May 18, 2019 … Symbiosis with Christ

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 138

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from the group Weslife singing … Love Can Build A Bridge … poignantly singing of how we need to let God’s love, expressed and shared by each of us, to build bridges between us in this life. Yes, it’s time!!

Deer Moss

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Highlight Verse[s]: Colossians 3:14-15 [NLT] … 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 
… The only way we can truly love another is to KNOW that God first loves us.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Colossians 3:12-17 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… King David, a “man after God’s heart,” commits all that he is to His God.
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Reference Passage : … John 13:34-35 [NIV] … 34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” 
… Loving one another is the way we show to the world that we are disciples of Christ.

Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 5:17 [NIV] … 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 
… Now that we are in Christ we can live with a new nature, resisting the old, selfish tendencies and surrendering, thru God’s grace, to put on a new way of living.

Reference Passage : … Ephesian 4:1-4 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… We Christians should be bound together with the love and grace provided to us in Christ.

Reference Passage : … Hebrews 10:24 [NIV] … 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 
… God exhorts us to help and motivate each other with acts of love and good works.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Amy Peterson, uses a botanical word picture of symbiotic relationship, illustrating how we need to live in close harmony and needing one another. And the ODB author wrote: While on a hike with my kids, we discovered a light, springy green plant growing in small clumps on the trail. According to a signpost, the plant is commonly called deer moss [see photo], but it’s not actually a moss at all. It’s a lichen. A lichen is a fungus and an alga growing together in a mutualistic relationship in which both organisms benefit from each other. Neither the fungus nor the alga can survive on its own, but together they form a hardy plant that can live in some alpine areas for up to 4,500 years. Because the plant can withstand drought and low temperatures, it’s one of the only food sources for caribou (reindeer) in deep winter. 

God put us here on this earth, as the crowning glory of His creation, … to live and work together and to fellowship with Him. But the first two blew it in The Garden, didn’t they? And now we live with a natural tendency go inward and be selfish rather than to relate to one another as the fungus and lichen do in the symbiotic relationship of “deer moss“ [see the ODB entry].

But when we come to Christ, the old nature is replaced with a new nature (see 2Cor. 5:17); and we can choose to put on a new way of living, allowing us to relate to one another as Christ and His Apostles have called us to live (see remaining reference verses).

And that’s how I pray today that we’re seeking to live with one another … in a symbiotic relationship with God’s Spirit now living in our hearts.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for infusing us with Your triune relationship.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, to reach outward to show the love of God 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.

May 17, 2019 … In His Hands

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 137

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Brian Littrell singing the old hymn … I Surrender All … poignantly singing of how we need to be willing - anytime/anywhere - to yield our control to the One Who’s ALWAYS in control.

April 18, 2018 Air Tragedy [see ODB entry below]

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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 31:5 [NLT] … 5  I entrust my spirit into Your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for You are a faithful God. 
 … The only way we can truly love another is to KNOW that God first loves us.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 31:1-8 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… King David, a “man after God’s heart,” commits all that he is to His God.
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Reference Passage : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NIV] … 5  Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6  Seek His will in ALL you do, and He will show you which path to take. 
… God calls for us to give our ALL to/for His glory. … Are we willing to do so?

Reference Passage : … Luke 9:23 [NIV] … 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. ..." 
… If we are truly Jesus’ disciples, we must be willing to give up our ALL and follow Him.

Reference Passage : … 1Peter 5:7 [NIV] … 7 Give ALL your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 
… As Peter exhorted, are we willing to give ALL our worries over to a caring God?

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Arthur Jackson, uses a relatively recent news story of an airline tragedy to illustrate how often our lives are in the hands of other capable hands, … just as we are every day with God. And the ODB author wrote: Twenty minutes into a flight from New York to San Antonio, the flight plan changed as calm gave way to chaos. When one of the plane’s engines failed, debris from the engine smashed through a window causing the cabin to decompress. [see photo] Sadly, several passengers were injured and one person was killed. Had not a calm, capable pilot been in the cockpit—one trained as a Navy fighter pilot—things could have been tragically worse. The headline in our local paper read, “In Amazing Hands.” 

There are times in life when things spiral out of our control and we simply must yield control to others … or, even more likely. to God. And that’s what happened in that April, 2018, air tragedy described in the ODB scenario above. But even in less tragic situations, in our very natural, human state, we desire to have control over our lives, don’t we? But, … sometimes, as Christians, life just can’t be under our control.

And it’s then that we must do what King David did - seemingly often; because he wrote about it in some of his psalms, like that in the highlight song of Psalm 31, v 5, where the “man after God’s heart,” simply yields all control over to God and surrenders all (just as Brian Littrell sings in the linked song).

And we must ask, as disciples of Christ, … are we willing to do that; … to yield ALL control to the a God, Whose capable hands are in control of the flight of our lives?

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for being the Pilot whose Hands have the control of our lives [see reference passages above].
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, to let Jesus be the Pilot of our life flight. … 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.

May 16, 2019 … God’s Love From Me?

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 136

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images from Joy Williams singing … Do They See Jesus In Me … poignantly singing of how we need to ask ourselves if other see the love of Jesus in the way we live.

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Highlight Verse[s]: 1John 4:16, … 19 [NLT] … 16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. 
… 19 We love each other because He loved us first. 
… The only way we can truly love another is to KNOW that God first loves us.
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Highlight Passage [context]: 1John 4:13-19 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… John writes to fellow Christians about our ability to love coming from God first loving us. 
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Reference Passage : … John 3:16 [NIV] … 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. …”
… Jesus declares just how much God loved (and loves) us!!

Reference Passage : … John 13:34-35 [NIV] … 34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples.” 
… Jesus makes it very clear how we can love each other as fellow Christians and show others that love a sign of being Christ’s disciples.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Kirsten Holmberg, uses a basketball analogy to illustrate how God intends us to work together to tackle life rather than go it alone. The ODB author wrote … “Bear” was a gift for my grandchild—a heaping helping of love contained in a giant stuffed animal frame. [see photo] Baby D’s response? First, wonder. Next, an amazed awe. Then, a curiosity that nudged a daring exploration. He poked his pudgy finger at Bear’s nose, and when the Bear tumbled forward into his arms he responded with joy joy JOY! Baby D laid his toddler head down on Bear’s fluffy chest and hugged him tightly. A dimpled smile spread across his cheeks as he burrowed deeply into Bear’s cushiony softness. The child had no idea of Bear’s inability to truly love him. Innocently and naturally, he felt love from Bear and returned it with all his heart. 

Our ability to love others comes naturally as a child because God first loved us (see highlight and reference passages). But our ability to overcome our sin nature can only come from a born-again heart where one recognizes and exercises the love that God infuses into our hearts when we surrender to His loving grace at salvation and thru His sanctifying grace.

And really, Jesus declared all of this, thru the Apostle John, in John’s Gospel account and his letters to other Christians [see above]. So, … I stop to pray today that all reading here are true, born-again, disciples of King Jesus and show it every day by sharing the love of Christ with others (see John 15:33-34).

I’ll let you readers answer the question asked by Joy Williams in today’s linked song. 

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for giving us Your love. 
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, to let others see the love of Christ being shared with them genuinely 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.

May 15, 2019 … Thru It All

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 135

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from Andre Crouch singing his Gospel classic … Through It All … poignantly singing of how we can depend and trust in God … NO MATTER WHAT!!

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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 22:1 [NLT] … 1  My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?  Why are you so far away when I groan for help? 
 … David knows no where else to go in his desperation, so in a Messianic prophetic song, he sings out what Jesus did from the cross in His desperate separation from His Father.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 22:1-5[NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… When David is in a place where all seems lost and impossible, he cries out to God. 
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Reference Passage : … Job 1:20-22 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Job, in spite of all God allowed Satan to take from him, proclaimed his faith in the Lord.

Reference Passage : …2 Corinthians 12: 9 [NIV] … 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 
… Paul remembers Jesus’ promise to give him strength when his runs out in dire circumstances.

Reference Passage : …1 Peter 5:7 [NIV] … 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 
… Peter knew where to go when he was in trouble.

Reference Passage : … Hebrews 13:5-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Quoting from the OT, a NT author proclaims God’s promise never to abandon the true believer … NO MATTER WHAT!!

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Leslie Koh, uses the desperate story of overwhelming trials a friend had to endure to realize God was always there thru it all. The ODB author wrote … In just six months, Gerald’s life fell apart. An economic crisis destroyed his business and wealth, while a tragic accident took his son’s life. Overcome by shock, his mother had a heart attack and died, his wife went into depression, and his two young daughters remained inconsolable. All he could do was echo the words of the psalmist, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1). 
The only thing that kept Gerald going was the hope that God, who raised Jesus to life, would one day deliver him and his family from their pain to an eternal life of joy.

Gerald, in the ODB story, reads like a modern-day Job, doesn’t he [See Job 1:20-22], holding on to his faith in spite of horrible circumstances? How many of us could have - or actually have - done that? It’s really tough to go “thru it all,” as Andre Crouch wrote/sung in the linked song, and still maintain our faith, isn’t it?

But if we really believe in God as did Job, even though doubts - serious doubts - capture our minds for a time, as they did with David’s song in Psalm 22. We might even declare, as David did, prophesying what Jesus would say from the cross, … “why have You (LORD) abandoned me?” But in the depth of a true believer’s heart, we know that our Lord will never leave us, nor abandon us (see Heb. 13:5). So, that we can always bring our worries and fears to a caring God (see1Pet 5:7).

So … how about it, fellow disciple? … Let’s echo the old NIKE log and “JUST DO IT!” … trusting in our God … no matter what!!!

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for everlasting, ever faithful mercy and grace.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, to trust God today no matter what trials we may be facing. … 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.

May 14, 2019 … Grace and Truth

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 134

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Laura Story singing her song … Grace … poignantly singing of how God’s grace provides us with not only His living waters of salvation but the power and newness of Spirit that allows us to live as living sacrifices for His glory.

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Highlight Verse[s]: John 4:25-26 [NLT] … 25 The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!” 
… After sharing the living waters of truth, Jesus reveals exactly Who He is to the Samaritan woman.
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Highlight Passage [context]: John 4:1-30 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus confronts the woman at the well with grace and truth.
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Reference Passage : … John 1:17 [NLT] … 17 For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. 
… The Law was given to show us our need for a Savior; and the Savior was given to give us the way to eternal life.

Reference Passage : … Romans 10:9-13 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
…And like the woman at the well in John 4, anyone who is willing to surrender to the Lordship of Jesus will receive the living waters of salvation.

Reference Passage : … 2Corinthians 5:17 [NLT] … 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 
… Once receiving God’s saving grace we experience the newness of life brought to us by God’s living waters.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Jennifer Benson Schuldt, uses a personal learning experience to show how we must receive confrontation from the Lord. The ODB author wrote … During a landscape painting class, the teacher, a highly experienced professional artist, assessed my first assignment. He stood silently in front of my painting, one hand cupping his chin. Here we go, I thought. He’s going to say it’s terrible. 
But he didn’t. … He had the authority to criticize my work based on the rules of perspective and color, yet his critique was truthful and kind. 

I was once like that woman at the well in John 4, desperately seeking after living water, … thirsty for the truth, but living in sin. And Jesus came to me a little over 30 years ago and presented to me His living waters [i.e., saving grace]; and like the woman, my seeking turn to receiving and I was able to accept the Lord’s living/saving waters of salvation.

I pray all reading here have done what Paul wrote about in Romans 10:9-13; and we all no longer thirst after righteousness but have experienced the newness of spirit that God promises all who received God’s saving grace [see 2Cor. 5:17]. And I pray that all of us are living under the truth/grace provided thru His word as we follow Him in life, continually partaking of His living waters.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for making your living waters available to us wherever we’re humble enough to receive it.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, … to seek and receive the grace and truth that our Lord provides for us thru His living waters from 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.

May 13, 2019 … Longing to See Him

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 133

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and song from Vickie Winans singing … We Shall Behold Him … poignantly singing of how one day our longings as Christians will be realized when we see Savior, King Jesus, face to face. … AND THEN TO THIS LINK  to hear the group, The Afters, singing. Well Done - what I’m sure we’ll want to hear when we see Jesus in glory.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Deuteronomy 34:4 [NLT] … 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have now allowed you to see it with your own eyes, but you will not enter the land.” 
… Viewed from Mt. Nebo, [see photo] Moses views the Promised Lane which he had so longed to realize.

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Highlight Passage [context]: Deuteronomy 34:1-5 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Before Moses died, the Lord allowed him to see the promised land.
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Reference Passage : … Matthew 25:23 [NLT] … 23 “The Master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ 
… Oh, how I long to hear those words from my Savior in glory!!

Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 5:7-9 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God’s promise to the faithful that to be absent from this body will be to be face-to-face with the Lord.

Reference Passage : … Romans 8:35-39 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Paul, shows us that NOTHING can separate us from God’s love … NOTHING!!!

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Tim Gustafson, uses a reference to a poem to illustrate that we all have longings in this life, many of which will go unrealized. The ODB author wrote … “Ah, every pier is a longing in stone!” says a line in Fernando Pessoa’s Portuguese poem “Ode Marítima.” Pessoa’s pier represents the emotions we feel as a ship moves slowly away from us. The vessel departs but the pier remains, an enduring monument to hopes and dreams, partings and yearnings. We ache for what’s lost, and for what we can’t quite reach. 
The Portuguese word translated “longing” (saudade) refers to a nostalgic yearning we feel—a deep ache that defies definition. The poet is describing the indescribable. 

Do you (any of my readers) have any deep longings which may not be realized in this life? Moses did, as he stood atop Mt. Nebo just before he died, and was given a view into the promised land, … a view I was blessed to see a few years ago when I stood on that mountain, looking down into that land, [see highlight passage] … the land promised by God to Abraham (see photo). But tho Moses longed deeply to be in that land, he was never allowed to walk there because of past sin.

Yes, fellow Christians, I have a deep, DEEP, DEEP longing that will only be realized when I cross over into the next life - the life eternal; … and that longing is to experience what is described in 2Cor. 5:8 … i.e., to see my Lord, as Vickie Winans sings, face-to-face.

And I pray that all reading with me here join me in that desire to be in Jesus’ presence one day and to hear Him say to us, as the group The Afters sing in the second linked song, … “Well done!” [and see Matt. 25:23]

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for giving me (us) the longing to be with You forever.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, to live lives which honor our Lord, striving to be with Him in glory and hear Him say, “Well done!” … 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.

May 12, 2019 … Relentless Love and Grace

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 132

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Laura Story singing her song … Grace Abounds … poignantly singing of how our God provides His grace to bring us, as wayward lambs, back to Himself.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Luke 15:3-4 [NLT] … 3 So Jesus told them this story: 4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 
… Jesus IS that Good Shepherd, relentlessly pursing the lost with His love and saving grace. 
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Highlight Passage [context]: Luke 15:1-7 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
 … Jesus relates the parable of the lost sheep telling of a Father God whose love is relentless in pursing His children.
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Reference Passage : … Isaiah 53:6 [NIV] … 6  All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.  We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on Him the sins of us all. 
… We are like the sheep in God’s pasture. Some go astray; but God has given us the Good Shepherd to lead us bring His saved ones back to the flock.

Reference Passage : … Matthew 11:28-30 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus invites anyone who is burdened by life to come to Him for rest and assistance.

Reference Passage : … Romans 8:35-39 [NIV] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Paul, shows us that NOTHING can separate us from God’s love … NOTHING!!!

Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 12:9 [NIV] … 9 Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”
… Jesus promised Paul, as He promises us, to provide us with His strength when we feel weakened and far away from our Lord.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Xochitl Dixon, uses a personal story to illustrate how our Heavenly Father will relentlessly pursue the lost to bring them back into His flock. The ODB author wrote … After I turned nineteen, and years before I owned a pager or a cell phone, I moved more than seven hundred miles away from my mom. One morning, I left early to run errands, forgetting our scheduled call. Later that night, two policemen came to my door. Mom had been worried because I’d never missed one of our chats. After calling repeatedly and getting a busy signal, she reached out to the authorities and insisted they check on me. One of the police officers turned to me and said, “It’s a blessing to know love won’t stop looking for you.” 

Jesus, being one with the Heavenly Father, is like that parent in the ODB story, isn’t He? In His picture of the “Good Shepherd,” He will go after even one wayward lamb to bring him back into the flock [see photo], just as He did me over 3 decades ago when I had strayed far from him in my atheism and habitual sexual sin. But His relentless love/grace finally overwhelmed me and I responded to His pursuit to take me into His flock … FOREVER!!

As Laura Story sings in the linked song, God’s love and grace certainly abound when we, those lost sheep, wander away and need it the most. And He will be relentless to come after us when we’ve strayed from His flock [see Is. 53:6 and Luke 15:4].

It’s so much easier, dear one, to just follow Him back to the flock.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for Your ever-pursuing love and grace which come after us when we stray from You.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, and come back to our Good Shepherd if we’ve strayed from Him. … 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.

May 11, 2019 … Jehovah Jireh

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 131

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from Don Moen and ensemble leading in worship and singing… Jehovah Jireh … poignantly singing of our God, Who provides for all our needs.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Genesis 22:13-14 [NLT] … 13 Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. 14 Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” 
… Abraham confirmed that his Lord was “Jehovah Jireh,” … the God Who provides. 
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Highlight Passage [context]: Genesis 22:1-14 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God tests Abraham’s faith in God’s willingness/ability to provide all that Abraham and God’s people need.
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Reference Passage : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NIV] … 5  Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6  Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. 
… Trusting in God to provide the way in life.

Reference Passage : … Romans 8:28 [NIV] … 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 
… Everything in our lives is for our good and God’s glory; … but do se believe it?

Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 12:8 [NIV] … 9 Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”
… Jesus promised Paul, as He promises us, to provide us with His strength when we feel weakened.

Reference Passage : … Philippians 4:19 [NIV] … 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. 
… The same God who supplied Abraham’s need (see highlight passage) will supply all our needs as well.

Reference Passage : … Hebrews 13:5-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Remembering God’s promise that He will never leave us or forsake us.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Julie Schwab, uses a personal story to illustrate how God will provide what we need, when we need it … ALWAYS. The ODB author wrote … My anxiety increased throughout the summer between my undergraduate and graduate programs. I love to have everything planned out, and the idea of going out of state and entering graduate school without a job made me uncomfortable. However, a few days before I left my summer job, I was asked to continue working for the company remotely. I accepted and had peace that God was taking care of me. … God provided, but it was in His timing, not mine. 

I had a mentor years ago who often said, when things were testing his faith, … “God’s calling is His enablement.” In other words, he was teaching me what God taught Abraham on that mountain side when the Lord had called the Prophet to sacrifice his ONLY son, Isaac (see highlight passage). And Abraham was reinforced in his faith in God because God provided exactly what he needed to make the sacrifice, … exactly when Abraham needed it.

And that’s the same God you and I serve as well, fellow Christians. But so often, life tests our faith, doesn’t it? And, like Abraham, we have to believe the truth of the reference scriptures above … that ALL things in our lives are for our good (see Rom. 8:28), and that our Jehovah Jireh will indeed provide all our needs (see Phil. 4:19), … yes, even when we seem too weak to handle life’s circumstances (2Cor. 12: 9).

So, take in today’s linked song; and join me to thank our Lord for being our Provider! 

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for Your enabling … empowering … grace which is totally sufficient for our needs.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, in a resounding “HALLELUJAH” and to give thanks for God being our Jehovah Jireh. … 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.

May 10, 2019 … Ministering To Loneliness

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 130

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from Roy Orbison singing his classic hit … Only the Lonely … poignantly singing of a social problem we all must deal with at times … loneliness.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Hebrews 13:1 [NLT] … 1  Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.
… God always wants his family to treat each others as family.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Hebrews 13:1-8 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… When David is in a place where all seems lost and impossible, he cries out to God. 
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Reference Passage : … Deuteronomy 31:6 [NIV] … 6 So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” 
… Moses encourages Joshua who knew that Moses was about to die.

Reference Passage : … John 13:34-35 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus charges us to show the world that we’re His disciples by showing His love to one another.

Reference Passage : … John 14:1-4 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus ministers to the fear and upcoming loneliness of His disciples just before He would go to the cross and then leave them to go to glory.

Reference Passage : … Hebrews 13:5-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Remembering God’s promise that He will never leave us or forsake us.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Mike Wittmer, makes reference to the age-old social crisis of loneliness to show us that the Family of God is the Lord’s prescription to deal with this eternal problem in the world. The ODB author wrote … Following her husband’s death, Betsy has spent most days in her flat, watching television and boiling tea for one. She’s not alone in her loneliness. More than nine million Brits (15 percent of the population) say they often or always feel lonely, and Great Britain has appointed a minister of loneliness to find out why and how to help. 
Some causes of loneliness are well known: We move too often to put down roots. We believe we can take care of ourselves, and we don’t have a reason to reach out. We’re separated by technology—each of us immersed in our own flickering screens. 

Loneliness has been a social ill forever. And recently the Brits have even recognized the problem involving millions of UK citizens by appointing a “Minister of Loneliness” (see photo). But certainly back in Bible times, God addressed the challenges of loneliness in his word.

Moses spoke to Joshua (see Deut. 31:6), knowing that Joshua would feel lonely after Moses died. In the NT, Jesus addressed this upcoming problem amongst the Disciples in the upper room, knowing that they would experience loneliness after He, their Messiah, would go to the cross and after He would be transported to Heaven [see John 14:1-4].

And that’s why God, thru the Author of Hebrews, charges Christians (see the highlight passage) to remember that the Family of God was God’s prescription for loneliness; and we, as brothers/sisters in Christ, must always minister to one another thru the family of God (see especially John 13:34-35 and Hebrews 13:1).

And who knows, … as we minister to one another’s loneliness with God’s love, we might even experience showing family of God hospitality to an angel or two (see Heb. 13:2).

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for Your everlasting and ever-faithful mercy and grace.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, to reach out and show the love of God to someone we know is lonely because they are all around us. … 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.

May 9, 2019 … Doing Life Together

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 129

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Casting Crowns singing … Broken Together … poignantly singing of how marriages and relationships work best when broken people work TOGETHER.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Ecclesiastes 4:12 [NLT] … 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. 
 … Life is not meant to “go it alone!”
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Highlight Passage [context]: Ecclesiastes 4:1-12 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Solomon, teaches that life is better taken on in relationships and friendships rather than as “Lone Ranger” Christians.
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Reference Passage : …Proverbs 27:17 [NIV] … 17  As iron sharpens iron,so a friend sharpens a friend. 
… Friendships and relationships, when working TOGETHER, sharpen our life-handling skills.

Reference Passage : … Philippians 2:3-4 [NIV] … 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. 
… We Christians need to avoid trying to be the Lone Ranger type, doing all we can to help each other tackle life TOGETHER.

Reference Passage : … Hebrews 10:24-25 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… We Christians were meant to work together to tackle the challenges of life, … to motivate and encourage one another.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Kirsten Holmberg, uses a basketball analogy to illustrate how God intends us to work together to tackle life rather than go it alone. The ODB author wrote … As we watched my daughter’s basketball game from the bleachers, I heard the coach utter a single word to the girls on the court: “Doubles.” Immediately, their defensive strategy shifted from one-on-one to two of their players teaming against their tallest ball-holding opponent. They were successful in thwarting her efforts to shoot and score [see photo], eventually taking the ball down the court to their own basket.

The ODB analogy is a good one for Christians tackling life together. God, thru Solomon, in the highlight scripture today, teaches us that we were meant to tackle life TOGETHER, whether that’s in a marriage, as Casting Crowns sing in the linked song, or merely in friendships … as the Bride of Christ in the unity of our relationships with Christ. The remaining reference scriptures simply reinforce that truth, don’t they?

When we join in a three-strand cord, in a strong Christian relationship with the Holy Spirit, we can lift each other up so much more easily than trying to be “Lone-Ranger” Christians (see Proverbs 27:17 and Hebrews 10:24-25). Trying to go life alone just doesn’t cut it, does it?

No, as the Apostle Paul encouraged fellow Christians, we do so much better in life when we cut out the selfishness [see Phil. 2:3-4] and join with other Christians to be a strong, unified, defense as the world comes against us.

Let’s all pray that we drop the Lone Ranger attitudes today and join in with other Christians to defend our Lord’s Name and His Honor in the public arena.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for giving us fellow believers to defend Your honor TOGETHER in the game of life.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, to seek other Christians to take on the challenges of life TOGETHER!! … Amen

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

May 8, 2019 … All Our Hope

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 128

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from Crowder and Tauren Wells singing … All My Hope … poignantly singing of Whom we must go when we encounter overwhelming trials in life.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 55:1-2, 16 [NLT] … 1  Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! 2  Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. 
… 16  But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. 
… David shows his faith in a God who hears and rescues in times of trouble.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 55 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… When David is in a really tough trial, he turns to the Lord for deliverance.
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Reference Passage : … Matthew 11:28-30 [NIV] … 28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” 
… Jesus invites all who are burdened by life to let Him help carry the burdens.

Reference Passage : …1 Peter 5:7 [NIV] … 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 
… Peter knew where to go when he was in trouble.

Reference Passage : … Revelation 21:3-4 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… What all Christians can look forward to when we encounter overwhelming trials.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Bill Crowder, makes reference to a plaque in Boston commemorating the horrors of the great potato famine in Ireland that led to over a million deaths and those who fled to America due to the horrors they encountered. The ODB author wrote … In Boston, Massachusetts, a plaque titled “Crossing the Bowl of Tears” [see photo] remembers those who braved the Atlantic to escape death during the catastrophic Irish potato famine of the late 1840s. More than a million people died in that disaster, while another million or more abandoned home to cross the ocean, which John Boyle O’Reilly poetically called “a bowl of tears.” Driven by hunger and heartache, these travelers sought some measure of hope during desperate times. 

I’m sure all reading here have been in a place like the Irish in the ODB entry today; … or perhaps some overwhelming personal trial like that experienced by King David in Psalm 55. But you can read Whom David went to in his times of trial; and Who Crowder sings about in the linked song, … because it is our Lord Who invites us to come to Him in those burdensome times (see Matt. 11:28-30).

The question is … do we have the faith of David in the OT or Peter in the NT (see 1Pet. 5:7) … to faithfully carry our burdens to the Lord and then simply have faith that He is there to help us, … even if that means dying in the trusting … because of God’s promise in Rev. 21:4.

Yes, dear one, there will be a day when all our tears will be gone and we will be free of the burdens of this world.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for Your promises and providence to help me carry my burdens.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, to seek help from Jesus if we carry burdens 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.

May 7, 2019 … Follow the Leader

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 127

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics of the actors in the movie Sister Act singing … I Will Follow Him … powerfully singing of how we must choose to follow Christ and often that means following other leaders who follow Him and show us the way.

God calls Elisha to follow Elijah

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Highlight Verse[s]: 2Kings 2:6 [NLT] … 6 Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, for the Lord has told me to go to the Jordan River.” But again Elisha replied, “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I will never leave you.” So they went on together. 
… Elisha is determined to follow his mentor, Elijah.
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Highlight Passage [context]: 2 Kings 2:1-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Three times Elijah give Elisha an opportunity to stay behind as the elder Prophet moves on; but Elisha will not leave the sight of his mentor.
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Reference Passage : … 1Kings 19:19=21 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Elisha is called by God to follow Elijah [see photo].

Reference Passage : … Luke 9:23 [NIV] … 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 declares what it takes to be His follower (i.e., disciple).

Reference Passage : … John 15:5 [NIV] … 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. …” 
… Jesus, to His mentees (the Disciples) and what it takes to be fruitful in God’s kingdom.

Reference Passage : …1 Corinthians 11:1 [NIV] … 1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 
… Paul shows what it takes to mentor others … and that is to follow Christ closely.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Estera Escobar, shows the value that a God-honoring mentor had in the author’s life. The ODB author wrote … Who do you think of when you hear the word mentor? For me, it’s Pastor Rich. He saw my potential and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He modeled how to lead by serving in humility and love. As a result, I am now serving God by mentoring others. 

Did any of my readers here today ever have a God-honoring, scripture following, mentor, who has helped you follow Christ as the linked song points us today. There are good examples of strong mentoring relationships in Scripture, aren’t there, … such as Elijah-Elisha in the OT and Paul -Timothy in the NT?

I was very fortunate in my early days as a maturing Christian to be mentored by a retired physician who was easy to follow as a Christian leader because of his intimate relationship with Christ and his devotion to obeying God’s word. It was like when Paul said to fellow Christians (see 1Cor. 11:1), … “You can imitate me, because I imitate Christ.”

And perhaps if any reader here desires to follow Christ, as the Lord Himself commanded in Luke 9:23, it would be a good idea to find your own Elijah, or Apostle Paul, to follow.

Howard Hendricks, former Chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary, once said, “Every disciple needs … a ‘Paul’ who can mentor him and challenge him. … And he needs a “Timothy,’ … someone that he can pour his life into.” … Do you have an Elijah or a Paul in your life to lead you into a more abiding relationship with Christ (see John 15:5); and do you have a Timothy, whom you can lead in life by following Christ closely yourself?

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for sending me a mentor to lead me to You more closely.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, to seek and find others to 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.

May 6, 2019 … Thirsty? Come … Drink!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 126

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics of the group Sidewalk Prophets singing … Come To The Table … poignantly singing of how we all are invited to God’s table to dine with Him and be filled.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Isaiah 55:1 [NLT] … 1 “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it’s all free! 
… God invites any/all to come and be filled at His table.  
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Highlight Passage [context]: Isaiah 55:1-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Isaiah, invites all people, when thirsty, to come to His table and freely drink. 
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Reference Passage : … Matthew 7:7-8 [NIV] … 7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 
… Jesus invites all who see after more in lift to come to Him with their desires.

Reference Passage : … John 4:13-15 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus show all, thru His interaction with the woman at the well, that He has the only living waters to provide life to all.

Reference Passage : … Philippians 4:19 [NIV] … 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. 
… God, thru Paul, promises that He will provide all that we need.

Reference Passage : …1 Peter 5:7 [NIV] … 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.. 
… When we’re discontented, there’s only one place to go to have our needs met.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Poh Fang Chia, uses story of personal dissatisfaction to show that we all look for more in life, … so often with discontentment. The ODB author wrote … I peeked over the grape-stake fence that encloses our backyard. There I saw folks running, jogging, walking, and shuffling around the track that surrounds the park behind our home. I used to do that when I was stronger, I thought. And a wave of dissatisfaction washed over me. 

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, … isn’t it? Well, it’s the human condition to always be seeking after more to satisfy our wants, … or what we perceive to be our needs. But today’s OBD entry and the Scriptures provided above, show us that there is only one place to go when we’re hungry or thirsty for more; and that’s to our Lord!

The woman and the well found her source of living waters, didn’t she (see John 4)? And Jesus invites us all to come to Him when we’re thirsty and our needs seem unsatisfied (see Matt. 7:7-8); because, as Paul and Peter taught, our God is our only source of living waters to meet our needs and satisfy our worries.

So, today, let’s all accept God’s invitation, as the Sidewalk Prophets sing, and come to His table and eat and drink our fill.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for Your invitation to be filled with Your living waters.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, to come to His table 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.

May 5, 2019 …Praying for the Persecuted…

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 125

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics of Crowder singing his song with Tauren Wells … All My Hope … poignantly singing of how we all are forgiven and freed by the blood of Jesus.

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Highlight Verse[s]: 2Corinthians 1:10-11 [NLT] … 10 And He [The Lord] did rescue us from mortal danger, and He will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. 11 And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety. 
… Paul shows Christians (us) why it’s important to pray for the persecuted church. 
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Highlight Passage [context]: 2Corinthians 1:8-11 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul thanks fellow Christians for their prayers when he and companions were persecuted.
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Reference Passage : … Luke 4:18-19 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus, quoting from Isaiah’s prophesy (Is. 61:1-2), declares why He came to earth … to free the oppressed from their own sin.

Reference Passage : … Hebrews 13:3 [NIV] … 3 Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. 
… God exhorts us to pray for others as if we were praying for ourselves in chains.

Reference Passage : … 1Peter 5:7 [NIV] … 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.
… Since we serve a caring God, we need to take our concerns for others to Him.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Poh Fang Chia, uses story of persecuted Christians to remind us of our obligation to pray for those in chains for their faith. The ODB author wrote … The day started out like any other, but it ended as a nightmare. Esther (not her real name) and several hundred women were kidnapped from their boarding school by a religious militant group. A month later all were released—except for Esther who refused to deny Christ. As my friend and I read about her and others who are being persecuted for their faith, our hearts were moved. We wanted to do something. But what? 

Every day, around the world, there are Christians who are persecuted - even martyred - for their faith. And persecution of Christians - and other faiths - is becoming more wide spread in our so-called free country as well. So, … what do we do?

Well, Jesus, Himself, reminded those of His day why He came to walk amongst them and even die for them; and that is to free us from the shackles of sin (see Luke 4:18-19); and the Apostles Paul and Peter reminded fellow Christians, … and us too, … that we should pray for those who are being persecuted in Christ’s Name (see reference Scriptures), … just as if we are the ones being persecuted.

Because, my fellow believer, it is highly likely that we are going to be a part of the persecuted Church very soon ourselves. So, … let’s pray, pray, pray for our persecuted brothers/sisters in Christ. 

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for coming to save us from the shackles of our sin.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, to pray diligently for the persecuted believers around the world.. … Amen

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

May 4, 2019 … Waiting …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 124

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics of Lincoln Brewster singing … While I Wait … poignantly singing of how we should wait for the Lord, making our lives a waiting game or preparation and worship.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Acts 1:4-5 [NLT] … 4 On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 
 … Jesus commands us to wait in Him in an attitude of trust and worship.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Acts 1:4-11 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Just before Jesus ascended into Heaven after the resurrection, He commands His inner Disciples to gather and wait on the Holy Spirit.
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Reference Passage : … Psalm 130:5 [NIV] … 5  I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope. 
… The ancient Jewish command that we are to treat others with all the love God shows to us.

Reference Passage : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God desires that we wait - TRUSTINGLY - to allow Him to lead us with His word.

Reference Passage : … Isaiah 40:30-31 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God desires that we allow Him to give us the strength to wait on Him.

Reference Passage : … Revelation 19:6-8 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… The Apostle John was given a vision of the Wedding Feast of the Lamb of God; … and His Bride was there, having prepared Her linens, which were the acts of worship and surrender to the Lord.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Peter Chin, uses story of impatience and the bad that results when we’re unwilling to wait at times. The ODB author wrote … Police charged a woman with reckless driving after she drove off the street and onto the sidewalk and back because she didn’t want to wait for a school bus dropping off students! 
While it’s true that waiting can make us impatient, there are also good things to do and learn in the waiting. 

I know that patience [i.e., the ability to wait trustingly on God] is one of the fruit of the Spirit [see Galatians 5:22-23]; but I must admit that it is one of the lesser mature fruit in my life’s basket. I often find myself impatient, even to the point of anger, in traffic jams and other unimportant situations.

Just before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He told His Disciples (in the highlight passage) to wait patiently in Jerusalem for the coming of His Spirit. And they gathered, as they had before the crucifixion in an upper room, following His commands, … but waiting by prayer/worship on their Lord’s promises. And that scene shows us that there are going to be times when we have trouble waiting on God and His promises; … but wait we must … for His promises to unfold.

And that’s what God’s word tells us (see reference passages) over and over again, knowing that it’s going to be tough to wait. But the wait will be worth it … as described by God thru John’s reflection (see Rev 19:6-8). For one day we will be with our Bridegroom at the wedding feast of the Lamb of God.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for giving us the strength to wait on You.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, to wait faithfully on God’s promises to unfold in His timing and good will. … 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.

May 3, 2019 … My Neighbor?

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 123

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of Fred Rogers singing … Won’t You Be My Neighbor … poignantly singing of his initiation for anyone to become his neighbor, … a sentiment which should be shared by all Christians … ALWAYS.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Luke 10:36-37 [NLT] … 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” 
… Jesus commands us all to treat others as the “good Samaritan” treated the man on the road.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Luke 20:25-37 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus tells the parable of the “Good Samaritan” to illustrate who should be our neighbor … anyone … anytime!
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Reference Passage : … Deuteronomy 6:5 [NLT] … 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 
… The ancient Jewish command that we are to treat others with all the love God shows to us.


Reference Passage : … Mark 12:28-31 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus taught the religious leaders that there was no commandment from God greater than that of loving others - any and all - as our neighbors.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Cindy Hess Kasper, uses a human interest story to illustrate taking Jesus’ command to make all people our neighbors … always. The ODB author wrote … In the summer of 2017, Hurricane Harvey brought devastating losses of life and property to the Gulf Coast of the US. Many people provided food, water, clothing, and shelter for those in immediate need. 
The owner of a piano store in Maryland felt prompted to do something more. He considered how music could bring a special kind of healing and sense of normalcy to people who had lost everything. So he and his staff began to refurbish pre-owned pianos and to make inquiries to see where the need was the greatest. That spring, Dean Kramer and his wife, Lois, began the long trek to Houston, Texas, driving a truck filled with free pianos [like the one in the photo] to give to grateful families, churches, and schools in the ravaged area. 

When Jesus was confronted by those challenging His authority, mostly the religious leaders of His day, He was asked who should be our neighbor, … i.e., one we should treat as commanded by God in Deut. 6:5? And He responded [see passages in Mark 12 and Luke 10) with the clear picture that we should treat EVERYONE as our neighbor,… just as the “good Samaritan” did in Jesus’ parable.

The question becomes, who will we come across today - or tomorrow - who needs us to invite him to be our neighbor just as Fred Rogers did the youth of American for years on TV [see linked video]. And just as those folks in Maryland did, by offering free pianos, … whom will we reach out to treat as a loving neighbor the next time we see someone in need?

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for treating me as Your neighbor.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, to reach out and help the next “neighbor” we encounter. … 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.

May 2, 2019 … KOKO in Prayer

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 122

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics of Steve Green singing … Find Us Faithful … poignantly singing of how we must keep on keeping on (“KOKO”) in faith.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Luke 18:1 [NLT] … 1  Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 
… Jesus teaching on the power of persistent/faithful prayer.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Luke 18:1-8 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus relates the parable of the persistent widow.  
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Reference Passage : … Romans 12:12 [NLT] … 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 
… Paul exhorting fellow believers to keep on keeping in faithful prayer.

Reference Passage : … Colossians 4:2 [NLT] … 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 
… God’s prescription for peaceful living.

Reference Passage : … 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 [NLT] … 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 
… Paul’s strong exhortation to joyful, thankful, FAITHFUL prayer.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, James Banks, uses a personal story to illustrate how God honors the prayer of His faithful prayer warriors. The ODB author wrote … Kevin wiped a tear from his eye as he held out a slip of paper for my wife, Cari, to read. He knew Cari and I were praying for our daughter to return to faith in Jesus. “This note was found in my mother’s Bible after her death, and I hope it encourages you,” he said. At the top of the note were the words, “For my son, Kevin.” Below them was a prayer for his salvation. 
“I carry this with me in my own Bible today,” Kevin explained. “My mother prayed for my salvation for more than thirty-five years. I was far away from God, and I’m a believer now.” He looked intently at us and smiled through his tears: “Never give up praying for your daughter—no matter how long it takes.” 

Perhaps having taken in that story and the linked song, the name or life of a dear family member or friend, one who seemingly has not surrendered to God’s saving grace, has been called to your mind. And perhaps you, like I have for my sister for years, have been praying for the salvation of that person.

Well, don’t stop!! … “KOKO” (aka - Keep On Keeping On) in faith. Because if you believe as I do, and what the Apostle Paul encouraged believers in the above reference Scriptures, and also what Jesus taught in His parable (see highlight passage), … God honors the intent and humble faithfulness of those who pray persistently for those things in His will. So, let’s keep praying for God to pursue and save our loved ones.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for Your willingness to honor the prayers of your faithful prayer warriors.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, to keep on keeping on praying for lost loved ones. … 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.

May 1, 2019 … God’s Remedies

Berry Patch Devotions in 2019 - Day 121

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of babies laughing uncontrollably … Babies Laughing … if you need a good laugh, … this will help make you feel better.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Proverbs 19;22 [NLT] … 22  A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones 
… A Godly prescription for longer living.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Proverbs 17:19-22 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Solomon, provides many prescriptions for well being and Godly living. 
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Reference Passage : … Psalm 119:9-11 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God’s prescription for pure living.

Reference Passage : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] … 5  Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. 
… God’s prescription for purpose and direction in life.

Reference Passage : … Isaiah 26:3 [NLT] … 3  You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. 
… God’s prescription for peaceful living.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Lisa M Samra, uses a a very human story to illustrate how God provides a prescription for well being thru His word. The ODB author wrote … Greg and Elizabeth have a regular “Joke Night” with their four school-age children. Each child brings several jokes they’ve read or heard (or made up themselves!) during the week to tell at the dinner table. This tradition has created joyful memories of fun shared around the table. Greg and Elizabeth even noticed the laughter was healthy for their children, lifting their spirits on difficult days. 
The benefit of joyful conversation around the dinner table was observed by C. S. Lewis, who wrote, “The sun looks down on nothing half so good as a household laughing together over a meal.” 

One of the best reasons one finds me here EACH DAY, digging into God’s mine of truth [i.e., His word], is to find and internalize His prescriptions for well being and Godly living. And today, the ODB entry helps us to focus on one of them from Prov. 17:22 … that laughter, especially with family or friends [see photo], actually provides life-giving medicine.

But there are others which come to mind. How about these? …
… For PURE LIVING … see Psalm 119:9-11 … What good Christian doesn’t want to avoid sin in our lives?
… For PURPOSE … See Proverbs 3:5-6 … Who couldn’t use a more effective “GPS” for life?
 … For PEACE  … See Isaiah 26:3 … In this stress-ridden world, who couldn’t use more peace? 

And that’s why you’ll find me back here tomorrow, delving more deeply into God’s perfect prescription pad, … for His remedies for life.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Abba Father, … thank You, Lord, … for Your prescription pad for life, … found in Your word.
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My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I pray, Lord, that all reading here can, and will, join me, to seek out God’s prescriptions for Godly living. … 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.