HOW DOES OUR GARDEN GROW?

Greetings -

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

John 19:41
Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden;...

Matthew 26:30
And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.  

2 Corinthians 7:1
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

My perspective of an ideal garden is one with abundant fragrances saturating the air space, and with colors that exhilarate with their stunning radiance.  And no garden is complete without the essential presence of people, and creature comfort animal assets.  Manifold flowers consume the environmental landscape.  Displayed are vivid views of lilies, gladiolas, peonies, orchids, gardenias, roses, violets, and blossoms galore. 

Spilling over the gateways are ivy leaves, and ferns.  Spread throughout are cherry blossom trees that bring gleeful delight.  Climbing philodendrons explode in green brilliance as they blanket the gold-trimmed gazebos.

Shrubs stand in glorious dignity - pruned to the hilt.  And yes, some pesky weeds are in residence, as well.  They remind me of Matthew 13:26, 30, "But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.  Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn."

Grand trees soak up the scenery with strong branches aglow. Oh, such splendid shade provisions from these great rooted creations.  They feed the earth and the earth feeds them.  Their leaves speak and blow in the wind.  Trees of righteousness comes to my spiritual senses.  Isaiah 61:3, "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."

Twelve fruit trees are in the midst.  I partake of peaches, apples, and oranges - oh my!  What's this?!  A snake slithers next to me with crafty aim to seduce.  Our Lord leads me to tell him, "It is written...and I'm not Eve."  I whip out of my soul arsenal, and deliver to that reptile of wickedness these words spoken by GOD in Isaiah 42:8, "I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images."   Be gone, devil!  He slithers away.      

Love for our Lord, and gratitude swells within me as I walk in the garden and sit in the shade of its resplendent environs.  Folks engage together in the varied delights of the garden places.  Creatures scurry, and some play with their "friends."  The diversity captivates and excites me.  I have grown in this garden.  The benefits are plentiful.  Glory to the Star of the garden - the true Vine, JESUS CHRIST - Numbers 24:17 and John 15:1.    

It delights to know that there was a garden where Christ was crucified.  Again, John 19:41, "Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden;..."  And it captured my heart to read that JESUS "sung an hymn" with his disciples.  Again Matthew 26:30, "...And when they had sung an hymn,..."  I wonder if JESUS sang in the garden where He was crucified.  And does He sing with us when we sing in worship to Him?!  

Prayer:

Our glorious Father GOD, we bless Your holy name.  Thank You for Your lush gardens.  We so appreciate Your love and care for us, and that we are heirs with You and joint heirs with JESUS.

Help us, please, to walk in Your "gardens" with love, and the other vital fruits of Your Spirit.  Let us please You, as we inhale and exhale Your generous air.  Help us to partake of Your fruits, and to be holy flowers grown in good ground to remain steadfastly rooted as branches in You, and in JESUS, the true vine.  Lord, You are the only true and living GOD.  Let us remain planted and immersed in Your will that gives LIFE abundantly!

Thank You, Lord - Amen

John 10:10
...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Sandra

Written Tuesday April 12, 2011

Photos are compliments of Sandra

Copyright 2011 on text and photos

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