Walking in Your Eden

Have you ever wondered what it was like to be the first person created, let alone be the only existing human walking on earth? 

Envision opening your eyes for the very first time … behold, the face of God.  There could be no better way to begin living! 

At that moment, everything is new.  There will never be another time or experience like this.  Could Adam possibly realize how loved, favored and special he was to Jehovah and what this would mean to all mankind - forever?   

If I close my eyes, I can picture how it might have happened in my sanctified imagination, walking through each scene mentally as life begins for the firstborn of many.  A molded creation lies still as if it were a mere part of the ground.  Then something miraculous happened! 

As when the Spirit of God moved upon the waters, He moves on the formed body, making it become real.  With the very breath of God, energy is stirred into the shape called “human” awakening man … a male man known as the first Adam”, created by the hands of Yahweh. 

His lungs expand as they fill with air; new life has begun.  Leaning over Jehovah smiles and extents His hand to help raise up His likeness and says, “Walk with Me. I have something to show you.”  

Taking His hand, Adam stands as if he always had the ability to move.  The Creator and created walk side-by-side, but Adam has yet to speak.  He wonders where they are going, but is not afraid to follow. 

“So, the LORD God took the (human, newly formed) man (He had made) and settled him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep (watch over) it.” (Genesis 2:15 VOICE emphasis mine) 

What was it like for Adam to walk in with God in His garden and witness its original splendor and heavenly glory?   Could Adam describe what he was seeing, smelling and hearing or did God explain each detail as His child touched Creation?  Did his jaw drop in awe of such beauty and that he was the reason for God’s lavishing favor?  

Before woman was made, he spent time with God alone … it was just the two of them.   This would be a relationship like none other.  How long did Adam have with His Creator before yet another new thing was paraded before his youthful eyes? 

“Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming.  Don’t you see it coming? (Isaiah 43:19a CSB emphasis mine)

Did God go over the things that only men discuss amongst themselves? What little tidbits of advice did Jehovah share with his first son that no one else was privy to or ever heard?   Besides the topics of animals and the precious responsibilities entrusted to him, we know there was a discussion over food choices … why doesn’t that surprise me?  Was fruit the first thing that awakened his taste buds to the glorious creations for nourishment? 

What love God had for Adam (mankind) from the beginning in giving the promise of favor through blessing his life and the work of his hands, before he ever lifted a finger! 

How would the man of dirt bond with a substance called “earth” that literally conformed into his existence?  Would words of thanksgiving be the beginning utterances spoken by the one God had chosen to be first? Could you hear voices of praise echoing through the Garden at night by everything that had breath? 

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Hallelujah, praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6 NKJV) 

Favor I Knew Before Birth 

I don’t know about you, but I can’t get over the awesomeness of God.  Every time I glance out my windows or walk in the yard, I am reminded that this is God’s world and I’m walking in His created favor designed by love for me!  It’s personal to me, because of the relationship I share with my Creator, Savior and Lord. 

Before I was even thought of by my parents and brought into this world, I was already born into favor in God’s world.  He would have my parents move from state to state until they arrived at the right place for when I was to be born. 

His plans were to “put” me into position for service as He did with the man Adam He had first formed (Genesis 2:8).  In a place where I could fellowship with Him, walking in faith and favor along my life journey on earth.  God knew where to place me on the planet – the “Garden State” … how appropriate.  Not quite Eden, but a beautiful place to grow! 

He knew the things I view as beautiful and what brings me pure delight and pleasure.  He knew what tugs on my heart to worship Him with thanksgiving for all the things He’s created for me to enjoy.  In other words, God personalized me to be me, the way that would bring pleasure to both of us. 

When the Lord spoke to Jeremiah the Old Testament prophet, He first spoke these words to Adam and continues to speak them to every child that belongs to Him through Christ Jesus.  How do I know these things?  His Word tells me so, because God never changes and neither does His love.  He is the same yesterday (from before time), today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). 

“So, God created man in His image; in the image of God, He created him (mankind); male and female He created them. The God bless them, and God said to them, be fruitful and multiply …” (Genesis 1: 27-28a NKJV) 

As you read these words, dwell on them as if God were saying them to you like I have: 

“Fay, (say your name) I am your Creator, and before you were born, I chose you to speak for Me to the nations.  

I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born, I selected you, set you apart and appointed you as My spokesman to the world.” (Jeremiah 1:5 CEV, GNT, TLB, AMP emphasis mine) 

This Week's Challenge: 
Walk in Your Eden 

We look back on history and think how great our life would be if we were someone else … like Adam or Eve who were the only ones to walk in the Garden of Eden.  Well … we’re not, but that’s the way it was meant to be and it’s okay!

I’d like to inform you of something big!  Like Adam (and his wife Eve), you are also a creation that God formed perfectly in His image, for His glory and fellowship.  There is only one you, and God likes … no, loves the way He designed you.  He planned for you to be a part of His life during this time in history.  

In your alone time, close your eyes and image what it would be like if it was you instead of Adam walking with God in His garden.  What kinds of things might be on your list of topics to discuss that are just between the Creator and you? 

Open your eyes; look around you. Now think about where you are today and don’t focus on the cosmetics of it.  No matter where you live, God knew you would be exactly in that place.  It may not be perfect and it doesn’t mean that this is where you will always be.  

At this time in your life, do you recognize “this” set aside earthly place for fellowship, as created favor and blessings designed with you in mind? It’s your Eden; a place to learn and grow spiritually.  

God has allowed this particular “Eden” at this time to be part of where He wants to walk with you.  It’s a place where blessings and favor were planned from the beginning, but have yet to be given.  Be excited and learn everything He is revealing while you can, because change is going to happen! 

The Garden of Eden wasn’t special because it grew great crops.  God’s garden was special because this is where relationship was created between Heaven and Earth.  

Eden was a place where God and mankind could establish a close fellowship as well as highlight His full creation.  It birthed new beginnings where God could give favor for a lifetime, not just for the first human, but for all humanity. 

Practically everyone knows how the first Adam and his wife Eve fell from God’s grace.  However, most fail to recognize that God gave them favor when they repented of their sin.  They returned to the Lord and fellowship was restored, not in God’s Eden, but a new place. 

At this time in history, we do not have an earthly Eden as in the Beginning.  Eden itself takes on a new meaning besides a certain location on the map.  Your Eden (or mine for that matter) is wherever you walk with God spiritually, and wherever He walks there is favor!  The amount and kind of favor from God is established along the walk, and Eden is where it begins.  It’s where you are right now in your relationship with Him, and has nothing to do with where you live or what your house looks like. 

Eden is a set aside place chosen for loved ones to fellowship that is not specifically a location, but a place in your heart.   Have you a place where the Lord can fellowship and walk with you daily?  The wisest thing you can do right now is to begin walking in the Eden God has set before you, so His blessings and favor will be multiplied.  Why not start here!

“Blessed is the man who listens to me (wisdom), watching daily at my (wisdom) gates, waiting at the posts of my (wisdom’s) doors.  For whoever finds me (wisdom) finds life, and obtains favor from the LORD.” (Proverbs 8:34-35 NKJV) 

In the Garden 

sung by my parents favorite singer Jim Reeves

Until next time, favor begins in Eden!

 “Walk with Me for Eden favor! – Jesus Christ

What’s New This Week: Click on book link below. 

A Walk in the Garden on Amazon

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easy tear-out pages, lay flat binding.

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Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior. 

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Life in God’s Garden: Part 4

There is a saying that I actually “borrowed” from an eleven year old during my baseball coaching days of Little League.  It’s one that most people would like to claim I suppose. 

Whenever Mark got excited about anything he would say, “I love it when a plan comes together.”  Well, so do I and wish that would have been the case this past week.  

For months I scheduled, planned, organized and did all I could to get ahead and prepare for the upcoming seasons.  With details falling into place it looked like my diligent efforts would be honored.   

The weekend was over and our plans to have a quiet holiday together were in place.  Hubby had to return videos to the library, run an errand and the rest of Monday was ours. 

There’s no way we could have known what was about to happen, but there is no doubt that what transpired was divinely orchestrated. From here hubby gives the details of the blessed account that changed everything! 

Welcome new friends this week from:

See if your city/state/country made the list. 

International – Montreal, QC, Canada; Pathum Thani, Thailand; Luxembourg; Malaysia; Puerto Rico; Timor-Leste; Venezuela; Denmark; Nasik, Maharashtra, India; Chile; Paraguay; Iraq; ; Angola; Japan; Kuwait; Singapore; Algeria; Czech Republic; Peru; Guatemala; Nigeria; Perth, WA, Australia; Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom; Dnipropetrovsk, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine; Nasik (Nashik), Maharashtra, India.  

USA – Chisago City, MN; Timberlake & Watership Downs, NC; Bunker Hill, WV; Eagar & Whiteriver, AZ; Eucha, OK; Frankfort, KY; Fairborn, OH; Rutledge, TN; Glynco, GA; Bossier City, Grambling & Ruston, LA; Kalkaska & Jackson, MI; Dartmouth, Fall River, New Bedford & Springfield, MA; Bismarck & Linton, ND; Russell, VA; Streator, IL; Dubuque, IA; Hutchinson, KS; Pitman & Vineland, NJ; Abilene & Houston, TX.

I am so thankful for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  Join us in our new series as we spend time in the study of Daily Favor Relationships. 

You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.  All are private. I would love to hear from you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.  Contact me by leaving a message in the box at the bottom of this week’s post.  

Don't miss out on this week's challenge (below).

Be sure to visit Tell Me, Q & A or other sections.

Lunch Run 

It’s one of the busiest intersections in the city. Some come to this part of town at lunchtime for the restaurants, others do shopping or banking … me, the agenda was baked potatoes at Wendy’s. 

When honey is hungry and it’s time to eat that’s when I go to work… I’m the errand runner, that’s my job.  It was Monday October 2^nd, 2017 and warm that afternoon.  Fay and I were working in the same division when the boss (her) sent me out to run errands.  I’m hubby and this is my story. 

It was 1:00 pm and I was on my way to pick up lunch and be back in fifteen minutes.  That was the plan, but we wouldn’t have our meal that day … no we wouldn’t eat for at least several more hours. 

The Story of My Life 

The story you are about to read is true, the names have been changed to protect the innocent … okay, there aren’t any names to change but it goes with the plot so go with it. 

At 1:10 pm I realized that the videos I was to return to the library were still on my front seat.  Getting totally distracted I turned the wrong way forgetting about them, and drove in the opposite direction toward the center of town.  My first stop was the bank at the corner of the intersection. 

This particular intersection has a total of ten lanes converging.  After making my transaction at the bank I pulled out into traffic and into the left turn lane. There was one car in front of me. 

With no delay the car moved forward when the light turned green and I proceeded to make my turn as well.  As I was into my turn I saw a tiny kitten in the middle of the intersection and jammed on my brakes coming to a jolted stop. 

Jumping out of my car (or as close to a jump as I can muster these days) I quickly tried to corral that little baby.  Back and forth, bending up and down I went trying to capture the critter but it kept escaping my grasp by hiding under the vehicle. 

Out of Reach 

Cars and trucks went whipping by on all sides with no one stopping to see what the matter was or if there was trouble.  Weren’t they curious as to why a grown man was making some ridiculous moves in the middle of oncoming traffic? 

There she was, yes I knew it was a female from her coloring.  Such a frightened but smart little thing; hiding under the car she stayed just out of my reach. 

All I could do was focus on trying to get this kitten out of harm’s way before anything happened.  Disregarding the danger I laid down on the road slowly pulled myself under the car, but within seconds the kitten disappeared out of sight. 

Search the Vehicle 

On the other side of the intersection to the right of me was a car waiting for the light to change so it could move.  I could see a few people in it shouting directions, but I couldn’t hear them due to the NASCAR racers that were blowing past me.   

Getting out from under my car a man in a pick-up truck pulled up next to me pointing as he kept driving, “The cat went up inside your engine!” 

“Great” I thought!  Now what am I going to do?  I don’t want the cat running back into the road, and with the motor on how can I move the vehicle? 

Getting back into my car I began to drive as slow as possible, aggravating the motorists behind me.  Completing my turn out of the intersection I pulled into the empty parking lot only a few feet past the light and immediately shut off the engine.

Pulling in right behind me was the car across the lane with the two ladies and a teenage boy who were trying to tell me what they witnessed.  Opening the hood the four of us started looking for the kitten and all around the car to see if she would try to make a run for it. 

No one saw her, but then I spotted this form curled up in a small pocket beneath the hood hinge.  Motioning to the young man to come over to me I pointed to the prize find. “Look … there.” 

She was shaking and growling as I leaned in to retrieve the foundling.  Her little whiskers had been singed by the hot engine, but other than that she was purr-fectly fine!  Placing the kitten on my chest I thanked the kind strangers for their help and got back in the car. 

Embraced in my arms the feline loudly expressed her discontent.  What was I to do?  By now it was 1:30 p.m. and my craving for a baked potato with broccoli, cheese, sour cream and oozing with butter didn’t sound appealing after dodging traffic for the past twenty minutes. 

Calling home from the parking lot I informed my wife that I couldn’t do the rest of the errands and was coming home.  Not long into our conversation Fay asked, “What is that noise? What’s the matter?” 

She didn’t seem alarmed but was inquiring about the background sounds, which she would soon find out when I arrived home packing something other than lunch. 

God's Angels Given Charge  

Our plans for a quiet holiday literally came to a screeching halt that day when God placed a creation of His before my husband’s eyes.  When he described the event (leaving out his Dragnet version) I kept replaying it in my mind. 

 

At first I didn’t understand why he moved the car, but then I could see how he had no choice but to trust God to keep everyone involved safe.  How did that kitten get in that situation and not be harmed or destroyed?  I knew immediately. 

"For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him." (Psalm 34:7)

 

Every day we pray Psalm 91 over our family including the animals in our charge.  We place angels all around us as scriptures declare.  It was God’s angels that protected my husband and the kitten during that busy time in that ten lane intersection. 

“Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place.  No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways." (Psalm 91:9-11 NKJV)  

When we trust God as our protector and refuge it enables His Word to go into action.  My husband didn’t have time to stop and pray for protection, favor and blessings … he had to be ready to act, believing God would keep His promise in the relationship He had with the person who believes Him. 

God also honored my husband’s compassion for His animal and acknowledged his act of kindness as something He would do.  In other words, God expects man to care for His animals in righteousness. Those who do not value the life of one of God’s creatures He sees them as evil. 

“A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel." (Proverbs 12:10 NKJV) 

“A man who is right with God cares for his animal, but the sinful man is hard and has no pity." (Proverbs 10 NLV) 

I like what the Message Bible says concerning the relationship God has with His animals. 

“Every creature in the forest is Mine, the wild animals on all the mountains. I know every mountain bird by name; the scampering field mice are My friends.” (Psalm 50:10 MSG) 

If God loves and cares for the animals, our relationship with animals should reflect that of our Maker. 

 “Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; Your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast You save, O Lord. “ (Psalm 36:6 ESV) 

O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great.” (Psalm 104:24-25 ESV) 

This brings us to the next blessing in Life in God’s Garden. Relationships! 

If you haven’t read the first blessings discussed you can here.  

 

Life in God’s Garden: Part 1 

Life in God’s Garden: Part 2

Life in God’s Garden: Part 3

 

The Ten Blessings of Eden – continued. 

Ninth Blessing – God blessed mankind with relationships, with Himself, animals and one another.  No matter how you look at it, we were not supposed to be without companionships throughout our entire life. 

Let’s break it down into three sections. 

First God created the relationships He wanted. 

 

God created Adam (male and female aka “Adam” the word meaning “man”) and animals for Himself.  In reality, He created everything He wanted for His pleasure to lavish favor upon His creation. 

“For by Him (GOD) all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16 ESV) 

The Creator of all things wanted relationships in which He could enjoy. It has always been His plan to give Daily Favor to His creation whether it is a human or animal.  If you want a relationship with God, click here “Tell Me about Jesus” for more information on salvation and becoming a child of the Savior.  

When He created this world God intended to provide for both man and beast.  Proof of this love is mentioned to Adam in God’s Garden, which is the next section. 

Second God created animals for mankind. 

“And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’  Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air…” Genesis 2:18-19 NKJV) 

The relationship of animals with mankind wasn’t the same as it is now (after the fall of man because of sin).  Life in God’s garden had different responsibilities than what we deal with in this age. 

We generally put animals in categories, work, pleasure as in pets, harmful, tame, essential, non-essential or miscellaneous meaning we don’t know what purpose they serve.  Even though life is different between man and beast outside the Garden of Eden, there are some things that God intended to last forever between His “creature” creations. 

God desires for us to love animals as He does and enjoy their fellowship daily regardless of their standing in life.  I remember distinctly hearing (in my spirit) Jesus saying, “I would take time to play with her.”  He was referring to my cat (the only rescue we had at that time) when we were moving. 

The house was in disarray with strangers coming and going.  She was distraught so I took time out of my duties and sat down on the floor in an empty room with her.  I regained her trust and everything worked out well. 

The favor of having animals in our lives doesn't stop with them just being around or used for our purposes. It is our responsibility to care for, protect, and yes even at times rescue an animal putting our plans aside allowing God to show His mercy and blessing on a job well done. 

Jehovah wanted this relationship to be so great that He favored man entrusting him with the privilege of knowing, having dominion over and naming the animals.  God brought and presented them as individual creations.  

“… have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28b NKJV) 

“… and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.” (Genesis 2:19b – 20 NKJV) 

Adam would recognize they were not like him, but had the ability to love and be loyal. 

Third He created the female Adam – man. 

“And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.  Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman…” (Genesis 2:21-22 NKJV) 

I know you want to read more about this relationship, but that will come later! 

 

Think on This Challenge:

Just Me and My Mammal 

For the past ten days we have had the pleasure of caring for the one pound four ounce rescue that God put before hubby’s eyes.  Hand feeding, burping, bathing and playing with a four week old is time consuming, tiring and repetitious, but what a blessing and bundle of fun she has brought to our lives. 

Say hello to Angel Kitty.

Caring for who we now call “Angel” (you can guess why that seemed appropriate) has literally brought my husband and I closer together, along with the other rescues in our care. 

 

We sit side by side on the sofa for each of her feedings laughing, smiling and enjoying the innocence of new life.  Everything else stops and it’s just us – human(s) and animal(s) building and renewing relationships of past, present and future.  

Did our plan come together?  Not exactly, but God's did and that is better than anything we could have imagined.  I'd rather be in right standing with Him because His ways are higher than mine.

 

It was during one of her feedings that this week's think on this challenge came to mind.  What would life and your relationships be like between you and a pet (whether it is current or in the past) if you never had to feed, shelter, bathe, medicate or tend to them, because God still did that?   

Hmmm … that’s a good one! 

Life in God’s garden is a life of favor I could live with – now and forever!  Now would be really good though, especially since it’s 3:40 a.m. and Angel is running all over the room having discovered she can jump! 

All creatures of our God and King sung by David Crowder

 

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Until next time, favor the life of animals!

 

“A righteous man shows favor to My creatures.”

Jesus Christ 

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

Note: Emphasis is given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God. 

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness. 

What’s New This Week: Click on the photo or link.

 

Land Animals of the Sixth Day:

Exploring Creation with Zoology 3

By Jeannie K. Fulbright

Hardback pp. 288 

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Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me About Jesus” for more information on salvation and becoming a child of the Savior. 

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Life in Gods Garden, Garden of Eden, Garden of Favor, Adam and Eve, Animals, Daily Favor Relationships, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Cat Rescue, Challenge, Angel of the Lord, Favored Pets.

Life in God’s Garden: Part 3

When you stop to think about it, God’s creation of man is pretty amazing don’t you think?  Every person had a “floor plan” so to speak, that is God has a designers special imprinted on each individual as one of a kind.  With all this uniqueness walking about it makes everyone’s life super interesting. 

I am intrigued by all the people that God allows to be part of my journey and can’t wait to tap into the communication lines to hear how God’s blessings have presented themselves into their lives. It doesn’t matter how it happens, whether in person or the internet, in one way or another I find a way to connect to people out of sheer curiosity. 

Over the years many have asked me where I get my material to write.  It’s not really that difficult, all I have to do is watch people or animals and there’s pretty much a story in all I observe.  Then there are those “special blessings” that I encounter along the way which in part make my work so much easier. 

For the record, most of my stories usually come from something that has happened in my life.  It doesn’t really matter where I am, hilarious or weird stuff just seems to find me and most of the time it’s in a grocery store!   

With all the billions of people on this planet, why do these things happen to me? 

Welcome new friends this week from:

See if your city/state/country made the list. 

New on DFB – Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India; Trbovlje, Central Sava Statistical Region, Slovenia; Tanzania; Uzbekistan; Haiti; Salé, Rabat-Salé-Zemmour-Zaer, Morocco; Waitara, Taranaki, New Zealand; Willemstad, Curaçao; Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia; Aurora, Mississauga, & Montreal, QC, Canada; Pathum Thani, Thailand; Dnipropetrovsk, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Uganda; Ukraine. 

USA – Kalkaska, MI; Baird, Galveston & Schertz, TX; Ruston, LA; Mandan, ND; Morehead, KY; Edina, MN; Vacaville, CA; Adena, OH; Honey Brook, PA; Parkdale & Carl Junction, MO; St. Martin, MS; Albuquerque, NM; Cramer Hill, Minotola, Elmer, Salem, Avalon & Belle Mead, NJ; Alexandria & Russell, VA; Kingston, OK; Woodburn, OR; Clanton, AL; Dubuque, IA; Bismarck, Mandan & Linton, ND; Pascagoula, MS. 

I am so thankful for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  Join us in our new series as we spend time in the study of Daily Favor Relationships. 

You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.  All are private. I would love to hear from you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.  Contact me by leaving a message in the box at the bottom of this week’s post.  

Don't miss out on this week's challenge (below).

Be sure to visit Tell Me About Jesus, Q & A or other sections.

Three Things We Need 

We had just finished work but before going home needed to stop at the grocery store for three items – bottled water, almond milk and dish soap.  Not long after we entered the parking lot we were favored with a great place to park. 

As we entered the store I suggested that even though it wasn’t on the shopping list, we should pick up a few more cans of cat food for the eighteen year old senior feline who doesn’t have teeth.  Although he eats with the others, twice a day he is individually fed his soft food diet. 

Grabbing two carts (one so hubby could lean on it for walking) we headed for different aisles to shorten our trip.  “I’ll get the dish soap and you get the cat food.” I said and we separated to complete our tasks. 

The cleaning products were located in the next aisle past the cat food. Hubby turned down his lane and I made the next left.  Taking only a second to grab my item I circled back and joined him in the pet food section. 

Get Your Motor Running 

When I met up with my husband he had already selected a few delights for kitty.  It wasn’t long before my cart was forced to come to a stop due to a traffic jam. Two ladies, both in electric “Mart Carts,” were facing one another and holding quite a conversation unaware that they had an audience. 

No need to eves drop here; mega phones held no candle to their voices. Patiently I waited as they talked.  It was pretty funny and frankly I wanted to see how they would conclude their little visit.   

With a smile on my face I propped my foot up on the wrung at the bottom of my cart and settled in wondering just how long this was going to take.  By now hubby was in line behind me and who knows how many others. 

The interaction of these senior ladies was worth the wait. Suddenly the lady that was facing my direction looked at me and said to her friend in the other motorized cart.  Back and forth they squabbled. 

“You have to move someone’s behind you.”

“There’s no one behind you.” 

“No, you  ... someone’s behind you!”

“There’s isn’t anyone behind you.” 

“No, YOU have to move … we’re blocking the aisle.”

“Oh.” 

Enough said, she bid her farewells and motored out of the aisle. 

No Clean Escape 

The woman facing me in her electric rider was parked in front of the cat litter.  Without moving she looked up and called out, “Something is smelling clean.”   

Strange I thought … Lady, you’re right in front of the smelly cat litter!  Maybe that’s what you’re smelling?  You think? 

Pushing the pedal to the metal she slowly moved maneuvering her vehicle toward me.  Stretching her right arm out full length declaring for all to hear as she pointed directly at me, “Is it you?” 

Immediately I was stage struck and didn’t know what to do.  Even though embarrassment was written all over my face I couldn’t help burst into laughter. Was this a scene from Princess Diaries when Mia first meets her grandmother Queen Clarisse?   

 

“Amelia, I’m so glad you could come … Well, let me look at you. You look so … [pausing] young.”  

Not knowing how to respond the young girl looks at her grandmother and responds,  

“Thank you … and you look so … [pausing] clean.” 

A few other things popped into my thinking but I didn’t have time to act or escape. “Clean … clean?  Something, not someone lady. You said something!”  

 

 

A Little Stinker 

Turning to look at my husband the next thing I knew she stopped her cart blocking me then grabbed my left arm whipping me around toward her. By now the entire aisle was glaring in my direction seeking out the sight of the commotion. 

I was laughing so hard and in a panic all at the same time.  How bold of her!  She was sniffing out whatever wafted through her God created senses.  What if she sniffed and said it wasn’t me?  How awkward would that be? 

Then I thought, with her statement she clearly didn’t think it was her!  Someone on that aisle smelled clean and she was destined to sniff her way through it to find out who it was. 

With my arm pressed up to this stranger’s nose, she took a big sniff, paused and openly shared her finding, “Yep, it’s you!”  That was it and she drove away feeling confident that she solved the fragrance case. 

Being on center stage I have to tell you, for the first time in my life I was relieved that I was the “good” littler stinker.  Thank you Lord for the blessing of clean water for bathing! 

The Sweet Aroma 

What again, really Lord?  What is this about people and their unauthorized sniffage?  She’s the second lady to do that in a store this year, besides hubby back in June when we first talked about relationships?  This could easily turn into a complex issue. 

The mystery lady continued down the aisle driving toward hubby.  Still laughing about what happened he lifted his armpit and said to the woman, “You wanna sniff?”   

I’m so glad I wasn’t standing next to him at that time! Not because he smelled or anything, but because I would have had to popped him one for making the ordeal even more humiliating.  What’s a wife to do, right? 

Without stopping she smiled and emphatically replied, “No thanks.” Rolling past him leaving all of us sort of in a stupor, we watched her turn onto the main aisle to continue shopping. 

That was probably a wise choice on her part. I don’t know how much of a sweet aroma she would have received about then. Now I’m not sure which embarrassed me more, getting sniffed or hubby offering to be sniffed! 

Garden Ties 

Relationships are funny aren’t they?  We never know how they may form, how long some will last or what the circumstance will be that creates interactions among living creatures. One thing we do know is that in all of them something about God’s creation can be identified. 

When I was working through my notes I asked the Lord to give me something I could share, He just happened to choose a humorous incident as a “garden tie”.    

Ten Blessings of Eden 

 

Moving along the garden gate, this week we’ll look at two more of the blessings of Eden.  If you haven’t read the first blessings discussed you can here.  

Life in God’s Garden Part 1 

Life in God’s Garden Part 2

Seventh Blessing – One of the best blessings that shows the favor of God toward His creation is the gift of fresh water. 

Besides having water to bathe in, no one would ever go thirsty physically, because God provided clean water for every living thing in the form of flowing rivers. 

“Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads.” (Genesis 2:10 NKJV) 

However, the flowing waters also have a different meaning spiritually.  If we glance back a few verses the Lord tells us that the earth received nourishment from the dew that came from the ground, because there was no need for rain at that time.   

“… before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the earth.” (Genesis 2:5 NKJV) 

The blessing of water in the Garden was to serve the physical body, soul (emotion/thinking) and eternal spirit.  The dew took care of the plant life, while the rivers of Eden washed over the body, soul and spirit. 

Often times when scripture talks about water it is referring to the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of a believer.  In Hebrew, rain and teaching are the same word, so when our spirit is watered or bathed in the Word, it is the Holy Spirit “raining” down on us in His teaching and Wisdom for a situation.  The ancient prophets spoke of the wisdom of God as “rivers in a dry or desert place.”  For believers to operate in wisdom we need the watering of the Spirit of God daily. 

Ezekiel described the river (wisdom) that flowed from the temple transforms the desert which is our unlearned spirit. (See Ezekiel 37)  Wisdom was the eye opener to the mysteries, blessings and favor beginning in Eden enabling us to see Jesus as the Anointed One.   

Without the Holy Spirit we could not comprehend or draw near to God.  We would be blinded from the truth.   

As believers and Children of God, we have the access to the wisdom of the Holy Spirit flowing through our desert souls bringing refreshment as we fellowship in relationships with the Lord and one another. 

Jesus often taught about Living Waters and those who drank of it would thirst no more.  Through the Messiah fountains of wisdom would flow around the throne of God being poured out like water in the Holy place.  It was a symbol of the Garden of Eden being restored to “Adam” – all the living in the Heavenly City. (See Revelation 22) 

Moving on to the next blessing, were you able to connect the gift of Jesus’ birth to the Garden of Eden from last week’s think challenge? 

 

 

Eighth Blessing – God provided a source of wealth for the future economy.  Gold, bdellium and onyx stone (precious minerals and gems) filled the earth in the surrounding bodies of water (the Pishon, Gihon, Hiddekel [Tigris] and the Euphrates rivers.) 

“The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one which skirts the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold.  And the gold of that land is good. Bdellium and the onyx stone are there.  

The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one which goes around the whole land of Cush. The name of the third river is Hiddekel; it is the one which goes toward the east of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates.” (Genesis 2:11-14 NKJV) 

The things that were found in the Garden of Eden are symbolic of what was to come in this world and how the LORD would restore His relationship with man.  They are sometimes referred to as “double references” as in parables or other meanings to what has been said. 

It would take a long time to explain the rivers significance here, but let me share this. 

Everything that would be eternally needed for man, animal and the universe was provided in the beginning.  Even the gifts that would be presented to Jesus when He was born to a virgin, and the new Eden for when we one day are reunited in Heaven had been factored into measure at the time of creation. 

When Jesus spoke on the cross "It Is Finished" it wasn't only concerning His dying, but about day seven of creation where restoration of the relationship of God and man would be made complete. 

 

“Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished.  And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 

 

Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” (Genesis 2:1-3 NKJV) 

In order for the relationship between God and His creation to live on throughout eternity, the tools that were needed had to be established before anything was created. 

 

The treasures of Eden provided more than blessings of physical and spiritual wealth.  The grace, unmerited favor of God gave us Living water of salvation poured out through the baptism of the Holy Spirit by faith in Jesus.   

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of Living water." (John 7:38 NKJV) 

The river of life is available to all who will believe in Jesus as the Son of God.  One day those who trust in Him as Savior will be reunited in His Garden – which is … the NEW JERUSALEM. 

“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb.  In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life …  

And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22:1-2a & 17 NKJV) 

Is your soul thirsting for something this world cannot quench?  That sniffer lady in the supermarket recognized a scent on me represented by soap and water for the body; she had no idea of the cleanliness of my spirit. 

Do you want that inside and outside feeling of being truly clean of all unrighteousness that separates a person from having a relationship with God?  Then let the Living Water Garden blessing flow through your soul, and the mercy (favor) of God will fill you right where you are.  Pray.  

Together let us rejoice as we await that glorious reunion where we will resume Life in God’s Garden by saying, “Come Lord Jesus!” 

The grace (favor) of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all the Saints until that day. 

Think on This Challenge:

Water, the True Gold of This World 

Water is the true wealth in this world, without it there would be no life at all.  Without life there isn’t a need for gold and it would be deemed worthless. 

The Bible tells us that Heaven uses gold to pave its streets, so why are we decorating ourselves and “things” with pavement? 

“The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.” (Revelation 21:21 NKJV) 

Our think on this challenge begs this question: If there was no need for gold as a measure of wealth, what would you do with it? 

 

Come Living Water (Fill Me) by Bob Carlisle

 

Honoring a servant of God – Happy Birthday Bob Carlisle!

(His birthday September 29^th - the day this published) 

 

More beautiful Living Waters songs to fill your heart with blessings.

 

Rivers of Living Waters by Canaan’s Crossing

Living Waters by Keith & Kristyn Getty 

Living Water by Gateway Worship

 

P.S. If you see me on the street, please don't sniff me :)

 

If this article has encouraged or helped you, please consider sharing it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post.

 

Until next time, water is God’s favor on life! 

“Drink the Living Water and live favored.”

Jesus Christ

 

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

Note: Emphasis is given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God. 

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness. 

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