In The Garden

Gordon Clinton Williams, M.Ed.

In The Garden is a daily journey through the Scriptures, an invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and walk with God in the garden of His Word. Hosted by Gordon C. Williams, M.Ed. (usually called Clint), In The Garden blends biblical storytelling, poetic interpretation, ancient context, scientific curiosity, and Christ-centered teaching into a warm, reflective, and deeply accessible radio-style program. Each episode guides listeners through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, with the humility to honor both the literal and the literary beauty of the text. Genesis, for example, is approached as many Christians across the centuries have read it: true, inspired, God-breathed Scripture, written in the rich language of Hebrew poetry and theology—not as a modern science textbook. Clint explores how creation’s “days” can be understood poetically, symbolically, and even scientifically, without dismissing the possibility of a literal seven-day creation. He invites listeners to consider how a timeless Creator, who stands outside of time, could shape a universe that feels ancient to us yet unfolds at His command. Every episode follows a simple rhythm: Listen to the storyConsider its original contextExplore its symbols and themesReflect on what it reveals about humanityLook for how the story leads to JesusThroughout the journey, Clint draws from Hebrew word studies, the narrative structure of Scripture, historical and cultural background, and the words of Jesus Himself—always returning to the conviction that the whole Bible tells the One Story that leads to Christ. Whether unpacking the symbolism of Adam and Eve, the spiritual psychology of Jacob and Esau, the rise of agriculture beneath the story of Cain and Abel, or the meaning of covenant in the life of Abraham, In The Garden offers thoughtful, accessible teaching for listeners from every background: lifelong Christians, curious seekers, new believers, recovering skeptics, and anyone longing to rediscover the beauty of Scripture. In The Garden was born in West Texas and is broadcast locally on KCKM 1330 AM, where neighbors, families, truckers, farmers, teachers, and everyday people tune in weekly to hear the Word of God taught with tenderness, craftsmanship, and hope. The podcast version, released shortly after each broadcast, offers an extended edition for listeners who want to dig a little deeper. Wherever you listen from, you are invited to step into the garden. Here, among the stories of Scripture, we learn how to cultivate the soil of the heart, plant seeds of wisdom, uproot the weeds that choke our joy, and walk with our Lord in the cool of the day. This is In The Garden. Welcome. Your time here is holy ground.

  1. Genesis 37: Joseph the Dreamer

    10 HR AGO

    Genesis 37: Joseph the Dreamer

    What if God speaks not only in waking words, but in dreams? Genesis 37 introduces Joseph as a young dreamer—and reveals that the God of heaven and earth is also Lord of the conscious and unconscious alike. In this episode, we step into the strange and beautiful world of biblical dreams through the life of Joseph, long before he was a ruler in Egypt. Before the pit, the prison, and the palace, Joseph was simply a young man who dreamed—and whose dreams stirred jealousy, confusion, and hatred among his own brothers. Genesis 37 shows us that God sometimes reveals truth before we are ready to understand it. Joseph’s dreams of sheaves bowing and heavenly bodies paying homage were real revelations from God, yet they arrived without explanation or timing. The dreams were true, but the dreamer still needed shaping. This episode explores how the Bible treats dreams not as superstition or fantasy, but as one of the ways God has chosen to communicate. From Joseph to Job, Scripture assumes that the Creator of land, sky, and sea is also the sovereign Lord of the inner life—the imagination, the sleeping mind, and the hidden places of the heart. We consider why God speaks in symbols, why dreams often precede suffering, and why fulfillment is usually delayed. Joseph’s story reminds us that God does not rush to fulfill what He reveals. Instead, He forms character, humility, and faith in the long space between promise and realization. This reflection also invites us to slow down our own interpretations. Not every dream is a message, but no part of our inner world is beyond God’s reach. The same God who spoke light into darkness is present in the night watches, guarding truth He will one day bring to light. Keywords: Genesis 37, Joseph the Dreamer, biblical dreams, God speaks, unconscious mind, divine revelation, suffering and formation, dreams in the Bible, God’s sovereignty, spiritual maturity Call to Action: Take time this week to read Genesis 37 slowly. Sit with Joseph’s dreams without rushing to conclusions. Share this episode with someone who is waiting on God’s promises—and join us as we continue tracing the one story that leads to Jesus. Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 37:1–11 Job 33:14–15

    6 min
  2. Psalm 6: How Long, O Lord?

    1 DAY AGO

    Psalm 6: How Long, O Lord?

    Ever felt weary, broken, or overwhelmed by sorrow? Psalm 6 gives voice to those moments, showing us how to bring our deepest struggles to God with honesty and faith. In this episode, we walk through Psalm 6, one of the penitential psalms of David, exploring how he cries out to God in distress, asks for mercy, and finds assurance that God hears his prayer. We examine the tension between God’s discipline and His steadfast love (hesed), the honesty of bringing our grief before the Lord, and the turning point when David declares that God has heard him. Listeners will discover: How to pray openly and authentically when life feels heavy. The difference between God’s discipline and His wrath, and why His correction is an expression of love. How God’s covenant love provides hope even before circumstances change. The power of believing God hears and accepts your prayers, even in the midst of pain. This episode is perfect for anyone experiencing exhaustion, grief, or spiritual struggle, as well as those who want to see how Scripture models honest prayer in the face of suffering. We also reflect on the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:9–11, connecting David’s cry to the promise of a loving Father who hears our prayers. Call to Action: Take a moment this week to pray Psalm 6 for yourself. Bring your heart, your sorrow, and your questions to God. Notice how it feels to declare that the Lord hears your prayer. Share this episode with a friend who might need encouragement, and join us next Sunday as we continue exploring the Psalms together. Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 6:1–10 ESV Matthew 7:9–11 ESV

    6 min
  3. Genesis 36: Family that Shapes the Promise

    1 DAY AGO

    Genesis 36: Family that Shapes the Promise

    Genesis 36 feels like a pause—but it’s actually a turning point. Before the story narrows to Joseph, Judah, and the road to Jesus, Scripture shows us how every surrounding family line shapes the destiny of the promise. Genesis 36 opens with a genealogy—Esau, also called Edom. At first glance, it seems like the Bible is simply closing the book on a brother who was not chosen. But this chapter does something deeper. It reminds us that God’s redemptive plan does not develop in isolation. The line of promise is shaped by brothers, cousins, uncles, tribes, and nations growing up right beside it. Esau is not the son of the covenant, yet God blesses him with land, descendants, chiefs, and kings. Edom becomes a nation quickly—strong, organized, visible—while Jacob’s family grows slowly, dependent on God’s provision. The contrast matters. Power is not the same as promise. As Genesis continues, the focus shifts to Joseph, Jacob’s most loved son. His life will preserve the family during famine and carry Israel into Egypt. Yet Joseph is not the one through whom the covenant flows. That honor belongs to Judah—the unlikely brother whose line will lead to King David and, ultimately, to Jesus. Along the way, other family lines continue to shape the story. Some protect the promise. Some oppose it. Some refine it through hardship. And some—unexpectedly—are woven into redemption itself. God uses faithfulness and failure, blessing and betrayal, obedience and resistance to move His plan forward. Jesus later spoke directly to this pattern when He said, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” God’s purposes are never threatened by rejection, delay, or detour. The rejected son, the overlooked tribe, and the unexpected path are often the very means God uses to reveal His glory. Genesis 36 is not filler. It is proof that God never loses the thread. The road that leads to Jesus winds through many lives and nations, all held firmly in the hands of a faithful God. Keywords: Genesis 36, Esau, Edom, genealogy, Joseph, Judah, covenant, promise, Messiah, Jesus, redemption, biblical theology, Old Testament foundations Call to Action: If this episode helped you see the bigger story unfolding in Scripture, share it with someone walking through a season that feels overlooked or off the main path. And don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and join us as we continue tracing the one story that leads to Jesus. Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 36:1 Matthew 21:42

    6 min
  4. Genesis 35: Names That Shape Destiny

    2 DAYS AGO

    Genesis 35: Names That Shape Destiny

    What’s in a name? In Genesis 35, names are more than words—they tell stories, reveal destinies, and reflect God’s hand at work in human lives. From Jacob becoming Israel to Benjamin receiving a name of blessing, this chapter shows how God shapes identity, transforms sorrow into hope, and unfolds His covenant promises through generations. In this episode, we explore: The reaffirmation of Jacob’s name as Israel and what it signifies about struggle, perseverance, and covenantal purpose.The renaming of Rachel’s son from Ben-oni (son of my sorrow) to Benjamin (son of the right hand) and how God turns grief into blessing.The poetic pattern of God or His appointed patriarchs giving names that reflect destiny, not just circumstance.How these ancient naming moments invite reflection on our own identities, the labels we carry, and the ways God can reshape our story toward hope and purpose.If you’ve ever wondered whether your past defines your future, or how God works through family, struggle, and blessing, this episode will encourage you to see your life in the light of His covenant promises. Keywords: Jacob, Israel, Benjamin, Ben-oni, Genesis 35, names, identity, destiny, blessing, covenant, God’s purpose, biblical storytelling, transformation, hope, Scripture reflection. Call to Action: Subscribe to the podcast to continue exploring the stories that lead to Jesus. Share this episode with someone who might need encouragement that God can shape identity, blessing, and destiny even through struggle. Scripture References: Genesis 35:10–18; Genesis 17:5; Genesis 32:28

    4 min
  5. Genesis 34: When Cultures Collide and Violence Multiplies

    3 DAYS AGO

    Genesis 34: When Cultures Collide and Violence Multiplies

    What happens when two very different worlds collide? When one man’s desire meets a family’s covenantal values, tragedy can follow—and anger can spiral out of control. In Genesis 34, we see a story of violation, revenge, and the high cost of misplaced justice. In this episode, we explore the shocking story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, and Shechem, the son of Hamor. Shechem’s act of taking Dinah and lying with her was a serious violation, yet in his culture, marriage could have “fixed” the offense. Jacob’s sons, however, viewed the situation through a covenantal lens: sex outside God’s design was defilement, and the honor of their family had been violated. We unpack the cultural clash: Shechem and Hamor treated sex as transactional, a way to cement alliances. Jacob’s sons understood sex as sacred, covenantal, and tied to God’s order. Their response, however, escalated the violence rather than healing it. By deceiving the men of Shechem into circumcision and then slaughtering them, Simeon and Levi multiplied the tragedy. Nothing could undo Dinah’s violation, and the aftermath left blood on both sides, echoing Lamech’s boast in Genesis 4:24 about excessive revenge. Through this chapter, we learn that righteous anger is not the same as retaliation. Misplaced vengeance only deepens harm and compounds sin. Genesis 34 is a stark reminder that violation and revenge are both serious, and that God’s people are called to live differently—upholding justice while avoiding the destructive cycle of violence. Join us as we unpack the moral, spiritual, and cultural lessons of Genesis 34, exploring how God’s covenant shapes our understanding of sex, honor, and justice. Reflect with us on the tragedy of this story and the hope of God’s wisdom that calls us to mercy, restraint, and faithfulness even in the face of wrong. Call to Action: Subscribe to In the Garden and listen wherever you get your podcasts. Reflect on Genesis 34 in your personal study this week: How can God’s covenant guide your response to injustice, anger, and the brokenness of the world? Share your thoughts with us on the Monahans Bible Connection Facebook Page. Scriptures referenced: Genesis 34, Genesis 4:24

    6 min
  6. Genesis 33: From Sojourner to Settler

    3 DAYS AGO

    Genesis 33: From Sojourner to Settler

    What happens when a wanderer finally puts down roots? In Genesis 33, Jacob’s simple land purchase marks a powerful shift—from sojourner living on promise alone to steward participating in God’s unfolding plan. In this episode, we explore the practical and spiritual meaning behind Jacob’s decision to buy land in Shechem after years of wandering. For generations, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived as foreigners in the land God promised them—dwelling in tents, moving with the seasons, and trusting God daily for provision. But Jacob does something new: he establishes a permanent place. This wasn’t just about stability or comfort. It was an act of faith. We’ll look at how owning land transformed Jacob’s role from survivor to steward, from waiting on God’s promise to actively living within it. We’ll also reflect on the tension between dependence and security, and how settling can both mature faith and test it. Finally, we connect Jacob’s story to the life of Jesus—the ultimate sojourner who owned nothing on earth yet secured an eternal inheritance for us—and what it means for believers today to live as both pilgrims and heirs of God’s kingdom. Key themes & keywords: Genesis 33, Jacob buys land, sojourner vs settler, biblical faith, God’s promises, stewardship, inheritance, pilgrims in the Bible, Old Testament theology, Christian discipleship, kingdom of God, Abraham Isaac Jacob, spiritual growth 👉 Call to Action: If this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow the podcast, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help others discover God’s story. Join us as we continue walking through Genesis and uncovering how every movement points us closer to Jesus. Scripture References in This Episode: Genesis 33:18–19 Hebrews 11:13–16 Matthew 8:20 1 Peter 2:11 Ephesians 2:19

    7 min
  7. Genesis 32: When the Blessing Becomes the Man

    5 DAYS AGO

    Genesis 32: When the Blessing Becomes the Man

    Jacob wrestles with God — and walks away a new man. Genesis 32 reveals how God fulfills His blessing not just through abundance, but through transformation. In this episode, we journey with Jacob as he returns home after twenty hard years of exile, labor, and growth. Once a man who grasped blessings through deception, Jacob now finds himself surrounded by God’s unseen protection at Mahanaim — “God’s camp.” Angels meet him on the road, reminding us that God has gone before him, faithfully fulfilling the promise spoken years earlier by Isaac. But Genesis 32 is not about Jacob’s strategies or fears. It is about what God does. In the night, Jacob is left alone — and wrestles with a mysterious man until daybreak. Wounded yet clinging, Jacob refuses to let go without a blessing. In that moment, God changes his name from Jacob (“heel-grabber” and deceiver) to Israel — one who strives with God and prevails. This is where the blessing becomes more than wealth. This is where promise becomes identity. Jacob names the place Peniel, saying, “I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” Before facing Esau’s face, God graciously reveals His own — bringing deliverance, not destruction. Genesis 32 teaches us that God is faithful not only to provide, but to shape and transform the people who carry His promises. The years of struggle were not punishment — they were preparation. The blessing was always coming, but so was the refining work of God. If you’ve ever wrestled through seasons of waiting, hardship, or change, this episode will remind you that God is at work — fulfilling His promises and forming your heart. Keywords: Genesis 32, Jacob wrestles with God, blessing fulfilled, Mahanaim, Peniel, transformation, Jacob becomes Israel, God’s faithfulness, spiritual growth, Biblical promise, wrestling with God, Old Testament podcast 👉 Call to Action: If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend, leave a review, and follow the podcast for more journeys through Scripture that reveal God’s faithfulness from Genesis to Jesus. Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 27:28–29, 39–40 Genesis 32:1–2, 24–30 Genesis 33:9–11

    6 min
  8. Genesis 31: Gods, Power, and a Pile of Stones

    6 DAYS AGO

    Genesis 31: Gods, Power, and a Pile of Stones

    Gods were stolen. Power was challenged. And a pile of stones became a treaty before God. In Genesis 31, a family conflict reveals deep truths about idolatry, manipulation, and how God establishes justice across cultures. In this episode, we walk through Jacob’s departure from Laban after twenty years of labor and tension, uncovering the spiritual and cultural layers beneath the story. We begin with Rachel’s theft of the household gods (teraphim)—objects that symbolized protection, inheritance, and authority in the ancient world. Though God had clearly blessed Jacob, Rachel clung to old securities, revealing how faith often grows slowly. Even as God leads us forward, we’re tempted to keep “backup plans” tucked away in our hearts. Next, we examine Laban’s bold claim of ownership over Jacob’s wives, children, and flocks. While such language reflected ancient patriarchal culture, Laban was using tradition to justify control and exploitation. Jacob had fulfilled every obligation—yet Laban leaned on power and custom to manipulate. Scripture quietly exposes this misuse of authority, reminding us that God stands against oppression, even when it’s hidden behind cultural norms. Finally, we explore the powerful moment of reconciliation marked by a heap of stones named in two languages—Jegar-sahadutha in Aramaic and Galeed in Hebrew—both meaning “Heap of Witness.” In a divided world shaped by Babel, this cross-cultural monument becomes a treaty of peace, declaring that God Himself is witness and judge between them. Genesis 31 isn’t just a family drama. It’s a story of God freeing His people from idols, breaking cycles of manipulation, and establishing boundaries rooted in truth and accountability. ✨ What false securities do we cling to? ⚖️ Where do we use power or tradition to control others? 🪨 And where is God calling us to trust Him as our witness? 👉 Listen now, share with a friend, and join the conversation as we continue exploring the deep wisdom of Genesis. Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 30 Genesis 31:1–55 Genesis 31:14–16 Genesis 31:19 Genesis 31:32 Genesis 31:43 Genesis 31:47–52 Genesis 11:1–9

    7 min

About

In The Garden is a daily journey through the Scriptures, an invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and walk with God in the garden of His Word. Hosted by Gordon C. Williams, M.Ed. (usually called Clint), In The Garden blends biblical storytelling, poetic interpretation, ancient context, scientific curiosity, and Christ-centered teaching into a warm, reflective, and deeply accessible radio-style program. Each episode guides listeners through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, with the humility to honor both the literal and the literary beauty of the text. Genesis, for example, is approached as many Christians across the centuries have read it: true, inspired, God-breathed Scripture, written in the rich language of Hebrew poetry and theology—not as a modern science textbook. Clint explores how creation’s “days” can be understood poetically, symbolically, and even scientifically, without dismissing the possibility of a literal seven-day creation. He invites listeners to consider how a timeless Creator, who stands outside of time, could shape a universe that feels ancient to us yet unfolds at His command. Every episode follows a simple rhythm: Listen to the storyConsider its original contextExplore its symbols and themesReflect on what it reveals about humanityLook for how the story leads to JesusThroughout the journey, Clint draws from Hebrew word studies, the narrative structure of Scripture, historical and cultural background, and the words of Jesus Himself—always returning to the conviction that the whole Bible tells the One Story that leads to Christ. Whether unpacking the symbolism of Adam and Eve, the spiritual psychology of Jacob and Esau, the rise of agriculture beneath the story of Cain and Abel, or the meaning of covenant in the life of Abraham, In The Garden offers thoughtful, accessible teaching for listeners from every background: lifelong Christians, curious seekers, new believers, recovering skeptics, and anyone longing to rediscover the beauty of Scripture. In The Garden was born in West Texas and is broadcast locally on KCKM 1330 AM, where neighbors, families, truckers, farmers, teachers, and everyday people tune in weekly to hear the Word of God taught with tenderness, craftsmanship, and hope. The podcast version, released shortly after each broadcast, offers an extended edition for listeners who want to dig a little deeper. Wherever you listen from, you are invited to step into the garden. Here, among the stories of Scripture, we learn how to cultivate the soil of the heart, plant seeds of wisdom, uproot the weeds that choke our joy, and walk with our Lord in the cool of the day. This is In The Garden. Welcome. Your time here is holy ground.

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