November 19, 2015: Following THE Instructions

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 322  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Clay Crosse, Bebe Winans, and Bob Carlisle singing… I Will Follow Christ, … declaring what should be the pursuit of all Christians … to follow Christ … to seek His will and His way … from His instruction Book, … His living word!!

 
Highlight Passage:   Ezra 3: 2 [NKJV] …  
2 Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak[a] and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and his brethren, arose and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. 
 … Rebuilding the Temple, upon return from Babylonian captivity, God’s people followed God’s instructions from His word.
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Highlight Context – Ezra 3: 1-6 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… God’s people, following God’s word - AS IT IS WRITTEN!!
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Reference Passage #1 - Psalm 119: 105 [NKJV] …  
105 Your word is a lamp to my feed and a light to my path. 
… Best to use His word to light our way, … don’tcha think?

Reference Passage #2 - Nehemiah 8: 1-3 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… After the walls had been rebuilt in Jerusalem, God’s remnant were read God’s instructions in His Book of the Law by Ezra and their priesthood.

Reference Passage #3 - Luke 9: 23 [NKJV] …  
23 Then He (Jesus) said to them all (His followers). “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. … “ 
… Jesus’ directions to His followers … to follow HIM

Reference Passage #4 - 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’ directions to His disciples … to show their love for Him by following His commandments … HIS DIRECTIONS for life.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Dave Branon, used a personal illustration. He writes … When it comes to putting things together—electronics, furniture, and the like—my son and I have differing approaches. Steve is more mechanically inclined, so he tends to toss the instructions aside and just start in. Meanwhile, I’m poring over the “Read This Before Starting” warning while he has already put the thing halfway together. … Sometimes we can get by without the instructions. But when it comes to putting together a life that reflects the goodness and wisdom of God, we can’t afford to ignore the directions He’s given to us in the Bible. 

Notice how God’s leaders, Ezra and God’s Priests [in the passages from Ezra 3 and Nehemiah 8), in the highlight ODB passages today, helped God’s people get back on track when they had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon and were rebuilding the Temple. Ezra helped them see that the best way to rebuild the Temple, and their lives, was to hear, understand, and follow God’s word.

 What about you, my fellow disciple of Christ? When you purchase something which states, “Some assembly required,” do you go to the instructions; … or do you launch ahead, trying to figure out how to put all the bolts into place on your own? Personally, I’m a FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS kind of Christian, … primarily because I don’t trust myself, having tried many times to go through life, following my own way, rather than trying to do it as Christ instructed His followers (see Luke 9: 23 copied above).

 These days when my wife and I are planning to drive somewhere we’ve never been before, we’ve learned (well, I’ve learned) … that if old Bill is driving [me], we better use the GPS on my smart phone and not rely on me to try and nose my way to our destination. What about you? Are you the control-oriented type who wants to go it alone; or do you know it’s best to use the GPS?

 In today’s complex and confusing world, don’t you think, as today’s ODB lesson teaches, that it’s best to follow God’s GPS {i.e., “God’s Plan of Sanctification”), which, of course, is found in God’s instruction manual, the Bible, … rather than trying to launch out and go it on our own?

 I do! … That’s why you find me here, EVERY DAY, getting my day started by tuning my way to God’s GPS, … digging into GOD’S instructions for life, given to me in His word. Feel free to come along here with me daily and go over God’s instruction book; and let’s see if it doesn’t help us get through the minefields we call LIFE.

My Prayer Today:  Yes, Lord Jesus, … Show me the way, Your way; and I will seek Your directions from 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.

November 18, 2015: Son Shine

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 320  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Jason Gray singing… Glow In The Dark, … joyously declaring how Christians can shine the light of Christ even when surrounded by the darkness of the world.

 
Highlight Passage:   Matthew 5:16 [NKJV] …  
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 
… Could it be any clearer … i.e., what our task is as Christian Light bearers.
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Highlight Context – Matthew 5:14-16 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Jesus tells His followers to reflect His light into the darkness of the world.
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Reference Passage #1 - Isaiah 9:2 [NKJV] … 
2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; and those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a Light has shined. 
… God’s prophesy of Christ, the Light of the world, coming to dispel the darkness.

Reference Passage #2 - John 1:5, 8:12, 9:5 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… One of John’s main gospel themes … The darkness of the world needs the Light of Christ.

Reference Passage #3 - Ephesians 5:8-10 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul exhorts those (i.e., Christians) who’ve been given Christ’s light to walk in His Light.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Lawrence Darmani, used an interesting quirk of geography to illustrate how we, as Christians, need to be bearers of the Light of Christ. He writes … Due to its location among sheer mountains and its northern latitude, Rjukan, Norway, does not see natural sunlight from October to March. To lighten up the town, the citizens installed large mirrors on the mountainside to reflect the sunrays and beam sunlight into the town square. [See attached photo] The continuous glow is made possible because the giant mirrors rotate with the rising and setting sun. 

Hey, fellow Christian, … have you ever been in a place where you feel like the darkness of the world, or your own heart, is closing in around you? … Sure! … We all have, haven’t we?

 But today’s message from Jesus to His true followers - I.e., disciples - (in Matthew 5:14-16) charges us to take His light, and shine it into the dark places in this world [see all the passages from John’s Gospel). That’s why Lawrence Darmani’s word picture in today’s ODB is so illustrative of what we need to be for the world … and that is “Son Light.”

 Please take the time to use the You Tube link above and view a joyful video of Jason Gray singing his upbeat song, ”Glow In The Dark,” with a bright illustration in song and video of how we should’n’t let the darkness of the world overtake us.

 NO! … We should go out - even today - and reflect the light of the Son into the darkness around us.

My Prayer Today:  Yes, Lord Jesus, … Shine, Jesus, shine … thru me - somehow - 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.

November 17, 2015: Safely In His Arms

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 320  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of an anonymous chorus singing an old 19th century Fanny Crosby hymn… Safe In The Arms of Jesus, … declaring the reality of our being comforted - in our faith - by the One Who came to save us from our sorrows, struggles, and fears.

Highlight Passage:   Isaiah 66: 13 [NKJV] …  
13 As one whom his mother comforts, so I (the LORD) shall comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. 
… God will take His people into His arms one day to comfort them FOREVER.
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Highlight Context – Isaiah 66:5-13 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… God’s prophesy of ultimate peace in Israel to be in the arms of His Son (Jesus)
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Reference Passage #1 - Isaiah 26: 3 [NKJV] … 
3 You (Lord) will keep him (your own) in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. 
… God’s promise of peace to those who trust Him and keep their focus on Him.

Reference Passage #2 - John 16:33 [NKJV] … 
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will[a] have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 
… Jesus has suffered more (for us) and has overcome the world (for us).

Reference Passage #3 - 2nd Cor. 1: 3-4 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK … 
… Even when we have suffered, we can find comfort in the arms of Jesus and then share that comfort with others who suffer.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Jennifer Benson Schuldt, shared a personal illustration to illustrate her teaching. She writes, I sat next to my daughter’s bed in a recovery room after she had undergone surgery. When her eyes fluttered open, she realized she was uncomfortable and started to cry. I tried to reassure her by stroking her arm, but she only became more upset. With help from a nurse, I moved her from the bed and onto my lap. I brushed tears from her cheeks and reminded her that she would eventually feel better. 

There are times when we suffer when the only ones who can give us comfort are ones we trust, and especially ones who’ve been through suffering themselves. That’s what author Schuldt is teaching with her own witness. Yes, we will suffer in this life. But as Jesus, Himself, taught, we can be comforted by the One Who has overcome the world for those who believe in Him [see John 16:33]. And that’s what Isaiah proclaimed over 700 years before Christ was incarnated to save the world. (see Isaiah 26:3 and today’s highlight passage in Is. 66)

 My fellow Christian, as we live in this world, especially when we encounter troubles or pain or struggles, we simply must crawl up in the lap of our Lord, Jesus, as author Schuldt pictured and is depicted in the attached photo today. And be comforted, finding peace, from the One Who has overcome our world of hurts and is coming again to take His people to be with Him … FOREVER !!! … in that place of no tears or sorrow.

My Prayer Today:  Yes, Lord Jesus, … Come soon, and take us to be with You in 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.

November 16, 2015: Fulfilling Christ’s Law

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 319  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Steve Green singing… People Need the Lord, … declaring what should the desire of all Christians … to share the burdens of others with God’s love and grace.

 
Highlight Passage:   Galatians 6:2 [NKJV] …  
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 
… Jesus came to fulfill the Law of God. Now we can fulfill Christ’s Law by sharing the burdens of others.
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Highlight Context – Galatians 6: 1-10 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Sharing our burdens with other Christians fulfills the “Law of Christ” [see vs 2]
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Reference Passage #1 - Mark 12: 28-31 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK … 
… The “Law of Christ” laid out by our Savior for all to read and all to live.

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.” 
… Loving others is to love God.

Reference Passage #3 - First John 4:7-8 [NKJV] … 
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 
… Loving others is to love God.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Bill Crowder, shared the essence of the “Law of Christ” with his readers (me); and his message really resonated with one such struggler [yes; me] and how all Christians must fulfill Christ’s Law by sharing the struggles of others … just as He, our Lord, has lifted us up in the all struggles in this life.

 Though the Bible doesn’t specifically spell out “The Law of Christ,” which Paul mentions when he exhorts Christians to help others in their struggles with sin (see today’’s highlight passage from Galatians 6 linked above). However, most scholars point to what Christ said in responding to a Scribe as the statement of Christ’s Law of love (see Mark 12::28-31).

 So, when I read what author Crowder was teaching in today’s ODB entry, I was stricken by what I (WE) can do to as disciples of Christ to fulfill the so-called “Law of Chris.,” And that is, friend, to share the burdens of others, especially, and first, the burdens of other Christians who are struggling with sin in their lives. And that is exactly what has become the personal calling in life for my wife and myself.

 It’s too long a story for today; but, as depicted in the attached photo/painting, years ago Christ lifted my life and then our marriage up when we were dead in our sin. And now He has helped us form a ministry to help Christians walk in victory from the self-imprisonment of habitual sexual sin (see www.battleplanministries.org ).

 And today’s ODB is asking all of us to be Christ for others and to fulfill His Law of Love by helping to lift up others who carry the burden of sin. I’ll leave it to you to fulfill Christ’s Law of love for someone else today or down the road of life.

My Prayer Today:  Yes, Lord, … Give me someone else down the road to use Your enabling grace to share the burdens they carry. … 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.

November 15, 2015: Count Your Blessings

 Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 318  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Guy Penrod singing the old hymn… Count Your Blessings, … declaring what should the desire of all Christians … to be thankful for all the blessings which God has wrought in our lives. … And then THEN ON TO THIS LINK to hear Laura Story singing her song Blessings, describing the reality that many times God’s blessings come disguised as the trials of life.

 
Highlight Passage:   Psalm 100: 4 [NKJV] …  
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His Name. 
… ALWAYS!!
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Highlight Context – Psalm 100 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… A song of praise and thankfulness to our Lord.
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Reference Passage #1 - Romans 8: 28 [NKJV] … 
23 ALL THINGS work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are the called according to His purposes.
 … Hence, Jesus declares that, in reality, ALL THINGS in life are, in some form, blessings.

Reference Passage #2 - 1st Thessalonians 5: 16-18 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …   
… God exhorting believers, thru Paul, to give thanks in ALL THINGS!!

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Albert Lee, used used a true story involving the famous Dutch evangelist/apologist Corre Ten Boom. He wrote, In her autobiography, Corrie ten Boom described her and her sister Betsie’s horrific time in a Nazi concentration camp in the early 1940s. On one occasion they were forced to take off their clothes during an inspection. Corrie stood in line feeling defiled and forsaken. Suddenly, she remembered that Jesus had hung naked on the cross. Struck with wonder and worship, Corrie whispered to her sister, “Betsie, they took His clothes too.” Betsie gasped and said, “Oh, Corrie, . . . and I never thanked Him.” 

Isn’t it true that we lose God’s perspective … that He would not bring anything into the life of the born-again Christ which was not for his/her good. Therefore, as Laura Story sings (linked above), so many things in life, especially the trials and challenges, are really His blessings in disguise. And therefore, as Betsie Ten Boom declared in her sister Corrie’s, remembrance above, we need to thank our Lord for EVERYTHING in life (see also Paul’s declaration in 1st Thess. 6: 18).

Yes, even the tough stuff.

 So, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, let’s do what Guy Penrod sings (linked above) and count our blessings … one-by-one; … and really, do all we can to even thank God for the tough trials of life, which are very likely His blessings in disguise.

My Prayer Today:  Yes, Lord, … Help me to have the discernment to see Your blessings - even in the trials 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.

November 14, 2015: Nothing Too Big for God

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 317  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Chris Tomlin leading in worship and singing… How Great Is Our God, … declaring the reality of the greatest of King Jesus, our God!! … And THEN USE THIS LINK  where Steven Curtis Chapman sings … His Strength Is Perfect to cover weakness when we cannot handle life’s trials.

 
Highlight Passage:   Isaiah 37: 23 [NKJV] …  
23 Whom have you (Sennacherib) reproached and blasphemed? Against Whom have you raised your voice and lifted up your eyes on high? Against the Holy One of Israel. 
… Don’t mess with God!! … He’s too big!!
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Highlight Context – Isaiah, Chapters 37 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… The Prophet Isaiah with God’s assurance of victory over Sennacherib and Assyria’s assault on King Hezekiah and Judah in Jerusalem.
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Reference Passage #1 - Romans 8: 28 [NKJV] … 
23 All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are the called according to His purposes. 
… Jesus declares that HE isTHE WAY to overcome any trials in our lives as Christians.

Reference Passage #2 - 1st Corinthians 10:13 [NKJV] … 1
3 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 
… No matter what the trial or trouble, nothing is too big for us to handle … WITH GOD!!

Reference Passage #3 - 2nd Corinthians 12: 9-10 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
…Jesus, Himself, declares to an injured Paul that NOTHING is too great that His grace cannot overcome.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Tim Gustafson, used used a story of the seemingly brazen faith of Finnish soldiers during WW2 invasion of German tanks. He wrote, It began as a distant, foreboding hum, then grew into an ominous, earth-rattling din. Soon hundreds of tanks and thousands of enemy infantrymen swarmed into view of the badly outnumbered soldiers in Finland. Assessing the murderous wave, an anonymous Finn lent some perspective. Courageously, he wondered aloud about the enemy: “Where will we find room to bury them all?”

But the faith of those Finnish soldiers was no more brazen than the true story of how King Hezekiah faced up to the assault of King Sennacherib on Jerusalem in the days when Isaiah was God’s Prophet in Judah (i.e., Israel). We read about it in Isaiah, Chapter 37, linked above, as well as 2nd Kings, Chapters 18-19.

 The Assyrians, with a far superior force of arms to those in Jerusalem, surrounded Hezekiah in the city and were going to starve out the people. But Hezekiah had prepared for the battle, building tunnels to bring in water and storing food to last for years; and then God did HIS thing and caused the enemies of His people to fold, which illustrates the point of today’s ODB entry … that NOTHING IS TOO BIG FOR GOD!!

 I exhort you to take the time to listen intently to BOTH of the songs linked above and to meditate on at least the three reference Scriptures provided; and if you’re surrounded by a tough trial now or anticipate one soon, realize that it is our Lord’s promise that He can - AND WILL - prevail over any challenge we face in life. Dear one, I strongly say again, … NOTHING IS TOO BIG FOR OUR GOD!!!

My Prayer Today:  Yes, Lord, … I believe that … now, help me live 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.

November 13, 2015 - Sin Wreaks of Death

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 316 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Phillips, Craig, and Dean singing… He’ll Do Whatever It Takes, … declaring the truth that God will provide His saving/sanctifying grace (i.e, His power) for us to overcome the sensation of sin and to be purged of its effects, … ultimately being reformed into the image of our Lord.

Highlight Passage:   Genesis 3: 4-5 [NKJV] …
4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 
 … Sin is so alluring; … but it smells of death.
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Highlight Context – Genesis, Chapter 3 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Adam/Eve drawn by the stench of death and tempted to go against God’s will by Satan’s lure. 
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Reference Passage #1 - John 10: 10 [NKJV] … 
10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 
… Jesus declares that He has proved THE WAY to overcome the temptation and death smell of sin.

Reference Passage #2 - 1st Corinthians 10:13 [NKJV] … 
13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 
… No matter what the temptation sin affords, God will not allow a Christian to be tempted/tried beyond his/her capability, with the assistance of God’s empowering grace to overcome the sin.

Reference Passage #3 - 1st John 1:7-9 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… if we recognize who we are, in our sin-ridden humanity, and confess our sin, God will cleanse us of any/all sin.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Marvin Williams, used used an interesting floral picture to illustrate the power of sin. He writes in today’s ODB. In August 2013, large crowds gathered at the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to witness the blooming of the tropical plant known as the corpse flower. Since the flower is native to Indonesia, and may flower only once every several years, its blooming is a spectacle. Once open, the huge spiky, beautiful, red bloom smells like rotten meat. Because of its putrid fragrance, the flower attracts flies and beetles that are looking for rotting meat. But there is no nectar. 

Williams illustrates that, like the “corpse flower,” sin is alluring to those of us who’re drawn away from the will and promise of God by our own sin nature. As it was with Eve first, and then Adam, we can be tempted to come to the sensational allure of sin; and like the insects are drawn to the corpse flower, we quite often, as did Adam/Eve, will fall to that powerful sensation of sinfulness. However, as it was God’s plan for fallen and sin-ridden humanity, to be freed from that curse (read from Genesis 3 above] in the Father’s Son, Who has given us a way to resist the allure of sin and to be cleansed by His blood (see John 10: 10 & 1John 1:7-9).

 So, fellow Christian, if we smell the alluring sensation and beauty of sin, which is death, in our presence, rely on the indwelling power of God’s Spirit, residing in us by our faith in God’s empowering grace, to allow us to turn away from Satan’s promise of sin to THE PROMISE of our Savior to give us eternal life [see 1st Cor. 10: 13]. We need not partake of the alluring smell of death [i.e., sin] and honor God by turning away from selfishness to partake of the eternal sweetness of God’s fruitfulness (see Galatians 5: 22-23).

My Prayer Today:  Dear Lord, … Allow me to see and sense the temptation of the enemy and to turn away to partake of Your fruit. … 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.

November 12, 2015: Majestic - OR - Messy

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 315  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Larnelle Harris singing… Love Found A Way, … declaring the truth that God found a way - through the grace of His love - to over come the messiness of humanity’s sin crisis.

Highlight Passage:   Romans 12:18 [NKJV] …  
18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 
 … Coming out from the messiness of life and living under the majestic love of God.                        
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Highlight Context – Romans 12:14-21 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Paul declares the remedy for the messiness of humanity … i.e, to live under the love of God. 
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Reference Passage #1 - Luke 9: 23 [NKJV] … 
23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. …” 
… Jesus shows the way to overcome life’s messy journey - by surrendering to His love and following Him obediently.

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’ love and grace are only for those who’ve been willing to give their all to/for Him.

Reference Passage #3 - Ephesians 2:8-10 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK … 
… Our good works are shown for God’s glory when we surrender - in faith - to receive God’s saving and sanctifying grace.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Randy Kilgore, used the following story to illustrate his teaching. When we first moved into our present home, I enjoyed the beauty of the geese that nest nearby. I admired the way they cared for each other and the way they moved in straight lines in the water and in majestic V-formations in the air. It was also a joy to watch them raise their young. … Then summer came, and I discovered some less beautiful truths about my feathered friends. You see, geese love to eat grass, and they don’t really care if it ruins the look of the lawn. Worse, what they leave behind makes a stroll across the yard a messy adventure. 

Like those majestic and messy geese, we have the dual potential for glory or gory. We humans can exhibit majesty or messiness as our free will leads us. When we choose to follow the Savior, life can be shaped into His majestic image [see Eph. 2:8-10]. However, when we choose to follow self, life often - really, almost always - can get quite messy, letting our selfishness and sin nature get in the way of God’s love and grace.

 So, when we surrender to God’s will and follow His way [see Luke 9: 23], usually being led by His will, we fly free like those Canadian geese pictured in the attached photo. But when try to control things on our own, trying to satisfy self, rather than the Savior, … well, I think you know what that picture looks like - messy, messy, messy!! …

 I don’t know about you … but today I’m going to do all I can to fly in God’s flock and following the lead of my Savior.

My Prayer Today:  Yes, Lord, … Help me to fly free with You. … 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.

November 11, 2015: Crumbs

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 314  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of the group Avalon singing… Everything To Me, … declaring the reality of surrender to Christ, where He becomes our everything and demanding our all for Him.

Highlight Passage:   Daniel 6: 10 [NKJV] …  
10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. 
 … Daniel was willing to give his best and riskiest time for His God.
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Highlight Context – Daniel 6: 10-23 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Daniel was willing to give his all for his Everything.
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Reference Passage #1 - Luke 9: 23 [NKJV] … 
23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. …” 
… Jesus knew that following Him as a disciple would be a very difficult investment of time/energy; but that is what He demanded of anyone who would surrender to His saving grace.

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’ love and grace are only for those who’ve been willing to give their all to/for Him.

Reference Passage #3 - Romans 12: 1 [NKJV] … 
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
… God demands not the leftover crumbs from His table … but nothing else than our best as a “living sacrifice.”

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Keila Ochoa, used the following story to illustrate her teaching. A friend was coming to town. He is a very busy man and his schedule was tight, but after a difficult day in important meetings, he managed to see my family for half an hour for a quick and late dinner. We enjoyed his visit, but I remember looking at my plate and thinking, “We only got the crumbs of his time.” 

 You know, dear ones, I think that too many who come to Christ as Lord and Savior and are truly “born-again,” may think that this Christianity living is a casual walk in a fragrant and protected park. But the early Christians, and many who are still being persecuted and even martyred today, came to realize what Paul taught (e.g., in Romans 12:1) … that being a real disciple of Christ meant that we must be willing to give our all.

 Jesus, we we are saved in faith, desires a sold-out relationship with Him (see Luke 9:23 and John 14:21). As in author Ochoa’s story above, Jesus wants more of us, as disciples, than just the leftover crumbs from the table of life (see attached photo). No, our Lord desires our best for His best (i.e., His grace).

 Please take some special time to hear and meditate on the linked song above and ask, as I am of myself this morning, … as I invest my time in life, am I really giving more than just crumbs of time to Him? Is Jesus really MY EVERYTHING? …

My Prayer Today:  Yes, Lord, … I pray that I am giving my best to You, as a living sacrifice; … not just the leftover crumbs from my table 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.

November 10, 2015: Shine Jesus Shine

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 313  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of the group Hillsong singing… Shine Jesus Shine, … praying in song that all Christians shine the light of Christ into an ever darkening world.

Highlight Passage:   1st Peter 3: 15 [NKJV] …  
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;  ... 
 … Always ready to turn on the light of Christ …
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Highlight Context – 1st Peter 3: 13-17 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Shine Jesus’ light, even in suffering …
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Reference Passage #1 - Matthew 5: 16 [NKJV] … 
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 
… Jesus’ teaching to shine His light to the world … BRIGHTLY.

Reference Passage #2 - Luke 9: 23 [NKJV] … 
23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. …” 
… Jesus knew that following Him as a disciple would be difficult … especially when we would shine His light brightly in a dark world.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Poh Fang Chia, wrote the following as he taught about sharing our Lord with the world, People will watch our walk before listening to our talk. The best witness combines good behavior with appropriate words, reflecting the difference Christ makes in our lives. … Whatever our situation, let’s shine for Jesus where we are. He can provide the grace we need to reach even those who don’t agree with us.

You know, it’s said that the way to catch a moth is to light a flame in the darkness where the moth is flying (see attached photo). Well, Jesus, when teaching on that hillside near Capernaum in what we call “The Sermon on the Mount,” exhorted His followers not only to follow Him (Luke 9:23), but also to be ready, when called upon, as Peter taught in 1st Peter 3: 15, to shine His light into a dark, and ever darkening, world (see Matthew 5: 16). In that way the lost will be drawn to THE LIGHT OF TRUTH, Who is Christ.

 The conviction question today is … ARE WE?

My Prayer Today:  Yes, Lord, … May I be more of Your Light everyday and be ready to shine Your truth in all I think, say, and do. … 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.

November 9, 2015: Safe Harbor

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 312 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Sara Groves singing… It’s Going To Be Alright, … declaring the reality of the ultimate peace found in a deep and abiding relationship with Christ. He’s our lighthouse in the storms of life.

Highlight Passage:   Psalm 107: 19 [NKJV] …
5 And they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. 
 … Taking our lost friends to Jesus.
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Highlight Context – Psalm 107 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… The Lord is our God of deliverance
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Reference Passage #1 - Romans 15: 13 [NKJV] … 
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 
… Paul knew where to lead others for joy and peace … into the arms of the Holy Spirit.

Reference Passage #2 - 1st Peter 5: 6-7 [NKJV] … 
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 
… Peter knew and exhorted others to come to the Lord, humbly, and cast all our cares on Him.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Dennis Fishers, illustrated his teaching with the attached photo and a story about Charity Island. He writes, Charity Island is the largest island in Saginaw Bay in the Michigan waters of Lake Huron. For many years the island has provided a lighthouse for navigational aid and a safe harbor for those sailing these waters. The island received its name because sailors believed it was there “through the charity of God.” … Sometimes in life we have to navigate through seas of troubling circumstances. Like those sailors we need guidance and a place of safety; we might wish for our own Charity Island. 

Dennis Fisher is asking his readers (me) to head towards God’s light of safety in the storms of life. The Psalmist in today’s highlight passage (please take the time to meditate on Psalm 107 linked above) wrote his song to steer sojourners to the one source of peace as God leads us into and out of the storms we face in life. Paul (see Romans 15: 13) knew exactly where to lead Christians when we face rough seas - into the hope we find in a deep and abiding relationship with God’s Spirit. And Peter, writing to harshly persecuted Christians in 1st Peter 5:6-7, also pointed us, as born-again believers to cast off all our cares on THE ONE Who cares for us.

 In a storm today? … Look to the Charity Lighthouse, Who is our Lord! And use the link to hear Sara Groves singing, … It’s Going To Be Alright.

My Prayer Today:  Yes, Lord, … Coming out of a storm right now, and You shine your Light for me to head in out of the winds and into Your arms of peace. … 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.

November 8, 2015: Faithful Friends

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 311  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Seve Green singing… People Need the Lord, … declaring a truth that challenges us all to bring our lost friends and loved ones to Jesus in prayer.

Highlight Passage:   Mark 2: 5 [NKJV] …  
5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” … Taking our lost friends to Jesus.
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Highlight Context – Mark 2: 1-12 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Jesus, seeing the faith of the paralytic’s friends, forgave the man’s sins and healed him.
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Reference Passage #1 - Luke 9: 23 [NKJV] … 
23 Then He said to them all (i.e, Jesus’ followers), “if anyone would desire to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me." 
… Another reminder, from the ODB story in Mark 2 today, just how challenging it is to be a disciple of Jesus.

Reference Passage #2 - Romans 10: 9-13 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… How many will I pass today who need this reality ?… Too many, I fear.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, David C McCasland, used a story from the Gospel of Mark to illustrate a truth. He writes, In ancient times, paralysis was viewed as a permanent, hopeless condition. But one group of men believed Jesus could help their paralyzed friend. While Jesus was teaching in the village of Capernaum, four of the men carried the man to Him. When they couldn’t reach Jesus because of the crowd, “they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.” 

As we know Jesus honored the faithfulness and determination of the trends of the paralytic by healing the man, but even more so … to forgive his sins, … something only Jesus (i.e., God) can do. My conviction today is wrapped up in the song, linked above and sung by Steve Green that our lost friends, … really all the lost we contact, … need Jesus’ healing and forgiveness.

 The question before me today is … Do I do enough to bring my lost loved ones and friends to my Lord, … at least in prayer?” Well I know what the answer to that challenge is for me - not often enough and not with enough diligence. Prayerfully my faith, forward from here, will be more like the friends of the forgiven paralytic in Mark 2.

My Prayer Today:  Yes, Lord, … I bring my sister to you today, as I do often - but not often enough - begging for Your healing and forgiving touch. Do business with her heart, Lord, and keep me under conviction to bring her to you more often until she is saved. … 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.

November 7, 2015: Jesus IS God!

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 310  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of the Maranatha Singers singing… Jesus, You Are My Life, … declaring truth of surrender to Jesus, the Son of God, as our Lord and Savior.

 
Highlight Passage:   Acts 4: 18-20 [NKJV] …  
18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 
… Peter and John, ordered by the Sanhedrin not to speak of Jesus, refused and went forth to share Jesus, … the Truth they knew would transform the world.
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Highlight Context – Acts 4: 5-20 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Peter and John, believed in the Lordship of Christ, and would not be silenced by Jewish leaders of speaking of Him to others.
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Reference Passage #1 - Luke 9: 23 [NKJV] … 
23 Then He said to them all (i.e, Jesus’ followers), “if anyone would desire to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me." 
… Jesus declares what His calling to discipleship is all about; and His inner Disciples, such as Peter and John, were totally surrendered, in faith, to THE ONE they knew was The Messiah.

Reference Passage #2 - John 14: 1, 10 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus, prior to His passion on the cross, taught His inner Disciples of His divine authority/nature; and after the resurrection, these Disciples believed Him TOTALLY.

Reference Passage #3 - Philippians 2: 5-7 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul came to believe - and share everywhere He went - the Gospel truth about Jesus, as the Son of God

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Lawrence Darmani, used a personal to illustrate his teaching. He writes, A church group invited a speaker to address their meeting. “Talk about God,” the group leader told him, “but leave out Jesus.” … “Why?” the man asked, taken aback. … “Well,” the leader explained, “some of our prominent members feel uncomfortable with Jesus.  Just use God and we’ll be fine.” … Accepting such instructions, however, was a problem for the speaker who said later, “Without Jesus, I have no message.” 

Then Darmani reminded his readers (me) of the incident when Peter and John were ordered by the Sanhedrin to silence their preaching and mention of Jesus [see the linked passage in Luke 4 above]; but Jesus’ close disciples refused to be silenced because they truly believed that Jesus was truly the Son of God and their Messiah.

 Jesus had declared such in His “upper-room discourse” (see John 14 passages linked above), and the remaining inner core of Disciples were sold-out and surrendered to Jesus as their Messiah after the resurrection; and they would not be silenced in sharing the Gospel message anywhere and everywhere they went. And, as a later Apostle, Paul, having encountered the risen Christ post-resurrection, was the same way [see Phil. 2: 5-7 above].

 The question from this ODB entry today is … Are we totally sold-out disciples of the living Lord … our Messiah? Use the song link above and hear the Maranatha Singers singing that Jesus is their everything in life; and then ask that same question as we move about encountering others who need Christ as their Lord/Savior. Will we be willing to share our Lord, the Son of God, with them today?

My Prayer Today:  Yes, Lord, … Give me an opportunity to share You with someone in my life, … maybe even 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.

November 6, 2015: Here I Am, Lord

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 309  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Daniel O’Donnell singing… Here I Am Lord, … declaring the commitment and dedication and courage of a Christian to surrender to God’s will and follow Him, … whatever His calling.

Highlight Passage:   Psalm 144:1 [NKJV] …  
1 Blessed be the Lord, my Rock, Whop trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle - 
…  If God calls us, He enables us.
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Highlight Context – Exodus 4:10-17 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Moses’ reluctant calling and his empowerment by God’s grace to lead God’s people out of Egypt 
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Reference Passage #1 - Luke 9: 23 [NKJV] … 23 Then He said to them all (i.e, Jesus’ followers), “if anyone would desire to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 
… Jesus declares what His calling to discipleship is all about.

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, re-entering heaven, charges His disciples to be His witnesses, … giving us all the power we need to do so.

Reference Passage #3 - 2nd Corinthians 12: 9 [NKJV] … 
9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 
… Paul remembering Jesus’ promise of God’s strength when Paul (or any believer) is weak.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Jaime Fernandez Garrido, used a personal basketball story to illustrate his teaching. He writes, When former NBA player David Wood was playing for Taugrés de Baskonia, I was with him at a Spanish Basketball Cup final. Before one game, he read Psalm 144:1: “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” He turned to me and said, “You see? It’s as if God has written this verse just for me! He trains my hands to catch rebounds and my fingers to shoot!” David felt called to play basketball and had learned that God takes us as we are and enables us to do what He calls us to do. 

David Wood grasped a truth that many believers miss; and that is that God’s calling is His enablement. He would never give us a clear calling, as David Wood felt, that we didn’t have what it takes to accomplish for God’s glory. However, even the likes of a Moses, seeing his own human failings had trouble grasping that truth. In Exodus, Chapter 4 [see linked passage above], when Moses encountered God in the burning bush, God called the exiled Jew to go back to Egypt and lead God’s people to the Promised Land. But Moses balked, not having enough faith to respond as Daniel O’Donnell sings in the linked song above.

 We Christians must always remember what Jesus said to disciples in Luke 9: 23, Acts 1: 8, and 2nd Corinthians 12: 9 - all copied above. He calls. He gives us His enabling grace; and all we have to do is follow Him. He will take care of the rest.

 Do you believe Him? Well, if so, let’s go do it today!

My Prayer Today:  Yes, Lord, … As I declared yesterday, Your grace is sufficient! … 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.

November 5, 2015: Control OR Contentment?

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 308  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Steven Curtis Chapman singing… His Strength Is Perfect, … declaring how God’s empowering grace is ALWAYS there for those who surrender to Jesus and receive His Spirit in humility.

Highlight Passage:   Psalm 86: 3 [NKJV] …  
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry out to You all day long. 
 …  David, in surrender to God’s mercy.
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Highlight Context – Psalm 86: 1-13 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
 … David’s prayer for mercy.
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Reference Passage #1 - Habakkuk 1:2, 3:17-18 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
…  Habakuk’s transformed faith.

Reference Passage #2 - 2nd Corinthians 12: 9 [NKJV] … 
9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. … Paul remembering Jesus’ promise of His strength when Paul (or any believer) is weak.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Shelly Beach, used a personal illustration to teach about God’s God’s empowering grace being available to surrendered Christians. She writes, The neighbors probably didn’t know what to think as they looked out their windows at me one wintry day. I was standing in the driveway with a garden shovel clutched in my hands, whacking wildly and angrily at a clump of ice that had formed beneath a corner gutter. With each smack, I was uttering prayers that were variations on one theme: “I can’t do … As a caregiver, with a long list of responsibilities to handle, I now had this ice to deal with, and I had had enough! … My anger was wrapped around a bundle of lies: “I deserve better than this.” … “God isn’t enough after all.” …“Nobody cares anyway.” … But when we choose to cling to our anger, we become mired in the trap of bitterness, never moving forward. And the only cure for anger is truth.

Anybody, besides me, have that T-Shirt? … Yeah, … been there - don’t that; … well maybe not angry at God because of icy gutters (see photo); but mad at God because things seemed out of control. Yeah, … been there, done that, … got the T-Shirt, for sure! … And maybe that’s the reason I so love the journal written by the Prophet, Habakkuk, in the Old Testament.

 The confused Prophet had come to God in Chapter 1 (see above links) with waning faith, angrily crying out to God with that big “WHY?” question. And then God sits the Prophet down and leads him through the reality that things were going to get worse before they could get better; and Habakkuk was going to have to trust God. And then in Chapter 3 (again see link), we read of Habakkuk resigning himself to not letting anything steal his joy. In other words, Habakkuk’s faith had been transformed by God’s enlightening and empowering grace.

 Paul had that dilemma too when the Apostle wrote about dealing with that so-called “thorn in the flesh.” And Paul finally, after praying in confusion over and over again to be relieved of the “thorn,” and remembering Jesus’ exhortation (see 2nd Cor. 12: 9), finally relented that he actually needed that thorn to keep him humble so that he could receive God’s grace to give him the power to deal with his own weaknesses.

 The question we have today is … do we want to be like Habakkuk in Chapter 1 or Chapter 3? Do we want to surrender COMPLETELY, as did Paul, and accept our “thorns” in life so as to receive God’s strength, or do we want to try to deal with life in our own weakness?

 I know the answer, … how about you?

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, Jesus! … Your grace is sufficient! … 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.

November 4, 2015: My Jealous God

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 307  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of the Dave Crowder Band singing… How He Loves Us, … declaring how jealous is God’s love for those who’ve come to Him in repentance and love.

Highlight Passage:   2nd Corinthians 11: 1-2 [NKJV] …  
1 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly—and indeed you do bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 
 …  Being protective of our love for our Savior just as He is jealous in His love of us. 
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Highlight Context – 2nd Corinthians 11: 1-4 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Oh, how we need to be jealous of our love for our Bridegroom just as our God is jealous and protective of His love for His foundlings.
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Reference Passage #1 - Exodus 20:3-5, 34:14 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
…  We should strive to be jealous of our love for God because He is so jealous of His love for His children.

Reference Passage #2 - Deuteronomy 4:24, 5:9 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
…  Again, … doing all we can to honor God’s jealous love for His own.

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.” 
… Our love should be guarded and shown through our obedience to His word.

Reference Passage #4 - Luke 9: 23 [NKJV] … 
23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
… Jesus lays out His criteria for discipleship, which declares clearly just how protective we should be of our love by denying self and following the Savior.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Mart DeHaan, used an interesting illustration to teach about God’s jealousy for His children. He writes, In 2014 a University of California researcher used a stuffed dog to show that animals are capable of jealousy. Professor Christine Harris asked dog owners to show affection for a stuffed animal in the presence of their pet. She found that three-fourths of the dogs responded with apparent envy. Some tried to get attention with touch or a gentle nudge. Others tried to push between their owner and the toy. A few went so far as to snap at their stuffed rival. … In a dog, jealousy seems heartwarming. In people, it can lead to less admirable results. Yet, as Moses and Paul remind us [see Scriptures above], there is also another jealousy — one that beautifully reflects the heart of God. 

In human terms, “jealousy” is generally denoted to be a negative character quality. But God clearly states in the Old Testament that He is a “jealous” God, Who loves His children so much that He protects us with His love. A dog may reflexively try to protect his affection for his/her master [see attached photo]; but we, as God’s children, need to do all we can to jealously protect the closeness of our relationship with THE ONE Who has saved us, … our Lord, … King Jesus.

 And really Jesus, Himself, laid out the way we can do this, i.e., to protect and demonstrate our love for Him (see John 14:21); and that is by doing all we can to deny our selfishness and to follow Him as closely as we can (see Luke 9: 23). So, today, let’s establish or renew our vows to do all we can to jealously pursue a deeper, more abiding love relationship with our Savior.

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, Jesus! … Thank You for Your jealous love; and help me to protect and show my love for You. … 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.

November 3, 2015: “Redundancy Teaches”

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 306  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of the group 4Him singing… The Basics of Life, … declaring that we need to get back to the basics of the faith … no matter how redundant they are.

Highlight Passage:   Colossians 3:23-24 [NKJV] …  
23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 
 …  When we serve Christ in everything we do, we honor the Lord with what we do. 
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Highlight Context – Ephesians 6: 5-9 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… As slaves to Christ, do whatever we do, as bondservants, unto the Lord.
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Reference Passage #1 - Psalm 119: 9-11 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
…  The discipline and repetition of getting God’s word buried deeply into our hears will change the way we think and act.

Reference Passage #2 - Romans 12: 1 [NKJV] … 
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 
… We need to make what we do in life, no matter how mundane and repetitive, our “living sacrifice” to the Lord.

Reference Passage #3 - 2nd Tim. 3: 16-17 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
…  Again, … God’s word buried with redundancy, deeply into our hearts, will change the way we think and act.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, David Roper, wrote of the discipline and fruitfulness which comes from following Godly mentors/leaders/counselors. He writes, The high school I attended required 4 years of Latin instruction. I appreciate the value of that discipline now, but back then it was a grind. Our teacher believed in drill and repetition. “Repetitio est mater studiorum,” she intoned over us several times a day, which simply means, “Repetition is the mother of learning.” “Repetitio est absurdum,” we muttered under our breath. “Repetition is absurd.” 

I too used to hate those recitations of Latin verb conjugations in high school. But now I realize that repetition and redundancy are what life is all about. And as my mentor used to say, over and over and over again, “redundancy teaches.” In fact recognizing just how immature I was as a new-born Christian, he took me on an 18 month trek where he had me contextualize and memorize two topically based (and practical) scripture passages each week. The exercise was a drudge, … repetitively memorizing verse-by-verse each week. And then repeating them over and over again, … until finally I was able to recite all 60 topical memory verses in the series to my mentor [USE THIS LINK]. That repetitive exercise changed my life FOREVER.

 My mentor realized that the very repetitive practice of scripture memory would do what God promised in 2nd Tim. 3: 16-17 [see linked above]. And if I pursued that exercise, as Paul exhorted in Col. 3: 23, for God … and not to impress men, I would be transformed; … and I was.

 So, perhaps we need to do what the group 4Him sings above and get back to the basics of exercising the redundancies wrapped up in the basics of our faith, … and I would maintain that the most basic of those repetitive pursuits would be getting God’s word deeply into our hearts so, as the Psalmist writes in Psalm 119: 9, 11, we can eradicate the sinful practices of our flesh.

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, Jesus! … Help us to do whatever it takes … no matter how redundant or repetitive, to honor you as “living sacrifices.” … 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.

November 2, 2015: Godly Counsel

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 305

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Clay Crosse, Bebe Winans, & Bob Carlisle singing… I Will Follow Christ, … expressing a Christian’s commitment to follow the ways of our Lord … ALWAYS.

Highlight Passage:   Ecclesiastes 9: 17 [NKJV] …
17 Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard rather than the shouts of a ruler of fools. 
…  Whom one hears and follows is important!
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Highlight Context – Ecclesiastes 9: 13-18 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Following wise and Godly counselors is a wise battle strategy in life.
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Reference Passage #1 - Psalm 119: 105 [NKJV] … 
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 
… Finding others who use God’s word as their light in life is wise.

Reference Passage #2 - Proverbs 3:7, 14:33, 15:22, 19:20 [NKJV] … USE THESE LINKS …
… Seeking Godly, discerning counsel from those who closely follow God’s ways is wisdom.

Reference Passage #3 - Jeremiah 17: 9 [NKJV] … 
9  “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; … Who can know it? 
… Our natural heart will lead us astray if we don’t follow God’s ways and His disciples.

Reference Passage #4 - 1st Corinthians 11: 1 [NKJV] … 
1 Imitate me just as I imitate Christ. 
… Paul was confident in his ability to counsel others.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Cindy Hess Kasper, wrote of the wisdom which comes from following Godly mentors/leaders/counselors. She writes, The cautions of a discerning friend can reflect the wisdom of God. … Ecclesiastes 9:17 says that the “words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard.” … Scripture warns us not to be wise in our own eyes or proud (Prov. 3:7). In other words, let’s not assume that we have all the answers! … Whether it is a friend, a spouse, a pastor, or a co-worker, God can use others to teach us more of His wisdom. 

It is true that we are wise when we use God’s truth, i.e., His Word, the Bible, as our GPS, discerning our way in life (see Psalm 119: 105). However, following others who know and follow God’s truth is also important because our natural leanings (i.e., our hearts) are wicked and ridden with deceit (see Jer. 17: 9 above). Therefore, we should find Godly - Bible following - leaders/mentors to help guide us through the minefields of life [see the Proverbs linked above].

 The Apostle Paul exhorted his fellow Christians to follow him because he knew he was following Christ (see 1st Cor. 11: 1). This was not bravado, only confidence in God’s Spirit, Who was leading Paul. He knew that as long as he followed God’s truth, others could follow him (as the Psalmist wrote in Ps. 119: 105).

 So, my fellow Christian, I hope we all have Godly leaders, mentors, or counselors whom we can trust because we know they are steeped in God’s truth and closely follow our Lord. And as they follow Christ, we need to follow them toward Godly discernment and a walk in God’s ways, … following His will, … through His word.

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, Jesus! … Help me to follow You so that I can lead others in Your ways … to follow Your will through 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.

November 1, 2015: Living Water

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 304  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Hlengiwe Mhlaba singing… Let Your Living Waters Flow, … with a prayer for Jesus, through His Spirit, to give believers His living waters.

Highlight Passage:   John 4:13-15 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
…  The waters of life for one dead in thirst.
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Highlight Context – John 4:1-15 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Jesus gave the Samaritan woman the waters of eternal life.
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Reference Passage #1 - John 7: 37-38 [NKJV] … 
37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
… Jesus - so willing (and able) to dispense His living waters to anyone who thirsts.

Reference Passage #2 - Romans 10: 9-13 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Partaking of the living waters - FOREVER.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Dave Branon, uses a story to teach about Jesus providing His living waters to any/all who believe in Him. Taking in the attached photo, Branon writes, As Dave Mueller reached down and turned the handle, water rushed from the spigot into a blue bucket. Around him people applauded. They celebrated as they saw fresh, clean water flowing in their community for the first time. Having a clean source of water was about to change the lives of this group of people in Kenya. … Dave and his wife, Joy, work hard to meet people’s needs by bringing them water. But they don’t stop with H2O. As they help bring people clean water, they also tell them about Jesus Christ. 

Personally, I’m drawn to the truth of this illustrative story because the church where I’m an Elder has participated for years in doing all we can to support a Pastor, the Rev. Paul Ngundu, in Kenya, who has brought physical water and the living waters of Christ to he Masssai people, with thousands of them coming to partake of God’s living waters over the years.

 And even more personally, why do you think that I come to the well of life, God’s word, every day? Well, as the Samaritan woman in John, Chapter 4 [see highlight link] came to the well every day for life giving water, so I come here for the waters which brought my spirit to life. Without those waters that woman in John 4, and those with whom she shared God’s waters, would die physically. But Jesus showed her waters that gave her eternal life; and she was born again SPIRITUALLY for eternity.

 Yes, I come here everyday to partake of the living waters God has given me to be quickened and kept alive in my spirit. And these waters not only keep me alive now, but they will forever. I pray that you’ve been brought to life and kept alive by the same waters Jesus gave to the woman at the well over 2000 years ago.

My Prayer Today:  Oh, my Lord, Jesus! … I thirst and You bring me Your living waters. … 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.