December 18, 2018 … Waking Up With God

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 351 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube of song and lyrics from Jeremy Camp singing … There Will Be A Day … poignantly singing of our hope, as Christians, to one day seeing Jesus face-to-face for eternity.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Deuteronomy 34:5 [NLT] … 5 So Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, just as the Lord had said. 
 … The Hebrew for “died there…just as the Lord had said” literally and figuratively means “was laid to rest with God’s kiss”
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Highlight Passage [context]: Deuteronomy 34:1-8 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Moses died in Moab without ever entering the promised land; but He then was awakened in Heaven to be with God in the ultimate promised land.
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Reference Passage : … John 3:16 [NLT] … [ I’m sure any reader here knows this one! ]
… God’s kiss of promise and love … is that I, having received His saving grace, will be with Him forever in glory.

Reference Passage : … 1st Thessalonians 4:14 [NLT] … 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 
 … Our promise in Christ is to one day awake to see Jesus face-to-face.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David H Roper, uses a parental word picture of a father kissing his sleeping child just as God must’ve kissed Moses with the promise of His child being with the Lord forever in eternity. The ODB author writes … I have a treasured memory of gatherings with family friends when our boys were small. The adults would talk into the night; our children, weary with play would curl up on a couch or chair and fall asleep. 
When it was time to leave, I would gather our boys into my arms, carry them to the car, lay them in the back seat, and take them home. When we arrived, I would pick them up again, tuck them into their beds, kiss them goodnight, and turn out the light. In the morning they would awaken—at home. 
This has become a rich metaphor for me of the night on which we “sleep in Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 4:14). We slumber . . . and awaken in our eternal home, the home that will heal the weariness that has marked our days. 

In meditating on the highlight passage in Deut. 34 in today’s ODB entry, it must’ve been disappointing for Moses in his last days to be able to see God’s “Promised Land” and yet knowing that he would never enter it physically. But at the same time, when he died, I learned that the Hebrew colloquial translation of Verse 5 of that passage (above), actually is translated Moses died with the kiss of God; and I’m sure he knew that he (Moses) would awake and be face to face with His Lord in Heaven.

That brings the picture of a parent kissing their child at night [see photo] with the faith that the child would be with them forever in heaven. And that is my prayer for all reading here who have children; and as well for those of us who know that we will one day be with our Lord - FACE-TO-FACE - forever [see 1Thess. 4:14].

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for the promise of being with You forever.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here, like myself, have surrendered in faith to God’s promise to be with Him forever. … Amen

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

December 17, 2018 … Find Us Faithful

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 350 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube of images and lyrics from Steve Green singing … Find Us Faithful … poignantly singing of those who will always walk the faithful path following our Lord into eternity.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Luke 1:6-7, … 13 [NLT] … 6 Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. 7 They had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both very old.… 13 But the angel said [see photo], “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John.
 … The faithful walk of Elizabeth and Zechariah was rewarded with a child who would become John the Baptist.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Luke 1:5-25 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Mary’s Song of Joy and Thankfulness at the realization of God’s gift of His Son in her womb. 
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Reference Passage : … Psalm 139:23-24 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Our prayer to be faithful followers of God’s path in life.

Reference Passage : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God's call to faithfulness … no matter the circumstances.

Reference Passage : … Luke 9:23 [NLT] … 23 Then He said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow Me. ..."
 … Jesus calls us to deny our own desires and follow Him faithfully … whenever … wherever.

Reference Passage : … Ephesian 4:1-3 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Paul, exhorts us to live lives worthy of our calling as “Christians.”

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Poh Fang Chia, uses the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth to illustrate how we must walk faithfully - ALWAYS - as followers of The Messiah. The ODB author writes … It’s that time of the year again, when families gather to celebrate the festive season together. Some of us, however, dread meeting certain “concerned” relatives whose questions can make those who are still single or childless feel that there’s something wrong with them. 
Imagine the plight of Elizabeth, who was childless despite being married for many years. In her culture, that was seen as a sign of God’s disfavor (see 1 Samuel 1:5–6) and could actually be considered shameful. So while Elizabeth had been living righteously (Luke 1:6), her neighbors and relatives may have suspected otherwise. 

It’s tough to live up to Jesus’ command of His disciples (and that’s us, too!) in Luke 9:23, isn’t it? Yes, … it takes a strong faith to live true to our calling as Christians (see Eph. 4:1-3). And that was the calling to which the Priest Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, found themselves prior to the birth of The Messiah, … childless and in disgrace … but faithfully following God’s commands in their life [see highlight passage].

And what was the outcome of their faithful following and trust in the coming Messiah? Well, Luke shows us in God’s telling of their being given a son, who would become John the Baptist, … their reward for being faithful, as Steve Green sings in the linked song.

So, what can we do, … how can we live, … to honor our Lord as faithful followers of His command in Luke 9:23? Well, … I don’t know about other readers here, but there is much more I can do … yes, even today, … to be a more faithful disciple of my Lord. How about you?

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for calling me and all of Your disciples, to be worthy and faithful disciples of Yours.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here, like myself, are committed to be more faithful followers of Your way as we pray the prayer of Ps. 139:23-24. … 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, 2018 … God’s Mirror of Truth

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 349 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube of images and lyrics from the group Mercy Me singing their song … Word of God Speak … poignantly singing about God’s mirror of truth, the Bible, which reveals our Lord to us as well as the reality our lives.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Luke 1:46-48 [NLT] … 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free [i.e., God’s word], and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. 
… Following God’s word is our mirror of truth.
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Highlight Passage [context]: James 1:16-27 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru James, reveals the importance of viewing our lives in the mirror of His word.  
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Reference Passage : … Psalm 119:15-18, 105 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… The Psalmist reflects his passion (and mine!) to live by and follow God’s word.

Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 [NLT] … 17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into his glorious image. 
… The reality of our relationship with Christ is revealed to us thru His word so that we can become more like Him.

Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 [NKJV] … 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 
… Slightly different wording … BUT … same meaning from another translation of this passage.

Reference Passage : … John 14:21 [NLT] … 21 Those who accept My commandments and obey them are the ones who love Me. And because they love Me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal Myself to each of them.” 
… In Jesus’ own words to His disciples, telling them (us) that He will only be revealed in those who accept and obey His commandments (i.e., His word).

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Lawrence Darmani, uses a word picture of a mirror to illustrate how God’s word allows us to see ourselves now as we seek to become more like Jesus. The ODB author writes … When I emerged from my hotel in Kampala, Uganda, my hostess, who had come to pick me up for our seminar, looked at me with an amused grin. “What’s so funny?” I inquired. She laughed and asked, “Did you comb your hair?” It was my turn to laugh, for I had indeed forgotten to comb my hair. I’d looked at my reflection in the hotel mirror. How come I took no notice of what I saw? 
In a practical analogy, James gives us a useful dimension to make our study of Scripture more beneficial. We look in the mirror to examine ourselves to see if anything needs correction—hair combed, face washed, shirt properly buttoned. Like a mirror, the Bible helps us to examine our character, attitude, thoughts, and behavior (see highlight passage). This enables us to align our lives according to the principles of what God has revealed. [see photo]

Really, … I don’t need to add anything here to get the message of this ODB author across, do I? And surely the words from God Himself in the Scriptures above, speak to what the group Mercy Me sings in the linked song?

And, in reality, the attached photo reveals why I am here daily, looking as deeply as I can into God’s truth, … i.e., His word, … so that I can become more like my Lord. And I think we all need to ask ourselves whether we’re looking into God’s word deeply enough and following the path laid out in it, … making it our mirror of truth and our “GPS” for life (God’s Positioning System). 

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for giving me (us) Your Mirror of Truth.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here are using Your Word as our mirror of truth to allow us to become more like You day by 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 15, 2018 … Mary’s Song of Joy

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 348 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube of song and images from Mark Lowry singing his lyrics and Buddy Greene’s music … Mary Did You Know … poignantly singing of how blessed was Mary giving birth to the Great I AM.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Luke 1:46-48 [NLT] … 46 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47  How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 48  For He took notice of His lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. … “ 
… Mary sings for joy at her blessing to carry the Son of God.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Luke 1:46-55 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Mary’s Song of Joy and Thankfulness at the realization of God’s gift of His Son in her womb. 
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Reference Passage : … Isaiah 7:14 [NLT] … 14 All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). 
… 700+ years before His birth, the conception of our Lord to a virgin was prophesied.

Reference Passage : … John 3:16 [NLT] … {I think you know it!} … God’s greatest gift of love to us all!! My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Lisa Samra, makes reference to the song of joy and recognition Mary sings when she realizes that she is carrying the Son of God in her womb. The ODB author writes … Sitting in the courtyard of the Church of the Visitation in Ein Karem, Israel, I was overwhelmed with the beautiful display of sixty-seven mosaics containing the words of Luke 1:46–55 in as many languages [a few of the mosaics in the photo]. Traditionally known as the Magnificat from the Latin “to magnify,” these verses are Mary’s joyous response to the announcement that she will be the mother of the Messiah. …The biblical hymn etched in the tiles is a song of praise as Mary recounts the faithfulness of God to her and the nation of Israel. … 
 Mary shows us that recounting the great things God has done for us is a way to express praise and can lead us to rejoice. This Christmas season, consider God’s goodness as you reflect on the year. In doing so, you may create a mosaic of great beauty with your words of praise. 

The last paragraph of this ODB devotional entry convicted and helped me to realize this morning in my Advent quiet time with God just how blessed I am; and I’ve taken some time today to create my own mosaic of remembrance to praise God with thankfulness for the many blessings He has bestowed on my life.

Perhaps we all need to take time to list and give praise to God for our many blessings, especially in this special time of year as we remember the greatest gift God has given to Mary and to mankind. 

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for Your ultimate blessing, carried by Mary into this world, … the gift of Your Son, Who truly is Immanuel, God with me (us). 
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here will take the time in this Advent season to thank You for Your many blessings and especially for the gift of Your Son, Who is The Christ. … Amen

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

December 14, 2018 … The Glory of Love

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 347 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube of song and lyrics from Peter Cetera singing … The Glory Of Love … powerfully singing of two who are married sharing God’s love forever … THEN TO THIS LINK with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir singing … Worthy Is the Lamb honoring God for His love.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Revelation 5:12 [NLT] … 12 And they [angels] sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered — to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” 
… Angels singing to honor the worthiness, honor, and glory of the Lamb of God … King Jesus! 
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Highlight Passage [context]: Revelation 5:1-13 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… In his Revelation, John saw all angels singing of the worthiness of the LAMB OF GOD 
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Reference Passage : … Micah 6:8 [NLT] … 8  No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. 
… God, thru His Prophet, Micah, tells us how we should live worthy lives to reflect God’s love for us.

Reference Passage : … Ephesians 4:1 [NLT] … 1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 
… Tough one to live out, given the challenges of life, … but nonetheless truth!!

Reference Passage : … Matthew 5:14-16 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus tells His disciples how we are to live to honor God’s love, i.e., by shining the light of His love in our works so that others can see God in us.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Mart DeHaan, uses a reference to a popular love song which speaks of two sharing an eternal love like we will share with Christ in eternity when we, the Bride of Christ, are joined with our Bridegroom. The ODB author writes … In 1936, songwriter Billy Hill released a popular hit song titled “The Glory of Love.” Before long a nation was singing about the joy of doing even little things out of love for one another. Fifty years later, lyricist Peter Cetera wrote a more romantic song with a similar title [see first linked song]. He imagined two people living forever, knowing together they did it all—for the glory of love. 

Peter Cetera’s song [linked above], focusing on the love that can - and should - be shared by two in a marriage, simply reflects the love we, as part of the Bride of Christ (i.e., His Church) will share with the Lamb of God, our Bridegroom, for eternity. And that’s the love which the Apostle John was given vision in The Revelation and is shared with us in the highlight passage where John saw God’s angels singing of Jesus’ worthiness as the Lamb of God; and that is reflected in the glorious song shared by the Brooklyn Tab in the other linked song above.

And as the Apostle Paul begged Christians in Eph. 4:1 to live lives worthy of God’s love and sacrifice for us and as Jesus charged His followers … to shine His light of love so that others could see Him in us (see Matt. 5:14-16). So, let’s all be charged to go out today and live our lives for “The Glory of Love.”

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for Your love which I can now share with others today.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here will take God’s charge to live out God’s love, … sharing it with others today and all days. … 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, 2018 … Trusting Christ at Christmas

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 346 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube of song and lyrics from Lauren Daigle singing … Trust In You … powerfully singing of our trust in God’s mercy and grace … no matter what!

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Highlight Verse[s]: Lamentations 3:22-23 [NLT] … 22  The faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease. 23  Great is His faithfulness; … His mercies begin afresh each morning. 
… God’s faithful mercies never cease and they are new every morning … really every moment. 
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Highlight Passage [context]: Lamentations 3:1-3,13-24 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jeremiah lays out God’s faithfulness … to be there for us no matter what we face with His mercies new every morning.
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Reference Passage : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… We must overcome our own prejudices and expectations and simply trust in God.

Reference Passage : … Romans 8:28 [NLT] … 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are the called according to His purpose for them. 
… Tough one to live out, given the challenges of life, … but nonetheless truth!!

Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul, challenged by his human weakness, listens to Jesus’ answer to give us the grace we need to overcome our humans weaknesses.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Elisa Morgan, uses a personal reflection to illustrate how we must trust in God’s timing and His ways rather than on our own expectations. The ODB author writes … After wrapping the tree with clear twinkle lights, I tied pink and blue bows on its branches and christened it our “Hope for a Baby” Christmas tree [see photo]. My husband and I had been waiting for a baby through adoption for more than four years. Surely by Christmas! 
Every morning I stopped at the tree and prayed, reminding myself of God’s faithfulness. On December 21 we received the news: no baby by Christmas. Devastated, I paused by the tree that had become a symbol of God’s provision. Was God still faithful? Was I doing something wrong? … 
I left the tree standing well beyond Christmas and continued my morning prayer. At last, on Easter weekend, we received our baby girl. God is always faithful, though not necessarily on our timeline nor always according to our desires. 

It’s Christmas time; … a time of joyful expectations and hopeful desires. However, as in the ODB story, sometimes it can be a time where we’re forced to trust in God rather than in our own, very human, expectations.

As in the ODB entry, we may have to wait on God’s timing rather than on our human desire clock; because, though truths like the highlight passage or all of the reference verses may be true, it can be hard to wait on God’s timing at times, can’t it?

But wait we must, … trusting in God’s faithfulness and His desire to ALWAYS do what’s best for us. 

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for Your faithful mercies and grace … always there for my good.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here trust that God’s mercies will always be for our good, even when we have trouble with His timing. … 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, 2018 … Jesus = The Answer

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 345 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube of images and lyrics from the Jeremy Camp singing … The Answer … powerfully singing of the reality of Jesus being THE ANSWER to all of the challenges of our humanity.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Romans 7:15, 25 [NLT] … 15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. … 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 … Our human conundrum is our innate sinfulness; but Jesus, by dying on the cross, has given us the answer to our human dilemma.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Romans 7:14-25, 8:1-11 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul personalizes the human dilemma, which is our battle with our sin nature; but he also presents THE ANSWER, which is our surrendered relationship with Christ.
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Reference Passage : … John 15:1-5 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… For the truly born-again Christian, Jesus has given us the answer to dealing with our sin nature and that is giving us His Spirit to empower us to deal with our sin and become fruitful Christians.

Reference Passage : … Romans 8:1-11 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… In Romans 7, Paul presents his own (and our) innate challenge of death with our sin nature; but in Romans 8, he gives us God’s answer, … and that is JESUS!

Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … … Paul, challenged by his human weakness, listens to Jesus’ answer to give us the grace we need to overcome our sin nature.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Randy Kilgore, uses a personal and human illustration to show us the challenge of our humanity and points us toward THE ANSWER to the dilemma. The ODB author writes … A coworker confessed to me that he didn’t think he was “Jesus material.” I listened as he described what he called his “comfortable, narcissistic” life, and how it didn’t satisfy him. “But here’s my problem, I’ve been trying to be good, even caring, but it isn’t working. It seems that the very things I want to do, I can’t do, and the things I want to stop doing, I just keep doing.” 
“What’s your secret?” he asked me in complete sincerity. “My secret,” I answered, “is that there is no secret. I’m as powerless to live up to God’s standards as you are, which is why we need Jesus.” 

 In the ministry God has called me to lead (USE THIS LINK) I often run into Christian men dealing with the same conundrum which Paul presented in Romans 7 … that we all must confront our very human sin nature … 24/7. But then at the end of that chapter (in see Rom. 7:25  and the beginning of Romans 8, Paul gives us God’s answer to this dilemma of human weakness; and that is an obedient and abiding relationship with Christ (see also John 15:1-5 and 2Cor. 12:9-10).

Dear one, do you, like I do, come up against our human nature, battling sin in our lives, and often feeling that we’re powerless? Well, if God’s word (above) is true - AND IT IS!! Jesus has given us His answer, by dying on the cross, paying for our sin nature, and then giving His empowering Spirit to give us the strength to deal with our weakness.

So, I’m praying that we all walk in surrender to God’s Spirit and glean the strength to use Jesus’ answer to our humanity, walking in the Spirit rather than in the flesh.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for being THE ANSWER to my humanity.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here walk in surrender today to You, King Jesus, letting Your Spirit cover our weakness. … 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, 2018 … Messiah = ALWAYS

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 344 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …   Please take the time to take in a YouTube of images and lyrics from the group Phillips, Craig, and Dean singing … Great I AM … poignantly singing of the reality of Jesus ALWAYS being our Great I AM, … our Messiah, … King Jesus!!!

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Highlight Verse[s]: Matthew 13:55 [NLT] … 55 Then they [the people Nazareth] scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. 
… We can so be like Jesus’ home crowd and forget that He’s Messiah … ALWAYS!! 
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Highlight Passage [context]: Matthew 13:53-58 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… When Jesus came back to his home town, the people of Nazareth had him profiled as a “carpenter’s kid,” and could not accept Him as Messiah.
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Reference Passage : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… We’ve got to avoid our human tendency to profile - even God - and trust that He can - and will - lead us … ALWAYS.

Reference Passage : … Acts 2:36 [NLT] … 36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”
… Luke quotes from King David (Ps. 110) … that God brought us our Messiah in Jesus, The Christ!!

Reference Passage : … Hebrews 13:8 [NLT] … 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 
… Jesus is THE MESSIAH today and He will be tomorrow.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Patricia Raybon, uses a very personal and human illustration to show that we, as Christians, must avoid profiling human failure into our Messiah. The ODB author writes … The repairman looked young [see photo] — too young to fix our problem, … “He’s just a kid,” my husband, Dan, whispered to me, showing his doubt. His disbelief in the young man sounded like the grumbling in Nazareth where citizens doubted who Jesus was. … 
As Dan found, the help he needed stood right in front of him. Finally agreeing to accept the young man’s aid, my husband allowed him to [fix our problem]. … So too may we expect and experience the Messiah bringing fresh light, life, and help into our daily journey with Him. 

When Jesus walked the earth, … the God-Man … the “Great I AM,” as the group sings in the linked song, … many, including his home-towneys (see highlight passage), couldn’t break thru their profile of Jesus being JUST a carpenter’s boy from Nazareth. And that’s a very human tendency, which we, … yes, even us born-again types, … must avoid.

And when we’re confronted with many of the challenges of life, do we forget that Heb. 13:8 is ALWAYS true … that Jesus never changes. He was the Great I AM in the Old Testament; … and He became our Messiah when He was born in a manger; … and He will ALWAYS be my Messiah when He brings me into my Heavenly glory to be with Him forever.

So, when we’re confronted with all the lights and glitter of the holiday season and we’re confronted by very human challenges, let’s all remember and give praise to our Lord, Jesus … The Christ … Our Messiah Who reigns on high FOREVER!!

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for ALWAYS being my Messiah.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here are able to avoid bringing our Messiah down to become human in our eyes. … 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, 2018 … I’m God’s Child

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 343 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube of song and lyrics from the group Hillsong United singing … Who You Say I Am … poignantly singing of the reality of becoming a child of God when surrender to His Lordship and salvation.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Isaiah 44:3b [NLT] … 3  … And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your children. 
 … God prophesied, thru Isaiah, that He would one day pour out His blessing on His children with His Spirit.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Isaiah 44:1-5 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… The prophesy of those who would declare of their surrender to God’s Spirit.
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Reference Passage : … Romans 8:16 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 16 For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. 
… My surrender to God’s Spirit has sealed me with my God forever.

Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… When God brought us into His family, He sealed us with His Spirit.

Reference Passage : … Ephesian 1:13-14, 4:30 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… When we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are sealed into the family of God by God’s Spirit; and we must live, with the Spirit’s guidance and grace, to identify with God’s Spirit.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Arthur Jackson, uses an interesting tattoo picture (see photo) to illustrate how, when we’re born-again in Christ, we are sealed by His Holy Spirit. The ODB author writes … It doesn’t take much to notice that getting “inked” is very popular these days. Some tattoos are so small that one barely notices them. Others—from athletes to actors to everyday people—have opted to cover much of their bodies with multicolored inks, words, and designs. The trend seems like it’s here to stay, a trend that netted $3 billion in revenue in 2014—and an additional $66 million for tattoo removal.  
Regardless of how you may feel about tattoos, Isaiah 44 speaks metaphorically about people writing something on their hands: “The Lord’s” (v. 5). This “self-tattoo” is the climax of an entire paragraph that speaks of the Lord’s care for those He had chosen (v. 1). 

Personally, I’m not a tattoo-type person. Nor am I radically opposed to tattoos which express one’s convictions, like the one in the attached photo. However, I do think that extensive body markings, especially those which dishonor God, do, in fact, grieve God’s Spirit … as is chastised in Eph. 4:30, linked above.

Really, all I need to know, as the Scriptures above attest, is that being born-again, God’s Spirit has sealed me as a redeemed child of God for eternity. And what the group Hillsong sings in the linked song is a good enough marking for my life.

But if you feel that a tattoo will help you witness your surrender to God’s Spirit and your faith in Christ, … well, … go for it, dear one!!

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for sealing me for eternity with the indwelling presence of Your Holy Spirit.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here are sealed with Your Spirit as children of The King . … 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, 2018 … God’s Forever Love

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 342 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube of images and lyrics of Michael W Smith leading in worship and singing … His Love Endures Forever … poignantly singing of God’s love which endures for His beloved children FOREVER.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 136:1 [NLT] … 1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 
… Can we come together as born-again believers and sing praises for His love with the joy resounding in this Psalm?
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 136 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… The Psalmist, likely David, repeats a refrain of God’s love 26 times in this song of praise, which was likely sung often when God’s people came together to praise God in worship.
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Reference Passage : … Jeremiah 31:3… 3 Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. … With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. …” 
… God, thru the Prophet, repeats His enduring/forever covenant love for His people (yes, Israel, but also you and me!).

Reference Passage : … John 13:35 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” 
… Jesus showed His disciples (that’s you and me to, fellow Christian) how we can show our love back to our Lord.

Reference Passage : … John 14:21 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love Me. And because they love Me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal Myself to each of them.” 
… Jesus showed His disciples (that’s you and me to, fellow Christian) how we can show our love back to our Lord.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Dave Branon, uses a personal remembrance to illustrate that the love shown by earthly parents gives us a reflection of just how deep God’s love is for His children. The ODB author writes … “I love you!” my dad called out as I slammed the car door and headed into school. I was in sixth grade, and for months we had played out basically the same scenario every morning. We arrived at school, Dad said, “Have a great day! I love you!” and all I said was “Bye.” I wasn’t angry with him or ignoring him. I was simply so wrapped up in my own thoughts that I didn’t notice his words. Nevertheless, my dad’s love remained steadfast. … 
 When I was a child, I sometimes took my dad’s love for granted. Sometimes now I do the same thing with my heavenly Father’s love. I forget to listen to God and respond. I forget to be grateful. Yet I know that God’s love for me remains steadfast—a reality that provides a sure foundation for all of my life. 

Perhaps you had a Dad like the one in the ODB story; … perhaps not. But if you did, then you just knew that your dad would be there for you … NO MATTER WHAT! … And that’s just a remnant or reflection of how much God’s love is there for His kids (and that’s you and me, brother and sister!). 

When the Psalmist (likely David) wrote Psalm 136 (linked above), 26 times praise to God for HIs everlasting/faithful/enduring love is repeated. And anytime something is repeated in Scripture in Hebrew, it is done to be emphatic about the truth being expressed.

So, I pray that we all can come together as you join me in hearing Michael W Smith sing the joy of Psalm 136, and we read of how Jesus commanded His disciples (and us) to show our love in return for His John 3:16 LOVE, which I’m sure you know by heart.

And I’m challenged and convicted today to do just what Jesus said in his upper room charge to His disciples in John 13:35 and 14:21; i.e., … to do all I can to be obedient to His word and to reflect the love He has shown to us to others, especially my brothers/sisters in Christ. … Let’s go do it, today, my dear ones.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for Your steadfast/eternal love. 
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here have picked up Your banner of obedience to show Your love to others 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 8, 2018 … Our Eternal Home

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 341 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube of Gordon Mote and his wife Kimberly singing … On The Other Side … poignantly singing of what we Christians have waiting for us in glory to be home with Jesus forever.

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Highlight Verse[s]: John 14:2-3 [NLT] … 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 
… Just before Jesus was to leave His Disciples in death, He promised to bring them to their eternal home to be with Him forever.
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Highlight Passage [context]: John 14:1-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus promises His Disciples their eternal home will be waiting for them in glory. 
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Reference Passage : … Philippians 3:14, … 20 … 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. … 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 
… Our Lord, thru Paul, promises to return for us and take us to live with Him in glory. So, we must press on in life, focusing on where we’re going, not where we are.

Reference Passage : … Colossians 3:1-4 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK  …
… God’s promise, thru Paul’s teaching, of what we have waiting for us … our home in glory to be with our Savior forever.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Dave Branon, uses a personal remembrance to illustrate that our focus in life should always be our eternal home in heaven. The ODB author writes … Recently a friend who sold homes for a living died of cancer. As my wife and I reminisced about Patsy, Sue recalled that many years ago Patsy had led a man to faith in Jesus and he became a good friend of ours. 
How encouraging to recall that Patsy not only helped families find homes to live in here in our community, but she also helped others make sure they had an eternal home. … 
We love to have a nice home in this life—a special place for our family to eat, sleep, and enjoy each other’s company. But think of how amazing it will be when we step into the next life and discover that God has taken care of our eternal accommodations. 

Sure, if we are so fortunate, we should all be grateful for an earthly home for our earthly family; but as the ODB author points us, our real focus in life should be, as it was for Patsy in the above ODB entry, to move ourselves toward our heavenly home and to help others get there as well.

That’s why the Apostle Paul was so focused on his trek toward his eternal home (see the passages in Phil. 3 and Col. 3 above) and his calling to point other Christians toward that eternal prize. So, let’s all keep our eyes on our eternal home in heaven and be sure to take any opportunity we have on this side to help others find their way, as Gordon and Kimberly Mote sing, … to “The Other Side.” 

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for Your promise of our eternal home in Heaven.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here have our earthly eyes on the eternal prize of our home 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 7, 2018 … His Hand Leads Me

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 340 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube of song and lyrics of Peggy March singing the 1963 hit song … I Will Follow Him … a poignant love song which could easily be directed for Christians to follow Jesus as our first love.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 139:16 [NLT] … 16  You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. 
… There is no where we go that is not a part of God’s eternal plan for our lives.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalms 139:13-24 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… The Psalmist declares that it is God’s hand which leads him (and us) where He would have us go … but we must choose to follow His lead.
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Reference Passage : … Proverbs 3:5-6 … USE THIS LINK [NLT] …
… Christians who trust in God KNOW that He is leading us.

Reference Passage : … Matthew 29:20b … [NLT] … 20 … And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” 
… Jesus’ promise to be with us ALWAYS.

Reference Passage : … Hebrews 13:5-6 … USE THIS LINK [NLT] …
… Our God promises to ALWAYS be with us, and we know that He has nothing but our good for us as He leads us to Glory (one your own see Rom. 8:28 and Phil. 1:6)

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Poh Fang Chia, uses a personal remembrance to illustrate that trusting disciples of Christ are always being led by God’s purpose and His often hidden hand. The ODB author writes … My friend was adopted by a missionary couple from the United States and grew up in Ghana. After his family moved back to the US, he began college but had to drop out. Later, he signed on with the military, which eventually helped him pay for college and took him all over the world. Through it all, God was at work, preparing him for a special role. Today, he writes and edits Christian literature that ministers to an international audience.  
His wife also has an interesting story. She failed her chemistry exams during her first year of college due to the strong medication she had to take for epilepsy. After some careful deliberation, she switched from studying science to studying American Sign Language, which had a more manageable workload. Reflecting on that experience, she says, “God was redirecting my life for a greater purpose.” Today, she is making His life-changing Word accessible to the hearing-impaired.  

Perhaps other readers, as with yours truly, can look back on our lives and see the hidden hand of God leading us - even when we had chosen to go, by free will - in directions we now see the Lord would never have chosen for us. But we now see, more clearly, that His hand was totally in where we find ourselves now. That’s why I’ve chosen to use the same reference passages of Scripture that I used in my journal entry yesterday. God is always with us … ALWAYS leading His disciples.

God, in His omniscience and omnipotence, certainly (ALWAYS) knows where we are and where we’re going; and we can trust Him to lead us where HE wants us to go. But sometimes - maybe often - we have trouble knowing where God’s will is leading us. But, as I often say, we “keep on keeping on,” trusting His often hidden hand to lead us to glory to be with Him forever.

That is why EVERY DAY, I come to this place seeking His leading and His will by following His word [see photo]; and I pray His own words back to Him from Psalm 139:23-24 [see highlight passage], praying that He will lead me out of myself on onward to follow His will and His way from His word.

Maybe that’s a prayer you might want to voice to God to set you on a right path today … and really, everyday.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for Your loving hand, always leading me in Your paths of righteousness.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here set ourselves to follow Your hand, leading us to glory with the “GPS” of 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 6, 2018 … All Is Well !!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 339 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube of images and lyrics at Christmas time with Carrie Underwood and Michael W Smith singing … All Is Well … poignantly singing of how we are never alone at Christmas because we have Emmanuel, … God with us!

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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 25:15 [NLT] … 15  My eyes are always on the Lord, for He rescues me from the traps of my enemies.
… David, as a shepherd boy, may have been lonely; but He was never alone.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalms 25:14-22 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… David, out tending his sheep was never alone, as he sings in this song of trust in the faithful presence of His God.
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Reference Passage : … Proverbs 3:5-6 … USE THIS LINK [NLT] …
… Christians never need to feel alone, because Emmanuel is always there to lead us if we but trust in Him to do so.

Reference Passage : … Matthew 29:20b … [NLT] … 20 … And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” 
… Jesus’ promise to be with us ALWAYS.

Reference Passage : … Hebrews 13:5-6 … USE THIS LINK [NLT] …
… Our God promises to ALWAYS be with us, no matter where we are or how lonely we may feel.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Lawrence Darmani, uses a personal remembrance to illustrate that we are never alone when we have an abiding relationship with Christ. The ODB author writes … The loneliest Christmas I ever spent was in my grandfather’s cottage near Sakogu, northern Ghana [see photo]. I was just fifteen, and my parents and siblings were a thousand kilometers away. 
In previous years, when I’d been with them and my village friends, Christmas was always big and memorable. But this Christmas was quiet and lonely. And as I lay on my floor mat early Christmas morning, I remembered a local song: “The year has ended; Christmas has come; the Son of God is born; peace and joy to everybody.” Mournfully, I sang it over and over. 
My grandmother came and asked, “What song is that?” My grandparents didn’t know about Christmas — or about Christ. So I shared what I knew about Christmas with them. Those moments brightened my loneliness. 

Young David had a song as well to quell his loneliness as a shepherd boy, and Psalm 25 (see above) was a song he wrote and sung to help remind himself of the presence and protection of His God … no matter how lonely he may feel out in those fields with his sheep.

As today’s ODB entry reminds us, Christmas can be a time of year where some feel so very lonely; but as the ODB author depicted, we can join with Carrie Underwood and Michael W Smith in singing “All Is Well” at Christians, knowing, as the Scriptures declare truthfully, that our God is always with us. He is Emmanuel; and we can sing and know of His presence and protection no matter how lonely we might feel at Christmas.

It’s Jesus’ promise to be with us ALWAYS (see Matthew 29:20). So, share in the reality of God’s presence in this special Advent season; and let’s all declare our praises and Alleluia’s together. 

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … again I say … thank You, Lord, … for ALWAYS being there to lift me up when I’m down.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here sing with today’s linked song, … “All is well!!” … 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, 2018 … Lifted Up!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 338 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube of song and lyrics from Phillips , Craig, and Dean singing … He’ll Do Whatever It Takes … poignantly singing of how God’s Spirit will do whatever it takes to lift up the fallen child of God.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 [NLT] … 9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 
… The Spirit, thru “The Teacher” shows us that “Lone Ranger” Christianity will never be as effective as two working together for God’s glory.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… “The Teacher” (i.e., Author) of the journal shows that we are made to help one another in times of need.
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Reference Passage : … Proverbs 27:17 [NLT] … 17  As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. 
… Christians, working together and helping one another are so much more effective than any one of us working alone.

Reference Passage : … Philippians 2:3-4 [NLT] … 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 
… God, thru Paul, exhorts Christians to look out of the interests of each other.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Kirsten Holmberg, uses a personal remembrance to illustrate how “Lone Ranger” Christianity just doesn’t cut it in life. The ODB author writes … My children have enjoyed the thrill of a backyard ice-skating rink during our cold Idaho winters. When they were young, learning to skate was challenging: persuading them to deliberately set foot on the hard, icy surface proved difficult because they knew the pain of falling. Each time their feet slid out from under them, my husband or I would reach out to pull them again to their feet, setting them upright and steadying their frames. [see photo] … 
 When we find ourselves flattened on the cold ice of life’s hardships, is there a helping hand nearby? If so, it might be from God. Or when someone else needs a friend, could we be God’s answer to lift them up? In being a companion, we often find one. 

I pray all reading here, … from the ODB entry, the song, and the Scriptures above, … realize that we’ll never be as effective as disciples of Christ if we go it alone in life. … NO, … and I repeat from above, … “Lone Ranger” Christianity just doesn’t cut it!!

We were made in God’s image to be relational; … i.e., to lift one another up, just as God’s Spirit will do all He can to lift us up when we’re down (hear the linked song!). So, let us all look out today, and all days, to be “iron sharpening iron,” and to do what Paul exhorts [in Phil. 2:3-4, … doing all we can to look out of the interests of others.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for always being there to lift me up when I’m down.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here reach out to lift some one up today who happens to be down. … 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, 2018 … Christmas Light?

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 337 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube of images and lyrics from Becky Kelley singing … Where’s the Line to See Jesus … poignantly singing a question we all should ask during all the lights and trappings of the Advent Season.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Matthew 16:15  [NLT] … 15 Then He asked them, ”But who do you say I am?” 
… Jesus asks THE MOST important question we all must answer.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Matthew 16:13-21 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus asks His Disciples whom they say He is.
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Reference Passage : … Isaiah 9:6 [NLT] … 6  For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
… 700+ years before Jesus came, Isaiah declared Whom He would be.

Reference Passage : … John 8:12 [NLT] … 12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
… Jesus declares that when we have Him in our hearts, we have His light to follow.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Tim Gustafson, relates a scene unfolding each Christmas which should force all to answer the most important question of all. The ODB author writes … Well before the calendar flips to December, Christmas cheer begins to bubble up in our northern town. A medical office drapes its trees and shrubs in close-fitting strings of lights, each a different color, illuminating a breathtaking nighttime landscape. Another business decorates its building to look like an enormous, extravagantly wrapped Christmas present. It’s difficult to turn anywhere without seeing evidence of Christmas spirit—or at least seasonal marketing [see photo]. 
Some people love these lavish displays. Others take a more cynical view. But the crucial question isn’t how others observe Christmas. Rather, we each need to consider what the celebration means to us. 

So many lights at this time of year. So much hustle and bustle, where marketeers lead us to ask what we need to buy for Christmas. But I think the linked song by Becky Kelley asks one of the most salient questions at this time of year, don’t you? But there’s an even more important question that Jesus asked of His disciples who were following Him while He lived. And in the highlight passage we have that question, …

”Whom do you say I am?” 

And what’s your answer to that question as you are surrounded by all the lights of the season, … lights which should be pointing us to what Jesus said to His followers in John 8:12, … which leads me to ask myself and any reader here, …

… Where are the lights of the season leading us?

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for being my Light, … leading me to You.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here realize that the Advent lights lead to 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.

December 3, 2018 … Thanks For Being My Friend

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 336 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube of images and lyrics from Matt Maher singing … What A Friend … powerfully singing of how we, as surrendered Christians, have an eternal Friend in our relationship with Jesus.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 100:4 [NLT] … 4  Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. 
 … Our heart of thanksgiving every day … every moment.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 100 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… The Psalmist expresses what should be our heart for God 24/7.
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Reference Passage : … Psalm 95:2-3 [NLT] … 2  Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. 3  For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods. 
… How can we not just give thanks for Whom He is?!

Reference Passage : … John 14:21 [NLT] … 21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love Me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal Myself to each of them.” 
… We show our thanks to our Lord as our Friend by being obedient to His word.

Reference Passage : … John 15:14-15 [NLT] … 14 You are My friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 
… Jesus is my FRIEND!!

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Xochitl Dixon, relates a personal story about someone who became a beloved friend because of how she daringly served the author. The ODB author writes … When I served as my mom’s live-in caregiver at a cancer center, I got to know Lori, another caregiver who lived down the hallway from us with her husband, Frank. I would chat, laugh, vent, cry, and pray with Lori in the shared living areas. We enjoyed supporting each other as we cared for our loved ones. 
One day, I missed the free shuttle that took residents to buy groceries. Lori offered to drive me to the store later that evening. With grateful tears, I accepted her offer. “Thanks for being you,” I said. I truly appreciated her for who she was as a person, not just for what she did for me as a friend. 

I pray that all reading here have someone, like a “Lori” in your life who is a real friend, … someone that would do anything they could to be there for you in times of trial.

Well, as Christians, … i.e., true disciples of Christ, … we have such a friend, don’t we? Yes, and as Matt Maher sings, our Friend is Jesus; and as the Psalmists sing in Psalms 95 and 100 above, we should be showing our thanks to our Friend, Jesus, by, as He commanded (see John 14 and 15 passages above), being obedient to His word … today and all days.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for becoming and being my Friend … FOREVER!
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here reach out to be a friend to others as You, Jesus, are our Friend today and all days. … 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, 2018 … My Strong Fortress

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 335 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube of song and lyrics from Amy Grant singing … Thy Word … poignantly singing of how we, as surrendered Christians, can escape into the protection of our our Lord by going to His word.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 17:8 [NLT] … 8  Guard me as You would guard Your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. 
… David knew where (and to Whom) to go for protection in perilous times.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 17:1-9 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… King David sings about going to His God for protection.
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Reference Passage : … Psalm 18:2 [NLT] … 2  The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my God is my rock, in Whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. 
… Where I (we) go for safety!

Reference Passage : … Matthew 7:24 [NLT] … 24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.. 
… God’s word is my solid rock!

Reference Passage : … Hebrews 4:12 [NLT] … 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 
… And knowing the power of God’s Sword I sharpen His sword daily by being in God’s word.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Bill Crowder, relates a personal story about his childhood where friends built imaginary fortresses, asking where we build ours now. The ODB author writes … My brothers and I grew up on a wooded hillside in West Virginia that provided a fertile landscape for our imaginations. Whether swinging from vines like Tarzan or building tree houses like the Swiss Family Robinson, we played out the scenarios we found in the stories we read and movies we watched. One of our favorites was building forts and then pretending we were safe from attack [see photo]. Years later, my kids built forts out of blankets, sheets, and pillows—constructing their own “safe place” against imaginary enemies. It seems almost instinctive to want a hiding place where you can feel safe and secure. 

Dear one, … where do you go when you feel unsafe? Where is your fortress, protecting you against the evils of this world? Well, … mine is right here!! And each morning, safely surrounded by the truth of God’s word, I feel secure, knowing that God’s word, as Amy Grant sings, is not only a lamp unto my feet, but it is the Rock on which I find safety from the world, Satan, and my own flesh. And it’s where I come each morning to sharpen my Sword of the Spirit for battle [see Hebrews 4:12]. 

How about you? Where have you built your fortress?

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for surrounding me with the strength and fortress of Your truth.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here have built our fortress on the Rock of God’s truth, … His 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 1, 2018 … Knee Warrior

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 334 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube of song and lyrics from Jaci Velasquez singing Dennis Jernigan’s song … On My Knees … poignantly singing of how we, as surrendered Christians, need to take our lives to God in prayer especially when we feel like we need His love and closeness.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Romans 12:12 [NLT] … 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 
… Paul’s exhortation to keep on prayer no matter what the circumstances.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Romans 12:9-21 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul exhorting Christians (that’s us!) to love each other and revel in the reality that our God always hears our prayers.
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Reference Passage : … Psalm 116:1-2 [NLT] … 1  I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. 2  Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! 
… The hope we have in our prayers to the Lord.

Reference Passage : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… We should trust God … ALWAYS … especially in our prayers to Him for guidance and direction.

Reference Passage : … 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 [NLT] … 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.  
… We can retain our joy in all situations, praying with hope and thanksgiving always.

Reference Passage : … 1 John 5:14 [NLT] … 14 And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. 
… We can retain our joy in all situations, praying with hope and thanksgiving always.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Alyson Kieda, relates a story about a friend to illustrate how God we can find a degree of peace and comfort knowing that God always hears our prayers. The ODB author writes … Diane listened as the others in the group asked for prayers for their family members and friends facing challenges or illness. She had a family member who had been struggling with an addiction for years. But Diane kept her request silent. … 
 Although Diane didn’t share her request with that group, she did have a few trusted friends she asked to pray with her. Together they asked God to set her loved one free from the very real bondage of addiction and hat he might experience freedom in Christ —and that God would give Diane the peace and patience she needed. As she prayed, she found comfort and strength from her abiding relationship with her Lord. 

Ever been in a place in life where you felt like God wasn’t listening? Diane, in the ODB story, apparently felt that way; but being a prayer warrior, she persisted, … finding friends to pray with and for her troubled family member. And that’s the attitude and persistence we need to have … as Jaci Valesquez sings in the linked song, … that anytime/anywhere we can go to Jesus, as the Scriptures above declare, knowing that our Lord ALWAYS hears our prayers.

Yes, He hears us even when He seems silent for long periods of time! In fact, … how do we need to be praying today? My dear ones, … as God’s word exhorts today - and all days - let’s pray!! 

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for providing a direct line to Your heart thru prayer.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here are receiving the grace which comes from our prayers in Jesus’ Name. … 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.