Introduction: Today and next Sunday, I want us to look at the positive side of The Secret Garden. For I also believe that we as believers can grow a Secret Garden that is _______, and where we are ________ spiritually.

In this message, I want to share _____ ______ for growing a Secret Garden that honors God. Are you ready to receive them?

I. Spend ________ with God Every Day - Psalm 91:1 “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

He who dwells – this is an ______ to everyone. You and me!

In the secret place of the Most High – this is the place where God ______. This is the living _________ of Almighty God.

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Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty – this is being __________ aware of the presence of God. This is a place of security and protection.

What might living in this “secret place” and in God’s shadow look like in the life of a believer? Perhaps like this:

_______ up with God as my first thoughts of the day. The _______ of my day are a gift from God. _______ that come into my life are by divine appointment. Aware of the __________ of God everywhere. Enjoy being a _______ of God.

Are you spending _______ with God every day?

II. Listen to the _______ of God – John 10:27

Get this down: Every time you ______ the Bible and read it, God is speaking.

Examples of those who heard God speak: (Take notes)

How does God speak today? (Take notes)

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III. _____ and _______ the Word of God Regularly –

Hebrews 4:12

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

The Bible reveals to us the _____ of God for all humanity.

The Bible is actually a _______ of books.

The Bible reveals: (Take notes)

Someone rightly said, the Old is in the New revealed, and the New is in the Old concealed. It is when you study all of the Bible that you get the whole picture of what God is doing with all of humanity. For instance: (Take notes)

There is NO OTHER _______ on the planet that reveals all that is contained in this book. God’s _______ for the ages has been revealed to all those who will pick up this book and read it.

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IV. Take _____ to all the things God Teaches you – James 1:22

“But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

In Hebrews 2:1 - “Therefore, we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.”

It is so important that we ______ what we hear.

What good is it just to know truth, if we are unwilling to live out that truth? Write this down: ______ ________.

Here is an example: I Corinthians 13; I Corinthians 14:1.

V. Spend your Life ________ the Lord – Matthew 4:19

“Follow Me…”

George Beverly Shea – “I'd rather have Jesus.”

Follow Jesus and your life will never be disappointed.

Examples: (Take notes)

Conclusion: So, there you have it, ____ _____ for growing a spiritual Garden that honors God.

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