December 8, 2019 … Oh So Faithful !!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 342 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ... Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Sara Groves singing … He’s Always Been Faithful … poignantly singing of how God is ALWAYS faithful.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Colossians 3:15 [ESV] ...  15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 
… God’s peace will only reign in the hearts of those who choose an attitude of gratitude. 
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Highlight Passage [context]: Colossians 3:12-17 [ESV] ... USE THIS LINK ...
… God, thru Paul, exhorting us (Christians) to put off our selfish human nature and putting on an attitude of gratitude to find peace in this life.
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Reference Passage : … Isaiah 26:3 [ESV] … 3  You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. 
… The best way to acknowledge God’s providence is to trust Him … primarily by trusting his word.

Reference Passage : … Romans 8:28 [ESV] …  28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose. 
… Oh if we could only believe and be thankful for this truth; … our lives would be so much more peaceful.

Reference Passage : … Philippians 4:6-7 [ESV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul shows Christians that the avenue to God’s peace is found thru thankful prayer.

Reference Passage : … 1 Thessalonians 5:18 [ESV] … 18 … give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 
… Oh how God wants us to be thankful for His promises and His providence.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Bill Crowder, uses the attitude of a postman in winter to illustrate how our attitude of gratitude is our key to peace. … The ODB author wrote: In my state in the US, the winters can be brutal, with sub-zero temperatures and never-ending snow. One bitterly cold day, as I shoveled snow for what seemed like the thousandth time, our postman paused in his rounds [see photo] to ask how I was doing. I told him that I disliked winter and was weary of all the heavy snow. I then commented that his job must be pretty rough during these extreme weather conditions. He responded, “Yeah, but at least I have a job. A lot of people don’t. I’m thankful to be working.” 
I have to admit that I felt quite convicted by his attitude of gratitude. How easily we can lose sight of everything we have to be thankful for when the circumstances of life become unpleasant. 

I’m sure my fellow readers will acknowledge that it’s hard at times to choose to hold onto an attitude of gratitude when we’re hard pressed in life by grueling or pressing circumstances. Oh how we’d love to be able to experience God’s peace 24/7, wouldn’t we?

The question is not whether God is faithful, as Sara Groves sings in the linked song. No, the question is, … do we believe (and trust) that God is faithful, choosing as Paul exhorted Christians in the scriptures above to continually seek connection with God thru a thankful and prayerful heart. Because only thru our thankfulness can we find peace in this world.

Today this old warrior turns 76; and I’m feeling the conviction and the need to just believe Romans 8:28, that all things in my live are for my good. So, at least right now I’m feeling so thankful for so many things in my life; and i’m so thankful for the peace I’m feeling right now.

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My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh Abba Father, ... thank You, Lord, ... for Your promises, which I know are true. 
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... I pray, Lord, that all reading here will join me AGAIN today, to choose to hold onto an attitude of gratitude today and tomorrow too. … Amen

Blogger Note:  Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.</ span>

December 7, 2019 … Remembering His Gifts

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 341 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Becky Kelley singing … Where’s the Line to See Jesus … poignantly singing of how easy to forget the reason for the season …

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Highlight Verse[s]: Deuteronomy 4:12a [ESV] ...  12 … then take care lest you forget the Lord, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 
… As now in God’s family, we are never to forget His blessings … not the least of Whom is our Lord, King Jesus!
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Highlight Passage [context]: Deuteronomy 6:4-12 [ESV] ... USE THIS LINK ...
… God, thru Moses, commands His people not to forget what He had done for them. 
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Reference Passage : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [ESV] … USE THIS LINK …
… The best way to acknowledge God’s providence is to trust Him … primarily by trusting his word.

Reference Passage : … John 14:21 [NLT] … 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”
 … The best gift we can give our Lord for Christmas - and ANY DAY of the year - is to obey His word>

Reference Passage : … Romans 12:1-2 [ESV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul realized and exhorted fellow Christians to become living sacrifices, avoiding the temptations of the world and giving ourselves to Him completely.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, John Blase, uses a family Christmas story to illustrate how we need to remember from Whom all the gifts really come. … The ODB author wrote: It was just before Christmas, and her kids were having a difficult time with gratitude. She knew how easy it was to slip into that kind of thinking, but she also knew she wanted something better for the hearts of her children. So she went through the house and placed red bows [see photo] on light switches, the pantry and refrigerator doors, the washing machine and dryer, and the water faucets. With each bow there was a handwritten note: “Some of the gifts God gives us are easy to overlook, so I’ve put a bow on them. He is so good to our family. Let’s not forget where the gifts come from.”
Really, … today, … if you’ve taken in the ODB entry, heard the linked song, and meditated on the Scriptures above, I would pray that we all get the remembrance of our Lord in this hustle/bustle season, … where the world is trying to take our focus off of the real reason for the season.

And dear ones, … we also need to remember that Jesus’ reason for the season was you and me, … coming into our world - and our lives - to give Himself to saves us for Himself. And for this, let’s all put a red bow in our lives and give it back to Him in complete surrender today and all days. 

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My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh Abba Father, ... thank You, Lord, ... for being the reason for lives … EVERYDAY, … not just at Christmas.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... I pray, Lord, that all reading here will join me AGAIN today, declaring another robust “HALLELUJAH” … for being our reason for this season. … Amen

Blogger Note:  Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.</ span>

December 6, 2019 … Father Christmas’ Gift

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 340 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ... Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from Michael Card singing … Immanuel … poignantly singing of the greatest gift from God to all mankind to live in the hearts of all believers forever.

Sinterklaas Day in the Netherlands 

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Highlight Verse[s]: Matthew 1:22-23 [ESV] ...  22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: … 23  “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” 
… A declaration, by Matthew, of God’s prophesy of the coming Messiah (see Is. 7:14). 
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Highlight Passage [context]: Matthew 1:18-25 [ESV] ... USE THIS LINK ...
… Matthew’s account of the birth of The Christ.
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Reference Passage : … Isaiah 7:14 [NLT] … 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 
… The prophesy of the coming Messiah to save God’s people.

Reference Passage : … Philippians 2:6-11 [ESV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul relates the wondrous Advent of The Christ, Who set aside His heavenly glory and majesty to become a man, as our Abba Father’s greatest gift to save mankind.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Amy Boucher Pye, uses a seasonal and historical story of St Nicholias, “Father Christmas,” to highlight God’s greatest gift of all. … The ODB author wrote: According to an old story, a man named Nicholas (born in ad 270) heard about a father who was so poor that he couldn’t feed his three daughters, much less provide for their future marriages. Wanting to assist the father, but hoping to keep his help a secret, Nicholas threw a bag of gold through an open window, which landed in a sock or shoe drying on the hearth. That man was known as St. Nicholas, who later became the inspiration for Santa Claus. [see photo] 
When I heard that story of a gift coming down from above, I thought of God the Father, who out of love and compassion sent to earth the greatest gift, His Son, through a miraculous birth. 

Today in my wife’s country, The Netherlands, the Dutch will celebrate Sinterklaas Day [see photo], … that day, according to legend, when “Father Christmas” comes to bring gifts to the Dutch children, … much like we in the US on Christmas Day celebrate “Santa Claus” coming to bring gifts. And many countries have legendary celebrations during the Advent season to highlight God bringing the greatest gift of all to His children, … His Son, … to live in the hearts of all those who would receive His wondrous gift … to be our “Immanuel.”

That’s why the account of the coming of The Christ in Phil. 2:6-11 is my favorite Advent Scripture passage; … my favorite because it relates what God did for mankind, giving His son as a man to live in the hearts of all who receive Him as The Christ, … as Lord and Savior. Oh, how I pray that all reading here have received our Immanuel, as the linked song relates.

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My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh Abba Father, ... thank You, Lord, ... for the Advent of Your greatest gift of all, … our Immanuel.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... I pray, Lord, that all reading here will join me today, to celebrate … with a robust “HALLELUJAH” … for our Abba Father’s gift of Messiah … to live in our hearts forever as our Immanuel. … Amen

Blogger Note:  Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.</ span>

December 5, 2019 … Godly Kindness

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 339 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ... Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from the group Hillsong singing … Thank You … poignantly thanking God in song for His kindness, mercy, love, and grace.

Kindly stranger helping a distressed mom 

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Highlight Verse[s]: 2Samuel 9:1 [ESV] ... 1 And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?”  
… David, remembering the kindness and grace extended by Saul’s son, Jonathan, seaches to extend that Godly kindness to Saul’s family.
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Highlight Passage [context]: 2Samuel 9:1-11 [ESV] ... USE THIS LINK ...
… David shows kindness to Saul’s grandson, Mephibosheth.
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Reference Passage : … Lamentations 3:22-23 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… As God’s mercies and kindness are new everyday to us, why don’t we show that kindness to someone today - and tomorrow.

Reference Passage : … Galatians 6:9-10 [NLT] … 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. 
 … God, thru Paul, exhorts fellow Christians to reach out intentionally and continually to help others with Christlike kindness.

Reference Passage : … Philippians 2:3-4 [ESV] … 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 
… God, thru Paul, shows us that we are to reach out - beyond our human nature - and show Godly kindness in helping others as Christ has helped us.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Winn Collier, uses a historical story of a wild fire in CA in 2018 to show the futility of self condemnation. … The ODB author wrote: Boarding a plane alone with her children, a young mom tried desperately to calm her three-year-old daughter who began kicking and crying. Then her hungry four-month-old son also began to wail. 
A traveler seated next to her quickly offered to hold the baby while Jessica got her daughter buckled in. [see photo] Then the traveler—recalling his own days as a young dad—began coloring with the toddler while Jessica fed her infant. And on the next connecting flight, the same man offered to assist again if needed. 
Jessica recalled, “I [was] blown away by God’s hand in this. [We] could have been placed next to anyone, but we were seated next to one of the nicest men I have ever met.” 

Reaching out intentionally to help others in distress goes beyond human nature, doesn’t it; because - by nature - we look to protect or serve ourselves first, don’t we? That man on the plane was a “God send” for that mother, wasn’t he?

And that’s what King David became for the grandson of King Saul too. In that story (see highlight passage), David, remembering the love/grace extended to him by Saul’s son, Jonathan, decided to reach out and extend Godly kindness to Saul’s family rather than exterminate them as was the kingly tradition of those days. And David’s act of kindness to Mephibosheth became an example of Godly kindness for all to see and emulate.

And I pray that we thank God today for HIS kindness, sending HIs Son to save us, by reaching out with intentional kindness to others today, especially those in God’s family (see reference scriptures above).

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My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh Abba Father, ... thank You, Lord, ... for Your kindness in sending Your Son to save us.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... I pray, Lord, that all reading here will join me today, to reach out and extend Godly kindness to others as God gives us opportunity today. … Amen

Blogger Note:  Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.</ span>

December 4, 2019 … Burned With Guilt?

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 338 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ... Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from the group Phillips, Craig, and Dean singing … He’ll Whatever It Takes … poignantly singing of how we, as Christians, can rely on our God’s Spirit to restore and renew us in our relationship with Christ.

2018 Carr Fire in California 

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Highlight Verse[s]: 1John 3:19-20 [ESV] ... 19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before Him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything. 
… God is ALWAYS bigger than what we hold in our hearts.
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Highlight Passage [context]: 1 John 3:19-24 [ESV] ... USE THIS LINK ...
… God, thru John, shows us that whatever we’ve done in the past WILL BE restored by God’s love and His grace.
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Reference Passage : … Lamentations 3:22-23 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Jeremiah, shows us that His mercies are new for us everyday.

Reference Passage : … Romans 7:18-20; 8: 1, 38-39 [ESV] … USE THIS LINK …
… It’s fruitless and useless to hold onto self condemnation, as Paul did in Romans 7, because Christ’s finished work on the cross frees us from God’s condemnation, allowing us to realize, as in Romans 8, that NOTHING can separate us from His love/grace.

Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 5:17, 12:9-10 [ESV] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Paul, shows us that God’s grace is ALWAYS sufficient to forgive us and free us from any self condemnation, because, in Christ, we are being made new everyday.

Reference Passage : … 1John 1:9 [NLT] … 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
… If we truly believed this, why would we hold onto self condemnation?

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Winn Collier, uses a historical story of a wild fire in CA in 2018 to show the futility of self condemnation. … The ODB author wrote: As a couple drove their trailer through dry Northern California, they felt a tire blow and heard the scrape of metal against pavement. The sparks ignited the 2018 Carr Fire—a wildfire that burned nearly 230,000 acres, destroyed more than 1,000 homes, and resulted in the deaths of several people. [see photo] 
When survivors heard how the couple were overcome with grief, they formed a Facebook page to show “grace and extend kindness . . . for the shame and despair” enveloping them. One woman wrote: “As someone that lost their home to this fire—I need you to know my family [doesn’t blame you], nor [do] any of the other families that lost homes. . . . Accidents happen. I really hope these kind messages ease your burden. We will all get through this together.” 

It’s so easy for our human nature to bring us down when we’re feeling the guilt and self condemnation for something we know we’ve done wrong in the past. However, as God shows us, thru Paul in Romans 7 and 8, God gives us His mercy everyday (see also Lam. 3:22-23) and His grace (2Cor. 12:9) to free us from past sin and renew us in His love.

So, in taking the time to hear the linked song and by meditating on the scriptures above, I pray today that everyone reading here realizes that God never gives up on His children; and as our Abba Father, nothing can separate us from His love and grace (see Rom. 8:1 and 38-39) … NOTHING!!! … So, let’s believe the truth of 1John 1:9, and let’s just confess it - whatever it is - and be free from the weight of self condemnation.

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My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh Abba Father, ... thank You, Lord, ... for Your mercy and grace today to forgive me and set me free from my past.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... I pray, Lord, that all reading here will join me today, to praise and thank God for doing all that He has done to free us from self condemnation and guilt. … Amen

Blogger Note:  Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.</ span>

December 3, 2019 … Treasures in Heaven

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 337 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from the group Maylet singing … Treasures In Heaven … poignantly singing of how we can store treasures in heaven by living life to serve the Lord.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Matthew 6:19 [ESV] ... 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,  …  
… In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He preaches to avoid trying to pursue earthly “treasures” 
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Highlight Passage [context]: Matthew 6:19-24 [ESV] ... USE THIS LINK ...
… Jesus teaching on storing up for ourselves treasures in heaven.
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Reference Passage : … Matthew 25:14-30 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus’ “parable of the talents,” showing us how we should use God’s providence in this life.

Reference Passage : … Luke 12:32-34 [ESV] … USE THIS LINK …
… More teaching from Jesus on how we should invest our time, talents, and treasures.

Reference Passage : … Galatians 6:6-10 [ESV] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Paul, shows us how we reap what we sow … by giving cheerfully, generously, and sacrificially.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Dave Branon, uses a personal scenario to illustrate how God desires for us to use our time, talents, and treasures for His kingdom. … The ODB author wrote: We were on the way home from a visit with family in another state when I found it. I was pumping gas when I noticed a dirty, bulky envelope on the ground. I grabbed it, dirt and all, and looked inside. To my surprise, it contained one hundred dollars. [see photo] 
One hundred dollars that someone had lost and who at that very moment was possibly frantically searching to find. I gave our phone number to the attendants at the gas station in case anyone came back looking for it. But no one ever called. 

The ODB author did the right thing, of course, trying his best to return the money rather than hoarding it for himself. As Jesus taught often [see Matt. 6 and Luke 12 passages], reinforced by Paul in Galatians 6:6-10, we need to avoid being ruled by money or earthly treasures and do all we can to store up heavenly treasures by using our time, talents, and God-provided treasures for God’s kingdom (see Matt. 25:14-30). In other words, in heaven we will reap what we sow by how we have lived our lives here on earth.

And I’ve heard it said that one can measure the heart of a Christian (or really anyone) by viewing his/her calendar and checkbook; … because when we see how one uses his/her time, talents, and treasures, we see where their heart really lies. …

So, how will we use what God sends our way today for His glory rather than for our selfish desires? 

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My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh Abba Father, ... thank You, Lord, ... for giving us the opportunity to use what You give us for Your glory today.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... I pray, Lord, that all reading here will join me today, to do all we can to invest Your providence into Your kingdom. … Amen

Blogger Note:  Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.</ span>

December 2, 2019 … BEWARE False Teachers

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 336 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ... Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from Jeremy Camp singing … The Answer … poignantly singing of how Jesus is the only TRUE answer to all the lies being perpetrated in the world.

BEWARE !!! 

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Highlight Verse[s]: 2John 1:9-10 [ESV] ... 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, …  
… God, thru John, is clear that we are not to consort or receive those who do not teach the truth of Christ’s Gospel.
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Highlight Passage [context]: 2John 1:1-11 [ESV] ... USE THIS LINK ...
… John’s warning to beware of and reject false teachers.
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Reference Passage : … Jeremiah 23:16 [ESV] … 16 Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. 
… God, thru Jeremiah, warns His people against false prophets.

Reference Passage : … Matthew 7:15, 24:24 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus’ warning His followers of false teaching/teachers, comparing them to ravenous wolves.

Reference Passage : … Acts 20:28-30 [ESV] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Luke, warns Christian leaders to be discerning and protect their flock from false teachers.

Reference Passage : … 2Peter 2:1-3 [ESV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Peter warns fellow Christians to BEWARE of false prophets/teachers.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Tim Gustafson, uses a historical reference to illustrate how … The ODB author wrote: The Roman inns during the time of Christ had a reputation so bad that rabbis wouldn’t even permit cattle to be left at them. Faced with such bad conditions, traveling Christians usually sought out other believers for hospitality. 
Among those early travelers were false teachers who denied that Jesus was the Messiah. This is why the letter of 2 John tells its readers there is a time to refuse to extend hospitality. 

In the Old and New Testaments, God’s word warns believers to BEWARE of false prophets/teachers; and even to deny hospitality to those who might try to sway professed believers away from God’s truth. Jesus called such false teachers as “wolves in sheep’s clothing” (see photo); and others in the NT, strongly warned Christians to be discerning; and as Jeremy Camp sings in the linked song, to look to Jesus as “THE ANSWER” … for our Lord is the personification of truth.

In today’s financial world, Secret Service agents can discern counterfeit currency because they’ve studied legal tender so closely they can spot the false bills. And that’s what we Christians need to do. By getting to know the Lord intimately thru His truth (i.e., His word), we can recognize those who would bring a false gospel to us; and thereby stay true to God’s way and His truth.

That is certainly why you find me here each day, getting to know my Lord more intimately thru His word. And … I pray that for all reading here today.

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My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh Abba Father, ... thank You, Lord, ... for clearly showing us Your way in Your word!
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... I pray, Lord, that all reading here will join me today, to do all we can to follow God’s truth and to recognize and reject false teachers. … Amen

Blogger Note:  Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.</ span>