September 4, 2015: Christianity - Not A Spectator Sport

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 246

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …   Please take the time to once again take in a video of images from Steve Green singing Find Us Faithful exhorting Christians to join together in faithful witness to and for our Lord, Jesus Christ … and THEN ON TO THIS LINK to hear Steve Green singing another charge from our Lord … People Need The Lord .

Highlight Passage:   Ephesians 4: 16 [NKJV]  …
16 … from Whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. 
 … When we are joined TOGETHER - in our mutual relationship with Christ - we gain His empowering grace to go forth as a united witness for His glory.
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Highlight Context – Ephesians 4: 1-16 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  All of His body, walking in worthy pursuit of Christlikeness and becoming faithful witnesses to His glory here on earth.
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Reference Passage #1 - Luke 9: 23 [NKJV] … 
23 If any one would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 
… Jesus’ charge to follow Him as HIS disciples.

Reference Passage #2 - Acts 1: 8 [NKJV] … 
8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 
… Jesus charges all of His faithful disciples to not only follow Him but to be powerful witness, with the power of God’s Spirit … to the world …

  Reference Passage #3 - Hebrews 12: 1 [NKJV] … 
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, … 
… Running the race of life as witnesses - TOGETHER - as the body of Christ …

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Poh Fang Chia, relates a true story of a potential disaster … as a man was boarding a train in Perth, Australia. In the process the man got his leg caught between the train and the station platform. Immediately some passengers enlisted everyone on the platform to push the train away from the platform, creating a gap, which allowed others to pull the man to safety and avoiding a leg crushing incident. The story, of course, illustrates the power of people working in unison … TOGETHER … (yes I know that’s redundant!) … to accomplish a worthy goal.

 And that’s what the Apostle Paul was exhorting Christians in Ephesus [and us, by extention] to do by joining in the Body of Christ, to work toward the goal which Christ has charged all Christians toward when He was returned, after resurrection, to Heaven (see Acts 1: 8). As His remaining “BODY,” left on earth, we are to join the great cloud of unified witnesses and take the Gospel of Christ with the Power of God’s Spirit to the entire world.

 Really, … I don’t need to write any more than that which is forged for us in the exhortations above from God’s word. So, let’s get out there and be Christlike worthy witnesses … because as Steve Green sings in the 2nd song above, … “People need the Lord!!” 

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … help me to join with my brothers and sisters in Christ to be Your witnesses everyday in this 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.

September 3, 2015: Pursuing Perfection Can Be Tyranny

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 245

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to once again take in a video of images from Phillips, Craig, and Dean singing the song I Want To Be Just Like You reminding all parents, no matter how fallible we are - and must admit we are - that our pursuit of Christlikeness is a worthy pursuit; but it must be tempered with the reality of who we are as humans.

The Tyrannical Pursuit of Prideful Perfection   

Highlight Passage:   1st John 1: 8-9 [NKJV]  …
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
… We must never con ourselves - or others - into thinking that we’re perfect or sinless. 
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Highlight Context – 1st John 1:5 - 2:2 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  The pursuit of perfection is self-inflicted torture
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Reference Passage #1 - Isaiah 53: 6 [NKJV] … 
6 All we, like sheep, have gone astray. We have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 
… Jesus came to save us from our selves.

Reference Passage #2 - John 14: 21 [NKJV] … 
21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” 
… Jesus tells His disciples of our duty to keep His commandments so that He can manifest Himself in/through us.

Reference Passage #3 - Romans 3: 23 [NKJV] … 
23 … for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 
 … The translation for the Greek word “ALL” … means ALL … Not SOME … but ALL !!!

Reference Passage #4 - Ephesians 4: 1-2 [NKJV] … 
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, … with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 
… Yes, … we should do all we can, within our human limitations, to be like Chris. However, when we fail short of the mark and sin, … which we will, … we need to revert to the wonderful and hopeful truth of 1st John 1: 9 [see above] … to confess and be cleansed.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Tim Gustafson, relates relates a tyrannical truth about those of us who like to be seen as “perfect” in the eyes of others. He writes: "As Christians, we may harbor unrealistic expectations of perfection for ourselves. But even if we can somehow manage the appearance of a flawless life (to others), our thoughts and motives are NEVER completely pure." 

 Wow! What a truth! And it hits me right up the side of the head with conviction. How about you?

 I’ve always been one who wanted to be seen as “Mr. Goody Two-shoes” in the eyes of others, especially those whom I admire. But the reality and truth of God’s own word in Isaiah 53: 6 and Romans 3: 23 takes me down to the real world. Yes, I am a forgiven saint in Christ; but in this life, I’m never going to achieve perfection.

 Yes, it is a good thing to pursue the perfection or CHRISTLIKENESS and to attempt to be like Him (see John 14: 21), … especially when our kids and grandkids will try to be just like their parents and grandparents … as Phillips, Craig, and Dean sing in the attached song above. But when our imperfection surfaces - and it will - we should admit our failures, confess them to God and others; and then to go on pursuing Christlikeness.

 That’s my prayer today.

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … Help me to be like You; … and to confess when You show me I’m not.  … 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.

September 2, 2015: Following in Humility

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 244

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK  … Please take the time to once again take in a video of images from Daniel O’Donnell singing the song, pertinent and poignant for us all, Here I Am, Lord reminding all whenever God calls us to help others, we must answer the call for as long as God leads us to reach out and helps others.

Highlight Passage:   Genesis 11: 4 [NKJV]  …
4 And they [mankind, the descendants of Adam] said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” 
… Misdirected pride always ignores God’s way in lieu of man’s way.
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Highlight Context – Genesis 11: 1-9 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  Pride enters and mankind always falls.
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Reference Passage #1 - Psalms 127: 1 [NKJV] … 
1 Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; … [and] unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 
… Seeking to do life on our own is folly.

Reference Passage #2 - Proverbs 3: 5-6 [NKJV] … 
5 Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding. 6 In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. 
… And there’s no age limit on that call to humble service, is there?

Reference Passage #3 - Proverbs 16: 18 [NKJV] … 
18 Pride goes before destruction; and a haughty spirit before a fall. 
… When are we going to learn that God only pours His grace into humility.

Reference Passage #4 - Hebrews 11: 8-10 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Abraham responded to God’s call to “go,” by going out in faith to the call.

Reference Passage #5 - James 4: 5-6 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… James quoting Solomon in Prov. 3: 34 that God only pours His grace into humility … always resisting the ways of the proud.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Mart DeHaan, relates a quaint old story to illustrate his teaching entry. He writes: " Two workmen were asked what they were building together. One said he was building a garage. The other replied that he was building a cathedral. … A day later there was only one man laying bricks. When asked where the second was, the first replied, “Oh, he got fired. He insisted on building a cathedral instead of a garage."

And isn’t the way that mankind resists God’s way in trying to do life our own way, … just as when Adam’s descendants built the tower at Babel (see the photo image and the highlight passage in Genesis 11 linked above)? Don’t we have the tendency to respond to the challenges of life or to press forward a goal by doing things our own way, rather than first seeking and then humbly following God (as He has instructed us in Luke 9: 23 - a passage I pray you have memorized and attempting to follow).

 I’m not going to write any more here. I don’t need to, do I?  All we need to do after taking in today’s devotional image, the song, and God’s word, … is to seek His way in life and then to obediently follow.

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … Show me Your way and I will follow.    … 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.

September 1, 2015: Retirement? Well, Maybe Not!!

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 243

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK  … Please take the time to take in a video of images from Daniel O’Donnell singing the song, pertinent and poignant for us all, Here I Am, Lord reminding all whenever God calls us to help others, we must answer the call for as long as God leads us to reach out and helps others

 
Highlight Passage:   1st Corinthians 12: 26 [NKJV]  …
26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 
… When one member of the body suffers the entire body suffers.
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Highlight Context – 1st Corinthians 12: 26 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  We are all part of the Body of Christ … all bound together in the unity of His blood. 
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Reference Passage #1 - Luke 9: 23 [NKJV] … 
8 Then He (Jesus) said to them (a large crowd following Jesus), … “If anyone would follow Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 
… And “retirement,” as the world sees it, is not part of His plan

Reference Passage #2 - Philippians 2: 3-4 [NKJV] … 
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 
… And there’s no age limit on that call to humble service, is there?

Reference Passage #3- Ephesians 4: 7-16 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
 … All members of Christ’s body work together in unity for the edification and health of the body of Christ.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Julie Ackerman Link, related a story of an older Christian Dentist, Dr. Dave Bowman, who was led to sponsor several young boys from Sudan as he was contemplating retirement and more leisure in his life. But the sponsoring of these boys in Sudan, let the Dentist to realize that these boys and their Sudanese compatriots had never had any medical/dental care. So responding to conviction and direction from today’s highlight Scripture (see 1 Cor. 12: 26), Dr. Bowman began putting together the resources and founded the Memorial Christian Hospital in Sudan in 2008, which now treats hundreds of Sudanese natives daily (see attached photo).

The later-year status of “retirement” is a goal for which many people save and invest … and have as a goal in life to live the “good life.” And often a more leisure lifestyle is contemplated in that goal. Writing here and now, well over 70 years of age, I used to think about retirement; but after I became a Christian at age 40, while I was working as Director of many clinics in a government hospital, I came to realize that God was calling me to cofound a ministry to help men walk away from the bondage of pornography and sexual sin, which had become [and still is] a social plague in the world and even in Christ’s Church.

 And so, … rather than looking at leaving my hospital career in “retirement,” I viewed it as a “commencement;” and now almost 15 years after co-founding Battle Plan Ministries [see www.battleplanministries.org ] with my wife, we still work together to help Christians, individually and in marriages, to deal with the life-changing work of redemption, restoration, and renewal which can be found in the Holy Spirit’s work to reshape all Christians into the image of our Savior and Lord, Jesus.

 I hope, if you’re headed down the road of life, … maybe getting up in years, you find a way to use your Spirit-given gifts which will allow you to work in/for the kingdom of God until our Lord decides to take us all home to be with Him, … having given God glory to Him by using our gifts and talents for all the years of our later lives.

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … I move onward and prayerfully upward in the work You have led me to do 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.

August 31, 2015: Come On! It’s Time!!

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 242

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK  … Please take the time to take in a video of images from Brian Doerksen singing the old Billy Graham call to surrender song, Just As I Am reminding all that Christ’s invitation to salvation is for anyone … anytime, … anywhere. But to receive His saving grace, no matter how unworthy we are, we must repent and surrender to His Lordship; and follow Him.

Highlight Passage:   Luke 9: 62 [NKJV]  …
62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” 
… How many who claim to be “Christian,” are true disciples of the Living Lord.
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Highlight Context – Luke 9: 57-62 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  The cost of true discipleship in Christ.
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Reference Passage #1 - Matthew, Chapters 5-7 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
…  Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount tells of how difficult it is to be a follower of Jesus.

Reference Passage #2 - Luke 9: 23 [NKJV] … 
23 Then He (Jesus) said to them (a large crowd following Jesus), … “If anyone would follow Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 
… Success in following God’s will can only be found by following His truth - THE WORD.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Lawrence Darmani, used a personal story to illustrate how difficult it is to be a surrendered following (i.e., a true disciple) of Jesus Christ. Darmani wrote: For many years I spoke to my distant cousin about our need of a Savior. When he visited me recently and I once again urged him to receive Christ, his immediate response was: “I would like to accept Jesus and join the church, but not yet. I live among people of other faiths. Unless I relocate, I will not be able to practice my faith well.” He cited persecution, ridicule, and pressure from his peers as excuses to postpone his decision. 

I identify with the struggling, lost soul in Darmani’s story. For many years, during a time when I was lost, identifying myself as an “agnostic,” … I knew I was in desperate need of spiritual strength. Just like everyone - from birth - I had a “love-hole,” as I call it, which could only be filled by God’s love; but I refused to surrender to His Lordship in my selfishness.

 But, … the “Hound of Heaven” came after me; and through a wondrous set of circumstances several decades ago, I was broken to a place where Jesus became the only way out of my sin and selfishness; … so, I gave up selfhood and surrendered to the Savior.

 I pray that all who read here today are surrendered disciples of Christ; and like Brian Doerksen sings in the song linked above, you have come, at some point in your life, to repent of your sin nature and receive the saving grace, freely offered by Jesus to anyone - at anytime. And if you have any doubts of that surrender, contact me @ billb13@icloud.com; and I would be honored to be used by God’s Spirit to show you how you can come to Him for the eternal life He promises (see John 3: 16 - a verse you probably know).

 But PLEASE … DON’T WAIT !! … COME!!

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … I pray all who read here know you as their LORD and SAVIOR. If not, bring them home to follow You 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.

August 30, 2015: Finding the Real Deal

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 241

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a video of images from Dennis Jernigan singing his song Who Can Satisfy reminding all Christians that only the reality and truth of the Gospel message can satisfy our souls.

Highlight Passage:   Acts 17: 11-12 [NKJV]  …
11 These [the Christians in Berea] were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. 
… When Paul preached The Gospel truth in Berea, these fair-minded seekers knew where to go to verify Paul’s teaching … to God’s word - their Book of the Law.
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Highlight Context – Acts 17: 10-15 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  Those in Berea knew how to verify truth with THE TRUTH.
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Reference Passage #1 - Joshua 1: 8 [NKJV] … 
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 
… Success in following God’s will can only be found by following His truth - THE WORD

Reference Passage #2 - Psalm 119: 9, 105 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
…  Knowing the truth and then walking by it is the way of the Lord.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Dave Branon, used a modern-day dilemma, for which many readers, like myself, can identify. Have you ever been tantalized by a story or intriguing message online, perhaps on some form of social media, which seemed so believable or truthful? And perhaps you, like me, would be tempted to pass it on, or follow it, as “truth.” However, when checking out the fantastic story, perhaps it was found to be untrue and misleading, … just one of those “urban legends” which get passed along these days as if they are absolutely truth.

 That’s why I love the “true story” of the Christians in Berea [found in the linked passage from Acts 17]. Paul had come to Berea from from an angry encounter in Thessalonica; and he was preaching the Gospel in the local Synagogue. And the Berean people were intrigued by his message; but they knew how to verify Paul’s teaching. They went to an absolutely true source - their “Book of the Law” (i.e., their Bible) - to check out Paul’s teaching; and when they discovered his teachings were true, many of them surrendered and followed Christ.

 We need to be like the Bereans, don’t we? When we hear fantastic claims from so-called “christian” teachers in the media or online, we need to have God’s truth - the Bible - so deeply imbedded in our minds and hearts that we can verify - or not - what we’re hearing.

 It’s like the Secret Service being able to tell a counterfeit bill [see attached photo] from the real one because they’ve been trained to recognize the “real deal.” So, I pray that all who’re reading here with me have gotten God’s truth so deeply into our minds/heart, that we’ll always be able to discern truth from fiction in the teachings of others.

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … Show me Your Truth so that I can discern untruth and to share Your truth with those who need it.    … 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.

August 29, 2015: Unsteady Baby Steps

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 240

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a video of images from Steven Curtis Chapman singing the his song His Strength is Perfect reminding all Christians that God’s strength will cover us in our weaknesses.

Highlight Passage:   Psalm 18: 32 [NKJV]  …
32 And it is God Who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. 
… When we take those unsteady baby steps; God, our Daddy is there to catch us.
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Highlight Context – Psalm 18: 31-36 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …
 …  Our Lord watches our steps and guides us in life.
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Reference Passage #1 - Proverbs 3: 5-6 [NKJV] … 
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. 
… Even with our way seems precarious or frightful, we are to trust in our Lord for guidance and protection.

Reference Passage #2 - Isaiah 41: 10 [NKJV] … 
10 Fear not, for I am with you; … be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, 
… yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 
… Yes, even when we feel weak and unable to go forward.

Reference Passage #3 - Romans 8: 28 [NKJV] … 
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 
… Yes, … ALL things; … even the unsteady, scary steps we have to take in life.

Reference Passage #4 - 2nd Corinthians 12: 9-10 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
 …  It’s Jesus’ promise to give us His enabling grace when we are weak or doubtful. So why should I be afraid?

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Keila Ochoa, used a personal illustration to provide a word picture for her entry today. She wrote: My baby is learning to walk. I have to hold her, and she clings to my fingers because she is still unsteady on her feet. She is afraid of slipping, but I’m there to steady her and watch over her. As she walks with my help, her eyes sparkle with gratitude, happiness, and security. But sometimes she cries when I don’t let her take dangerous paths, not realizing that I am protecting her. 

And there are times in our lives, even as adults, that we feel like a babe as we take uneasy, even fearful, steps when we have to make decisions where our emotions are unsteady and we can even be hyper-anxious about our choices. And perhaps you’re even conjuring up some incident from the past - or maybe even currently - where you seemed to be very hesitant or fearful of the steps you had to (or must) take. And perhaps we feel like that little babe in the attached photo.

 The ODB author went on to write from the highlight passage above about the King after God’s own heart: King David knew all about the need for God’s watchful care in his life. In Psalm 18 he describes how God gives us strength and guidance when we are lost or confused (v. 32). He keeps our feet steady, like the feet of the deer that can climb high places without slipping (v. 33). And if we do slip, His hand is there for us (v. 35). 

And if we meditate on all of the Scriptures above, as well as take in the linked song, we must realize that we need not fear when we’re take “baby steps” that are uneasy or fearful. God is with us; and His grace will always be there to help us move forward.

 So, let’s go … and take those baby steps we need to take today.

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … Steady me as I walk toward you, my Abba Father, 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.

August 28, 2015: A REAL Hero!!

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 239

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a video of Alan Jackson singing Blessed Assurance, declaring the song of all saved sinners … that of blessed assurance of the saving grace and the sainthood which is ours in the blood of Christ.

Highlight Passage: Hebrews 3: 1-3 [NKJV]  …  
1 … Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, 2 Who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house. 3 For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house. 
… To Christians suffering for their faith, the Author presents a case of the authenticity of Jesus as King Jesus, … the Christ.
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Highlight Context – Hebrews 3: 1-6 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  The Author building a case for the Sonship of Jesus.
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Reference Passage #1 - Romans 5: 6-11 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK ... 
… Justified by our faith in His atoning sacrifice and blood.

Reference Passage #2 - Romans 5: 8 [NKJV] … 
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 
… Do we get it; because if we do, this Hero saves us.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Tim Gustafson, used an interesting illustration to point to our real hero … the genuine Savior … our Lord … the One Whose blood did it all to save us. Gustafson pointed to a recent book where the research of the author uncovered the reality of the lives of a couple of men who have been glamorized and elevated in the movies to hero status, … that of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday (see attached photo of these two as depicted in a 1994 movie). The author of the book contends, as he stated in an interview about the real Wyatt Earp: “[This man] didn’t do anything remarkable in his whole life, … ever.” 

But if we go to God’s word, one can find many true stories of just the opposite, … i.e., very fallible, even broken men, who became real heroes of the faith. Consider Gideon, or Joseph, or even Moses, … or … in the NT, … Saul of Tarsus, who became the Apostle Paul and Simon, the fisherman, who failed Jesus miserably but became Peter, preaching to the masses at Pentecost. True heroes!!

 Yes, the ODB author today, uses Moses as the prime example of a real hero of the faith, … yet, one who was a murderer and a broken man who needed 40 years in the wilderness as a shepherd to develop the humility to receive a calling from God to become THE HERO who would lead God’s people out of Egypt. But even Moses, as much of a hero as he was, according to the author of Hebrews, could not compare with our ultimate hero, … Jesus, … the Son of God, Who died the most humiliating death ever to bring us into a right relationship with God, the Father (see the highlight passage as well as that of Romans 5 linked above).

 My friends, Jesus, is the only true hero of our faith; and all we need to do is believe in and worship this Hero as our Lord; and He has saved us for all eternity.

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … my Hero … I believe!!  … 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.

August 27, 2015: Purposeful Routine

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 238  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …   Please take the time to take in a video of Steve Green singing Find Us Faithful, declaring the faithfulness of those who walk the walk of faithful, carrying out the disciplines of the faith diligently every day.

 
Highlight Passage: 1st Corinthians 9: 26-27 [NKJV]  …  
26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 
… Paul knew his limitations; and through maintaining spiritual discipline, he kept himself in “fighting shape” to carry out his calling
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Highlight Context – 1st Corinthians 9: 19-27 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  Paul’s routine was his spiritual discipline to maintain his mission sharpness.
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Reference Passage #1 - Psalm 119: 9, 11 [NKJV] … 
9 How can a young man cleanse his way? … By taking heed according to Your word. … 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sing against You. 
…Hiding God’s word in our hearts (though contextualization, memorization, and internalization) takes great discipline.

Reference Passage #2 - 2nd Corinthians 5: 16-17 [NKJV] … 
16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 
… Take off the old and put on the new … EVERY DAY!!!

Reference Passage #3 - Ephesians 6: 13-18 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK ...
… EVERY DAY, putting on the full armor of God to do battle.

Reference Passage #4 - Colossians 3: 12-17 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Maintaining spiritual discipline is the way to building the character of Christ

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, David C McCasland, used a very practical illustration to demonstrate the purpose in routine by telling about the so-called “rolling ball” clock found in a London Museum. You can see this clock in the attached photo.

 McCasland wrote: A rolling-ball clock in the British Museum struck me as a vivid illustration of the deadening effects of routine. A small steel ball traveled in grooves across a tilted steel plate until it tripped a lever on the other side. This tilted the plate back in the opposite direction, reversed the direction of the ball and advanced the clock hands. Every year, the steel ball traveled some 2,500 miles back and forth, but never really went anywhere. 

Sometimes doing something over and over and over and over, much as the rolling clock depicts, can seem boring and purposeless; but there are behavioral habits - or may I call them DISCIPLINES - which we carry out daily for a very purposeful reason. For example, I would guess that all reading here brush our teeth daily. … WHY? … Well, of course, we do it daily [maybe twice a day] to prevent cavities, … to avoid bad breath, … and to keep our teeth for a long, long time. It’s a physical discipline, which may seem boring and very redundant; but the discipline is necessary - FOR A REASON.

 And that’s what the Apostle Paul was getting at in today’s highlight passage (see 2Cor. 9: 19-27 linked above). Paul knew that if he didn’t maintain certain Spirit-led disciplines in his life, like an boxer working out in preparation for a fight, he would not be as effective as he should be for the mission God had set before him.

 And that, my fellow Christian, is why I’m here EVERY DAY, digging into God’s word and pouring His truth into my mind/heart (see the Ps. 119 and Eph. 6 and Col. 3 passages above). Being a “couch potato” type in my nature, I know that if I don’t choose to discipline myself DAILY with time in prayer and God’s word, I will not be well prepared for the battles which lie before me every day; and I will ultimately let my sin nature take over with my natural tendencies toward selfishness and laziness.

 So, tomorrow if you come to this site, I’ll be here, posting what I sense God is giving me to put on His full armor and to prepare for the day’s battles. So, if you’re here tomorrow, … “see ya then!!”

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … I come here today - as every day - to be with You, hear from You, and set my day - FOR YOU - in motion.  … 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.

August 26, 2015: Word Power!!

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 237  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …   Please take the time to take in a video of Phillips, Craig, and Dean singing, the song they wrote, Let My Words Be Few, poignantly expressing the need for all Christians to limit their words to those which convey the grace and love of God to others.

Highlight Passage:  Proverbs 18: 21 [NKJV]  …  
28 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, … 
… So, what I say is sort of important, isn’t it?!
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Highlight Context – Proverbs 18: 1-8, 20-21 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  We can have the power of life/death in the power of our words.
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Reference Passage #1 - Proverbs 4: 23 [NKJV] … 
23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issues of life. 
… Our words come the heart [see Prov. 23: 7 NKJV)

Reference Passage #2 - Proverbs 19:14 [NKJV] … 
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, … my strength and my Redeemer. 
… Oh how this is always my prayer!!

Reference Passage #3 - Ephesians 4: 29 [NKJV] … 
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 
… If our words don’t impart grace or build someone up, … SHUT UP!

Reference Passage #4 - James 3: 1-12 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… So difficult to tame the power of the tongue.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Marvin Williams, writes, as did Solomon at length (see Highlight and reference verses from Proverbs), about the power of our words to build up or to destroy. Hence, my link to the poignant and pertinent song of theirs, Let My Words Be Few, which we should all take to heart.

 As Solomon conveyed (see above) our words emanate from our heart; and the truth in Prov. 23: 7 is so right on, … As a man thinks, in his heart, so is he …. When we come to realize what the Apostle Paul taught in Eph. 4: 29 is so true, we can use the power of the tongue to avoid what James wrote about in James 3 [see link above]. And that is that the tongue has such power to destroy … that we must avoid letting anything come out of our mouths which will tear down or destroy. And Paul’s rule of speech held such truth.

 And what he conveyed in the Eph. 4: 29 passage (see above) was to avoid any words which do not either convey grace to the hearers or build them up in some way. So, as I wrote above after that passage, … if what I say doesn’t edify or give grace to others, I should simply keep my mouth shut!! So, that’s my prayer today.

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … Please give me opportunities to encourage others with my words or to lift them up in some way with what I say; … but if I feel anger or selfishness, to keep my mouth shut!!  … 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.

August 25, 2015: All Things Good - Really?!

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 236  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a video of Laura Story singing, the song she wrote, Blessings, poignantly expressing the reality that God’s blessings so often come in very unwelcome packages when the circumstances of life seem anything other than a “blessing.”

Highlight Passage:  Romans 8: 28 [NKJV]  …  
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 
… “All things?” … REALLY?!!
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Highlight Context – Romans 8: 28-30 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  God’s plan just doesn’t seem fair at times.
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Reference Passage #1 - Proverbs 3: 5-6 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… It’s the “lean not on our own understanding” part that’s tough at times.

Reference Passage #2 - Isaiah 55: 8-9 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… And there are times when God’s will and His ways are just SO HARD to understand.

Reference Passage #3 - 2nd Timothy 3: 16-17 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… So, if this is true - and it is, of course! - then Romans 8: 28 must be true as wall - ALWAYS!!

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Lawrence Darmani, uses, as his highlight teaching passage, one of the hardest truths in all of the NT to grasp - especially when we’re in the midst of really tough circumstances (see attached photo, extracted from today’s ODB entry). 

Common, … admit it! Life just doesn’t seem fair at times, does it? And some of life’s twists and turns just make Romans 8: 28 hard to believe. “All things” for our good? … REALLY?!! … But if Paul was writing truth in 2nd Timothy 3: 16-17, that ALL scripture is God-breathed and true, then His truth from the Romans 8 passage is also true; and we must then realize that what Laura Story wrote about and sings about in the linked song above is also true - that some of God’s biggest blessings are disguised in life-bringing tears and the anguish of tough times.

 Many reading here may be able to think back to times when believing Romans 8: 28 and the truth of Isaiah 55: 8-9 was just hard to swallow and to think of the trials of life as “blessings.” But then we remember how those tough times led to some of our strongest growth in Christ and brought us closest to God, we remember how God worked those tough times as blessings in our lives.

 So, if anyone reading here is going through one of those rough times and we feel like Paul did when he was visited with that thorn in the flesh (see 2nd Cor. 12: 7-10 - linked here) … and we want to cry out, “Take it away, Lord!!” Well, take note that the toughness of our circumstances is all part of God’s plan to make us over into His own image.

 So, … we move on in that reality today!!

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … I do recognize that ALL THINGS are from You and for me. Help me to grow closer to You in that truth 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.

August 24, 2015: Come Alongside

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 235

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Steven Curtis Chapman singing, I Will Be Here, expressing the love that close siblings or a married couple has for one another, being there for one another no matter what happens.

Highlight Passage:  2nd Corinthians 1: 3-4 [NKJV]  …  
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 
… Often when we’ve suffered in our past, we have a special empathy for others who are suffering and can come alongside them when they are in need of God’s love.
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Highlight Context – 2nd Corinthians 1: 3-11 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  When we come alongside a suffering brother or sister with the love of God, we are sharing Christ’s love of us with one who needs His care and love.
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Reference Passage #1 - John 13: 34-35 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… We show Christ’s love with to an uncaring world when we show our love to other needy fellow Christians

Reference Passage #2 - Romans 12: 1-2 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… When we share God’s love and His grace with others who need Him, being a “living sacrifice,” we are separating ourselves from the world and connecting to others with the love of God

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Bill Crowder, reflected on the love his family shared for one of Crowder’s sisters who was diagnosed with cancer. The illness brought the whole family closer together as they lifted their loved one up for healing and they cared for the needs of their loved one.

 And anyone who’s had a sister or a brother or a spouse go through some malady or ailment in life knows about sharing the love of Christ with one who needs His love in some time of trouble or trial. Steven Curtis Chapman wrote and sung a lovely song to his wife [see linked song above] about being there for her in times of challenge. And it expresses perfectly the love two sister might have for one another … or a loving couple … when one or the other goes through some life threatening malady. 

And that’s the kind of love which Christians should have for one another at all times, … showing the world (as Jesus spoke in John 13: 34-35) what His love for all of us is all about. He’ll be there for us - no matter what! - so we must be there for one another - no matter what!!

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … Let me show Your love to another 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.

August 23, 2015: Listen, … He Speaks!!

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 234  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Dennis Jernigan, who wrote this song and is joined by Twyla Paris singing, On My Knees, expressing the need of most of us today to unplug from the world and find refuge on our knees, in solitude, and in the presence of God. … And then ON TO THIS LINK to hear Dave Lubben singing Speak To Me … with the desire we all should have for God to speak to our hearts and that we would hear His call.  

Highlight Passage:  Mark 6: 31 [NKJV]  …  
31 And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. 
… Jesus tells His inner 12 to seek solitude to be with God, the Father.
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Highlight Context – Mark 6: 30-32, 45-47 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  Jesus teaches the need to disconnect from the world and rest in the Lord
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Reference Passage #1 - 1st Corinthians 13: 11-13 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… We SO NEED to get face-to-face with God; and the closest place this side of heave we can do that in this world is, as Dennis Jernigan and Twyla Paris sing (linked above) … on our knees, alone with God.

Reference Passage #2 - 2nd John 1: 12 [NKJV] … 
12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. 
… John last wish desired to see beloved fellow Christians … FACE-TO-FACE.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Cindy Hess Kasper, reflected on our deep cultural need to unplug for periods of time from the hubbub of information overload and get alone with God … just as Jesus advised His inner 12 Disciples at a time when they had been under great demand just after they saw Jesus feed the thousands on that hillside near the Sea of Galilee [see the Mark 6 passages above].

 What do you think would be the reaction if you asked the group of young people, depicted in the attached photo, to unplug from their laptops, iPads, and smartphones for a period of just 24 hours to get alone and just be with God IN SOLITUDE. It would be a hard sell, wouldn’t it?

 Today, we’re almost addicted to the noise of the world; and it can be so distracting from face-to-face connection with our friends and loved ones (see 2John 1: 12).   So many of us, who love God and seek His way, need to take Jesus’ advice to His Disciples and seek a closer and more abiding relationship with Him … yes, … by seeking to hear God IN SOLITUDE.

 Solitude?!!! … Now there’s a spiritual discipline that has become all too scarce in our world today, … hasn’t it? How often do we do what Dennis Jernigan wrote about in his poignant and pertinent song (linked above) … i.e., to get alone on our knees with God? How long has it been since you’ve done what I’m doing right now … to get alone with God - in quiet - and just listen for God’s still small voice … perhaps coming through prayer … or maybe, as I hear Him every morning, … through His word.

 Does God speak to you in your quiet place - EVERY DAY - through His word? It’s remarkable how many times, out of the hustle and bustle of the world, when I get alone with God - as I am here today - that His truth rings true in my mind, and I hear Him speaking clearly to my heart … sometimes lovingly, … sometimes with conviction, … often with direction . as He seems to be right now! … But He speaks; and when I listen and apply His truth to my life, I live with so much more grace than I do by listening to the world.

 So, let’s get quiet here … and maybe get on our knees; … and let’s pray the prayer Dave Lubben sings in his song, linked above . “Speak to me, Lord!” …

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … Speak to me, that I may hear You through the noise of the world.  … 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.

August 22, 2015: Godly Family

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 233  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a video of Bill Gaither leading his gospel singer friends in the song, The Family of God, with tears of joy flowing as these friends remember two of their number who had followed God and sang to His glory all their lives.  

 
Highlight Passage:  Psalm 11: 10 [NKJV]  …  
8 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; … A good understanding have all those who do His commandments His praise endures forever. 
… The lead in for Psalm 112 (see link below]
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Highlight Context – Psalm 112 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  God blesses the man who “fears the Lord and delights in His commandments. [See v. 1]
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Reference Passage #1 - Proverbs 1: 7, 3: 5-6, 4: 7-9 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… The Godly fear and seek God’s wisdom to guide them in all they do.

Reference Passage #2 - Matthew 5: 3-10 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… The blessed ones!

Reference Passage #3 - John 14: 21 [NKJV] … 
21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he 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 words of Jesus blessing those who love and live by His word.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Dave Branon, reflected on being raised by a father who had been injured in war but never complained and humbly followed God in raising his family. And Branon’s family were blessed to be led to know God and live by His word … because of a father who quietly knew the Lord and used God’s wisdom from His word to raise the Branon family.

 When I was first married and we had two daughters, I didn’t know God as my Lord/Savior. But PTL, I did come to follow Him as our girls were in their formative and growing years; and I’m so grateful to have discovered this truth of patenting, taught by Branon in today’s ODB entry, … that of being led by God’s word and using His wisdom to lead my family. Because both of our daughters now are Godly women with kids who are being led in Godly families by parents who know the Lord and follow Him.

 I pray that principle has been the way any reader here has been raised; and that now you are leading your family into the family of God. If not, … now is the time to begin to live for our Lord in His family, follow His truth from His word and leadings others to know Him and to follow HIm.

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … HALLELUJAH … Praise Your Holy Name that You, dear Lord, have led me into YOUR family for all of my days - and forever!!  … 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.

August 21, 2015: Lord, … You Lead Me, … I’ll Follow

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 232  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Aaron Pelsue singing the old hymn, I Have Decided to Follow Jesus, with a song of commitment to follow Jesus … no matter where He leads … and a more modern arrangement declares that we must not look back when this commitment is made …  

Highlight Passage:  Psalm 63: 8 [NKJV]  …  
8 My soul follows close behind You, [LORD]; and Your right hand upholds me. … The attitude of any who are disciples of the Living God. 
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Highlight Context – 1st Kings 19: 19-21 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  Elisha is called and follows Elijah
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Reference Passage #1 - Matthew 28: 19-20 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus' parting commission to all who follow Him … "The Great Commission"

Reference Passage #2 - Luke5: 10b - 11 [NKJV] … 
10b And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will be a fisher of men.” So, when they (Simon, Andrew, James, and John) had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him. 
… Jesus calls the fishermen to follow Him.

Reference Passage #3 - Luke 9: 23 [NKJV] … 
ALERT !! - You should know what Jesus calls His followers to do. 
… Deny self and be like our Savior!! … Follow Him.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Jennifer Benson Schuldt, reflected on her youth with memories of going to church camp in the summers, and gathering around a roaring campfire at the end of camp, … singing the old hymn, with the lyrics, “I have decided to follow Jesus, … No turning back, … No turning back!! … And so many around the campfire were burning for discipleship after their week together. Many of the youth felt God’s call; and had decided to follow their Lord.

 Following Jesus is not an easy commitment, especially in these days where the ungodly demands of the world are so strong. And in today’s Scripture readings above, we see others in both the Old and New Testament times, who made strong and lasting commitments to follow the Lord. … There was Elisha being called into a servant relationship to follow Elijah (see 1st Kings 19: 19-21 linked above); and there was Jesus calling the fishermen Simon, Andrew, James, and John to leave their boats - in faith - and follow Him (see Luke 5: 10-11) to become “fishers of men.”

 And during Jesus’ ministry on earth, teaching His inner Disciples and reaching out to others who were following Him around the countryside, He exhorted and called them to true discipleship by denying themselves, taking up their daily circumstances of life, and being willing to obediently follow Jesus as their Lord (see Luke 9: 23). And finally all Christians were called and commissioned by Jesus when He rose into heaven after His resurrection, … called by His “Great Commission” (see Matthew 28: 19: 20). And all who are sincere born-again Christians are still called by that Great Commission to obediently and humbly follow our Lord.

 The question from ODB today is … “ARE WE?”

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … You call, and prayerfully and obediently, I desire Your grace and strength to be Your slave.  … 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.

August 20, 2015: You Are My Neighbor

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 231  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a video of Dr. Fred Rogers singing the title song from his famous children’s TV program, Won’t You Be My Neighbor, where Rogers became the neighbor of every child (or adult) who watched his program, which taught so many wonderful Christian values.  

 
Highlight Passage:  Luke 10: 36-37 [NKJV]  …  
36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” 37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” 
… Since anyone and everyone in need is our “neighbor,” we must be neighbors to all. 
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Highlight Context – Luke 10: 25-37 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  Jesus’ parable of the “Good Samaritan”
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Reference Passage #1 - Luke 9: 23 [NKJV] … ALERT !! - I hope you know this one by heart !!
… Deny self and be like our Savior!! … Be a neighbor to anyone in need.

Reference Passage #2 - Philippians 2: 3-7 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Being a “neighbor” means thinking of the needs of others over selfish desires … just as Jesus thought of us as His “neighbor” and friends.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Marion Stroud, who BTW is now with Jesus, told an illustrative story of a friend who was looking forward to being with her close friends at church to study the difference between “going” to church and “being” the church … when a next door neighbor called. The neighbor, whom she’d never met, reluctantly asked for transportation assistance. Author Stroud related that knowing she’d miss her class with dear friends, she, of course, relented to help her neighbor by driving her for car repairs. And in doing so, Stroud learned an even more valuable lesson in “being” the church to a neighbor.

 When I was reading Stroud’s story, I was taken back to a children’s TV show which was created decades ago and starred Dr. Fred Rogers. The show, “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood,” was a delightfully entertaining show for our two girls as they grew up in their learning years. Though we weren’t Christians at the time, I now recognize that the values taught on this old TV show were those of Fred Rogers, who was a Christian, teaching Kingdom values to those on national network TV. It was a great show for our girls to be watching (see attached photo and Fred Rogers singing the show’s title song in the linked song above).

 And author Stroud’s ODB teaching today came from one of Jesus’ most famous teaching parables, … the parable of the “Good Samaritan,” where Jesus was teaching a Pharisee lawyer about the reality of being a good neighbor, … because, as the parable illustrated, everyone is our neighbor and anyone in need, even a pagan Samaritan (despised by the Jews), who was in need, deserved neighborly assistance. Question, …

With whom can I be a neighbor today? Do you need me? If so, call on me, and I’ll do all I can to be there for you?

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … If a “neighbor” needs me, let them call on me; and I’ll do all I can to be You for them 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.

August 19, 2015: Creating for God’s Glory

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 230  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a video of Brian Doerksen singing Creation Calls reminding us that all of those created by God, The Creator, are to reflect His glory in who we are and what we do in this life.  

 
Highlight Passage:  Exodus 31: 1-3 [NKJV]  …  
1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, … 
… When God led Moses to build the Tabernacle, the Lord called specific artisans to craft all the furnishings for His dwelling place.
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Highlight Context – Exodus 31: 1-11 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  Some are called by God to use their talents and gifts for His glory …
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Reference Passage #1 - 1st Corinthians 6: 19 [NKJV] … 
19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 
… Saved Christians become the living temple of God’s Spirit … hence we are to do all we can to outfit our Temple for God’s glory.

Reference Passage #2 - Ephesians 2: 8-10 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK … 
…  In faith we are born again to be His workmanship on this earth all the years we are given to reflect His creation for His glory.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Dennis Fisher, used a word picture illustration of artisans and artists who use their creative talents to reflect God’s creation and His glory in this world; and it reminded me of traveling to Jerusalem several years ago and seeing a group of Orthodox Jewish artisans who had been collected and funded to rebuild what Jewish scholars believe are the articles which should be in the rebuilt Temple of God [see attached photo of many of the articles this group has created]. These artists/artisans believe they are recreating the artifacts and articles spoken of in Old Testament Scripture which they believe will be necessary in a rebuilt Temple of David when their “Messiah” comes in glory to restore Israel to it prophesied glory.

 Now, we New Covenant Christians believe that these young, gifted artisans have the timeline of God’s story wrong; and that their Messiah has already come; and that He, Christ, will return again to establish His forever Kingdom. However, … we must admire the desire of these young Jews to use their talents and gifts, creating and crafting for God’s coming New Jerusalem. And we, who believe that Christ has come to save us and to be His workmanship on earth (see Eph. 2: 10 linked above), should realize that we should be doing all we can to keep God’s Temple (i.e., our bodies - see 1st Cor. 6: 19) clean and prepared for Christ’s return. And we should be using all that God has crafted into our bodies to reflect His glory by using our gifts/talents to create in or with His Temple as God did in using special artisans to prepare His dwelling place in the Tabernacle (see the highlight passage in Exodus 31: 1-11 linked above).

 The question from today’s ODB entry - at least for me - becomes - "Am I using my Temple [i.e., body] as God has created me ... for His glory; and what can I do today to prepare His Temple for His return?"

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … I pray that my life and works declare Your glory as do Your creation [see song linked above]   … 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.

August 18, 2015: Living Broken … Together

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 229  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK  … Please take the time to take in a video of the group Casting Crowns singing Broken Together reminding us that we broken Christians can live together in Christ - broken together.  

 
Highlight Passage:  Philippians 2: 4-5 [NKJV]  …  
4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, … 
… Breaking through self and living like the Savior …
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Highlight Context – Philippians 2: 1-11 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
…  Oh if we could just take on the mind/attitude of Christ … perhaps we could live more as He lived.
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Reference Passage #1 - Luke 9: 23 [NKJV] … 
23 Then He [Christ] said to them all (a large crowd following Jesus), … “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 
… Jesus’ teaching of true discipleship.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, David McCasland, used one of my favorite teaching passages in all of the Pauline epistles as the author’s highlight Bible reference in the ODB devotional for the day.

 I would first admonish any reader here with me today to read and meditate on that convicting/challenging passage in Philippians 2. And then PLEASE take the time, assuming you’re at a computer or smart phone, to use the song link above to read the lyrics and hear the song by Casting Crowns, entitled Broken Together.

 And yes, if you’ve read today’s ODB entry (see link below), you’ll note that my blog today takes a different approach than that of the ODB author. I have taken the Philippians 2 passage into a marriage context rather than a worldwide warring context, as did ODB, today. My approach asks the question, How many marriages could/would be saved if the broken, quarreling parties could/would take the same attitude as Christ took when He was surrendered to His Heavenly Father and went to the cross to save mankind? 

 In Phil. 2: 5, Paul, writing from imprisonment to beloved Christians, exhorted them [and us] to have the same humility and mind of Christ and to reach out to others (perhaps a spouse in a broken marriage context) and think more of the interests of the other rather than of self. How many tattered marriages, headed for divorce, could be saved if the parties could adopt the Christlike mindset of humility and live, as did our Savior, for others rather than for self?

 Oh, if we could just be disciples of Christ in our marriage and live as Christ commanded His disciples to live (see Luke 9: 23), and then live as Casting Crowns sings. And if we did, we might just live … Broken Together and many, many marriages would be saved to glorify God.

 Just a thought from one who had to learn that lesson long ago and applying it allowed my wife and I to celebrate our 50th anniversary just recently [see the attached image]. And we still live - every day - broken TOGETHER.

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, … I pray for any reading here to learn how to adopt Your attitude of humility and seek to live - broken together.    … 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.