Back to the Garden: A 10-Day DevotionalSample

Plan Your Garden Beds

Okay, so now that we have evaluated our season, we can plan our garden beds! In learning more about gardening, I came across an interesting style of gardening called vertical gardening.

Vertical gardening takes up less space, but it also allows crops to grow upwards instead of outwards. This results in a bigger harvest, and it allows the crops to be less susceptible to diseases. There's better air circulation for the crops and it helps the leaves receive more sunlight which helps with overall growth.

David explains the outcome of a tree being planted along a riverbank, it prospers and bears fruit each season. If you think about the benefits of a plant being close to a riverbank, it allows that plant to receive water and nutrients consistently.

The same goes for us. We must be connected to the source, God, to prosper in what we do. The prosperity that David mentions is not about the materialistic things in life or the lack of difficulty we might face. He is referring to the fruit (results) we have that will be good and be approved by God if we’re applying God’s wisdom.

We must exemplify a vertical garden, always growing upward toward God to receive His word and wisdom so that we can grow healthier and have a greater yield come harvest time. There are many more ways you can choose to plan your garden beds, but the most effective in our spiritual lives is having a vertical relationship with Christ.

We must grow upward so that we are less susceptible to falling into temptation. We must grow upward so that God's word circulates within us, and the symptoms of sin are addressed sooner rather than later. We must grow upward so that His light shines upon us, our leaves do not wither, and we yield a harvest that glorifies and pleases God.

Reflect

• Have you received the gift of salvation or are you in a space where you want to rededicate your life to Christ?

Paul tells us in Romans 10:9 that if we believe in our hearts and declare with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, we will be saved.

Receive the gift of salvation today and pray this prayer aloud:

Heavenly Father, I come to you today to receive the gift of salvation. I believe Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead just for me. I believe Jesus that you are the Lord and Savior of my life. I confess my sins and I ask and receive your forgiveness. Help me become more like you through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Lord, for saving me and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

I’m so proud of you for receiving such an amazing gift that no person or thing can ever take from you! We all rejoice, and heaven is rejoicing because you are now a part of God’s big family! I love you and most importantly God loves you so embrace this new life that has been given to you through Jesus Christ.