December 20, 2016 ... Joy, Joy, Joy!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 355

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Chris Tomlin singing a contemporary arrangement of the classic Advent Carol … Joy to the World … poignantly and JOYFULLY singing of the joy which we should share everyday reflecting the joy of Jesus coming into our lives to save mankind. … And THEN USE THIS LINK to hear children singing of the joy we Christians should have in our hearts … and if you can’t be joyful hearing these kids sing so joyfully, you need to go deeper into your relationship with Christ to let Him give you His joy.

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: John 16:22 [NKJV] … 
22 Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. … " 
… Jesus promises joy in the midst of a scary, confusing time for His Disciples.
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: John 16:16-24 … USE THIS LINK …
… In the midst of a fearful/sorrowful moment, Jesus promises joy to come.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Luke 2:10 … 
10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 
 … Jesus on how we, as His disciples, must love others, even our enemies, just as He loved us.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Julie Ackerman Link, illustrates her teaching about extending God’s joy to others with a story of a mission teacher. The ODB author writes: When Janet went to teach English in a school overseas, she found the atmosphere gloomy and depressing. People did their jobs, but no one seemed happy. They didn't help or encourage one another. But Janet, grateful for all that God had done for her, expressed it in everything she did. She smiled. She was friendly. She went out of her way to help people. She hummed songs and hymns. 
Little by little, as Janet shared her joy, the atmosphere at the school changed. One by one people began to smile and help each other. When a visiting administrator asked the principal why his school was so different, the principal, who was not a believer, responded, “Jesus brings joy.” Janet was filled to overflowing with the joy of the Lord and it spilled over to those around her. 

Hey Christian [!] … are we joyful - especially in this Advent season - that Jesus came into this world, which is so riddled with darkness and pain to bring us His unfathomable joy? If we’re not, we should be; because JOY IS A CHOCE! And if we Christians can’t share some joy in this world, who will? 

Please take the time to take in today’s linked - and joy-filled - songs; and then meditate on the Scriptures provided. Then, … let’s all go out today and share some smiles and reflections of Christ’s joy with others. Let’s choose JOY to lift up the world today!

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Show me someone today whom I can share a little of Your light and joy, … perhaps merely with a joyful smile reflecting Your love. ... 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.

December 19, 2016 ... Love Our Enemies! … Really?!!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 354

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Steve Green singing … People Need the Lord … poignantly singing a reality we cannot dismiss with our feelings of anger or price … that so many people need the Lord!

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: Jonah 4:4 [NKJV] …  
4 Then the Lord said, “Is it right for you to be angry?” 
… God challenges Jonah’s unrepentant anger at God’s mercy and grace.
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: Jonah 3:1-4:11 … USE THIS LINK …
… Jonah’s pride and anger consume his consciousness.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Matthew 5:43-44 … 
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. ..."
… Jesus on how we, as His disciples, must love others, even our enemies, just as He loved us.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 2nd Corinthians 5:18-19 … USE THIS LINK …
… God has reconciled us to Himself through His Son’s sacrifice; and He expects us to carry on His ministry of reconciliation to all mankind, … yes, even our enemies.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Mart DeHaan, illustrates his teaching about extending God’s forgiveness and love to our enemies with a story about a Korean Christian during the Korean conflict. The ODB author writes: When war broke out in 1950, fifteen-year-old Kim Chin-Kyung joined the South Korean army to defend his homeland. He soon found, however, that he wasn’t ready for the horrors of combat. As young friends died around him, he begged God for his life and promised that, if allowed to live, he would learn to love his enemies. 
Sixty-five years later, Dr. Kim reflected on that answered prayer. Through decades of caring for orphans and assisting in the education of North Korean and Chinese young people, he has won many friends among those he once regarded as enemies. Today he shuns political labels. Instead he calls himself a “loveist" as an expression of his faith in Jesus. 

And then my ODB author, Mart DeHaan, reminds his readers (me) of how the Prophet Jonah had so much trouble setting aside his pride/anger at the historically evil people from Nineveh, refusing to honor God’s mercy/grace in saving these enemies of God’s chosen ones [see highlight passage]. And immediately I couldn’t help thinking of how so many Christians today hold on to hatred and anger at groups like ISIS or local street gangs in our day, refusing to pray for reconciliation and repentance from these people so that they might be saved as did God for those in Nineveh in Jonah’s day. And “… [OUCH!] …” I’m filled with conviction for my “Jonahvite” attitude.

Yes, … it hurts;… and how I need to take stock of my attitude and prayer for those who spitefully attack Christians in this world. And I need to be praying for them to see God’s light/love and repent to receive His saving grace; … just as Steve Green sings in today’s linked song above.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Yes, Lord, so many who spitefully revile You need Your saving grace. Help me to pray for them today and all days as You have commanded in Your word. ... Amen

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

December 18, 2016 ... Jesus Is ______

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 353

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from children singing of Whom they worship … Fairest Lord Jesus … poignantly singing of Who we worship as Lord and Savior … KING JESUS! … And THEN ON TO THIS LINK with Matt Maher singing that Jesus is his EVERYTHING.

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: Matthew 16:15 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK … 
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
… Jesus poses THE question to His disciples.
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: Matthew 16:13-17 … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus asks the most important question anyone will ever answer in his/her life.
=============

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Bill Crowder, uses an example of Albert Einstein’s recognition of Christ’s greatness in asking readers to declare Whom Jesus is to us. The ODB author writes: In a 1929 Saturday Evening Post interview, Albert Einstein said, “As a child I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene. . . . No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life.” 
The New Testament Scriptures give us other examples of Jesus’s countrymen who sensed there was something special about Him. … Jesus asked His followers, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” … He was searching their understanding and looking for faith. So He asked a second question: “But what about you? . . . Who do you say I am?” (Matt. 16:15). 

And Jesus’ latter question, “Who do you say I am?” … rings through eternity as the most important question any of us will ever answer in our life time. It is the “Jesus Is _______” declaration.

So let me give my answer(s). To me … Jesus is my LORD! … He is my Savior. … And, as Matt Maher sings, … He is my EVERYTHING!!

So, if Jesus were to ask you His question, … how would you answer?

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, You are my everything; … so, help me to live like it today and always. ... Amen

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

December 17, 2016 ... I’m Covered!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 352

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Morgan Cryar singing his song … What Sin? … poignantly singing of how God sees his children who’re covered by the blood of His Son, King Jesus, … the Lamb of God.

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: Romans 3:24-25 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK … 
24 … being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, … 
… Our righteous comes only from Christ shedding His blood as the lamb of God.
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: Romans 3:21-26 … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul explains the essence of righteousness by which Christians are spared God’s wrath thru our faith in the atoning grace of God from the covering of blood shed by His Son, Jesus. 
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Psalm 32:1 … 
1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, … whose sin is covered. 
… King David expresses he heart-felt gratitude for God covering and forgiving his sin with Bathsheba.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 2nd Corinthians 5:16-21 … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul explains that by our faith in the atoning grace of Christ’s blood sacrifice, we find our sins covered by Christ’s righteousness … FOREVER … !!!

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Anne Cetas, teaches on a difficult concept for many to grasp in the context of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. The ODB author writes: When talking about faith in Jesus, we sometimes use words without understanding or explaining them. One of those words is “righteous.” We say that God has righteousness and that He makes people righteous, but this can be a tough concept to grasp. The way the word righteousness is pictured in the Chinese language is helpful. It is a combination of two characters. [see attached photo] The top word is lamb. The bottom word is me. The lamb covers or is above the person. 

And that’s what the Apostle Paul was trying to clarify for Christians in his brilliant treatise on faith in today’s highlight and reference passages in Romans 3:21-26 and 2Cor. 5:20-21. And achieving righteousness to stand before God in my rags of sin, I can come, because I believe in my heart that my Lord shed his blood as the Lamb of God, and be covered in HIS robes of righteousness.

And so, … when I come to pray to my God each day in this place, my God doesn’t see a sinner clad with the rags of sin. No, … He sees only one of His children, who, thru my faith in what His Son did for me as His spotless lamb, … is covered by His Son’s robes of righteousness. And wearing those robes, covering my sin rags, I can come into His presence to plead my needs … by the blood shed by the Lamb of God.

Dear fellow Christian, take note of the wondrous Chinese symbol for “righteousness;” [again see photo and link below] and in this Advent Season, join me in deep thankfulness that we’re covered by the blood of the Lamb of God.

PS: USE THIS LINK  to take in more explanation about the Chinese symbol for the word “righteousness” in the attached photo.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, You’ve got me covered by Your blood; and today - and all days - I can, in faith, wear Your robes of righteousness to cover my rags of sin. … HALLELUJAH! ... Amen

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

December 16, 2016 ... Taking God’s Medicine

 Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 351

 Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …   Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images a from the group Unspoken singing their song … Call It Grace … poignantly singing of God’s grace, which often has to be consumed like bitter medicine.

=============
Highlight Verse: Jeremiah 7:2 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK … 
2 “Stand in the gate of the Lord’s house, and proclaim there this word, and say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, all you of Judah who enter in at these gates to worship the Lord!’” 
… When we enter into God’s House of Worship we are to do so living in accord with His commandments.
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: Jeremiah 7:1-11 … USE THIS LINK …
… God thru the Prophet Jeremiah rebukes His children to live according to His commandments. 
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … John 14:21 … 
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 makes it clear to whom He will manifest Himself … only to those whose heartfelt desire is keep His commandments.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Hebrews 12: 3-7 … USE THIS LINK …
… God is our Heavenly Father; and He will deal with His children as a father who loves his kids and chastens them as they need it.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Lawrence Darmani, refers to the words of the Prophet Jeremiah in teaching on living true to God’s will and His word. The ODB author writes: Jeremiah of old quizzed the people, “Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury . . . follow other gods you have not known, and then come and stand before me in this house, which bears my Name, and say, ‘We are safe’—safe to do all these detestable things?” (7:9–10).  
… Like a bitter herb that heals malaria, his words were spiritually curative. When we hear hard words [of truth], instead of walking away, may we respond to their healing effect. 

When you were a child, did you ever have to take medicine, doled out by a loving parent, which was bitter [see photo] … but was exactly what you needed for healing your ills? Well, quite often we hear a sermon, or take in God’s truth from His word, or hear a bitter rebuke from a friend, which we know, in our hearts, is needed but it’s bitter medicine at the time we take it in?

Do I sense a clear “Amen” from many reading here with me.

At times I most certainly have needed what the Prophet Jeremiah was called on to dole out in prophetic medicine to God’s children [see highlight passage]. They needed to hear of their hypocrisy and selfishness; and God gave them their bitter medicine of truth thru Jeremiah. And when we’re truly surrendered to Him, He will often have to do that for us as well.

So, if any reading here with me need to be cleansed or healed by some contrite confession [see the truth of 1John 1:9 or James 5:16], I pray we will take our healing medicine, no matter how bitter it is, to glorify the Loving Father Who gives it to us.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, give me my dose of Your love medicine today, no matter how bitter it may taste. ... 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.

December 15, 2016 ... Face-to-Face In Glory

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 350

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images a from Gordon Mote singing his song … Don’t Let Me Miss the Glory … joyfully singing of the glimpses of glory God gives us as we head home to the ultimate glory we will experience when we see our Lord face-to-face.

=============
Highlight Verse: 2nd Corinthians 5:6-8 [NKJV] …  
6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 
… Our faith gives us confidence that our journey here on earth will take us home to be with the Lord forever.
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 … USE THIS LINK …
… God assures Christians, thru Paul, that He will have all of His Bride with Him in glory. 
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Revelation 22:3-5 … USE THIS LINK …
… Truth, thru John, as to where we’re headed as Christians. But … do we believe it? … Those who do, will see God face-to-face in glory.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David Roper, uses an illustrative story to teach on Christians holding on, in faith, to one day be face-to-face with our Lord. The ODB author writes: Henry Durbanville, a Scottish pastor from another era, told the story of an elderly woman in his parish who lived in a remote part of Scotland. She longed to see the city of Edinburgh, but she was afraid to take the journey because of the long, dark tunnel through which the train had to pass to get there. 
One day, however, circumstances compelled her to go to Edinburgh, and as the train sped toward the city, her agitation increased. But before the train reached the tunnel, the woman, worn out with worry, fell fast asleep. When she awoke she had already arrived in the city! 

An interesting story picture of us Christians, isn’t it? All too often we have imaginary fears which hold us back from even seeing God’s glory here on earth; … as Gordon Mote so poignantly wishes - in song - not to miss (see song linked above). But the important faith lesson here is that we don’t miss God’s message from His Holy Word that one day in this life we, born-again Christians, will fall asleep forever; and we’ll be in God’s presence, seeing Him face-to-face (see Scriptures above, especially the Revelation 22 passage).

So, dear one, let’s not miss what God wants us to see of His glory in this life to build our faith in that we are being prepared to be with our Lord and see Him face-to-face in glory.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … show me, Lord, glimpses of Your glory to open my eyes to what lies ahead with You in heaven. ... 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.

December 14, 2016 ... Lighting Our Lives

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 349

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Matt Redman singing … Light of the World … joyfully singing of the light of the world shining forth from the hearts of Christians who’ve come out of the darkness into Christ’s light of truth/love.

=============
Highlight Verse: 1st John 2:8b-10 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… The question as a test of our salvation is … “Is the light of truth/love burning in us?” 
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: 1st John 2:3-11 … USE THIS LINK …
… John teaches on a test of knowing God and being born again.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … John 13:34-35 … USE THIS LINK …
… Christ’s law of love, which burns as a light of faith in the hearts of all true born-again believers.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : ... 1st John 1:5 … 
5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 
… Pop Quiz: Does God’s light burn and shine within us? If so, we are assured of our salvation.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Jennifer Benson Schuldt, uses a personalized word picture to teach about the light of love which shines forth from the hearts of all truly born-again Christians. The ODB author writes: It was a dark morning. Low, steel-colored clouds filled the sky, and the atmosphere was so dim that I needed to turn on the lights in order to read a book. I had just settled in when the room suddenly filled with light. I looked up and saw that the wind was pushing the clouds to the east, clearing the sky and revealing the sun [see photo]. 
As I went to the window to get a better look at the drama, a [biblical passage] came to mind: “The darkness is passing and the true light is already shining” (1 John 2:8). 

Today’s highlight and reference Scriptures come from the Apostle John’s writings; and John wrote his first letter to burdened/suffering Christians in his day to help them have deep/abiding assurance of their salvation (see 1John 5:13 in your own study). Well, ... one of God’s tests of our salvation thru John concerns how well Christ’s law of love (see John 13:34-35) shines forth in our lives, dispelling the darkness of hatred which we see so much of in this ever-darkening world.

John wasn’t writing that we Christians wouldn’t ever sin with prideful or sinful anger in our hearts toward others. No, he was teaching that Christians couldn’t hold that darkness in our hearts continually because Christ’s love will ultimately shine forth and help us to dispel the hatred and show forth His light of love.

 And as I read this ODB today, I had to ask myself, … “Am I shining the light of Christ, by dispelling any hatred in my heart and moving toward repentance and reconciliation in my remorse for any sinful anger.” I think we all need to take that test today; and see whether the light of Christ shines forth to dispel any darkness in our souls.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … show me, Lord, if I have any darkness in my heart and shine Your light forth - thru me - to let others see Your love dispelling the darkness. ... 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.

December 13, 2016 ... God’s Bestest News!!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 348

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from a children’s chorus singing the old Christmas carol … Go Tell It On the Mountain … joyfully singing of the reality of God’s best news … that Jesus Christ is born!

=============
Highlight Verse: Nahum 1:15 [NKJV] …  
15 Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good tidings, who proclaims peace! O Judah, keep your appointed feasts, perform your vows. For the wicked one shall no more pass through. He is utterly cut off. 
… The prophesy of the coming Messiah, Who will bring peace and cut off Satan.
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: Nahum 1:7-15 … USE THIS LINK …
… God’s prophesy of the coming of the Lion of Judah Who will cut off Satan forever. 
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : ... Isaiah 53:7 … 
7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, … who brings glad tidings of good thing, … who proclaims salvation, … who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” 
… The good news is come; and He is Jesus!

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Luke 2:10-11 … USE THIS LINK …
… The Good News of Jesus’ birth … the best news God’s people had ever heard.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David McCasland, uses reality to teach about THE GOOD NEWS, … God’s best news, … the coming of His Son to save mankind. The ODB author writes: World news bombards us from the Internet, television, radio, and mobile devices. The majority seems to describe what’s wrong—crime, terrorism, war, and economic problems. Yet there are times when good news invades the darkest hours of sadness and despair—stories of unselfish acts, a medical breakthrough, or steps toward peace in war-scarred places. 

It is true. The evening news each night is permeated by bad news; but the network TV newscasts always plant one “good news” story as the last thing broadcast each night, … a story, as our ODB author touts … of peace, good tidings, and good will.

And that’s what the Prophets Nahum and Isaiah were bringing to God’s people, after they had experienced God allowing them to suffer in their ill-begotten selfishness and sin. Then, … the prophets (see scripture passages above) proclaimed the coming of God’s GOOD NEWS; and that good news would come so joyously in the Person of a Babe in a manger as the Angels proclaimed to the shepherds near Bethlehem the night Jesus was born (see Luke 2:10-11.

So, now it is our charge to “Go tell it on the mountain,” as the old Christmas carol sings. And so, … let us do just that … to everyone who will hear it … maybe even during this joyous time of year.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … help me, Lord, to proclaim Your Good News to those who will hear and receive You’re saving grace in faith. ... 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.

December 12, 2016 ... Self or Savior?

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 347

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images from Dennis Jernigan, singing his song … Who Can Satisfy … powerfully singing of the reality, especially pertinent at this time of year, that only Jesus can fill the hole of desire in our hearts.

=============
Highlight Verse: 1st Kings 18:37 [NKJV] …  
24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. 
… Jesus declares a difficult truth for mankind, especially with our human default to selfishness. 
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: Matthew 6:24-34 … USE THIS LINK …
… In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about kingdom values where those who follow Him must not try to serve God and money.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : ... Psalm 23: 1 … 
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
… Our Lord, our Good Shepherd, is the only one who can satisfy our wants.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Ephesians 3:20 … 
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, … 
… Paul shows true believers that our Lord can/will do all He can to satisfy our longings and give us far more than we could ever imagine.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Tim Gustafson, teaches a very pertinent lesson for this time of year where we’re surrounded by so much commercial temptation, taking our focus off of Jesus. He writes: Early in my career while doing work that I saw as more of a mission than a job, another company offered me a position that would give a significant increase in pay. Our family could surely have benefited financially from such a move. There was one problem. I hadn’t been looking for another job because I loved my current role, which was growing into a calling. 
But the money . . . 

Yeah, … “But the money!” It seems that so often, especially in this very commercial time of the year, the bottom line points to THE MONEY, doesn’t it?

And that’s why Jesus’ teaching on this matter in His sermon on the mount is so tough for us (see the highlight passage above). And the attached photo probably all too often depicts where our pursuits are pictured during the Advent season.

But Dennis Jernigan, in today’s linked song, clearly sings that there is only ONE Who can satisfy that hole of longing that God planted into the heart of all mankind; … and money just won’t do it, will it? … NO, only Jesus can satisfy us; and so, during these days where we celebrate the birth of THE One Who satisfies, let us turn away from our human desires and focus on our Savior, letting Him satisfy our hearts and our longings.

My Prayer Today: Lord, only You can satisfy my longings. ... 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.

December 11, 2016 ... God Works Thru Prayer

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 346

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images from Jaci Velasquez, singing Dennis Jernigan’s song … On My Knees … longingly and lovingly singing of the power invoked when we get on our knees in surrender to King Jesus.

=============
Highlight Verse: 1st Kings 18:37 [NKJV] …  
37 Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.” 
… Elijah’s prayer to God for Him to show Himself …
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: 1st Kings 18:36-46 … USE THIS LINK …
… Elijah prays for God to reveal Himself to the Godless Ahab and his court; and rain came forth after years of drought.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : ... John 15:7 … 
7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 
… Jesus on the effectiveness of prayer from an abiding and surrendered servant.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : ... James 5:16-18 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… James makes reference to the mighty and wondrous power in prayer by citing Elijah’s prayer.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, James Banks, makes reference to the miraculous story of Elijah praying and God bringing rain after years of drought to illustrate how God often works. He writes: God often chooses to move through our prayers to accomplish His work. We see this when God told the prophet Elijah, “I will send rain on the land,” promising to end a drought in Israel that had lasted three and a half years (James 5:17). … Elijah understood that God wants us to join in His work through humble, persistent prayer. Regardless of our human limitations, God may choose to move through our praying in amazing ways. That’s why the letter of James tells us that “the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results,” all the while reminding us that “Elijah was as human as we are” (James 5:16–17 nlt). 

If it is truth and God will often reveal Himself when we pray, why then don’t we do all we can to follow what Jesus said about prayer to His disciples (see John 15:7)? Should we not be trying to abide in Christ more diligently and bring our adoration, confession, thankfulness, and supplications (that’s the “ACTS” of prayer) to our Lord as righteously and intently and as often as we can?

The Apostle Paul taught fellow Christians that prayer, offered to God with a humble/thankful heart, was God’s prescription of peace for our anxieties (look up Phil. 4:6-7); so, are you as convicted about our puny prayer practices as I am?

My fellow Christian, it’s easy to see why Satan will do all he can to keep us diverted from our prayer life. So, let’s do more - even today - to prioritize the time/effort we spend in prayer, knowing that this will be time well invested for God’s glory.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, this is my time with/for You. And I’m here to follow You with my prayers. ... 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.

December 10, 2016 ... A True Friend

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 345

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Wayne Watson, singing his song … The Friend of A Wounded Heart … longingly and lovingly singing of our True Friend, Jesus, Who’s always there to lift us up when we’re wounded.

=============
Highlight Verse: Proverbs 27:5-6 [NKJV] …  
5 Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 
… But how often are we unwilling to be a true friend by lovingly sharing the hard truth with our beloved ones.
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: Proverbs 27:5-10 … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Solomon, tells us of the essence of true friendship, … which may, at times, offer painful rebuke instead of the kisses of untruth.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : ... Psalm 147:3 … 
3 [The Lord] He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 
… Our Lord is our true friend, Who heals our brokenness.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : ... Ephesians 4:15 … 
… 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ …
… The truth, spoken in love, may be painful but it helps us grow in the image of our Savior.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Poh Fang Chia, makes reference to a telling article which shows us that God’s tough love is often necessary to bring us closer to Him and be shaped in His image. He writes: Charles Lowery complained to his friend about lower back pain. He was seeking a sympathetic ear, but what he got was an honest assessment. His friend told him, “I don’t think your back pain is your problem; it’s your stomach. Your stomach is so big it’s pulling on your back.” 
In his column for REV! Magazine, Charles shared that he resisted the temptation to be offended. He lost the weight and his back problem went away. Charles recognized that “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted” (Prov. 27:5–6). 

When a real, loving friend speaks truth, which may be hard to hear because of its pain, we often get defensive and may even bolt from the rebuke or honest appraisal. Anybody been there in the past? … I certainly have; and too often I’ve turned away from the love being expressed in this honesty, even turning my back on the true friend who shared truth with me.

I hope all Christians reading here know that Jesus is our TRUE Friend. He is what Wayne Watson sings (linked above), … the “Friend of a Wounded Heart.” And all too often our Lord speaks through the honesty, love, and even the rebukes of someone very close to us, … like a spouse or a “BFF” (our closest friends). It’s really tough to be a loving friend and speak truth into the life of one who needs to hear the hurt that heals. … But we must ... IF ... we’re really friends.

That’s what Jesus will do for us; … because of His love for us; and we must do it for those we love as well. I pray we will.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, help me to be a real friend and speak Your loving grace and truth into those who need Your healing friendship. ... 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.

December 9, 2016 ... A Special Advent Gift

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 344

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Merle Haggard, singing his song mentioned below … If We Make It Thru December … longingly singing of the discouragement many feel during the Advent season … but then ON TO THIS LINK  to hear a very different attitude for Christmas, sung by Michael Bublé … about images of a joyful time of year for the Advent Season.

=============
Highlight Verse: Acts 4:36-37 [NKJV] …  
36 And Joses [Joseph], who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 
… Note how the Apostles gave Barnabas a special name which described his gift of encouragement; … and we all should aspire to that name this time of year.
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: Acts 4:32-37, 9:26-27 … USE THIS LINK …
… Barnabas was the “son of encouragement,” a model for us all at Christmas.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : ... Galatians 6:9-10 … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Paul, exhorts us to never grow weary of doing good for others, especially our brothers/sisters in Christ.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : ... Philippians 2:3-4 … USE THIS LINK …
… Again, Paul exhorts Christians to to help carry the burdens of others to lift their spirit in Christ.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David McCasland, makes reference to a song written country singer, Merle Haggard, bringing out the downer many feel at this time of year [see song link]. He writes: An old Merle Haggard song, “If We Make It Through December,” tells the story of a man laid off from his factory job with no money to buy Christmas gifts for his little girl. Although December is supposed to be a happy time of year, his life seems dark and cold for some. Discouragement is not unique to December, but it can be amplified then. Our expectations may be higher, our sadness deeper. A little encouragement can go a long way. 

“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”

We read this wish on holiday cards at this time of year, don’t we? … But I think we all know that many people feel really down during the holiday season; and that’s what Merle Haggard wrote about in his song (linked above).

And the ODB author today pointed us back to a post-resurrection Bible character, Barnabas, who had a way of lifting those around him during tough times. And Jesus’ Apostles even gave him a nickname - “Son of Encouragement!” And during this time of year, when feelings of despair can be amplified for some, even with all the lights and glitter of Christmas, … we all should glean the exhortation of God (perhaps from Paul in Gal. 6 or Phil. 2 linked above) to reach out with some Barnabas encouragement for others.

So, I hope we can all give some degree of encouragement to others, … perhaps just a smile [see photo], … to help lift the spirits of someone who’s a bit down for Christmas. And if you’re reading here with me, watch the beautiful video of Michael Bublé singing and imagine that I’m singing his encouraging wishes … TO YOU.  ... {Oh, if I could only sing that well!}

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, yes, Lord, I do pray that all reading here have a “merry little Christmas,” all of us gratefully thinking of Your wondrous gift to us - eternal 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.

December 8, 2016 ... Praises In Surround Sound

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 343

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the family group, The Martins, singing the classic praise hymn … The Doxology … poignantly and powerfully singing the praises we all should raise to our Lord for all His wondrous works in our lives.

=============
Highlight Verse: Nehemiah 12:43 [NKJV] …  
43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and the children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off. 
… God’s people offering up songs of praise to reflect their gratefulness to God.
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: Nehemiah 12:27-43 … USE THIS LINK …
… The Levites gather the people around the walls of Jerusalem to praise the Lord in song loudly to Him and to all who would share in their joy.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : ... Psalm 150 … USE THIS LINK …
… I can just imagine that this may have been one of those songs sung by the Israelite chorus on the walls of Jerusalem being led by Ezra and Nehemiah.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Dave Branon, uses a modern day illustration to teach on how we can/should praise our God. He writes: Walt Disney Studios was the first to introduce a new concept in listening to movies. It was called “stereophonic sound” or surround sound, and it was developed because producers wanted the movie-going audience to hear the music in a new way. 

These days “surround sound” is certainly a wonderful way of enjoying the sound of movies or even TV or music in our own home [see attached photo]. But the concept is not a new one; and today’s ODB author goes on to show how the Israelites used “surround sound” to praise the Lord. He wrote: … Thousands of years earlier, Nehemiah introduced the idea at the dedication of the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem. “I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall,” he explained. “I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks” (Neh. 12:31). The two choirs began at the southern part of the wall, at the Dung Gate. One went to the left, one went to the right, and they surrounded the city of Jerusalem in praise as they marched toward the temple (vv. 31, 37–40). 

And more personally, I use “surround sound” every day, right here, as part of my devotional discipline, finding a song [usually on YouTube], like the one linked above that illustrates my journaling, putting on my head phones, which produce glorious sound production, and praising God by listening to, and sometimes even singing, the praises I feel in my heart for my God.

And on this day, which happens to be my birthday, I invite any readers to join me in reading the last Psalm, which is a glorious praise song (see Psalm 150); and then put on your headphones or let the stereo speakers from your sound system proclaim the praises of the Martin siblings as they sing The Doxology hymn linked above.

As Dave Branon quotes in the ODB devotional today and I agree, "We can never praise Jesus too much!" … And to that I loudly declare in my own surround sound, … AMEN and HALLELUJAH!!! 

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, I lift my praises to You this day for all the glorious blessings You have brought into my life. Hallelujah and hallelujah!!! ... Amen

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

December 7, 2016 ... Together in Christ

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 342

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from The Gettys singing their song … By Faith … poignantly and powerfully singing that the only we way we can be unified in spirit is to surrender to God’s Spirit in faith and follow our Lord TOGETHER!

=============
Highlight Verse: Ephesians 4:3 [NKJV] …  
… 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 
… But do we?
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: Ephesians 4:1-6 … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Paul, exhorts Christians to be unified, … even in our differences.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : ... Isaiah 53:6 … 
6 All we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 
… Only in/thru Christ can we find the unity of His cleansing for our selfishness and sinfulness.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : ... 1st Corinthians 12: 12-13 … 
12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 
… We are many - and different - but unified by God’s Spirit into ONE Body, … the Body of Christ.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : ... Philippians 2:1-2 … 
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 
… God, thru Paul, so wanted (and now wants) all in His body to come together and find unity from/in His Spirit. My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Marvin Williams, uses a poignant natural illustration to teach on how our differences can come together in unity through our face and surrender to God’s Spirit. He writes: Seeing three large predatory animals cuddle and play together is extremely unusual. Yet this is precisely what happens daily in an animal sanctuary in Georgia. In 2001, after months of neglect and abuse, a lion, a Bengal tiger, and a black bear were rescued by Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary. “We could have separated them,” said the assistant director. “But since they came as a kind of family, we decided to keep them together.” The trio had found comfort in each other during their time of mistreatment, and, despite their differences, they live peacefully together. 

Does this photo image of those three, as well as the linked song and these Scriptures, speak to you as strongly as they do to me? Because I see so much discord and division surrounding and involving God’s chosen ones these days.

Yes, as Isaiah prophesied (see Is. 53:6 above), we are different and our individuality, especially our selfishness, drives us apart. Even God’s church has allowed denominationalism and division to weaken its impact on the world. But the rest of God’s truth (see passages above), speaks to the reality that, like those creatures in the photo, we can, as the Gettys sing, come together in the unity of our faith and surrender to receive God’s enabling grace to be His UNIFIED BODY and giving Him glory on earth.

How about we all do ALL we can to make that happen and allow others to see God’s created and chosen ones come together in love … as His word commands … to impact the world for Christ?

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, help us as Your Body to come together in faith and unity and serve Your kingdom 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.

December 6, 2016 ... More Kindness Please!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 341

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Glen Campbell singing … Try A Little Kindness … poignantly and powerfully singing of something sorely needed in this world today.

=============
Highlight Verse: Ephesians 5:32 [NKJV] … 
32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. … 
But are we?
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: Ephesians 4:29-32 … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Paul, exhorts Christians to be kind to one another in word and deed.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : ... Psalms 141:3-4 … USE THIS LINK …
… King David’s warning against all unkindness and wickedness.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : ... Galatians 5:22-23 … 
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, KINDNESS, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 
… Our call to fruitfulness by God. But are we?

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David Roper, uses an illustration from literature to illustrate God’s call for us to be kind to one another. He writes: When I was a child I was an ardent reader of L. Frank Baum's Land of Oz books. I recently came across Rinkitink in Oz with all the original artwork. I laughed again at the antics of Baum's irrepressible, good-hearted King Rinkitink with his down-to-earth goodness. Young Prince Inga described him best: “His heart is kind and gentle and that is far better than being wise." 
How simple and how sensible! Yet who has not wounded the heart of someone dear to us by a harsh word? By doing so, we disturb the peace and quiet of the hour and we can undo much of the good we have done toward those we love. "A small unkindness is a great offense,” said Hannah More, an 18th-century English writer. 

I really don’t need to add very much to all that’s above today. So, … if you’ve taken in the pertinent, poignant, and powerful message of Glen Campbell’s lyrics in his linked song above as well as David Roper’s reflections AND especially the truths from God’s word above, it really says it all, doesn’t it? So, for once I won’t be too wordy!

So, how about it? … Let’s just do all we can today to “try a little kindness” in what we think, and especially what we say and do.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, help me to be as kind to others today as You have been to me ALWAYS. ... Amen

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

December 5, 2016 ... Lights of Christmas

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 340

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Matt Redman singing … Light of the World … poignantly singing of King Jesus as the light of the world, Who came into the world as flesh to shine our way out of the darkness of sin to live in/with our Lord forever.

=============
Highlight Verse: Jonn 8:12 [NKJV] … 
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again [the Pharisees and His followers], saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” 
… Jesus declares clearly His witness to all who were to follow His light.
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: John 8:12-20 … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus declares clearly that He is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD!!
=============

 Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : ... Luke 2:8-9 … 
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 
… God, with His own light show announces the coming of King Jesus!!!

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : ... Philippians 2:5-11 … USE THIS LINK …
… My favorite Scripture passage at Christmas, declaring how Jesus came so humbly to mankind as our King and Savior.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, C.P. Hia, from Singapore, writes how his country lights up at Christmas [see photo], declaring Christ as the light of the world. He writes: Each year for several weeks around Christmas, Singapore’s tourist belt, Orchard Road, is transformed into a wonderland of lights and colors. This light-up is designed to attract tourists to spend their money at the many stores along the street during this “golden month of business.” Shoppers come to enjoy the festivities, listen to choirs sing familiar Christmas carols, and watch performers entertain.

Personally, I love the lights of Christmas, even tho I know that they are to promote the sale of holiday products. To me, all the traditional lights and Christmas carols create an atmosphere which honors what the advent season is all about; … and that is the humble, yet glorious, coming of the One Who would declare Himself to be the “light of the world.” [See the highlight passage above].

Yet, when King Jesus was born into the world, even though God’s light show and His angels announced His coming, it was not with a showy display of light for all to see. His initial light show was humbly displayed to small group of shepherds, considered by others to be the lowliest of all in those days (see Luke 2). But as the Apostle Paul would later write (in Philippians 2:5-11), Jesus may have set aside His glory and majesty, coming as a man, to live and die for the sins of mankind; … but nonetheless, our Christmas lights should reinforce the truth that He came as Matt Redman sings, as the “Light of the World,” to show our way to the glory of salvation.

So, when we see the lights of Christmas, may we all see God’s glory, the One Who came to shepherds and kings - and to us - a Babe in a manger - to become our LORD and Savior, … King Jesus! And as the Light of the world, He is the One who will come again to light the way for all, who come to Him in faith, to experience eternal glory.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, You sent the Light of world to save me. O glory, in this Advent season, … forevermore!! ... 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.

December 4, 2016 ... God’s Truth Treasure

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 339

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the Maranatha Singers singing … Thy Word … poignantly singing of the value of God’s word to lead us to His glory.

=============
Highlight Verse: Psalm 119:162 [NKJV] … 
162 I rejoice in Your word as one who finds great treasure. 
… Do we see God’s word as a treasure trove from Him to His family?
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 119: 161-168… USE THIS LINK …
… The Psalmist expresses the reality of the treasure he cherished which is God’s word
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : ... Isaiah 55:11 … 
11 So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth. It shall not return to Me void. But it shall accomplish what I pleas, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. 
… God’s promise of the priceless treasure which is ours from possessing His word.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Keila Ochoa, writes of a significant archeological find in Mexico. She writes: In 1932, Mexican archaeologist Alfonso Caso discovered Tomb 7 at Monte Alban, Oaxaca. He found more than four hundred artifacts, including hundreds of pieces of pre-Hispanic jewelry he called “The Treasure of Monte Alban.” [see attached photo] It is one of the major finds of Mexican archaeology. One can only imagine Caso’s excitement as he held a jade cup in its purest form. 

What great joy Caso, the archeologist, must have sensed holding the treasure trove he discovered, much of it glimmering in priceless gold. But thousands of years earlier, a psalmist, the author of Psalm 119, wrote of a treasure which was an even more valuable gift from God. And to this Old Testament believer, God’s word was the greatest treasure on earth; and it had transformed His life and was leading him to glory.

Today the ODB author summarizes the comparison between the treasure discovered by Alfonso Cast and the treasure depicted in Psalm 119 and the song sung by The Maranatha Singers (linked above). Ochoa wrote: Caso’s name is remembered today because of his discovery in Tomb 7. We can enjoy it if we visit a museum in Oaxaca. However, the psalmist’s treasure is at our fingertips. Day by day we can dig into the Scriptures and find diamonds of promises, rubies of hope, and emeralds of wisdom. But by far the greatest thing we find is the person whom the book points to: Jesus Himself. After all, He is the Author of the book. 

My friends, every day when I come into my quiet place to be with God to start my day and to write these journal thoughts, I have the opportunity to share in the greatest treasure on earth, given to mankind to save us from ourselves and lead us to eternal life. My treasure trove is God’s word; and I pray that anyone reading here shares in this treasure with me.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, Your word is my greatest treasure from You. It has saved me; and it lights my way to You every day. ... 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.

December 3, 2016 ... Helping the Needy

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 338

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Avalon singing … Orphans of God … poignantly speaking of the need for the Body of Christ to reach out to the most vulnerable of us, as with widows and orphans, often treated as orphans to bring them into the family of God, helping them in need.

=============
Highlight Verse: James 1:27 [NKJV] … 
27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. 
… God charges His family of true believers to reach out and live their faith by helping the most vulnerable in the family, … widows and orphans.
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: James 1:22-27 … USE THIS LINK …
… James wanted his fellow Christians to be doers of the word, not just listeners and to see this manifest in helping those in need.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : ... Proverbs 14:31, 19:17, 21:13 … USE THIS LINK …
… Solomon’s wisdom on the must for believers to help the needy.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : ... Matthew 25: 37-40 … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus speaks of when He will come to judge mankind, telling all that only those who lived their faith by helping the needy will be worthy of God’s eternal kingdom.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Amy Boucher Pye, uses a personal illustration, with which most of us can identify, to teach on our prayer life with God. She writes: The phone rang in the night for my husband, a minister. One of the prayer warriors in our church, a woman in her seventies who lived alone, was being taken to the hospital. She was so ill that she was no longer eating or drinking, nor could she see or walk. Not knowing if she would live or die, we asked God for His help and mercy, feeling particularly concerned for her welfare. The church sprang into action with a round-the-clock schedule of visitors who not only ministered to her but showed Christian love to the other patients, visitors, and medical staff. 

The Church universal is the family of God; and Jesus’ brother, James, wrote to Jewish Christians of hIs day to help them see what Avalon sings in the linked song, today … that there are NO ORPHANS in God’s family. And He wanted Christians to see that we must see and meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our “family” if we are to truly BE the Family of God.

Right now, my local church is committed to living our faith by financially and spiritually supporting a local rescue mission (as pictured in the photo), reaching out to help the homeless in our area, … providing food, shelter, and the Gospel message of salvation. And this local mission support has saved the souls and lives of thousands of men over the years.

We are blessed to be an active part of an effort like this to serve God’s family and His kingdom in this life. I hope that any reading here have ways to live out our faith as James preached in the highlight passage above. We are to be DOERS of the Gospel, not just HEARERS.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, help us to see those in need and then DO SOMETHING to help them … 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.

December 2, 2016 ... Talking To Myself and God

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 337

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Dolly Parton singing her prayer in song … Hello God … poignantly speaking openly to God in song with a prayer of contrition and a plea for God’s love.

=============
Highlight Verse: Psalm 116:7 [NKJV] … 
7 Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. 
… The Palmist talks to himself of how God has dealt with his soul.
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 116:1-7 … USE THIS LINK …
… The Psalmist has a quiet conversation with God and himself.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : ... Psalm 62:5, 103:2 … USE THIS LINK …
… King David has a self-directed conversation in song, knowing that God is listening.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, James Banks, uses a personal illustration, with which most of us can identify, to teach on our prayer life with God. He writes: Do you ever talk to yourself? Sometimes when I’m working on a project—usually under the hood of a car—I find it helpful to think aloud, working through my options on the best way to make the repair. If someone catches me in my “conversation” it can be a little embarrassing—even though talking to ourselves is something most of us do every day. 

And we do, don’t we? … Well, at least I do. And quite often, especially here in the later stages of my life, I find myself talking with myself, … but knowing that my Lord is listening … even bending down to monitor my self-talk, which includes Him (see how God listens to us in Psalm 116:1-2).

In fact, I come to a quiet place every morning to be with my God with few earthly/personal distractions; and I quite often find myself speaking to myself, believing - no, KNOWING - that my God hears me in my self-directed conversations.

In this morning’s linked song, you can hear Dolly Parton praying in song; and you get the sense that she’s just having an open conversation with God, believing strongly that He not only hears but He cares.

I hope that others, reading with me here, take the time to get alone - and yes, daily - to talk to ourselves, reciting our blessings and thankfulness to God as the Psalmists in today’s highlight scriptures above; and then pouring out our hearts, openly and verbally, with our confessions , thankfulness, and petitions; … because our God even bends down to hear our words of contrition and concern.

He so loves and cares for His children!!!

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, oh my soul is so weary of my selfishness. May I surrender more to You, Lord, … seeking Your will and Your way thru Your word … every day!! ... 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.

December 1, 2016 ... Light of the World

Berry Patch Devotions in 2016 - Day 336

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …   Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the Australian group Hillsong leading a large audience and receptively singing the chorus of the old hymn … Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus … poignantly singing of how when we focus on Jesus, His light shines on us and gives us a view of life that reflects His glory. … And THEN TO THIS LINK to see images and images from Matt Redman’s song, Light of the World, giving us God’s prospective our our walk in this world, with His Light shining to light our way.

=============
Highlight Verse: John 1:9 [NKJV] … 
9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. 
… John the Baptizer gives witness to the true light of the world … and that is Jesus, our Messiah. 
=============
Highlight Passage [context]: John 1:1-14 … USE THIS LINK …
… God’s word give believers a view of a darkened earth which produces the Light the world needs to bring light into the darkness and peace from the turmoil of this world.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : ... Isiah 26:3 … 
3 You [LORD] will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
... When we focus on our Lord, we can find peace and see light in the darkness of our world.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : ... John 14:6 ... 
6 Jesus said to him [a fearful Thomas], “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” 
... Jesus is the light of life when we are fearful or lost in the darkness of the world.  

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David McCasland, uses an apt word picture, of seeing earth from space, to illustrate how we can see the world when we focus on Jesus in faith, trusting in His sovereignty. He writes: “My perspective on earth changed dramatically the very first time I went into space,” says Space Shuttle astronaut Charles Frank Bolden Jr. From four hundred miles above the earth, all looked peaceful and beautiful to him. Yet Bolden recalled later that as he passed over the Middle East, he was “shaken into reality” when he considered the ongoing conflict there. During an interview with film producer Jared Leto, Bolden spoke of that moment as a time when he saw the earth with a sense of how it ought to be—and then sensed a challenge to do all he could to make it better. 

It’s true, isn’t it? When we focus on the world, things can look very, very dark, … even foreboding. But as the group Hillsong and Matt Redmon sing [linked above], and we read and believe in the truth from God’s word above, when we “Turn Our Eyes Upon Jesus,” and truly see Him, in faith, for Whom He is, … “the things of this world, grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

Need I say more? I think not.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, help me to focus on Your light, the Light of the world, and let You shine on my path through this 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.