Sunday, July 30, 2017

July 31, 2017 … Newness in Christ

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 212 

Blogger Note:  Posted on July 30 due to travel schedule 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of lyrics from the group Third Day singing … Blessed Assurance … poignantly singing of the glory those of us will experience one day … transformed in the newness Christ has brought thru His blood for those who believe in Him as Lord and Savior.


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Highlight Verse[s]: Colossians 1:23a [NLT] … 
23 But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. … 
… Once saved by the truth of the Gospel, Paul charges all Christians to remain steadfast in the faith which allowed them to receive God’s saving grace.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Colossians 1:3-14, 23 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… Paul preaches God’s truth about the newness all Christians find in their relationship with our Lord and Savior.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … 1st Corinthians 15:35-58 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… The Apostle Paul gives all Christians the assurance of the newness they will find in their relationship with Christ in glory, … including a new and transformed body.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 2nd Corinthians 5:16-21  [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… Again, the Apostle teaching of the newness of life we find in our faith and relationship with Christ.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Dave Branon, used a poignant story of a young person witnessing the Gospel truth to a broken old man who was lost in self pity and suffering. The ODB author wrote: As a group of teenagers visited a home for the elderly in Montego Bay, Jamaica, one young woman noticed a lonely looking man at the end of the room. He appeared to have little left in this world but a bed to sleep on—a bed from which he could not move because of his disability. The teen began right away to share the story of God’s love for us and read some Bible passages to him. “As I shared with him,” she would say later, “I started to feel his eagerness to hear more.” … 
She told him more about Jesus—and then about the promise of heaven (including a new body) for all who believe. He asked her, “Will you dance with me up there?” She saw him begin to imagine himself free of his worn-out body and crippling limitations. When he said he wanted to trust Jesus as his Savior, she helped him pray a prayer of forgiveness and faith. When she asked him if she could get a picture with him, he replied, “If you help me sit up. I’m a new man.” 

I somewhat identify with this lovely story of God’s good news changing the perspective of someone in their brokenness and suffering. I had the privilege of leading my dad to Christ well into his 70s; but later when his old body was failing, he was in a nursing care facility in his later days. When I came to visit him, he used to ask me to read the passage in 1st Corinthians (see verses 35-58 above), where Paul teaches all Christians about the newness of body we’ll experience in heaven. In all the pain and suffering my dad was experiencing, he loved to hear about what he would experience in heaven; and the newness which he is now experiencing in glory.

I pray that all who read this hold onto the reality and glory of God’s wonderful GOOD NEWS, the Gospel reality which transforms us all from broken sinners to transformed saints from the shed blood of Jesus.

And so, today, know that we who are in Christ are new creations who will be resurrected to share glory with our Savior.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I so look forward to the newness I will experience in Your glory. … 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.

July 30, 2017 … One In Christ

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 211 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of the group THIRD DAY, singing the old praise song … Blessed Assurance … joining their audience to poignantly sing of the reality of our oneness in Christ … our unity in the Body of Christ.


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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 145:13a [NLT] … 
13 For Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations; … 
... God’s rule is the one lasting thing which goes on from generation-to-generation. ==============
Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 145:1-13 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… King David praises God for being the God who lasts thru all generations.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Romans 12:4-5 [NLT] … 
4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 
… We Christians make up ONE BODY in Christ.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 1st Corinthians 12:6 [NLT] … 
6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. 
… God is the one non-variable which unifies us all !!

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Galatians 3:28 [NLT] … 
28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 
… Jesus is the One - and ONLY ONE - Who can cut across - and unify - all the differences of mankind.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David McCasland, uses a personal illustration to teach about the unity we find in Christ. The ODB author wrote: My parents married in 1933 during the Great Depression. My wife and I are Baby Boomers, part of the dramatic increase in births following World War II. Our four daughters, born in the seventies and eighties, belong to Generations X and Y. Growing up in such different times, it’s not surprising that we have different opinions about many things! 
Generations differ widely in their life experiences and values. And this is true among followers of Jesus. But no matter what we wear or the kind of music we enjoy, our spiritual connection [in Christ] is stronger than those differences. [see photo] 

Certainly many would agree that those of my generation (the BabyBoomers) likely don’t see life the same way as this generation (the Millennials). But some time ago, on a flight, I was sitting next to an engaging young lady who was at least one generation [more likely two] removed from me. And she noted that I was reading a Christian book. Boldly she asked me what I was reading; and as soon as we realized that we were both in the family of God, all differences of generational perspective were cast aside; and we conversed as if we were both headed to the same family reunion (which if you think about it, we were [and are] … headed to glory TOGETHER).

That’s what King David wrote about in Psalm 145 in the OT; and it’s what the Apostle Paul wrote about in several places (see reference verses) in the NT. And it’s what the group Third Day sings about so joyously in the linked song. … In Christ we all have the “Blessed Assurance” of the same salvation … graced by the same God … to all who believe on His Name.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … O LORD, … I pray that all who read here enjoy the unity of the family of God and serve our Lord in the Body of Christ. … 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.

Saturday, July 29, 2017

July 29, 2017 … Direct Connection

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 210 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of Jim Rice of the group, Brush Arbor, singing his song live … Hello God … poignantly singing of of a prayer from a seeker/believer directly to His God.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Hebrews 12:23b [NLT] … 
23 … You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. … 
… Do we really understand our glorious access to God Himself … anytime/anywhere!! 
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Highlight Passage [context]: Hebrews 12:18-24 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… God, telling us that we can come directly to Him anytime/anywhere to connect with His glory. 
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Exodus 26:31-33 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… Under the Old Covenant and Mosaic Law, God’s people had to come to the Holy of Holies once a year to bring their petitions and concerns. BUT … it's not now, 24/7, for us Christians!

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Philippians 4:6-7 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… We need not worry, but bring any concern to our Lord anytime/anywhere to receive His peace.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Hebrews 10:19-20 [NLT] … 
19 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 
… Jesus opened the way for His family to come directly to Him.

Reference Passage #4 [NKJV] : … Revelation 3:20 [NLT] … 
20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 
… For saved Christians, Jesus wants us to open the door, thru prayer, and let Him in to fellowship with us.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Leslie Koh, teaches on the privilege we have in/by Christ to bring our concerns directly to Him with a privileged 24/7 connection [see photo]. The ODB author wrote: Even though it was just a replica, the tabernacle set up in southern Israel was awe-inspiring. Built life-size and as close as possible to the specifications laid out in Exodus 25–27 (without actual gold and acacia wood, of course), it stood tall in the Negev desert. … 
 Today, you and I can come straight to God with confidence, knowing that Jesus’s sacrifice has torn down the barrier between us and God (Heb. 12:22–23). Each of us can talk to God any time we want, and hear from Him directly when we read His Word. We enjoy a direct access that the Israelites could only dream of. May we never take it for granted and cherish this awesome privilege of coming to the Father as His beloved children every day. 

My friends, I was years into my saved life with Christ before, in faith, I came to the realization that anytime/anywhere, when He died on the cross, my Lord gave me direct access to Him thru prayer and His living word. And now that’s why you see me starting each day by coming to this quiet place to get away from the demands and confusion of the world to be with My Lord/Savior in prayer and meditation on His word. And then during anyway, I can come to Him (and I do!!) with my praise or concerns or pleas.

Anytime! Anywhere! For anything!! 

But I’m concerned that many Christians [hopefully not you!] don’t understand and grasp the truth of this wondrous privilege Christ has given us. That we no longer have to wait and once a year, as did the Old Covenant believers, bring our petitions to the Priest, who would then would take them into the Holy Of Holies in the Tabernacle or the Temple to let our concerns be known to God (see Exod. 26:31-33).

So brothers/sisters in Christ … go to Him now … or anytime … and let your requests be know to our God. He’s given us a direct connection … 24/7; … let’s use it!

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … O LORD, … I come to you often … each day; … and I’m so thankful to have this direct line. What a privilege!! … 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.

Friday, July 28, 2017

July 28, 2017 … I’m Clean

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 209 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of iNatalie Grant live singing … Clean … poignantly singing of the reality of the cleansing all Christians have received from the blood of the Lamb.


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Highlight Verse[s]: 1st John 1:7 [NLT] … 
7 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 
… And that’s what living in the forgiveness and light of Christ is all about!
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Highlight Passage [context]: 1st John 1:1-10 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… John helps Christians see the truth about living the forgiven life of a born-again believer, … living in the light of that forgiveness.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Psalm 119:176 [NLT] … 
176 I have wandered far away like a lost sheep; … come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands. 
… For those who know the Lord as Lord, he will come get us and save us from our selves.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Isaiah 53:6 [NLT] … 
6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s path to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on HIM the sins of us al. 
… We just need to reach out and let Jesus find and rescue us.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … John 19:30 [NLT] … 
20 “It is finished!” 
… As His blood flowed out in love to save all who believe on Him, He declared … !!!

Reference Passage #4 [NKJV] : … Revelation 3:20 [NLT] … 
20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 
… For saved Christians, Jesus wants in to save us to save us from ourselves. All we have to do is hear Him and open the door to our hearts.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David Roper, told a personal story to illustrate how how we Christians are forgiven. The ODB author wrote: My friend Norm Cook sometimes had a surprise for his family when he arrived home from work. He would walk through the front door, and shout, “You’re forgiven!” It wasn’t that family members had wronged him and needed his forgiveness. He was reminding them that though they doubtless had sinned throughout the day, they were by God’s grace fully forgiven. 

If we’re Christians here today, … saved by the blood of Christ and His finished work on the cross, … are we living in the truth and realization that we, who know Him, are forgiven and have been cleansed of our sin?

Yes, we’re redeemed by the blood of the Lamb! And we’re being restored into His image day-by-day, moment-by-moment, by His Spirt, Who dwells in us.

And all our Lord wants us to do is hear Him knocking on the door of our hearts - right now - and to let His Spirit in to do the work He completed on the cross.

Hey, fellow Christian, as Natalie Grant sings, … we’re clean! … Let’s go live like it!!

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … O LORD, … Thank You for saving me from my sins and cleansing me as it proclaims in 1John 1:7-9. Hallelujah, I’m clean; … now help me to live that way! … 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.

Thursday, July 27, 2017

July 27, 2017 … Always With Me

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 208 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images from Michael Card singing … Immanuel … poignantly singing of the love we, in Christ, have always in His Spirit. Immanuel … God with us … ALWAYS!!


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Highlight Verse[s]: John 14:23 [NLT] … 
23 Jesus replied, “All who love Me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and We will come and make Our home with each of them. 
… Jesus resides in my heart ALWAYS!
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Highlight Passage [context]: John 14:15-26 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… Jesus promises the presence/power of the Holy Spirit residing in the hearts of believers. 
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… Jesus, with me always, … showing me the way.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Romans 8:31b [NLT] … 
31 … If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 
… But do we live as though Jesus is with us ALWAYS?

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Hebrews 13:5b [NLT] … 
24 For God has said, … “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” [Deut. 31:6] 
… But do we live as though Jesus is with us ALWAYS?

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Anne Cetas, told a story to illustrate how God resides in us, never leaving or forsaking us. The ODB author wrote: The elderly woman in the nursing home didn’t speak to anyone or request anything. It seemed she merely existed, rocking in her creaky old chair. She didn’t have many visitors, so one young nurse would often go into her room on her breaks. Without asking the woman questions to try to get her to talk, she simply pulled up another chair and rocked with her. After several months, the elderly woman said to her, “Thank you for rocking with me.” She was grateful for the companionship. 

When Jesus was about to go to the cross, He promised His inner 12 that He would be with them, even when they felt abandoned, by sending the Holy Spirit to reside in their hearts [see highlight passage]. But they didn’t get it, … not until after the resurrection and His ascension into heaven.

God promises born-again Christians the same Holy Spirit to be our companion, guide, and advocate and to NEVER leave our hearts or forsake our walk on this earth [see Deut. 31:6, 8 and Hebrews 13:5]; … but only if we believe it and surrender to that truth [Prov. 3:5-6].

The questions are … do we get it? Do we believe it? And do we live it? … Because, as the Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit in his heart wrote (Rom. 8:31b, … "If God is in us, who can be against us." 

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … O LORD, … I know that You are with me, … in my heart. And as the old woman in today’s ODB, You rock with me … ALWAYS! … 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.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

July 26, 2017 … Jesus - Our Lifeguard

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 207 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Mercy Him singing their song … Even If … poignantly singing of our need for God to reach down in the overwhelming moments of life to be our Savior.


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Highlight Verse[s]: 2nd Samuel 22:17 [NLT] … 
17 “He reached down from heaven and rescued me; He drew me out of the deep waters. 
… David, rescued along with God’s people, from their enemies, uses the word picture of being rescued from deep waters of death.
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Highlight Passage [context]: 2nd Samuel 22:17-20 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… King David and God’s people are rescued from certain death by their God.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… Solomon, passing along to his son, the wisdom he had gleaned from God, showing that God is our rescuer and guide in life.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … John 5:24 [NLT] … 
24 “I tell you the truth, those who listen to My message and believe in God who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. 
… Jesus assures us that all who truly believe in Him as Lord/Savior will be rescued from sure death and brought to life FOREVER.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Kirsten Holmberg, uses an illustration of Jesus as our LIFEGUARD, saving us from death in the deep waters of life and bringing us back to life. The ODB author wrote: I scanned the water intently, on alert for signs of trouble. During my six-hour shifts as a lifeguard, I watched from the side of the pool to ensure the safety of those swimming. Leaving my post, or even becoming lax in my attentiveness, could have grave consequences for those in the pool. If a swimmer was in danger of drowning due to injury or lack of skill, it was my responsibility to pluck them from the water and return them to safety on the pool deck. … [See photo] … 
When we feel overcome by the troubles of life, we can rest in the knowledge that God, our Lifeguard, sees our struggle and, because of His delight in us, watches over and protects us. 

And that’s the truth which King David was trying to relate to believers in the highlight passage, linked above. He, leading God’s people, had been saved from sure death at the hands of the more powerful Philistine army; and he likened it to having been saved from the deep waters of life.

I’ve always liked the word picture of God as the ultimate Lifeguard, … the one who brings us out of the deep waters of death and breathes new life into us; and then He watches over and protects us as we swim upstream in the rivers of life.

He has and He will save me from the deep waters, but as the group Mercy Me sings in the linked song, … “EVEN IF” He doesn’t save me from some deep water peril in life, I still trust that He will revive me in Glory to live with Him forever.

And I know that He watches over all born-again believers today as our LIFEGUARD.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … O LORD, … I know that You’re there, watching over me, as I swim thru the waters of life. … 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.

July 25, 2017 … Life - Our Teacher

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 206 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group 4HIM singing … The Basics of Life … poignantly singing of our desire as Christians to get back to the basics of Godly living, life’s teaching which we can pass along in faith to our progeny as our legacy.


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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 37:25 [NLT] … 
25 Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread. 
…Passing the baton of wisdom along to the next generation of believers.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 37:1-6, 23-27 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… King David, later in his life, passing along God’s wisdom to others so that they can avoid the pitfalls he encountered in life.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Joshua 1:8 [NLT] … 
8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 
… God’s word is our GPS, … our guide to success in life.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… Solomon, passing along to his son, the wisdom he had gleaned from God.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Luke 9:23 [NLT] … 
23 Then He said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow Me. … 
…A command from Jesus which must be passed along to those who come after us.

Reference Passage #4 [NKJV] : … Romans 8:28 [NLT] … 
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 
… Life is God’s teacher as He weaves ALL THINGS together for our good as Christians.

Reference Passage #5 [NKJV] : … 1st Corinthians 11:1 [NLT] … 
1  And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
… Paul, desiring that others follow his lead because he knew he was following Christ.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David C McCasland, uses the lessons King David learned from his life in Psalm 37 to pass the baton of his experience to later believers. The ODB author wrote: John F. Burns spent forty years covering world events for The New York Times. In an article written after his retirement in 2015, Burns recalled the words of a close friend and fellow journalist who was dying of cancer. “Never forget,” his colleague said, “It’s not how far you’ve traveled; it’s what you’ve brought back.” 
Psalm 37 could be considered David’s list of what he “brought back” from his journey of life, from shepherd to soldier and king. The psalm is a series of couplets contrasting the wicked with the righteous, and affirming those who trust the Lord. 

If anyone reads this, … I’m 73 years old as I journal here; and I've been a Christian for 34 years. I certainly hope and pray that I have, I can, and I will pass along what God's Spirit has taught me in all these years, onward to my loved ones and fellow Christians, … maybe you.

So, as the linked song exhorts, it's “BACK TO THE BASICS OF LIFE” which I have learned from God's word each day; and also from living my life, so that I can pass the baton of my experience to any who might come here to read what God gives me to share so that others might avoid the pitfalls of life.

So, I pray that you might grow today from God's truth [see Scriptures above] and from this small portion of my experience. And my friend, I'll be back here tomorrow to share more with you from God’s truth and my life.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … O LORD, … help me to pass along Your basics of life to those who come after me. … 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.

Monday, July 24, 2017

July 24, 2017 … Many Into One …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 205 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Avalon singing … No Orphans of God … poignantly singing of God’s saving grace which brings all who surrender to King Jesus as Lord into His family … the body of Christ.


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Highlight Verse[s]: Ephesians 3:6 [NLT] … 
6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. 
…There are no orphans in God’s family (see linked song).
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Highlight Passage [context]: Ephesians 2:19-3:11 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… Paul explains God’s plan to build a family where anyone can be united into one body. 
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Romans 1:16 [NLT] … 
16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes - the Jew first AND also the Gentile. 
 … The Gospel is for EVERYONE!

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Ephesians 4:4-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father over ALL.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Philip Yancey, uses the concept of “community” to teach about the totally non-discriminatory nature of the Gospel, which saves all who come in faith to be a part of the family of God. The ODB author wrote: “Community” is the place where the person you least want to live with always lives, says Henri Nouwen. Often we surround ourselves with the people we most want to live with, which forms a club or a clique, not a community. Anyone can form a club; it takes grace, shared vision, and hard work to form a community. 
The Christian church was the first institution in history to bring together on equal footing Jews and Gentiles, men and women, slaves and free. 

As the group Avalon sings in their song, linked above, “there are no orphans in the family of God.”

And God’s family, His church, is the ultimate model of COMMUNITY, because ANYONE and EVERYONE who comes in surrender to receive God’s saving grace, … Jew or Gentile, man or woman, black or white (or any color for that matter - see photo) …is accepted into the body of Christ, … His community of love, … the family of God.

And all I have to write here and now is my prayer that all who read here are a part of our family, … God’s family.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … O how I pray that all who’ve come here today, Lord, have surrendered to You, King Jesus, for Your saving grace and are part of our family, … Your family. … 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.

Sunday, July 23, 2017

July 23, 2017 … Quiet Service …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 204 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Steve Green singing … Find Us Faithful … powerfully singing of being faithfully serving Christ ,… not just for human accolades and prizes, … but merely for God’s glory.


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Highlight Verse[s]: Colossians [NLT] … 
12 Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. 
… Epaphrus was one of his friends who was with him in prison and one who Paul cited to Christians for his quiet service to God by praying for other Christians.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Colossians 4:7-18 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… Paul gives honor to a number of quiet servants who had served God by helping Paul in prison. 
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Luke 9:23 [NLT] … 
23 Then He said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow Me. …” 
… Jesus clearly declared we are to follow Him by denying our own self interests.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Romans 16:22 [NLT] … 
22   I, Tertius, the one writing this letter for Paul, send my greetings, too, as one of the Lord’s followers. 
 … I’ll bet most reading here don’t know or remember the name of Tertius, the man who was the scribe who actually penned the words of the Book of Romans for Paul while he was imprisoned.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … 1st Corinthians 15:58 [NLT] … 
58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 
… Paul reminds Christians that any/all work we do for Christ, no matter how obscure, is never wasted.

Reference Passage #4 [NKJV] : … Galatians 6:9-10 [NLT] … 
9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. 
… What we do for others, and especially for fellow Christians, no matter how quietly, honors God and will ultimately reap a harvest in Heaven.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Cindy Hess Kasper, uses an interesting Hollywood behind-the-scenes figure to illustrate how many serve God’s kingdom quietly and with no public accolades. The ODB author wrote: Hollywood musicals were wildly popular during the 1950s and 1960s, and three actresses in particular—Audrey Hepburn, Natalie Wood, and Deborah Kerr—thrilled viewers with their compelling performances. But a huge part of the appeal of these actresses was the breathtaking singing that enhanced their acting. In fact, the classic films’ successes were actually due in large part to Marni Nixon [see photo], who dubbed the voices for each of those leading ladies and who for a long time went completely uncredited for her vital contribution.

Before you read this ODB piece, if I had asked you who Marni Nixon was, would you have been able to answer me accurately. Few of you, I would guess. And in a like way there are probably quite a few fellow Christians in our lives who very quietly serve God behind-the-scenes, almost never being noticed or recognized by fellow church members.

I love the Apostle Paul recognizing a number of his buddies who had served him while he was imprisoned. But even though the name is in the Bible (see Romans 16:22) most of us would not be able to know that one named, Tertius, who actually penned the words to one of the most important books in the Bible as Paul’s scribe. And who do you know who has been named after ”Epaphrus”, the faithful prayer warrior who ministered to Paul by praying in one of his imprisonments in Rome [see highlight passage]?

And if we’ve taken in the linked song, sung by Steve Green, and read the exhortations from God, thru Paul, in 1st Cor. 15:58 and Gal. 6:9-10, I hope we realize that we are not here, as Christians, to be recognized for any of our service to God, other than to receive our rewards in heaven.

So, let’s all serve our Lord, no matter how quietly, knowing that our service will shine His light in a darkened world and honor Him with glory.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I’m wrapped in Your peace today as I relish in Your truth. … 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.

Saturday, July 22, 2017

July 22, 2017 … Really Scared! …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 203 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Mia Fieldes singing her song … Fearless … powerful singing of being fearless because God is all around us, lifting us up, surrounding us with His love and grace.


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Highlight Verse[s]: Philippians 4:6-7 [NLT] … 
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 
…It’s true … BUT … do we believe it?
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Highlight Passage [context]: Philippians 4:4-9 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… God, thru Paul, gives Christians His prescription for fearful times … prayer!!
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Psalm 16:8 [NLT] … 
8 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.  
… Having faith that God is ALWAYS there with us.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Isaiah 26:3, 41:10, 13 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… If we believe the Prophet is true, why would we ever fear anything?

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … 2nd Cor. 12:9 [NLT] … 
9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
 … If what Jesus told Paul is true (and it is!!), why would we ever fear anything?

Reference Passage #4 [NKJV] : … 2nd Timothy 1:7 [NLT] … 
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 
… A spirit of fear can only come from Satan … NEVER from God.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Dave Branon, teaches on our need to trust God, believing in His truth, . even when things are fearful in our lives. The ODB author wrote: “I’m really scared.” This was the poignant note a teenager posted to friends on Facebook as she told them of some upcoming medical tests. She was facing hospitalization and a series of procedures in a city three hours from home and anxiously waited as doctors tried to discover the source of some serious medical problems she was experiencing. 
Who of us, in youth or later years, has not felt similar fears when facing unwanted life events that are truly frightening? And where can we turn for help? What comfort can we find from Scripture to give us courage in these kinds of situations? 

If one is on Facebook, we see posts like that all the time. Perhaps when a relationship is damaged or when someone has been given a diagnosis of “cancer,” as in the ODB example. The question is not will we undergo fearful experiences or circumstances; but rather how we’ll handle that spirit of fear [see emoji photo] when we feel it. We’ve all BEEN THERE and have worn that t-shirt, haven’t we?! 

But what Mia Fieldes sings in the linked song, and what God’s word declares (above) over and over again, is that God is always with the faithful; and that a spirit of fear never comes from God … ALWAYS from the enemy.

So, I exhort all of us to meditate today (and maybe for many days) on, and even memorize, the Scriptures above; because if we use God’s prescription for feelings of fear in these truths, we will feel God guarding our hearts with His peace, … feeling Him replacing the spirit of fear with the power and grace of faith.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I’m wrapped in Your peace today as I relish in Your truth. … 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.

Friday, July 21, 2017

July 21, 2017 … Glowing In The Dark …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 202 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Jason Gray singing his song … Glow In The Dark … powerful singing of our need to shine Christ in our lives for all to see His light.


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Highlight Verse[s]: Romans 13:14 [NLT] … 
14 … clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. 
… Put on His robes of righteousness rather than wearing our rags of sin for others to see. 
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Highlight Passage [context]: Romans 13:11-14 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… Paul teaches Christians to PUT ON the ways of Christ and wear Him so that others can see Him as we live.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … John 14:21 [NLT] … 
21 Those who accept My commandments and obey them are the ones who love Me. And because they love Me, My Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal Myself to each of them.” 
 … Jesus says that He reveals Himself in those who live in obedience to His word.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 2nd Cor. 5:17 [NLT] … 
17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 
… And we, as disciples of Christ, must wear that newness for all to see.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Colossians 3:12 [NLT] … 
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 
 … We should wear Christlikeness for all to see Him in how we live.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Alyson Kieda, used a clothing word picture to illustrate how Christians should “put on” Christlikeness to let Him shine thru our lives. The ODB author wrote: In her book Wearing God, author Lauren Winner says our clothes can silently communicate to others who we are. What we wear may indicate career, community or identity, moods, or social status. Think of a T-shirt with a slogan, a business suit, a uniform, or greasy jeans and what they might reveal. She writes, “The idea that, as with a garment, Christians might wordlessly speak something of Jesus—is appealing.” 

Wearing something in public, perhaps like the t-shirt in the attached photo, says something, doesn’t it? And really, almost anything we wear makes a statement to others. That’s why, interviewing for a new job, we are encouraged to “dress for success,” rather than looking like a person the interviewer can’t trust.

Therefore, as born-again Christians, who’re being “made-over” in Christ [see 2Cor. 5:17], we need to “put on” that newness (i.e., the image of Christlikeness as in Col. 3:12) so that others can see Christ’s character in our actions, avoiding being seen wearing the old, sinner self in us. The world is such a dark place; and so, as Jason Gray sings in the linked song, we need to “glow in the dark” with Christlikeness.

So, fellow chosen one, let’s all go out and glow for Jesus today, wearing His robes of righteousness rather than choosing to put on our rags of sin.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Let others see me wearing Your robes of rightness 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.

Thursday, July 20, 2017

July 20, 2017 … Our Time Is Now …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 201 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Andy Williams singing … A Time For Us … poignantly singing of the reality of God’s wish for His family … an eternal time with him … FOREVER … “a world of shining hope for you and me.”


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Highlight Verse[s]: Ecclesiastes 3:1 [NLT] … 
1  There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. 
… And that time is now!
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Highlight Passage [context]: Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… God, thru Ecclesiastes, shows that there is a time for us, which is now; and a time for His glory as well.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : …Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] … 
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. 
… When our here-and-now always trust our Lord, He will guide our paths toward Him.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Isaiah 41:10 [NLT] … 
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 
… No matter what our season, our God is there to lift us up.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Hebrews 13:5 [NLT] … 
5 … God has said, … “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 
… Quoting from Deut. 31:6, 8, the author of Hebrews declares the reality of our God never forsaking those in His family.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Amy Boucher Pye, reflected on Solomon’s words about the realities of life now, and in eternity. The ODB author wrote: While flying recently, I watched a mother and her children a few rows ahead of me. While the toddler played contentedly, the mother gazed into the eyes of her newborn [see photo], smiling at him and stroking his cheek. He stared back with a wide-eyed wonderment. I enjoyed the moment with a touch of wistfulness, thinking of my own children at that age and the season that has passed me by. 
I reflected, however, about King Solomon’s words in the book of Ecclesiastes about “every activity under the heavens” (3:1). 

Yes, Solomon, the supposed author of Ecclesiastes, reflects on the reality of our lives, which hold so many moments in time like the one described above … and others not so loving or peaceful.  But they are all moments which are taking us, as part of the family of God, to the forever time in eternity when we will be with our Lord.

But as Solomon declares, in the highlight passage, … NOW is the time we have to live with/for God on this earth; and we need to know and remember that our God is always going to be there to lift us up and to guide us toward the hope of glory (see reference passages above).

So, let’s live it … with Him and for Him!!

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … You are leading me home today and all days, living for You glory. … 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.

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

July 19, 2017 … Mighty Is He! …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 200 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images from the magnificent Iguazu Falls in South America … A Video sequence of the Falls … showing the majesty of God’s creation to realize that He is so much mightier than the power of these falls.


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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 93:4 [NLT] … 
4  But mightier than the violent raging of the seas, … mightier than the breakers on the shore - the Lord above is mightier than these! 
… Yes He is!!!
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 93 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… The Psalmist honors the mighty power of our God.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Acts 1:8a [NLT] … 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. … 
… But do we realize the extent of this power, which is the same power Who created the world and raised our Savior from the dead, … more powerful than all the waterfalls collectively in the world (see photo/video).

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Ephesians 3:20 [NLT] … 
20 Now all glory to God, Who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 
… We so underestimate God’s power in us.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … 1st John 4:4b [NLT] … 
4 … the Spirit [i.e, God's Power] Who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 
… God’s Spirit in our hearts, as Christians, is so far greater than we imagine it to be.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, C.P. Hia, used a waterfall picture of the power of God to help us realize the power we have in us, which we so often underestimate. The ODB author wrote: Iguazu Falls, on the border of Brazil and Argentina, is a spectacular waterfall system of 275 falls along 2.7 km (1.67 miles) of the Iguazu River. Etched on a wall on the Brazilian side of the Falls are the words of Psalm 93:4, “Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!” (rsv). Below it are these words, “God is always greater than all of our troubles.” 

But do we really believe that truth? … I think not! … At least I, in my weak faith, so underestimate the power of God in me.

To think [and really believe], as I see the attached photo and linked video of Iguazu Falls, I too often don’t get it [!]; … that the power God has implanted in my heart [see Acts 1:8] is the same power which, when God spoke, the world was created; … and it’s the same power which raised our Savior from the dead. And that power is wondrously more powerful - IN ME - than, not only Iguazu Falls, but all of power generated by all of the waterfalls on earth.

As the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:20, God’s power in me is far greater than I can think or imagine it to be; and most certainly, as the Apostle asserted in 1st John 4:4, God’s power in me is far greater than he (Satan) who is in the world using his power against me and mankind.

Oh, … when will I believe it? … When will I get it? … When will I live it?!

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Work thru my weak faith to help me see Your power in me and to use if for Your glory. … 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.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

July 18, 2017 … Just As You Are …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 199 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Brian Doerksen singing the old invitational hymn … Just As I Am … poignantly singing of the reality of how God receives any/all into His family … just as we are!


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Highlight Verse[s]: Romans 5:6-9 [NLT] … 
6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 
… And all we need to receive this love is to come to Him JUST AS WE ARE.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Romans 5:1-11 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… Faith in the finished work of Christ brings help to the helpless and salvation to the lost. 
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Revelation 3:20 [NLT] … 
20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 
… Jesus will come in and fellowship with anyone, anytime, anywhere … and all we have to do, wherever/whenever we are, is open the door to His invitation to come in.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David C McCasland, observed how we often let self-perceptions get in the way of coming to Christ just as we are to be received into His kingdom or to receive his grace. The ODB author wrote: A church in my city has a unique welcome card that captures the love and grace of God for everyone. It says, “If You Are A . . . saint, sinner, loser, winner”—followed by many other terms used to describe struggling people—“alcoholic, hypocrite, cheater, fearful, misfit . . . . You are welcome here.” One of the pastors told me, “We read the card aloud together in our worship services every Sunday.” 
How often we accept labels and allow them to define who we are. And how easily we assign them to others. But God’s grace defies labels because it is rooted in His love, not in our self-perception. Whether we see ourselves as wonderful or terrible, capable or helpless, we can receive eternal life as a gift from Him. 

Has any reader here with me been to an event and was asked to fill out a name tag like the one in the photo to help others know who you are? But the name tag doesn’t really identify us, beyond the label of our name, does it? No, we also need to have another tag which says … “I am __________;” and then, if we’re honest, we’d fill in the blank with the essence of truth about ourselves. Or would we? Really, it’s unlikely; because we so often don’t want others to know who we really are, do we?

On April 13, 1983 I went to work; and if I had honestly filled in the “I am ___” ID, I would have put … “broken addict to P0RN, who needs spiritual strength.” But then, that morning, I actually wore that ID on my soul for my Lord to see me as I was; and when the morning was over I was able to change my name and ID tags to read … “Bill Berry, … born-again saint, redeemed by the blood of King Jesus!” And all I had to do was come to Him, just as Brian Doerksen sing, “Just as I am,” and receive His saving grace.

And really, now, … anywhere, at any time, I can come to Him, just as I am, and open the door at His knocking and let my Lord come in to receive His sanctifying grace (see Rev. 3:20). And I pray that all reading here have that kind of relationship with King Jesus, … a really honest and surrendered attitude which allows our Lord to save or sanctify us as needed when we come to Him just AS WE ARE.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I’ve heard You knocking this morning, Lord, and I gladly open the door to Your graceful invitation to be with me and give me Your grace. … 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.

Monday, July 17, 2017

July 17, 2017 … Like Father - Like Son

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 198 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Phillips, Craig, and Dean singing their song … I Want To Be Just You … poignantly singing of model we, as fathers, should find from Jesus, Who was just like His Father, … as we should we be for our sons [or daughters].


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Highlight Verse[s]: John 5:19 [NLT] … 
19 So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. … 
… Jesus clearly explains that what He said/did was only under the instruction of His Heavenly Father.
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Highlight Passage [context]: John 5:17-20 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… Jesus declares that His only goal in His life on this earth was to be like His Father.. 
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Deuteronomy 18:9 [NLT] … 
9 “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, be very careful not to imitate the detestable customs of the nations living there. 
… God calls His people to imitate His call to holiness and to avoid imitating the unholy practices of the godless people in the Promised Land.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 1st Corinthians 11:1 [NLT] … 
1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 
… Paul knew that as long as he followed Christ’s lead, he could lead others in the right direction.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Ephesians 6:4 [NLT] … 
4 Fathers, [or parents] do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. 
… God’s instructions, thru Paul, on Godly parenting.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Leslie Koh, observed how growing young people often imitate their parents, which was the perfect example of our Lord Who did only what His Father led Him to do. The ODB author wrote: Isn’t it endearing to see a child mimicking his parents? [see attached photo] How often we’ve seen the young boy in a car seat, gripping his imaginary steering wheel intently while keeping a close eye on the driver to see what Daddy does next. 
I remember doing the same thing when I was young. Nothing gave me greater pleasure than doing exactly what my dad did—and I’m sure he got an even bigger kick watching me copy his actions.

And then the ODB author observed that God, the Father, must have looked down with great Fatherly pride to see His Son doing EVERYTHING to imitate the holiness of Jesus’ Holy Father, … including showing, by miraculous examples, that He and His Son were one.

And that has always been the desire of our Abba Father … that we should avoid following the examples of the world (see Deut. 18:9); but rather, as the Apostle Paul learned, to imitate God, the Son and to lead others, especially our children, to follow Him thru this life (see 1Cor. 11:1 and Eph. 6:4).

And so, if you’re a parent reading this, I am praying for us that we can be the Godly examples for our kids, leading them, as God the Father led His Son. And if you are a parent, be sure to take the time to use the link above and listen to the poignant and powerful song from Phillips, Craig, and Dean. I think you’ll be touched as was I.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I have children whom I so desire to follow my lead and to become like You, my Lord. … 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.

Sunday, July 16, 2017

July 16, 2017 … The Roots of Faith

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 197 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the Maranatha Singers singing … Thy Word … poignantly singing of the power of God’s word to allow us to grow in faith and give us strength to stand tall through the storms of life.


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Highlight Verse[s]: Luke 24:44-45 [NLT] … 
44 Then He said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 
… Jesus shows the disciples after His resurrection the roots of their faith are in God’s word. 
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Highlight Passage [context]: Luke 24:35-49 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… Post resurrection, Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus and reveals His truth is rooted in His living word, the Scriptures.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Psalm 119 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK 
… This Psalmist discovered that the very roots of his faith were found in God’s word.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Mart DeHaan, used a botanical word picture to illustrate how our faith in Christ is rooted in His word. The ODB author wrote: The sequoia tree, one of three species of redwoods, is among the world’s largest and most enduring organisms. It can grow to 300 feet in height, weigh over 2.5 million pounds (1.1 million kg), and live for 3,000 years. But the majestic sequoia owes much of its size and longevity to what lies below the surface. A twelve- to fourteen-foot-deep matting of roots, spreading over as much as an acre of earth, firmly grounds its towering height and astonishing weight [see photo]. 
A redwood’s expansive root system, however, is small compared to the national history, religion, and anticipation that undergird the life of Jesus. 

That’s what Jesus brought to light for the two disciples who were walking to Emmaus after the resurrection [see Luke 24:35-49]. Their minds minds eye had been blinded to whom Jesus was by their fear … until Jesus revealed His essence by opening their minds to God’s word. And it’s true that our faith in Christ is, like that of a redwood, rooted deeply; but our roots of faith only run deep when our minds are grounded by God’s truth thru His word.

That’s why years ago, a mentor helped me realize that my faith in Christ would only weather the storms of life if I were deeply rooted in God’s word. And that’s why - EVERY DAY - you find me trying to plant the roots of my faith more deeply into my mind/heart by discovering more of God’s truth from His word. I want my faith to be rooted, like the redwood’s, allowing me to grow tall and to weather the storms of life.

And like the Psalmist discovered and revealed in Psalm 119, the only way to do that is to let my faith grow deeply into the soil of God’s grace by planting myself deeply into His truth.

So, … come back tomorrow; and let’s grow together by getting to know our God more more deeply in His word.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … My faith grows everyday as I root myself in Your word. … 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.

Saturday, July 15, 2017

July 15, 2017 … Being Prepared

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 196 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Mercy Me singing their song … Dear Younger Me … poignantly singing reflections of a Christians as we learn to deal with our past and use it to allow us to live life for God’s glory.


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Highlight Verse[s]: 1st Samuel 17:37 [NLT] … 
37 The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” … Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” 
… David had no fear of Goliath because of his days fighting off beasts as a shepherd. 
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Highlight Passage [context]: 1st Samuel 17:8, 32-37, 48-50 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… David was prepared to fight Goliath because He had been prepared by God to fell the giant by his days of felling bears/lions as a shepherd.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT]  ... USE THIS LINK
… Solomon learned from His father, David, about trusting God’s lead in life.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Romans 8:28 [NLT] … 
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are [the] called according to His purpose for them. 
… Through our youth, God works for our good to prepare us for later life.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Julie Schwab, used an interesting modern-day illustration to teach on God’s preparation of His children for future battles in life. The ODB author wrote: I worked at a fast-food restaurant for over two years in high school. Some aspects of the job were difficult. Customers verbalized their anger while I apologized for the unwanted slice of cheese on the sandwich I didn’t make. Soon after I left, I applied for a computer job at my university. The employers were more interested in my fast-food experience than my computer skills. They wanted to know that I knew how to deal with people. My experience in unpleasant circumstances prepared me for a better job! 

Young people dealing with complaining customers with a smile in the fast food industry [see photo] will prepare them for dealing with problem people later in life. King David had learned to deal with beasts as a young shepherd boy; so, when he was confronted with Goliath, his faith in God was well tested and he was ready to face the giant [see highlight passages]. And his son Solomon learned that lesson as he taught his boy (in Prov. 3:5-6) to trust in God’s lead in life … ALWAYS!

Even the Apostle Paul taught Christians that ALL THINGS we encounter in life were for our good in preparing us to live out our lives for God’s glory [see Romans 8:28]. Our question today is: … Do we believe these truths; and do we live life knowing that all that has come before has prepared us for what is not and what it is to come?

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … You have prepared me for all that I will deal with 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.

Friday, July 14, 2017

July 14, 2017 …Connected … REALLY?!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 195 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Alan Jackson singing the old hymn … What A Friend We Have in Jesus … poignantly singing of the closeness we can have with our Savior.


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Highlight Verse[s]: Exodus 33:11a [NLT] … 
11 Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. 
… Moses spent intimate friendship time with God … just as we can do now because of what Jesus did to break thru to God for us.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Exodus 33:7-14 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… Moses had a face-to-face connection with God.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … John 14:21 [NLT] … 
21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” 
… Jesus is revealed in those who intimately are connected to Him thru obedience.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … John 15:12-15 [NLT] … 
12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 
… To those who are intimately connected with Jesus, He is our friend.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Revelation 3:20 [NLT] … 20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 
… Jesus offers His close friendship with us … IF … we’re willing to open the door of our relationship with Him.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Amy Boucher Pye, referred to the relationship Moses had with God to point us to a deeper, more intimate, connection with our Savior - and each other! The ODB author wrote: Although the world is connected electronically like never before, nothing beats time together in person. As we share and laugh together, we can often sense—almost unconsciously—the other person’s emotions by watching their facial movements. Those who love each other, whether family or friends, like to share with each other face to face. 
We see this face-to-face relationship between the Lord and Moses, the man God chose to lead His people. Moses grew in confidence over the years of following God, and he continued to follow Him despite the people’s rebelliousness and idolatry. 

Today’s reference to the closeness Moses had with God (see highlight passage) and how, thru Jesus’ love for us, we can now be His friends and have intimate communication with Him (see John 14&15 passages above), reminded me how our electronically hyper-connected world is becoming so disconnected (depicted in the photo).

I think Satan has devised a super-weapon (i.e., the cell phone) to promote a connected-disconnect world. And we see it all around us with people paying more and more attention to their cell-phone screens; … yes, even when we are physically close with one another. And I’m afraid it’s also a devilish device to take the attention of Christians away from a deep and abiding relationship with our Lord.

We need to ask ourselves if we’re letting our “devices” take us away from a deep/abiding communion with our God.
 … Are we spending close/intimate time with God every day?
 … Is Jesus the friend He wants to be with us [see John 15:15] and offers to us [see Rev. 3:20]?
 … And are we letting our electronic connection with the world get in the way of “facetime” with God today and all days?

Personally, that’s why you find me here each day, choosing to get up close and personal with my Savior; and then trying to share that closeness with any who might read with me. … But I pray we all choose to be with God today and relate to Him as Alan Jackson sings in the linked song … as a close and loving FRIEND.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … thank You for being my Friend. … 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.

Thursday, July 13, 2017

July 13, 2017 … He Knows ME!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 194 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Brian Doerksen singing … Creation Calls … poignantly singing of how God’s creation calls us to realize just how much He loves His crowning creations … mankind!!


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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 139:1-2 [NLT] … 
1 O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down and stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 
… To think that the God of all creation knows EVERYTHING about me.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 139:1-18 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… King David, in a down moment, writes/sings of just how much God cares for His children of creation.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Psalm 19:1 [NLT] … 
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship. 
… Look around and see His glory!!

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Matthew 10:28-30 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK
… The God Who created all … knows all; … and yes, even knows every hair on my head.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … John 3:16 [NLT] … 
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. 
… This is how much God loves me (and you)!!

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Sheridan Voysey, emphasized the vastness of our universe (see photo) to illustrate just how much God loves His crowning creation - me and you. The ODB author wrote: The universe is astonishingly grand. Right now the moon is spinning around us at nearly 2,300 miles an hour. Our Earth is spinning around the sun at 66,000 miles an hour. Our sun is one of 200 billion other stars and trillions more planets in our galaxy, and that galaxy is just one of 100 billion others hurtling through space. ... Astounding! 
In comparison to this vast cosmos, our little Earth is no bigger than a pebble, and our individual lives no greater than a grain of sand. Yet according to Scripture, the God of the galaxies attends to each microscopic one of us in intimate detail. 

I pray today that I - no, … that WE ALL - can internalize the reality of what Ms Voysey is teaching in today’s ODB entry. Because, I admit that the vastness of God’s love for me (or for you) tends to escape me, … especially in the context of His entire creation (take in the linked song and the photo). 

Can you grasp it as you look into the sky on a clear night? … The very God who created all of that, not only knows every hair on my head (Matt. 10:28-30); but He loves them all (John 3:16); and He loves me (and you) enough that He gave up His Son for us.

Do I sense my readers here - along with me - proclaiming a loud and thankful HALLELUJAH?!

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … in the vastness of Your creation I praise Your Holy Name for loving me. Again, … HALLELUJAH!! … 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.