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Devotional

Andy Walks with Me: In 1913, Charles Austin Miles wrote a hymn which he titled “In The Garden”. Here is the first stanza: “I come to the garden alone; While the dew is still on the roses; And the voice I hear falling on my ear; The Son of God discloses; And He walks with me; And He talks with me; And He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there; None other has ever known.”

In Miles’ own words, here is the background to this hymn (remember it was 1913, so don’t get too lost in the way he talks) “I read the story of the greatest morn in history. The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, while it was yet very dark, unto the sepulcher. Instantly, completely, there unfolded in my mind the scenes of the garden, where out of the mists comes a form, halting, hesitating, tearful, seeking, turning from side to side in bewildering amazement. Falteringly, bearing grief in every accent, with tear-dimmed eyes, she whispers, ‘If Thou has borne Him hence.’ He (Jesus) speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing. He said to her ‘Mary!’ Just one word and forgotten are the heartaches, the long dreary hours, all the past blotted out in His presence.”

Miles is describing the morning that Mary Magdalene went to the tomb of Jesus, and Jesus met her ALIVE! I completely agree with Charles Austin Miles when he says that was “the greatest morn in history.” You can read this in John 20:10-18.

Now, the shirt design “Andy Walks with Me” does not intend in any way to make fun of this hymn, of Miles, or of our Lord Jesus. But if you spent any time as a youngster in a church that sang this hymn during worship, you probably asked your parents, “Who’s Andy?” I think something like 4 out of 5 kids asked their parents this question.

Jesus is alive! Praise God! And He is with us, no matter where we go. Go find a copy of God’s Word and take the time to read Acts 1:8, Matthew 28:19-20, and Psalm 139:7-12. These aren’t the only verses that detail God’s presence in our lives, but they are a good start. Jesus died on a cross for the sins of the world, for you and for me, but don’t forget to finish that story. He rose to life 3 days later and lives today! He is our Savior, our atoning sacrifice who offers forgiveness for our sins through His blood. He is right there with us, wherever we may be.

** I encourage you to use these passages from God’s Word as a resource in your daily life. Don’t let this truth just rest on this tag or on this shirt. Use it! Let it become a part of you, let the scripture be written on your heart and move you to live your life in obedience to God out of love. Dive into God’s Word, spend time with Him in prayer, connect with other believers, live for Jesus who died for your sins and rose again! **

FYI – We have a Bible Study on Facebook.com and invite you to join. New scripture is posted daily. If you don’t have a Facebook Account, then you will need to create one to join the Bible Study. So, if you’re interested, sign into your Facebook Account and search “Facebook Bible Study – yes you can join!”