Once we begin to experience a joyful spirit, the blessings of the Lord will bring us right into the presence of our God.

Ps. 96:12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice.

Gen. 2:8-9 "And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil." God had great purpose as He planted His garden with humanity on His mind. From the beginning of creation He planted a beautified garden and placed humanity in it.

We pray to learn a spiritual lesson today as we rejoice in the creative beauty that God has given us in things He has planted. It is all the planting of the Lord, and we as His people are a receiver of all His doings.

I think of my mother, the mothers of the Bible and the mothers of our congregation. And I am grateful for the Christian mothers that have been in my life. We give honor to the mothers of our house today and offer a prayer of thanksgiving.

There remains a secret place in Him, it is personal, every saint must find that place in Him for themselves. And when we do we will sense the shadow of the Almighty surrounding our lives, and sheltering us with His peace, His grace, and His mercy!

Jesus' entire life was a sacrifice that His fruit might bring our salvation. To do this He must die, be buried, and come forth in resurrection power! His sacrifice would end in giving us eternal life. He is calling for our sacrifice. What can we sacrifice for our Lord and Savior?

Scripture declares in 2 Cor. 5:21 "For God hath made Jesus to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." This is to say when Jesus lives in us and we take on His name of Christian, we are restored to Father God. Our desire is to be in 'right standing' with our God. Right standing is to follow after His Word until our meditation of Him guides us into paths that are right in His eyes. We are challenged to be acceptable to our God and Savior.

We remember in scripture when Jesus was baptized His Father was blessed and pleased! Matt. 3:17 "And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." The message today is about pleasing our God! Do we often think that our Father in heaven desires to be pleased in His people? What are our thoughts about our Heavenly Father? He is a God full of feelings and desires for His people. I Sam. 12:22 "For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people."

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 1:20-21

O glorious dawning, O joyous resurrection! Does your heart fill with joy at the thought of eternal life? Resurrection morning, the moment of great triumph over the enemy of our soul!