Podcasts about his garden

Tonight my special guest is author Ann K. Howard who's here to discuss her book called His Garden that details the bodies left behind a shopping mall by serial killer William Devin Howell. "You want to know what happened? Ask Anne."—serial killer William Devin Howell   A monster was on a killing spree. In just nine months, seven people went missing; all of their bodies eventually discovered in a wooded lot behind a suburban strip mall. But the investigation that led law enforcement to their suspect, William Devin Howell, is only part of the story behind HIS GARDEN: Conversations With A Serial Killer.   A practicing attorney, author Anne K. Howard first contacted Howell while he was serving a fifteen-year sentence for the murder of one of his seven victims. He was about to be charged for the remaining six murders. A unique and disturbing friendship between the two began, comprised of written correspondence, face-to-face prison visits and recorded phone calls. Howell, who had been unwilling to speak to any members of the media, came to trust Howard.   In the years that follow, the suspect shared his troubled history with Howard but refused to discuss the charges against him, promising only to tell her everything when the case was over.   That time has come.    HIS GARDEN probes the complicated and conflicted mind of William Devin Howell--Connecticut's most prolific serial killer. Both sacred and profane in its narrative style, the story on these pages explores the eternal question of human evil and its impact on others, including the woman he chose to hear his horrific confession.Follow Our Other ShowsFollow UFO WitnessesFollow Crime Watch WeeklyFollow Paranormal FearsFollow Seven: Disturbing Chronicle StoriesJoin our Patreon for ad-free listening and more bonus content.Follow us on Instagram @mysteriousradioFollow us on TikTok mysteriousradioTikTok Follow us on Twitter @mysteriousradio Follow us on Pinterest pinterest.com/mysteriousradio Like us on Facebook Facebook.com/mysteriousradio

The gospel writers focus on Jesus' prayers when they recount His Garden of Gethsemane experience on the night He was arrested. Jesus asked three times during His prayers that God take away "this cup" if it were possible. What was that cup? Was it possible for God to it away? We discuss these questions and more during this episode.

A new MP3 sermon from Faith Bible Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Holy One is Priest in His Garden Subtitle: Misc Sermons from the Gospels Speaker: Peaslee, Adam Broadcaster: Faith Bible Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 3/31/2024 Bible: John 20 Length: 48 min.

Allah creates a tendency in human souls towards goodness and blessings, but also demands effort to attain them in order to be rewarded with His Garden. The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of making a lasting effort in order to attain a better reward, and encourages believers to persevere in their efforts, even if success is not immediate. Morality is essential to receive Allah's blessings - striving for the spread of Islam, treating others with respect, and displaying exemplary behavior are all necessary. Trust in Allah and His infinite wisdom should provide hope and comfort in times of hardship.

Have you ever wondered if you or someone you loved was an Apostle? The Apostle Paul gives us a window into the life of an Apostle hidden in plain sight in the scriptures. He helps us better understand the demands of the calling and the experiences that mark the lives of those who possess the most prolific spiritual gift in the new Royal Priesthood of Christ. Christ, who is the Apostle of our souls presents a picture of an Apostle as well; even in His Garden of Gethsmane moment. While this series is directed to be a series as a resource for Apostles, it is also a guide for those who are in their lives. It will give direction and comfort to finally understand the greatest hidden gift of the New Testament Church. || Subscribe at lovewalk.substack.com for Free Christian resources. Please also consider supporting me with a gift at paypal.me/lelawinston if this LoveWalk has blessed you, your family or ministry. Private giving is also available. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/lela-winston/support

Meditate to Elevate Day 4: I am a well watered Garden “And the Lord shall guide you continually and satisfy you in drought and in dry places and make strong your bones. And you shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water whose waters fail not.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58‬:‭11‬ ‭AMPC‬‬ In most urban cities, parks are created to allow busy city dwellers to have a place to unwind and appreciate nature. Nature gives us a hint of the way God designed our environment to be - free from anxiety, serene and harmonious. This is the reason the environment that God placed Adam in was a garden - and not just any garden but the Garden of Eden. The word “Eden” means “Delight” therefore this means that the primary environment God desires around your life is that of a Garden of Delight! You are His Garden of Delight! Let's meditate to elevate Step into the theatre of your life and imagine on the screen that you are standing in front of a garden and emblazoned across the top of the gate leading to the garden are the words: “The Garden of Delight” and as you step in through the gates, you immediately felt peace. Looking ahead of you, you saw rows and rows of well manicured and beautifully scented flowers and plants arranged in a fashion that seemed to tell a story of love. You immediately sensed this is a garden where restoration can happen and a safe haven for those who needs to escape the hazards of life. It is a place where lives can be rebuilt. As you walk further down, appreciating this beautiful garden, you find yourself drawn to a fountain at the centre of the garden. The water coming from this garden look exquisite and seemed to flow to every inch of the garden providing the needed nutrients to the plants. As you look closer, the foutain seemed to have a source that never runs dry. So amazed by what you saw, you began to feel elated. As you turned, you saw a Gardener, prunning the garden and removing weeds and unwanted elements to keep the garden as a safe haven that it was designed to be. As you look at the Gardener closely, you realised He is God and He smiled at you and said: "Child, you are this Garden, my Garden of Delight. You are a well watered Garden producing fruit in every season and a safe haven for the world" Notice how you feel as the Gardener speaks to you? Hold that feeling then: Mutter these words under your breath: “I am a weel watered Garden, a garden of delight. I am God's delight and He is my Source that never runs dry" Action: What actions do you need to take today to cooperate with God knowing fully well that He is your Source that never runs dry. READ: Isaiah‬ ‭58‬:‭11‬ ‭AMPC‬‬ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/the-lights-house/message

Title: Who Did This to Me? Text: James 1:12-15 FCF: We often struggle wanting to blame shift when we experience temptation. Prop: Because God isn't the problem, we are, we must not say when we are tempted that God tempted us. Scripture Intro: CSB [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to James chapter 1. James is in the midst of sharing with his audience some ways their faith may be lacking. Ways that they still need to be perfected through trial. First, he suggested that perhaps they lacked wisdom. Since wisdom from God is integral to being able to grow in faith, perhaps that is one area in which they lack. If they do – and their faith is genuine – they must simply ask believing that God is a good Father and He will give it to them. Second, he begins a larger discussion about perspective. Perhaps they are lacking in that their perspective has shifted to a view of the world that is out of step with the way God sees the world. The first of these perspective problems might be in how they view earthly wealth and status. Last week James pointed out that earthly wealth and status is nothing in the Kingdom of God. To the extent that when that great Kingdom arrives, all the earthly wealth and status that you have – or do not have – will be completely irrelevant. The solution then, is to turn your eyes toward the Kingdom of God. As a poor person on earth – they must glory in their wealth in Christ. And as a rich person on earth they must glory in their spiritual poverty without Christ. Today, James is still dealing with their lack of the proper perspective. But with verse 12 he makes a distinct break from the last point to introduce two more points that I would call sister points. Both perspectives that may need adjusting deal with both the nature of God and the nature of man. The first that we will cover today will deal with temptation and sin and the second that we will deal with next week will have to do with the human condition and God's sovereign generosity. We'll see next week how some of what we discuss this week will bleed over into that topic -but let's not go down that road just yet. So, let's look at the text this morning. I am in James 1 and I'll begin reading in verse 12. I'll be reading from the CSB again this week but you can follow along in the pew bible on page 1360 or in whatever version you prefer. Transition: Ok. Lot's to get to today, so let's dive in. I.) God never tempts us to sin for he is untouched by evil, so we must not say when we are tempted that God tempted us. (12-13) a. [Slide 2] 12 – Blessed i. To be blessed is to be given fortune, happiness, or favor. ii. In a very real way we could say that to be blessed is the aftermath of receiving God's grace. iii. In our current culture to be blessed is to be fortunate because of some financial or materialistic benefit we have inherited. iv. This is not a wrong way to use the word, especially if someone is using it of God's common grace to give good things, even physical things, to all people. v. However, when Jesus uses the word blessed, as when James uses the word blessed, it takes on a particularly spiritual meaning. vi. Such a person has been given special grace of God receiving power, passion, or help from the Lord in order to do something. vii. The result of that is the fortunate or happy state the person finds themselves in – having been propelled by the Lord beyond the point that their human effort could take them or even would want to take them. viii. We see this most clearly in the sermon on the mount where Jesus begins several statements with the word “blessed” but finishes the statement with paradoxical endings of people who clearly should not be happy but because of some spiritual reality the paradox stands. ix. We should read this passage in a similar light. There is a redemptive tone here, much like in the sermon on the mount. And also, there is a paradox that follows this word. Blessed… b. [Slide 3] Is the one who endures trials i. And there it is. ii. Happiness and fortune would not be first on the list of responses when we are called to endure trials. iii. The word “trials” is again the broadest possible application of the word. iv. What I mean by that is that this includes not only sickness, heartache, persecution, and ridicule but also temptation and battles with our flesh and with other people. v. Enduring through to the other side of these things means we are blessed. vi. But why? c. [Slide 4] Because when he has stood the test i. This statement sharpens the concept of those who endure testings. ii. The word for “test” here is the same word from verse 3. This is not the word for trials, temptations, but the word we translated last time as proving. This is a word of authentication and purification. iii. In other words, it is those who endure testings to the end of the authentication and purification process. It is those who have had their faith proven to the point that they arrive at verse 4 having been completed and lacking nothing. iv. Well, what is the promise for the one who endures his proving to the end. d. [Slide 5] He will receive the crown of life i. Pastors have been guilty in the past of venturing off into a grand discussion of all the crowns the bible lists for us and what we must do to earn them. ii. But two questions need to be asked here. iii. First, is this crown an actual crown or is this metaphorical language? iv. Second, are we really earning it? v. As to the first question, since James is writing to Jews and not Gentiles, the Pauline use of the word to refer to the Olympic games and the wreath that would go to the victor would, perhaps, be a bit of a stretch. Such an image would not connect readily with Jewish believers. vi. However, the crown of a person's head for a Jew would still convey honor and glory. vii. And so, to be crowned with life would be a life of honor and glory. viii. More likely then, this is not referring to a literal crown but rather a crowing with life at the end of all life's tests. ix. As for the second question – the fact that they receive their crowning of life after their gifted faith is proven to be genuine, indicates that this is not given BECAUSE they stood the test but simply AFTER they stood the test. x. Standing the test is the finish line. And those who do not stand the test, do not finish and do not receive the crown. e. [Slide 6] That God has promised to those who love Him. i. Our findings are confirmed when read these words. ii. The origin of the crown of life is in the promise of God. iii. God has promised – to all those who love Him – a crowning with life eternal. iv. Again, it is not in the loving that we are awarded life eternal. Rather it is the evidence of loving Him that confirms our inheritance in the promise. v. Why? vi. Because we only love Him because He first loved us. If God did not love us first, we would not love Him. If God did not give us faith, we would not believe. If God did not bring us to life we could never receive faith from Him. vii. And so, James communicates a similar concept to verse 4 here in verse 12 – that testings when endured proves we have genuine faith and that faith completes us unto life and life eternal. viii. But why does James repeat this concept? Is this a bookend? ix. I don't think so. Instead, I think he is purposefully bringing his audience back to the subject at hand. x. Not that he ever left – but he wants to be sure that where they go next is linked to what he said in verses 2-4. xi. So where does he go next? f. [Slide 7] 13 – No one undergoing a trial i. Although the CSB does translate this “trial”, it does not translate this word as “tempted.” And that is exactly what we need to avoid. ii. It is difficult to know exactly how broad to use this word. Up to this point in the text, there has been no need to confine testings to either of its extreme meanings which are trials of hardship or temptations to sin. iii. The very next time this word is used it has an obvious intended meaning. But contextually it seems like we should leave this broad for now. iv. Another point to understand which is not clear in the CSB is that this testing is coming from an outside source. v. Other translations say “let no one say when he is tempted” or “when you are being tempted” vi. This passive voice indicates at very least that the action is being emphasized over the subject doing the action. But in Jewish writing especially, when the passive voice is used it is often suggesting a outside agent doing the action and that agent is usually God. It is a concept called “The Divine Passive.” vii. We've seen this in the context going all the way back to verse 4. God is the one who providentially brings testings on His people. viii. I think that is James' exact meaning based on where he goes next. ix. James suggests caution. x. No one who has been providentially brought into a test by God… g. [Slide 8] Should say, “I am being tempted by God,” i. Here is the only command in this text. ii. No one should say and if they should not say it, they should not think it, and if they should not think it they should not believe it, and if they should not believe it then it most certainly is NOT true that… iii. God is tempting him. iv. The word here is the same broad word for testings – but given the context that follows we must translate this a tempt and not simply test. James is making a context-clear use of this word. v. In other words, if in the midst of a test which God arranged for us, we experience temptation to violate God's laws – NO ONE should say that such a temptation's origin was with God. vi. Just because He leads them into a test, even if that test is specifically for them to be tempted, it does not mean he is the one actually doing the tempting. vii. But why must we not say that God tempted us? h. [Slide 9] Since God is not tempted by evil, i. To tempt another to go against the moral will of God is an act of evil. ii. To encourage others to sin is itself an act of sin. iii. God has never experienced the slightest inclination to draw away or entice any creature to violate His own will. iv. Why? v. Because He has never been and never will be tempted by evil at all. vi. Evil and God are diametrically opposed. Not as two equal forces in the world, but because God is Good, meaning He defines what is good– He also, by default, defines what is evil. vii. Good being defined by God's character means that God could never be tempted with Evil for Evil is, quite simply, what God is NOT. viii. Oil could never be tempted to be mixed with water. It is impossible down to the chemical components of the two substances that oil could ever be water or vice versa. ix. Magnets of the same polarity will never be attracted to each other. No matter how close you shove them, they will never gravitate to one another. And the more powerful the magnet the more force required to even try to get them close. x. These two, crude examples paint a picture for us with things we can understand to help us as we attempt to grasp God which we cannot understand. God's goodness is magnetically, chemically, it is ultimately and wholly opposed to evil. xi. To the extent that Evil could never get close enough to God to tempt Him. xii. The closest this came was in the wilderness when a tired, hungry, sleep deprived Jesus, whose human nature was at its weakest, was tempted by the master deceiver. Satan gave three of his best shots across the bow of the God-Man, and JESUS DID NOT FLINCH. xiii. After the last temptation He commanded the devil to BE GONE! xiv. We dare not suggest that God is the tempter of any of us. For God to even consider a thing like that – would mean He was not God. xv. The conclusion then, is inevitable. i. [Slide 10] And He Himself doesn't tempt anyone. i. There is no other conclusion that we could reach. ii. If God is not tempted to do evil, and tempting others to do evil is in itself evil, then logically – God CAN not and further DOES not tempt anyone. iii. God never tempts us. His very nature and character could never allow this to occur. iv. He certainly may lead us into times of testings where we will be tempted. He may even lead us into times of testings so that we will be tempted. v. But in our testings one thing we must NEVER do, is to say He has tempted us. Such a statement is blasphemy. j. [Slide 11] Passage Truth: James insists that God, although being the providential author of every test we face in this life, although in those tests we may be tempted to sin, although those tests may be intended for us to grapple with temptation, He is NEVER the one who tempts us because Evil is not able to touch Him and therefore He tempts no one. k. Passage Application: With all this truth of God's character and works, James' audience is given a strong negative command. They are commanded to NOT say God has tempted them. Such an act would be pure blasphemy. l. [Slide 12] Broader Biblical Truth: But is all this true? Does the bible as a whole teach us that although God is the providential author of every test we face including temptations to sin, that He is still not tempted by evil or the tempter of any of us? Well, next week we will focus on God's providence in arranging all our tests, even the ones in which we are tempted to sin. Such a conclusion is inescapable in this text. It is the very reason we are tempted to call God our tempter because we recognize that He put us in a spot where we are being tempted. But focusing on the latter half of all this – the bible clearly teaches that God and evil are absolutely separate. We see it as early as the 3rd chapter of Genesis where the first two beings created in God's image are cast out of His Garden and told never to return. We see it in the threat of God to bring death upon Adam for sinning. We see it in the spiritual death that comes upon all men at their conception. And because spiritual death reigns over men, physical death becomes the pit to fall into eternal death. But we see God's hatred of evil most at the cross. Where God the Father forsook the Son, pouring His wrath upon Him for the sins of His people. And we will see it one day when He casts sin, death, hell, and all the wicked into the lake that burns forever which is the second death. God cannot tempt us… For evil cannot touch God. He is beyond its reach. m. Broader Biblical Application: So CBC, we must be very careful when we experience testings of all kinds, that we do not do as Adam and Eve did in the garden. This woman that you made for me convinced me to eat. This serpent that you created deceived me so I ate. Although true that God providentially allowed the serpent to go into the garden and tempt Adam and Eve – although He could have stopped this from happening altogether – He did not – but He was not the tempter. Indeed, He was the Savior. He killed an animal in their place and clothed them with its skin, and gave them a promise of His Son. Transition: [Slide 13(blank)] If not God, then who? Who is responsible for our temptings? Who do we have to blame for the pull of our hearts to sin? Whoever they be, let them be crucified yes? II.) We are tempted by our own evil lusts, so we must not say when we are tempted that God tempted us. (14-15) a. [Slide 14] 14 – But each person i. Certainly, in the context of James' writing we could limit this “every” to Jewish Christians. ii. But when we look across the context here and even to the New Testament as a whole it becomes obvious that this is the human condition to which James is referring. iii. This is not unique to Jewish Christians and it isn't even unique to Christians. iv. This is the plight of all mankind. v. EVERYONE… b. [Slide 15] Is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed i. Here James again deemphasizes the subject by using passive voice in these participles. ii. Meaning that the agent who is responsible for us being drawn away and enticed is not yet readily apparent. iii. To be drawn away has the idea of being dragged or led by force iv. And enticed has the idea of luring or bait. v. Thus, the temptation that comes upon us seems to make us the prey. We are the victim. vi. We are being hunted. vii. But by what? c. [Slide 16] By his own evil desire. i. How is that for a reversal? ii. We are being hunted by our own evil desires? We are being lured or baited by our own lusts? We are being dragged off by our own evil passions? iii. Yes. iv. Not only can we not blame God when we are tempted in a trial, we can also not blame any person or outside entity for our temptation either. v. But systematic thinkers will immediately take issue with James here. vi. Don't we have an outside tempter? Do we not have an outside agent that draws us away? Are we not shot at with fiery darts from the wicked one? vii. James isn't denying that at all. In fact, James will later call on his readers to resist the Devil after submitting themselves to God. viii. James' point is, however, that we have no one to blame but ourselves. Certainly, Satan tempts us – but since the fall there has never been a human being tempted by Satan that is not predisposed to come along easily and merrily. ix. And if a victim is willing – well, they are no longer victims are they? x. We must then strike the balance between both extremes. xi. We cannot be so foolish as to dismiss Satan's part in pursuing and roaring after us, attempting to take us down or severely wound us. xii. But on the other side, we cannot say with the comedian, “The devil made me do it.” For such would be a lie… and a flimsy one at that. xiii. The Devil's power over us would be all but defeated if he didn't have so much to work with when weaving together temptations. He knows just what buttons to press. They are well worn and oftentimes we make sure they are easily accessible. xiv. But even now, James has not left the realm of temptation. xv. Temptation to sin is not sin itself. xvi. So how do we go from temptation to actually sinning? d. [Slide 17] 15 – Then after desire has conceived, i. So, our own lusts bait, lure, and offer to lead us away from righteousness. ii. That baiting or luring is the source of our temptation – whether or not there is an outside contributor. iii. But when those baits begin to actually draw us away, when that lure captures our attention like a fish watching closely the bobber going up and down. When we do not resist and when we do not reject its pull, then our desires have conceived. iv. James uses birth language to speak of a particularly terrible family. v. Our evil desires within us are a mother. And when we are drawn away by our evil desires, those desires conceive. They become pregnant. vi. But what is the offspring? What if our unresisted evil desires remain unresisted… e. [Slide 18] It gives birth to sin, i. The mother of our evil desires, when not kept in check, conceives. And when she conceives and goes to term – she gives birth to sin. ii. It is in this time after we have not resisted our evil desires and continue to entertain them and pursue them that temptation finally gives birth to sin. iii. Even failing to resist our temptations at first does not necessarily lead to sin. iv. Being tempted to steal a candy bar to the point that you reach out your hand to pick it up, has sin been born? I think not. But certainly, sin would be born when you eat it having not paid for it… yes? But there are small movements, small steps that still may not yet be sin. v. This isn't true of every sin. Some sins a single step is too many. As Christ tells us hatred is murder and lust is adultery. Such sins we need not carry all the way to their ending to have completed them in our minds. vi. But one thing is true of all sin. If we do not resist and reject these evil desires quickly, they only become more and more difficult to deny. vii. Eventually we will succumb to sin. viii. So, our evil desires are the mother and its child is sin. But our evil desires are a grandmother as well. Not only producing sin if we allow it – but… f. [Slide 19] And when sin is fully grown, i. Here we see another failed attempt to reject and to repent. ii. When sin is allowed to fester and continue in our lives, without repentance, without turning back, without confession and forsaking… when a professing believer is comfortable allowing sin to continue in their lives without correction… iii. What is the outcome? iv. What does sin give birth to? g. [Slide 20] It gives birth to death. i. It doesn't matter what prayer you've prayed. ii. It doesn't matter what decision you've made. iii. It doesn't matter if you believe Jesus is the Son of God and died on the cross for your sins and was raised again the third day and is coming again. iv. It doesn't matter whether you attend church, partake in the sacraments, read your bible, never drink, smoke, chew or run with those who do… v. If you go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth there no longer remains a sacrifice for sin for you. All you have is a terrifying expectation of judgment and death. vi. And if you are arguing with me on that last statement – I am quoting from Hebrews 10:26-27. You are arguing with God – not me. vii. Sin gives birth to death. If you allow sin to go unchecked in your life. If you go on sinning thinking, “well I said a prayer. God saved me. He will forgive me.” You are woefully and pitifully deceived. viii. Raw belief… raw confession… devoid of a repulsion of sin… is not belief that saves you. The Christ you are confessing as a Savior only… if He is not also Lord – He is not Savior either. ix. And so, we see the second reason it is blasphemy to say that God is the one who tempts us. x. Why is it so great a blasphemy to accuse God of tempting us? Not only is it not in His character and nature… but friend… as you point your finger accusing God, there are three fingers, three little witnesses pointing back to identify the true mother of your sin. h. [Slide 21] Passage Truth: James asserts that God although the providential author of each of our tests is never the author of our temptations. He says this with confidence because the true author of our temptations are our own evil lusts within us. i. Passage Application: So, James' audience must not say that God is the one tempting them. j. [Slide 22] Broader Biblical Truth: But is this true in the rest of scripture? Does the bible as a whole teach us that we are the culprits of our own temptation? From the garden we see the commentary by Moses on the temptation of Eve. Certainly, she had an outside tempter. But what is said after the temptation was done? She looked at the fruit and saw that it was good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and able to make her wise. My friends this is her lusts in the process of being drawn away. I am reminded of the historical account of Nathan the prophet where he crafted a story about a rich man with many sheep who stole a sheep from a man who only had one. David was so incensed by this that he demanded to know who the man was so he could give him the full weight of the law. Nathan, pointing to David said, “You are the man.” My friends, in our attempt to find fault with God for leading us into a situation whereby we are tempted, as we accuse Him of tempting us… He points His finger back and says YOU are the man. YOU are the woman. YOU have tempted yourself. And Jesus said that defilement does not come from without but from within. A good tree doesn't produce bad fruit or a bad tree good fruit. What is within us already defiles us. We produce what we are. k. Broader Biblical Application: So, CBC, no matter what trial or test we find ourselves in – we will be tempted to forsake what God has said. But in the midst of that temptation, while enduring the test of our faith and striving for the finish line so that we may be given the crown of life, may we not for one moment blaspheme our God. May we not accuse Him of tempting us. For our temptation is from within. I am the man. You are the man. You are the woman. Conclusion: [Slide 23] So, CBC, what have we been taught today by James? Well James, through a negative command, has corrected our perspective on God and on ourselves. We have learned that although God providentially authors every test we face, even those designed to tempt us, God is never the one who tempts us because He is never tempted by evil. In fact, in attempting to identify the culprit of our temptations we must look no further to our own lusts and passions that lure us and draw us away from God's will and ways. We are the ones to blame. With all this as the backdrop – what must we never do? We must never accuse God of tempting us. In what situations may we find ourselves where we may desire to blaspheme God in such a way? In times of sorrow, deep despair and loss – we may be tempted to spiral into deep depression, refusing to consider even such a trial as joy. We may be tempted to doubt that God is working in this particular situation to grow us. And in the midst of that we may cry out to God and say something like “You brought me here to toy with me! You are taking everything I hold dear out of spite! If you had left my family alone, I wouldn't be here! “ And so we have gone too far. We have accused God of sinful motives and simultaneously have assumed that we have none of the blame. In times of persecution, we could be tempted to retaliate and to return evil for evil. We might be tempted to steal, harm, or even kill to get even or to simply survive. And in the midst of that we cry out to God “You did this to me! How can you expect me to follow your law when you have put me in this place! You want me to fail You don't you!” And we have blasphemed… for God never tempts us. And certainly, and more obviously in times of temptation. When that very attractive woman starts working at your job. And for some reason you can't quite get her out of your head. You might say to God “Why did you bring this seductress to me. You know my wife and I are doing great! Do you want me to lust all the time!” We were not drawn to these thoughts by God but by our own desires. We are coming up on tax season. Many of us will be tempted to fudge the numbers just a little so we can stay ahead. And we might say “If you hadn't put your judgment on this nation and raised inflation, I wouldn't be in this mess. You are the one who allowed that thought to come into my head to cheat on my taxes! Why haven't you given me a better job yet!” Many times our perspective of God and of ourselves is consistently wrong. We see God a lot like a human. And we see ourselves a lot like God. And when we are put in various tests that put us through the wringer, we may be tempted with a great many ungodly reactions. And in the midst of those temptations we may forget that those temptations have arisen from within us. We may even forget that God is Good. My friends we are going to be tested. I think we are keenly aware of this even more after the events of this week. We need to make sure that our perspectives are correct. Our flesh is weak… but we serve a Good God who loves us and desires for us to be perfected so that He may crown us with eternal life when we have finally reached the end of our tests. May we keep these things straight in our hearts so we will not be guilty of blaspheming the Lord.

# IntroductionIs it hard or easy to be a Christian? It is *good*, but so is fighting on the right side in a just war. That is “easier” than trying to convince yourself to fight knowing you're on the wrong side, and “easier” than dealing with the guilt of sitting out the battle on the right sideline. But no one would call the good fight *easy*.In Romans 8:12-17 there are not only a buffet of doctrinal proteins, there are great comfort foods. The truth is, we have no obligations to do what the flesh tells us to do. God's Spirit dwells in us, leads us, and communicates directly to us. We have been brought into a familial relationship with God; He is our Father and we His sons. We've been given the promise of *life* and inheritance and glory. And it may be the hardest thing in the world. The Spirit is willing and the flesh is too weak to get over itself. We have to kill the desires of our own flesh, daily, *minute-ly*. We will be matured into sons ready to receive our Father's inheritance through suffering; our Father is committed to it. It is amazing that we can cry to God as our Father. And we will need to.Doctrines in this paragraph include: Mortification, Adoption, Internal Testimony, Inheritance, and Glorification. Belonging to the discussion are still Justification, Sanctification, and Union with Christ. This paragraph probably doesn't get all the love and attention it deserves because 8:1-4, 8:28, and 8:31-39 are such bright stars. But this is no lesser light. # Better Debtors (verse 12)Here's a logical conclusion with familial affection. **So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.** Flesh, and sin, and death aren't giving the orders around here anymore. The key word is **debtors**, “under obligation” (NASB). One who borrows money is a debtor to the lender, there is an expectation for you to pay it back. It's a *duty*. The ties that bind us to the flesh have been cut. The flesh is not our business anymore. Let's say you have a life in the public eye, and you spend all your time, and hire consultants to help you spend your time, thinking about how the media is going to report/spin your comments. You've got to present a certain look. Everybody's watching, taking photos, expecting you to keep up your image. Your life is consumed with figuring out how to please the ones who gave you the platform, your importance, your wealth. You have an obligation to your fans. Then, let's say, you read a book about the vanity of it all. You give up that lifestyle, buy a thousand acre ranch in Montana, and move there with your wife and start a family. Not only do you not pay New York taxes, you don't owe that celebrity-making machine anything.Or, for a more biblical illustration, let's say you just crossed the Red Sea, and your old taskmaster is trying to hand you a todo list as his head bobs up and down in the water. Would you take it? No, he's not your boss. In a greater and even more true way, by faith in Christ we've been committed to a new way of thinking (per Romans 6:17), and we have no obligations at all to the flesh and the former ways. It will keep sending signals. It will talk at us like we're not free. But we have no debt to the flesh.The opposite isn't stated but it's assumed. We are obligated to the Spirit. Perhaps it's more elegant to avoid “debt” language while in a grace context. We are not paying anything back, as if God's grace were like a loan that we must work off through obedience payments. And yet, there are good obligations for loyalty and living in a new way, as *sons*. The primary expected behavior is explained in verse 13.# Mortification to Life (verse 13)The explanation of consequences is not an explanation of causes. **For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.**The wages of sin is death. The **die** is physical, but also eternal. A “natural man” (1 Corinthians 2:14) only “lives” to die.A spiritual man lives to kill. The ones who live to live, resurrected and eternal, wage battle against the flesh for now.**Put to death** means to mortify (*mortis* is the Genitive form of the Latin word for death). Don't feed the flesh. Starve it. Don't even make it a sandwich. Spiritual people aren't primarily identified as tongue-talkers but more so as tongue-bridlers (cf James 3:2-4). **Put to death** requires the Spirit. It is not flesh against flesh, not even law against flesh (which only makes it worse; you can't fight a match with fire). We can only kill the correct way if we kill supernaturally, and the aspect is one of continual vigilance. **Put to death** is not one and done. It is not battery powered; but like a lamp, always needing to be plugged in.Life is on the line. You don't “let go and let God,” you get the Spirit of God's strength to make war. From a temporal angle, you can develop habits, routine, and lifestyle that fits with your living mindset and worldview. We always do, it's just that some are more consistent. As John Owen said, > "Be always at it whilst you live; cease not a day from this work; be killing sin, or it will be killing you."# Obvious Leading (verse 14)The evidence of more righteousness—consistently killing fleshly desires—is evidence of being **led**, and being led is evidence of sonship. **For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.**Everything in context explaining what leading refers to is non-guilt-driven, non-self-credited, non-excuse-making members led toward righteousness. To the Galatians Paul listed elements of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). To the Corinthians Paul listed some of the Spirit's gifting (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). But here the leading means less listening to fleshly debt collectors.The Spirit leads sons toward righteousness, not necessarily toward the right investment deal; if anything the Spirit's leading would be in a humble response for an investment choice gone bad (and not blaming the Spirit). The leading of the Spirit won't be against Scripture (which the Spirit inspired), nor will it be an authoritative addition to Scripture. Such claims are not more spiritual. They are not the claims of *sons*.# Adoption Freedom (verse 15)This doctrine isn't mentioned as many times in the New Testament, but it is more comforting. If justification by faith alone is like a pair of new waterproof boots against the trench-foot of guilt, adoption is like wool socks perfectly knit to fit. It is one thing to be freed from a life sentence in prison, it is more to be freed and picked up by a family who has prepared a place for you.**For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”**The Spirit who caused us to be born again, the Spirit who gifted us with repentance and faith, has *not* brought us to new, higher, supernatural levels of anxiety over law-breaking. There are places where fear of the Lord is good, and we are slaves of a new kind. But the fear and slavery in verse 15 is the kind that goes with uncertainty before a judge. But we who believe in Christ have certainty about the verdict; the Son took our penalty on Himself, and the Judge took us in as His own children. We go home with Him.The **Spirit of adoption** is the capital “S” Spirit (per the complementary passage in Galatians 4:6). Adoption wasn't a typical thing in Israel. The **Abba! Father!** can be made superficial in two ways. The “He's my Daddy” group don't reckon with the dignity of the Father. They could use more reverence. But the ones who are always quick to criticize the Daddy group probably have their own daddy issues. They might just need a hug. I'm serious. Paul is trying to get his readers to be awed by this warmth of intimacy. **Abba** is Aramaic, and is like “dada” or “papa,” something a small child would say. God *is* familiar to His sons. Jesus Himself used the Aramaic and Greek combination in His Garden prayer (Mark 14:36). # Internal Testimony (verse 16)This is a surprisingly big deal. **The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.** Our “spirit” is not a second witness. This is God's Spirit communicating directly to us that we belong to God. He bears witness *to* us. Our spirit isn't trustworthy.This is faith, this is receiving of promises and truth in the Word. It is personal, unmediated assurance. # Family Inheritance (verse 17)Children are provided for: **and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.** More about suffering and glorification in the next part of the chapter. **Heirs** is the privilege of receiving into possession another's property. It's also interesting because neither God nor Christ die or get out of the way; we don't want them to. In the OT there are clear statements of God Himself being the inheritance (Psalm 16:5-6; see also Psalm 73:25-26). We are **heirs of God**, only used here in the NT; we get God Himself forever. With Him we will get all things, and there are other texts that give additional details.We “with-suffer” and “with-gloried” (συμπάσχομεν … συνδοξασθῶμεν). More than following the same path He did, we follow the path in *union* with Him. When His people are persecuted, He is persecuted. When one member suffers, the Body suffers. All these things work toward our conformity to Christ. Co-heirs/joint-heirs now, and forever, in glory. # Conclusion How do we observe the Spirit's leading? The Spirit stimulates our faith that we would kill sin, not stimulate doubt about faith because of sin. You are sons of God, you have a duty to depend on the Father and live according to the Spirit whom the Father has given to seal us as the “guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13-14).----------## ChargeDon't be deceived. Being awesome doesn't always feel awesome. Doing good doesn't always feel energizing. Sowing to the Spirit doesn't always feel eternal. But don't think that you will reap what you don't sow. Mortify your flesh by the Spirit. Live and walk and sow in the Spirit. Your flesh is weak, but the Holy Spirit is willing and working. ## Benediction:> Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:7–9, ESV)

In this episode I chat with Tao Orion. Tao holds a degree in Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture from UC Santa Cruz and a MSc degree in Climate Change, Agriculture, and Food Security from the National University of Ireland, Galway. She is the author of Beyond the War on Invasive Species: A Permaculture Approach to Ecosystem Restoration. Tao and I chat about invasive species, transforming people's perceptions of them, learning to manage them without the  use of herbicides and how we might start rethinking land management especially as global food growing and distribution systems start to shrink and collapse.Show Notes:Tao's WebsiteBeyond the War on Invasive SpeciesSilent Spring by Rachel CarsonTending the Wild by M. Kat AndersonThe New Wild: Why Invasive Species Will Be Nature's SalvationIn contrast to green image, Portland continues using weedkiller Roundup in parksWhat Will They Do with His Garden?Finisia MedranoSupport the show

A new MP3 sermon from Dr David C. Mackereth is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The King in His Garden Subtitle: Spurgeon: Song of Solomon Speaker: C. H. Spurgeon Broadcaster: Dr David C. Mackereth Event: Sunday Service Date: 7/13/2022 Bible: Song of Solomon 5:1 Length: 48 min.

Episode Notes In the fall, not only was Adam & Eve kicked out of the Garden of Eden, but they were introduced to a new one. Part of the curse of the fall allowed for new types of plants to be introduced, bearing thorns & thistles. Demonstrating the consequences of listening to the wrong voice, and how a new seed has infiltrated God's creation. But God now calls His people to restore His Garden back to the world, battling against the deceit of the enemy and wickedness in this world. But in order for you to succeed, you must be planted in good soil and bear good fruit. Join me as we uncover revelation upon revelation of the Garden we are to become! Torah Portion: Korach | Korah | קוֹרַח

Author Martin Turnbull has made Hollywood's Golden Age the focus of his career. His Garden of Allah novels transport readers to a time when the glitz and glamour of Hollywood was new, and would become the stuff of legend. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about The Garden of Allah, its famous players, The Hollywood Canteen, and so much more!  Enormous thanks to Martin for being so generous with his time. Find him online at his website, his photo blog, at Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or at his blog. You can also check out his Amazon author page, and of course, explore Hollywood's Golden Age through his eyes in his Garden of Allah novels. You can get the first two in ebook form by signing up to his mailing list! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe to Quotomania on Simplecast or search for Quotomania on your favorite podcast app!Jim Dine is an American artist and poet known for his contributions to the formation of both Performance Art and Pop Art. Employing motifs which include Pinocchio, hearts, bathrobes, and tools, Dine produces colorful paintings, photographs, prints, and sculptures. “I grew up with tools. I came from a family of people who sold tools, and I've always been enchanted by these objects made by anonymous hands,” Dine has said. Born on June 16, 1935 in Cincinnati, OH, he studied poetry at the University of Cincinnati before attending the University of Ohio where he received his BFA in 1957. After moving to New York in 1958, Dine became part of a milieu of artists which included Allan Kaprow and Claes Oldenburg, with whom he began to stage performances at sites in the city that later became known as “Happenings.” By the early 1960s, he had switched his focus towards painting, drawing on his interest in popular imagery and commercial objects. Though he was shown alongside Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol, Dine never considered himself a member of the Pop Art movement. The artist currently lives and works between New York, NY and Walla Walla, WA. His works are included in the collections of The Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Modern in London, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, and the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, among others.From http://www.artnet.com/artists/jim-dine/. For more information about Jim Dine:“Jim Dine”: https://americanart.si.edu/artist/jim-dine-1273“The Classical and the Contemporary: Conversation with Jim Dine”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwCLiDUAW6I&feature=emb_imp_woyt“Jim Dine in His Garden, Paris”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIJwy1UIG1A

This week in The Wett Spot we receive riveting and serious knowledge about BDSM and kink from the perspective of the left side of the slash! Sir Jaxx (@iamSirJaxx) is a traditionally trained cis-het Dominant who has been active in private BDSM/kink communities for 10 years. As an additional treat, we are introduced to His Garden's most sacred flowers who (under His guidance) grow and thrive on the right side of the slash; s-types bambi (@ohthatsSirsbambi) and cami (@ohthatsSirscami) They also give us juicy details about Kinknik,( @Kinknik_) a kinky lifestyle convention curated by Madam Carmen (@madamcarmen2). If you can make it down to Houston on July 17th you don't want to miss it! This is a lengthy & REAL deep dive... But sooo worth it! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wett-spot-by-passion/message

One of our most frequently downloaded Podcasts is the one about God's medicine: "Healing Scriptures - Divine Medicine."https://www.buzzsprout.com/904987/2984476It is a personalisation of healing scriptures as a prayerful meditation and positive confession.Recently, I have felt inspired to create this additional prayerful meditation, rich in Scriptural references to imagine what it would be like for you and me to meet with God in His Garden, atop the Hill of the Lord.It is thus meant to be a deeply relaxing and restorative experience.  You can read the mediation for yourself in the transcript.This version is just voice.I intend to do a second version with gentle music and the sounds of Nature.The image is from Unsplash, generously shared by Erda Estremera... and is used with gratitude.Thank You!If you'd like to say, "Thank You!" and fund the increased production of resources like this, you can support my work here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/lexmckee

Today we celebrate the writer inspired by the Oxford Botanic Garden - a place he saw every day. We'll also learn about medicine with roots in the soil in Indiana. We’ll hear a lovely excerpt about a harbinger of spring: Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) We Grow That Garden Library™ with a fantastic book about botanical baking with a master baker. And then we’ll wrap things up with the story of a surprise found in a botanist’s garden.   Subscribe Apple | Google | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart To listen to the show while you're at home, just ask Alexa or Google to “Play the latest episode of The Daily Gardener Podcast.” And she will. It's just that easy.   The Daily Gardener Friday Newsletter Sign up for the FREE Friday Newsletter featuring: A personal update from me Garden-related items for your calendar The Grow That Garden Library™ featured books for the week Gardener gift ideas Garden-inspired recipes Exclusive updates regarding the show Plus, each week, one lucky subscriber wins a book from the Grow That Garden Library™ bookshelf.   Gardener Greetings Send your garden pics, stories, birthday wishes, and so forth to Jennifer@theDailyGardener.org   Curated News Predicting the New Year's 2021 Garden Trends | Ag Week | Don Kinzler   Facebook Group If you'd like to check out my curated news articles and original blog posts for yourself, you're in luck. I share all of it with the Listener Community in the Free Facebook Group - The Daily Gardener Community. So, there’s no need to take notes or search for links. The next time you're on Facebook, search for Daily Gardener Community where you’d search for a friend... and request to join. I'd love to meet you in the group.   Important Events January 27, 1832  Today is the birthday of the English mathematician and writer Charles Lutwidge Dodgson - also known as Lewis Carroll. Lewis had worked as a librarian at Christ Church College in Oxford. His office window had a view of the Dean's Garden. Lewis wrote in his diary on the 25th of April in 1856 that he had visited the Deanery Garden, where he was planning to take pictures of the cathedral. Instead, he ended up taking pictures of children in the garden. The children were allowed in the Deanery Garden, but not in the Cathedral Garden, which was connected to the Deanery Garden by a little door. And so, it was the Oxford Botanic Garden that inspired Lewis Carroll to write Alice in Wonderland. The same garden also inspired the authors, JRR Tolkien and Philip Pullman. In Lewis Caroll’s Through the Looking-Glass is this favorite passage among gardeners: “In most gardens," the Tiger-lily said, "they make the beds too soft-so that the flowers are always asleep.”   January 27, 1950 On this day, Science Magazine announced a brand new antibiotic made by Charles Pfizer & Company, and it was called Terramycin. Last year, when I shared this item, I don't think many of us were as familiar with the word Pfizer as we are today - living through the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 1950s, Pfizer was a small chemical company based in Brooklyn, New York. And it turns out that Pfizer had developed an expertise in fermentation with citric acid, and this process allowed them to mass-produce drugs. When Pfizer scientists discovered an antibiotic in a soil sample from Indiana, their deep-tank fermentation method allowed them to mass-produce Terramycin. Now, Pfizer had been searching through soil samples from around the world - isolating bacteria-fighting organisms when they stumbled on Terramycin. Effective against pneumonia, dysentery, and other infections, Terramycin was approved by the USDA. And the word Terramycin is created from the two Latin words: terra for earth and mycin, which means fungus - thus, earth fungus. And Terramycin made history: Terramycin was the very first mass-marketed product by a pharmaceutical company. Pfizer spent twice as much marketing Terramycin as it did on R&D for Terramycin. The gamble paid off; Terramycin, earth fungus, is what made Pfizer a pharmaceutical powerhouse. And so, there's a throughline from the vaccine we are using today, all the way back to that bacteria found in the soil in Indiana that ultimately became Terramycin.   Unearthed Words In much of North America, skunk cabbage has earned the widespread reputation as the first flower of spring. It might be more accurate, however, to call it the first flower of winter. “The skunk cabbage may be found with its round green spear-point an inch or two above the mold in December,” reported naturalist John Burroughs. “It is ready to welcome and make the most of the first fitful March warmth.” Henry David Thoreau observed that new buds begin pushing upward almost as soon as the leaves wither and die in the fall. In fact, he counseled those afflicted with the melancholy of late autumn to go to the swamps “and see the brave spears of skunk cabbage buds already advanced toward the new year.” People living in colder parts of North America have long watched for skunk cabbage as a sign of spring. The tip of the plant’s spathe or sheath begins to push through the still-frosty earth and to stand tall when the first faint breaths of warmer air begin blowing. This process can occur in January with an unusually long January thaw—a “goose haw,” as some New Englanders call it—or it can happen as late as March. — Jack Sanders, Hedgemaids and Fairy Candles, The First Flower of Winter   Grow That Garden Library Botanical Baking by Juliet Sear This book came out in 2019, and the subtitle is Contemporary baking and cake decorating with edible flowers and herbs. In this book, celebrity baker Julia teaches how to make and decorate the most beautiful botanical cakes – using edible flowers and herbs to decorate your cakes and bakes. After working in the baking industry for two decades, Julia knows what flowers are edible and what flowers have great flavor. She also shares everything you need to do to work with edible flowers: “how to use, preserve, store and apply them, including pressing, drying and crystallizing flowers and petals.” Julia shares 20 botanical cakes that feature edible flowers and herbs. Her creations include a confetti cake, a wreath cake, a gin and tonic cake, floral chocolate bark, a naked cake, a jelly cake, a letter cake, and more. Known in the U.K. for her beautiful bloom-covered cakes, Julia counts royalty and celebrities among her many clients. This book is 144 pages of botanical baking with edible flowers and herbs. You can get a copy of Botanical Baking by Juliet Sear and support the show using the Amazon Link in today's Show Notes for around $13   Today’s Botanic Spark Reviving the little botanic spark in your heart January 27, 1994 On this day, The South Bend Tribune out of South Bend, Indiana, shared an article by Doug Glass called, “Botanist Finds Endangered Plant in His Garden.” “For someone who makes his living studying plants, George Yatskievych is an indifferent gardener. It took [him] several months to notice that a load of topsoil delivered to his home in St. Louis was sprouting several clusters of trifolium stoloniferum, also known as Running Buffalo Clover. This native plant had all but vanished in Missouri. “I was out weeding a flower bed near this topsoil, down on my knees, when I sort of came nose to nose with these things,” said George, who works at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis. "You spend all this time and effort looking for this in nature. . . . (The discovery) was so unexpected."  Yatskievych and other botanists took the six clovers found in his topsoil and began a project to reintroduce the plant to Missouri. Now, some five years after his discovery, the Missouri Department of Conservation oversees some 700 seedlings in 25 experimental plots statewide.”   Thanks for listening to The Daily Gardener. And remember: "For a happy, healthy life, garden every day."

Tonight's edition we explore the sick mind of William Devin Howell who made it his business to kidnap and torture women and then bury them in his makeshift grave yard.Enjoy "Ad- Free" editions and get access to archived podcasts, bonus editions right from your Apple Podcast App and many others! https://www.patreon.com/mysteriousradioWant a FREE 'Seven' decal from K-Town?iPHONE USERS: Leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts and then email us the screenshot at myitunesreview@gmail.com ANDROID USERS: Leave a 5-star recommendation on our Facebook Page here https://www.facebook.com/mysteriousradio/To make sure that you always get our newest releases we recommend all IOS users listen on Apple Podcasts.Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcast so you never miss a show! To get a shout-out from K-Town just take a moment to post a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts!"You want to know what happened? Ask Anne."—serial killer William Devin HowellA monster was on a killing spree. In just nine months, seven people went missing; all of their bodies eventually discovered in a wooded lot behind a suburban strip mall. But the investigation that led law enforcement to their suspect, William Devin Howell, is only part of the story behind HIS GARDEN: Conversations With A Serial Killer.A practicing attorney, author Anne K. Howard first contacted Howell while he was serving a fifteen-year sentence for the murder of one of his seven victims. He was about to be charged for the remaining six murders. A unique and disturbing friendship between the two began, comprised of written correspondence, face-to-face prison visits and recorded phone calls. Howell, who had been unwilling to speak to any members of the media, came to trust Howard.In the years that follow, the suspect shared his troubled history with Howard but refused to discuss the charges against him, promising only to tell her everything when the case was over.That time has come. HIS GARDEN probes the complicated and conflicted mind of William Devin Howell--Connecticut’s most prolific serial killer. Both sacred and profane in its narrative style, the story on these pages explores the eternal question of human evil and its impact on others, including the woman he chose to hear his horrific confession.Support the show (http://www.patreon.com/mysteriousradio)

Husbands & Wives - God is the Creator of Sex, Your Sex Drive (Sexual Appetite) - God is the Creator of Systematic Reciprocity in the Marriage Bed! "May Your Kisses be as Exciting as the Best Wine! Let My Beloved Come in to His Garden and Taste its finest Fruits! I Will Climb the Palm Tree and Take Hold of its Fruit! Let Her Breast Satisfy You Always! Your Lips Are as Sweet as Nectar, Honey, and Milk are Under Your Tongue! Song of Solomon Husbands & Wives - Translation "Sexual Rhythm" - Is a Priority w/ God!

Tonight my special guest is author Ann K. Howard who's here to discuss her book called His Garden that details the bodies left behind a shopping mall by serial killer William Devin Howell. "You want to know what happened? Ask Anne."—serial killer William Devin Howell A monster was on a killing spree. In just nine months, seven people went missing; all of their bodies eventually discovered in a wooded lot behind a suburban strip mall. But the investigation that led law enforcement to their suspect, William Devin Howell, is only part of the story behind HIS GARDEN: Conversations With A Serial Killer.   A practicing attorney, author Anne K. Howard first contacted Howell while he was serving a fifteen-year sentence for the murder of one of his seven victims. He was about to be charged for the remaining six murders. A unique and disturbing friendship between the two began, comprised of written correspondence, face-to-face prison visits and recorded phone calls. Howell, who had been unwilling to speak to any members of the media, came to trust Howard.   In the years that follow, the suspect shared his troubled history with Howard but refused to discuss the charges against him, promising only to tell her everything when the case was over.   That time has come.    HIS GARDEN probes the complicated and conflicted mind of William Devin Howell--Connecticut's most prolific serial killer. Both sacred and profane in its narrative style, the story on these pages explores the eternal question of human evil and its impact on others, including the woman he chose to hear his horrific confession. Want more paranormal episodes? Follow our new podcast 'Paranormal Fears' on any podcast app or Apple Podcasts. Enjoy the AD-FREE versions of our latest episodes and our archives right now from anywhere in the world. Visit our home on the web: https://www.mysteriousradio.com Follow us on Instagram @mysteriousradio Follow us on TikTok mysteriousradioTikTok Follow us on Twitter @mysteriousradio Follow us on Pinterest pinterest.com/mysteriousradio Like us on Facebook Facebook.com/mysteriousradio Check Out Mysterious Radio! (copy the link to share with your friends and family via text)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tonight's edition we explore the sick mind of William Devin Howell who made it his business to kidnap and torture women and then bury them in his makeshift grave yard.BECOME A 'SEVEN INSIDER' AND GET ACCESS TO ARCHIVES & SPECIAL EDITIONS - https://www.patreon.com/sevenpodcastTo make sure that you always get our newest releases we recommend all IOS users listen on Apple Podcasts.Subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcast so you never miss a show! To get a shout-out from K-Town just take a moment to post a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts!"You want to know what happened? Ask Anne."—serial killer William Devin HowellA monster was on a killing spree. In just nine months, seven people went missing; all of their bodies eventually discovered in a wooded lot behind a suburban strip mall. But the investigation that led law enforcement to their suspect, William Devin Howell, is only part of the story behind HIS GARDEN: Conversations With A Serial Killer.A practicing attorney, author Anne K. Howard first contacted Howell while he was serving a fifteen-year sentence for the murder of one of his seven victims. He was about to be charged for the remaining six murders. A unique and disturbing friendship between the two began, comprised of written correspondence, face-to-face prison visits and recorded phone calls. Howell, who had been unwilling to speak to any members of the media, came to trust Howard.In the years that follow, the suspect shared his troubled history with Howard but refused to discuss the charges against him, promising only to tell her everything when the case was over.That time has come. HIS GARDEN probes the complicated and conflicted mind of William Devin Howell--Connecticut’s most prolific serial killer. Both sacred and profane in its narrative style, the story on these pages explores the eternal question of human evil and its impact on others, including the woman he chose to hear his horrific confession. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The words “endangered species” brings to mind fatalistic headlines about animals on the verge of extinction. Landing on the endangered species list is, in the minds of many, as good as a death sentence. Lately, however, endangered species are more often making the news for being removed from the list, not making it.          The giant panda, the southern white rhinoceros, the Florida manatee, the grizzly bear, the snow leopard, the gray wolf, the humpback whale, and the bald eagle have all graduated from the endangered species list in recent years, thanks to diligent conservation efforts.          Other iconic animals are also on their way to recovery. Late last month, we learned that the California condor, one of the largest and rarest birds in the world, has now reached a population of 1,000, up from a mere 22 birds in the 1980s!          And how about them tigers, which have staged maybe the most exciting recovery of all? In 2010, the Indian government committed to double the wild tiger population by 2022. Last week, they announced they're ahead of schedule. An estimated three-thousand tigers now live in India, up by around 1,300 since the goal was set.          Each of these conservation success stories is worth talking about, especially given the strong media bias toward bad news when it comes to the environment. In the current dominant narrative, humans are almost always portrayed as villains, the problem species that our planet would be better off without. However, the recovery of all these endangered animals shows that while humans are often the problem, we can also be the solution.          Of course, there are the obvious means that humans can help, like protecting endangered creatures by law or treaty. And that doesn't even require worshiping animals or equating them with humans, as too many with a secular worldview do. Believe it or not, humans sometimes help animals by killing them.          As Oxford conservationist Amy Dickman wrote at CNN last year, well-managed trophy hunting has been a critical source of conservation income in Africa. It turns out that allowing hunters to purchase the right to bag a prize often helps save endangered animals like elephants and lions from the real forces that threaten them, like poaching and habitat loss.          All of this good news left me in mind of Matthew 25, where Jesus gives the parable of the talents. In context, the passage is about stewarding the resources of the kingdom of God. Still, stay with me here, because I think there's a principle that also applies to ecology.          Remember, it was the servants who invested their master's money and multiplied it who were praised as “good and faithful,” not the one who merely buried it.          This should remind us that humans have a role to play in nature beyond just sitting back and letting it take its course. The condor, for instance, was saved through intervention—a captive breeding program. Likewise, the African animals benefiting from responsible, commercial hunting show that our stewardship of nature often means investing and increasing it, not merely preserving it.          Beyond all of this, I'm also struck by how poorly our conservation efforts and animal success stories fit within a secular worldview. If humans are just one animal among many, then our impulse to save endangered species and our sense of responsibility for them don't make much sense. Why should one animal care about others, some which would eat us if given the chance? If anything, we're a plague on the planet that would do the most good by disappearing. In fact, that's what many secular thinkers have concluded!          Humans, of course, aren't just another animal, and we aren't just a problem for the creation. The unique charge our Creator who made us in His image gave us, was to tend His Garden, name his animals, and increase the natural wealth entrusted to us. That means we are a pretty important part of the solution as well. Conservation success stories make the most sense within a Christian worldview. After all, they're the stories of Adam's race doing our job.  

The Gospel of John makes it clear that the place where Jesus was buried was a garden. The tomb was a new tomb in that garden. This location, and its implied imagery of luxuriant plant life and greenery, echoes the poetry of the Song of Solomon, where the lovers meet in a garden. So, John is setting the scene for what is going to be a remarkable event. Mary Magdalene doesn't grasp the significance of Jesus being buried in a garden. Kings were buried in a garden! Note that the word for such gardens of delight came from the Persian: “paradise”. So, Mary had stumbled into paradise, into Eden, even, the source of fruitful life, but she doesn't understand all that. Mary is in the presence of the Garden of God, without even realising it. How guilty are we, dear Reader, of not realising that we too are in God's Garden? Have we abdicated our responsibilities as custodians of the planet? In a way, Mary Magdalene was not wrong when “she supposed him to be the gardner”: Jesus *is* the Gardener. So, how much more shameful is it, then, when we neglect His Garden?

"You want to know what happened? Ask Anne."—serial killer William Devin Howell A monster was on a killing spree. In just nine months, seven people went missing; all of their bodies eventually discovered in a wooded lot behind a suburban strip mall. But the investigation that led law enforcement to their suspect, William Devin Howell, is only part of the story behind HIS GARDEN: Conversations With A Serial Killer. A practicing attorney, author Anne K. Howard first contacted Howell while he was serving a fifteen-year sentence for the murder of one of his seven victims. He was about to be charged for the remaining six murders. A unique and disturbing friendship between the two began, comprised of written correspondence, face-to-face prison visits and recorded phone calls. Howell, who had been unwilling to speak to any members of the media, came to trust Howard. In the years that follow, the suspect shared his troubled history with Howard but refused to discuss the charges against him, promising only to tell her everything when the case was over. That time has come. HIS GARDEN probes the complicated and conflicted mind of William Devin Howell--Connecticut’s most prolific serial killer. Both sacred and profane in its narrative style, the story on these pages explores the eternal question of human evil and its impact on others, including the woman he chose to hear his horrific confession. HIS GARDEN: Conversations With A Serial Killer-Anne K. Howard

Chad Lamb: The Gardener and His Garden [2:13:30] Click here for: High quality (0 B) Click here for: Low quality (1 GB) 2703

Our hearts are the Garden of the Lord. We are responsible for cultivating and guarding it for the Lord. In the Garden of Eden, God came in the cool of the day to enjoy His Garden - the heart of man. On His last visit, Adam had allowed a stranger into the Garden. Riddled with guilt and shame when he heard the voice of the true owner of the Garden, Adam and his wife ran and hid behind the fig tree.

Your heart is the Garden of God. It is the offering you bring to God. If God can enter into His Garden (your heart) and find the Fruit He is looking for (Love), then you can also enter into His Garden (Psalms 23). When our conscience is clear with one another, then we can come together and become The Body - The House of God where God can dwell corporately. When the conscience is violated and bruised between us, we avoid one another, we run from one another, instead of coming together. This is a serious problem in the Church today. You can find 10,000 people in a congregation yet they are standing each with himself or herself. There is no real fellowship. It is impossible for such congregation to fulfill its destiny as a local Church in the land God has called them.

Our destinies are bound up in our hearts. God created us and entrusted to cultivate our hearts. He desires for us to come into a heart to heart relationship with Him. The enemy seeks to sow foreign and strange things into our hearts. It is our duties to guard and tend our hearts. When the Lord visits our hearts (His Garden), if He finds the fruit He is looking for, then we can also enter into His Garden and find our rest. The Fruit (not the Gift) of the Spirit is our Ministry. This study is part of our "Clear Conscience Series". The goal is for the highway into the Holy of Holies to be opened to each one of us so that we may follow our Leader - The Bishop of our souls into the Heart of our Father.

Our hearts are the Garden of the Lord. We are responsible for cultivating and guarding it for the Lord. In the Garden of Eden, God came in the cool of the day to enjoy His Garden - the heart of man. On His last visit, Adam had allowed a stranger into the Garden. Riddled with guilt and shame when he heard the voice of the true owner of the Garden, Adam and his wife ran and hid behind the fig tree.

Our hearts are the Garden of the Lord. We are responsible for cultivating and guarding it for the Lord. In the Garden of Eden, God came in the cool of the day to enjoy His Garden - the heart of man. On His last visit, Adam had allowed a stranger into the Garden. Riddled with guilt and shame when he heard the voice of the true owner of the Garden, Adam and his wife ran and hid behind the fig tree.

Your heart is the Garden of God. It is the offering you bring to God. If God can enter into His Garden (your heart) and find the Fruit He is looking for (Love), then you can also enter into His Garden (Psalms 23). When our conscience is clear with one another, then we can come together and become The Body - The House of God where God can dwell corporately. When the conscience is violated and bruised between us, we avoid one another, we run from one another, instead of coming together. This is a serious problem in the Church today. You can find 10,000 people in a congregation yet they are standing each with himself or herself. There is no real fellowship. It is impossible for such congregation to fulfill its destiny as a local Church in the land God has called them.

Your heart is the Garden of God. It is the offering you bring to God. If God can enter into His Garden (your heart) and find the Fruit He is looking for (Love), then you can also enter into His Garden (Psalms 23). When our conscience is clear with one another, then we can come together and become The Body - The House of God where God can dwell corporately. When the conscience is violated and bruised between us, we avoid one another, we run from one another, instead of coming together. This is a serious problem in the Church today. You can find 10,000 people in a congregation yet they are standing each with himself or herself. There is no real fellowship. It is impossible for such congregation to fulfill its destiny as a local Church in the land God has called them.

Our destinies are bound up in our hearts. God created us and entrusted to cultivate our hearts. He desires for us to come into a heart to heart relationship with Him. The enemy seeks to sow foreign and strange things into our hearts. It is our duties to guard and tend our hearts. When the Lord visits our hearts (His Garden), if He finds the fruit He is looking for, then we can also enter into His Garden and find our rest. The Fruit (not the Gift) of the Spirit is our Ministry. This study is part of our "Clear Conscience Series". The goal is for the highway into the Holy of Holies to be opened to each one of us so that we may follow our Leader - The Bishop of our souls into the Heart of our Father.

Our destinies are bound up in our hearts. God created us and entrusted to cultivate our hearts. He desires for us to come into a heart to heart relationship with Him. The enemy seeks to sow foreign and strange things into our hearts. It is our duties to guard and tend our hearts. When the Lord visits our hearts (His Garden), if He finds the fruit He is looking for, then we can also enter into His Garden and find our rest. The Fruit (not the Gift) of the Spirit is our Ministry. This study is part of our "Clear Conscience Series". The goal is for the highway into the Holy of Holies to be opened to each one of us so that we may follow our Leader - The Bishop of our souls into the Heart of our Father.

For centuries the enemy of GOD has wanted HIS Garden, His Temple, His Kingdom.

His Garden, original fiction by Edward McDermott. Narrated by Ken Stoeffler, host of The Flatus Show. I was in grade five when I first met Mr. Hamilton. That was the year my father died and my mother had to start working again. That was the year that Mike Todd and his friends decided to make [...]