of Jesus through the inspired apostles: Jn. 15.26-27
 C. Therefore, He speaks His word of power to us through the written word which is His sword: Eph. 3.3-5, 6.17

V. Stanza 5 is once again addressed to the Lord in general to ask His grace

"Love of God, so pure and changeless, Blood of Christ, so rich and free,
Grace of God, so strong and boundless, Magnify them all in me."

Even me, Lord.

Even me---.

Let some drops now fall on me.”

 A. It is because of the love of God that a plan was made available to us: Jn. 3.16, Rom. 5.8
 B. It is through the blood of Christ that remission of sin and redemption are possible: Matt. 26.28, Eph. 1.7
 C. It is by the grace of God that we can be justified before God by being saved from sin: Rom. 3.24, Eph. 2.4-9. By hymnstudiesblog.

It is said, “Wherever the love of God is cherished in the soul, there will be peace, there will be light and joy.” By AH p. 19

To help us understand this principle, I would like to use a message that was delivered at North Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia, on September 10, 1892 by a little lady name Ellen G. White. 

The Apostle Paul said, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3.

These words are simple and plain, but do we understand them? Do we have a practical knowledge of what they mean? If we do not, as professed followers of Christ, we are to understand that we need to make haste, and place our affections on those things that are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Why are we commanded to do this?--Because if we place our affections on the things of earth, we shall become earthly, common, and evil. Our minds take the level of the things on which our thoughts dwell, and if we think upon earthly things, we shall fail to take the impress of that which is heavenly. We would be greatly benefited by contemplating the mercy, goodness, and love of God; but we sustain great loss by dwelling upon those things which are earthly and temporal. We allow sorrow and care and perplexity to attract our minds to earth, and we magnify a molehill into a mountain. In speaking of that which we are called upon to endure, Paul says: "Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look"--at our difficulties, while we magnify our trials, and think only of our hardships? No, but "while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." 

Temporal things are not to engage our whole attention, or engross our minds until our thoughts are entirely of the earth and the earthly. We are to train, discipline, and educate the mind so that we may think in a heavenly channel, that we may dwell on things unseen and eternal, which will be discerned by spiritual vision. It is by seeing Him who is invisible that we may obtain strength of mind and vigor of spirit. This is the way in which Daniel received strength. He was called to act a part in the first place in the kingdom of Babylon, and proved himself a noble statesman in all his connection with the court. He lived a noble life, and presented a worthy example. His eye was fastened on things unseen and eternal. He realized that he was fighting in the sight of the heavenly intelligences, and his dependence was in God. 

We may not be called upon to act a part in public affairs, but in whatever place we are called by the providence of God, we may confidently expect that God will be our helper. We are not to be a toy to circumstances, but to be above circumstances. We are not to be controlled by circumstances. When we are placed in trying positions, and find things about us that we do not like, that try our patience, and test our faith, we are not to sink down in despondency, but to take a firmer hold upon God, and prove that we are not setting our affection on things on the earth, but on things above; that we are looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus is to be the beginning and the end, the first and the last. He is to be our strength in every time of trial. God must be our sole dependence. When we drop God out of our reckoning, and cease to place our affections upon Him, we deprive ourselves of great benefit. We cannot afford to do this, and God cannot afford to have us do it! Why?--Because we have been bought with an infinite price, even with the precious blood of His only-begotten Son. God cannot afford to have us glorify the powers of darkness by turning our eyes upon things seen and temporal; for instead of being workers together with him, we cast our influence on the side of the enemy.  

You are to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, at the same time realizing that it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. When we are laborers together with God, we cannot set our affections upon things below; for where our affections are, our thoughts will be; and where our thoughts are, there will be our treasure. When we dwell upon things seen and temporal, we fail to obtain divine knowledge, as did Daniel. What is our position today? Are we learners in the school of Christ, earnestly seeking to know what is the will of God concerning us? How many in this congregation believe that Christ is their personal Saviour? How many can say, "He saves me"? I know that He wants that I should be saved. He looks upon me as of value in His sight, and therefore I know that my thoughts, my words, and my works, all pass in review before Him. Everything that is connected with the purchase of the blood of Christ is of value in the sight of God. By the price paid for our redemption we are under obligation to devote our entire affections to Christ. We are to give God all there is of us; and in giving to God our all, are we to consider that we sustain a great loss?--No, for in giving to Him our talents, we are doubling them. Every gift He has given to us, when returned to Him, receives His blessing, that it may have increased influence in the work of God. Wherever you may be, you are to realize that you belong to Christ, and that your influence is to be as far-reaching as eternity.  

At one time a lawyer came to Jesus and said, "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Is there anyone here that wants that question answered? Jesus turned the question back upon the questioner, and said unto him, "What is written in the law? how readest thou?" The lawyer answered Him in a way that made manifest that he understood what the law comprehended. He quoted the words found in Deuteronomy and Leviticus, and said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart [not giving half to the world and a third to self, but all to God. Will there be anything left for the world?] and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live." Our whole being is required in the service of God. No reservation is to be made. But someone says, "Well, I do not know how I would succeed in the things of this world were I to carry out this instruction." You would succeed much better; for you would find that godliness is profitable unto all things, providing that which is essential for your welfare in this world and your happiness in the next. You would succeed much better; for you would have God to work with you. You would live as seeing Him who is invisible, realizing that you were working in the sight of the unseen world.  

This is the way in which Moses succeeded. He lived as seeing Him who is invisible, and was therefore able to count the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. If men would live in this way, we should see their faces aglow with the glory of God; for they would be viewing the glory of the eternal, and by beholding, would be transformed into the image of Christ. But instead of this, how general is forgetfulness of God! How few are constantly beholding the unseen Guest, realizing that He is at their right hand! How many ignore his presence! Did we treat others as we treat Jesus, what discourtesy it would be thought!  

Suppose a friend were with us, and we should meet an acquaintance on the way and direct our whole attention to our new-found acquaintance, ignoring the presence of our friend, what opinion would men have of our loyalty to our friend, of our degree of respect to him? And yet this is the way we treat Jesus. We forget that He is our companion. We engage in conversation, and never mention His name or include His instruction in our words. We talk of worldly business matters, and where it does not bruise the soul, where it is essential, we do not dishonor Jesus, but we do dishonor Him when we fail to mention Him in our intercourse with our friends and associates. He is our best friend, and we should seek for opportunities to speak of Him. We should ever remember that He is at our right hand, that we should not be moved, and we should ever keep Him in view. Our conversation should be of a character that would be of no offense to God. We are to be overcomers, copartners with Jesus, not lending our influence to the work of the enemy. Although "God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life," yet not a soul of us will be saved who fails to cooperate with God. Although our salvation is dependent upon our cooperation with God, yet we can take no glory to ourselves; for Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith; all the glory is to redound to God. Christ is the beginning and the end, and we are utterly dependent upon Him.  

Jesus says, "Without me ye can do nothing." Since this is our position, shall we permit our minds to wander to the ends of the earth? Shall we spend our probationary time in jesting and joking? Shall we fail to realize that it is a solemn thing to live? Men generally agree that it is a solemn thing to die; but it is a far more solemn thing to live. Why?--Because every soul surrounds itself with an atmosphere that has a telling influence upon those with whom we are brought in contact. Many gather to themselves the atmosphere that breathes from the powers of darkness. Even professed followers of Christ often permit the hellish shadow of Satan to interpose between the soul and God. Their thoughts, their words are of a cheap, common order, and they give others the impression that religion is a cheap thing. Oh, we cannot afford to give any such instruction! We who may be imbued with the Spirit of Christ, who may have His love in our hearts, His vivifying influence in our souls, should shed upon men a beneficial influence. We should be copartners with Jesus. He says:--  

"As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." John 17:18-23.

"I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil." John 17:15. 

These are the truths upon which we should dwell. Our bodies are built up from what we feed upon, and our minds, our experiences, will be after the order of that which composes our spiritual food. Jesus says: "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day." "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."  By The Signs of the Times, January 9, 1893