IN THE GARDEN DEVOTIONS

“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother ,…” John19:25 There is just something about a mother's love. She's there when no one else is. My mother died when I was 22 years old. I watched my mother suffer many trials and setbacks, times of lack, times that seem like there were more downs then ups and finally illness. But I always remembered her never giving up, fighting and bouncing back again and again. My greatest memory of her was that no matter what she was going th

E. W. Kenyon says this, “Words are thoughts put in garments so they can be commercially used and exchanged. Naked thoughts cannot be seen, heard, felt or sold, just thoughts put into words have value. You and I are going out to sell and to buy and to work, and we will be using words today. Let us use them as we would use gold, handle them as though they were diamonds, choice things.

“Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions)…" Matthew 5:10 Ampc I was talking to one of my dearest friends and sister-in-Christ. She shared some wonderful things that were happening in her life. Her life is truly enviable. She’s married to a husband who adores and cares for her. They are financially secur

"But Rabshakeh said unto them, Hath my master sent me to thy master, and to thee, to speak these words? hath he not sent me to the men which sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you?" 2 Kings 18:27 Webster's dictionary defines a bully as a person who hurts are browbeats those who are weaker. To browbeat is to intimidate with harsh looks, talk and threats to make you afraid. That's what Webster says. My definition of bully was simpl

“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.” Psalm 27:4 Early in my Christian walk, I began questioning whether I was really God's child, did He really know me? One Sunday a guest Minister preached at our church. He spoke of how his daughter was dying and on her dying bed, requested that he read her favorite scripture. Suddenly,

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." — John 17:3 (KJV) Jesus did not endure the cross merely to make us religious people. He died and rose again so that we might know the Father personally, walk with Him daily, and enjoy the fellowship for which we were created. The goal of salvation is not simply church attendance—it is restored relationship with God Himself.

"How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!" — Proverbs 16:16 (KJV)

"...Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name." Matthew 6:9 My parents divorced when I was about 12 years old and my father and mother were given shared custody. During the period that we lived with my father, because I was the oldest daughter, I became the one who took care of the housework, caring for my brothers and sisters and even began to cook. (I can hear my sister laughing when I mentioned that I cooked). Because my daddy worked so hard, I tried hard to p

“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the WORD of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Hebrews 11:3 The Bible is made up of words, God filled words Words are mighty things and will produce (cause a particular result to happen or come into existence) what you continuously say. The Bible says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21 If we tr

"Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." Isaiah 6:5 I love Sunday School. It's like going on a date and getting to know someone more and more intimately. The more you meet the more He begins to reveal more and more of Himself. It's like going to His family gathering, talking about Him with all those who love Him and discussing their

"I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” Proverbs 8:17 Once while at a church service, with thoughts of needing answers for the many things that were going on in my life, the Pastor prophesied that God would come and wake us up early in the morning to tell us some things we needed to know. “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3 It was a timely Word for I was in a despe

“...Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” 1 Samuel 17:45 One of my greatest battles took place in the Operating Room. I remember when I was told I that I needed a defibrillator (see About the Author). While in the doctor's office the surgeon explained the procedure and discussed what would take place. He explained that he would cut me, p

“So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11 (Amp) Testimony of the God's Word producing what it said: After 23 years of being in prison, falsely accused, my nephew was released with all charges dropped and his record completely cleared! There were many court appearances. Each one set with hopes of him being

"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; The humble and downtrodden will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the Lord with me, And let us lift up His name together." Psalms 34:1-3

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4 It's not about ignoring hard times, but rather anchoring your peace in Christ!

"If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. 6 In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success." Proverbs 3:4-6

For God is the "...I Am That I Am:...". Exodus 3:14 He's whatever you need Him to be according to His will!

"And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not." Ezekiel 33:32 Back in the day, I used to love the song "Thin Line Between Love and Hate" and knew every single word. But it wasn't until I was in my thirties that I actually understood what the lyrics meant. As my relationship with God deepened, I found myself drawn less and less to those types of songs. My s

“And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia , and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia , and help us. ” Acts 16:9 I once remember being called to an office to assist someone, only to find out she did not need my help. As I sat at one of the desks, a manager of another department passed by and stated, "I need help!". She looked at me and said, “Denise, what are you doing?” I said, “I was called here to assist in this office.” Right at th

"And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.". 1 Corinthians 8:2. There was a time when I would hear 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 preached from the pulpit and thought the pastor was criticizing and speaking directly about me. I didn't realize it was the living Word of God, sharp and powerful, doing its work of conviction within my heart (Hebrews 4:12). Back then, I had a serious need to be right. I truly believed I knew some stuff and wa