April 10, 2017 … Jesus, My Best Friend

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 100 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from Alan Jackson singing the old hymn … What A Friend We Have In Jesus … poignantly declaring the reality of our friendship with Jesus as born-again Christians.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Hebrews 10:21 … [NLT] … 
21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. … 
… What a friend we have in Jesus … our High Priest in Heaven!
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Highlight Passage [context]: Hebrews 10:19-23 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God expressing His deep friendship to all who believe on His Kingship.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … John 1:12 [NLT] … 
12 But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. 
… And as Jesus’ brothers and sisters, as true believers, He is a friend like no other.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Philippians 4:6-7 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul, exhorting Christians to take their worries to our friend, King Jesus.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … 1st Peter 5:7 [NLT] … 
7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. 
… Peter realized what a friend he had in Jesus.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, James Banks, used a personal story to illustrate the closest friend any Christian has … that of our Lord and King, Jesus. The ODB author wrote: When I was twelve years old our family moved to a town in the desert. After gym classes in the hot air at my new school, we rushed for the drinking fountain. Being skinny and young for my grade, I sometimes got pushed out of the way while waiting in line. One day my friend Jose, who was big and strong for his age, saw this happening. He stepped in and stuck out a strong arm to clear my way. “Hey!” he exclaimed, “You let Banks get a drink first!” I never had trouble at the drinking fountain again. 

Have you ever had a friend like Jose to our ODB author? I did when I was a kid. We had a bully in our neighborhood; but when he saw me with my friend, Buddy, who was twice his size, the bully was no longer a bully. And today’s ODB reminded me that I have the “BESTEST" FRIEND of all; and one who is stronger than any bully we might encounter in this life.

So, as today’s Scriptures declare, … when we have a bully, … a person or thought, … which is burdening us, we should do what Alan Jackson sings and God’s word declares (see Phil. 4:6-7 or 1Peter 5:7) and take my bully into the prayer presence of my best friend, … King Jesus!

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … King Jesus, … Thank You, dear Lord, for being my friend. … 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.

April 9, 2017 … God’s Guiding Light

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 99 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from the group, Mercy Me, singing their song … Word of God Speak … poignantly declaring that God’s word is all we need to light our path thru life.

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Highlight Verse[s]: John 20:30-31 … [NLT] … 
30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. 
… God has given us His word thru Spirit-inspired authors, like John, to lead us on our walk of faith in this life.
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Highlight Passage [context]: John 20:24-31 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… John expresses the truth of how God’s words leads us on our trek of faith in this life. 
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Psalm 119:105 [NLT] … 
17  Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path 
… The Psalmist tells of God’s guide for our faith walk in this life.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Isaiah 55:10-11 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… When we see God’s promises/purposes thru His word, we will never be led astray.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … 2nd Timothy 3:16-17 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… When we follow God’s word, HE will lead us in the way everlasting.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David McCasland, used a reference to a famous piece of literature by Civil War General, Lew Wallace, to teach on the impact of God’s word. The ODB author wrote: Since its first publication in 1880, Lee Wallace’s novel “Ben Our: A Tale of the Christ” has never been out of print. It has been called the most influential Christian book of the nineteenth century; and it continues to draw readers today as it weaves the true story of Jesus with that of a fictional young Jewish nobleman named Judah Ben-Hur. 
Amy Lifson, writing in Humanities Magazine, said that the book transformed the life of the author.  

But there’s no book written by humans, no matter how insightful, from human intelligence or logic, which surpasses the guiding light of God’s word. No other book can or will have the transformational impact of leading us on this walk of faith in this life than God’s own GPS and guidebook, … His very word, .. The Bible.

Hence, the deeper we read, study, and meditate on God’s word, the clearer will by our path in life, … the more Godly will be our decisions, … and the more peace we’ll find. And do I sense that any of my fellow Christians, reading here, might seek to partake in that kind of guidance? I hope all reading with me have just voiced a loud, … “AMEN!”

My friends, that’s why you find me here EVERY morning, going deeper and deeper in my Bible study and mediation and taking up God’s truth and His promises to guide my every waking moment. Hence, when you come back here tomorrow, you’ll find me journaling on how God is leading me to walk another day with Him in this life.

Come on along. Let’s pick up His light and let our Lord lead us in the way everlasting.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … LORD, … As the Psalmist wrote, Your word is THE light for my path, … today and tomorrow. … 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.

April 8, 2017 ... My Shepherd Forever

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 98 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from the group, Hillsong, singing their song … Jesus, You’re All I Need … poignantly declaring that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is all we really need in this life as well as the next.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Genesis 48:16 … [NLT] … 
15 Then he blessed Joseph and said, … “May the God before whom my grandfather Abraham and my father, Isaac, walked— the God who has been my Shepherd all my life, to this very day, … 
… Jacob trusted the relationship he had experienced, having been a shepherd, to the “Good Shepherd,” … his Lord and Savior.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Genesis 48:8-16 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jacob blesses his son and grandsons with the faithfulness of his eternal Shepherd, … His Lord and God.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … John 10:14-16 [NLT] … 
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. 
 … Jesus is the “Good Shepherd” for all who’re willing to come to His call.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Revelation 7:17 [NLT] … 
17  For the Lamb on the throne will be there Shepherd. … He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes. 
… King Jesus on His throne of grace is the Good Shepherd, providing eternal life for all who die to self and live for Him.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Keila Ochoa, used a personal story and a biblical reference to Jacob to illustrate how God can be our forever shepherd if we choose Him to lead us to glory. The ODB author wrote: When my son changed grades in school he cried, “I want my teacher for life!” We had to help him realize that changing teachers is a part of life. We may wonder: Is there any relationship that can last a lifetime? 
Jacob, the patriarch, found out there is one. After living through many dramatic changes and losing loved ones along the way, he realized there had been a constant presence in his life. He prayed, “May the God . . . who has been my shepherd all my life to this day . . . bless these boys” (Gen. 48:15–16). 

Jacob in his waning days, knew what the group Hillsong sings in today’s linked song; and he wanted His son and grandsons to be blessed by the Shepherd of His soul, … the One Who would bring him to the throne in glory with the Lamb of God, … He Who also is the “Good Shepherd,” … the One Who leads His sheep (that’s us, folks!) to His eternal waters of life.

I pray that all reading here with me, will follow our Good Shepherd to graze in His eternal pastures forever.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … LORD, … I know Your voice and You have called me to follow You a my Good Shepherd. … 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.

April 7, 2017 ... Living A Godly Life

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 97 

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 the desire of most Christians for others to see Jesus in the way we live in His Name and for His glory.

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Highlight Verse[s]: 1st Samuel 9:6 … [NLT] … 
16 But the servant said, “I’ve just thought of something! There is a man of God who lives here in this town. He is held in high honor by all the people because everything he says comes true. Let’s go find him. Perhaps he can tell us which way to go.” 
… Samuel was well known for his Godliness.
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Highlight Passage [context]: 1st Samuel 9:1-10 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Saul learns of Samuel, … a Godly man and a prophet of God.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… A Godly person trusts God completely and is willing to follow His will and ways for others to see our Lord in the way we live.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 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.” 
… Others see Jesus revealed in the way we live when (and only when) we obey Him and live for Him.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Acts 1:8 [NLT] … 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” … We’re charged to be Christ’s witnesses in the world.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David Roper, used a personal reference to remind him of an OT story about King Saul and the Prophet, Samuel. The ODB author wrote: My wife, Carolyn, and I were walking in London and came across a road named “Godliman” Street. We were told that a man once lived there whose life was so saintly that his street became known as “that godly man’s street.” 
This reminded me of an Old Testament story. Saul’s father sent his son and a servant to look for some donkeys that had wandered away. The young men searched for many days but couldn’t find the animals. Saul was ready to give up and go home, but his servant pointed toward Ramah, the prophet Samuel’s village, and replied, “Look, in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true. Let’s go there now. Perhaps he will tell us what way to take” (1 Sam. 9:6). 

Could I get an “AMEN!” from my readers if I claim that we Christians certainly want others to see Christ living in us by the way we live? I certainly hope so; because that’s what the ODB entry today is teaching; and I’m definitely one who wants the world to see Christ’s light shining brightly in what I say and do. That’s what the attached photo represents.

When Jesus ascended into Heaven, He charged His disciples (that’s you/me too) to be His witness. We’re to shine His light when others the way we live … just like others saw Godliness in the Prophet Samuel in the highlight passage. So, I’m going to pray that I can be His beacon today in the darkness which surrounds us all in this world.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … LORD, … Shine Your light thru the way I live 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.

April 6, 2017 ... Forever the Same

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 96 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of lyrics from the group “4Him” singing … He Never Changes … poignantly singing of a truth which is critical to our faith in Christ.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 102:27 … [NLT] … 
12 But You are always the same; … You will last forever. 
… Our God never changes!!
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 102:25-28 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… A Psalmists lament and plea to an eternal and forever God.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… If our God changed over time, we could never trust His nature … or His word; … but He doesn't change and we can ALWAYS trust Him.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … James 1:17 [NLT] … 
17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 
… Our God NEVER changes.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Hebrews 13:8-9 [NLT] … 
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them. 
… No matter what changes around us, we know that Jesus never does.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Poh Fang Chia, used a personal reference to teach on the immutability of our God. The ODB author wrote: My friend, who had gone through many difficulties recently, wrote, “As I reflect on the past four semesters of student life, so many things have changed . . . . It is scary, really scary. Nothing stays forever.” 
Indeed, many things can happen in two years—a career change, newfound friendship, illness, death. Good or bad, a life-altering experience may be lurking just around the corner, waiting to pounce! We simply don’t know. What great comfort, then, to know that our loving heavenly Father does not change. 

The biblical doctrine of the IMMUTABILITY (or unchanging nature) of God is one of lynchpin doctrines to which our faith is based. Certainly, as the ODB entry teaches above, circumstances change all around us every day; but how could we say, and believe, the truth of Proverbs 3:5-6 would be meaningless. How could one trust a God who was continually changing?

But the truth is the opposite. We can ALWAYS rely on our God, because He, as the group 4Him sings and the scriptures above intimate, … our God NEVER changes!. As Jesus’s brother and the Author of Hebrews declared (see above), our Lord is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow; and we’ll ALWAYS be able to pin our forever on the One Who died on the cross and was risen again to make our forever … His forever.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … LORD, … You are my LORD; and You never change! … 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.

April 5, 2017 ... Worshipping God Alone

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 95 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …   Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Steve Green singing … God And God Alone … poignantly singing what should be the reality of our lives … worshipping God, and God alone, with our lives as living sacrifices.

Worshipping God ... and God alone!!

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Highlight Verse[s]: 2 Kings 23:12a, 21 … [NLT] … 
12 Josiah tore down the altars that the kings of Judah had built on the palace roof above the upper room of Ahaz. … 21 King Josiah then issued this order to all the people: “You must celebrate the Passover to the Lord your God, as required in this Book of the Covenant.” 
 … When God’s truth prevails over the idols of the world thru obedience God’s word. 
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Highlight Passage [context]: 2 Kings 23:12-14, 21-25 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Young King Josiah, surrendering to God’s will from His word, destroyed all idols and restored God’s covenant worship.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Joshua 24:15 [NLT] … 
15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” 
… Joshua made his choice as to Whom he would serve. We must make ours.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Romans 12:1-2 [NLT] … 
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 
… When we are living sacrifices to/for our God, we destroy the idols in our lives and worship the One True God.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Tim Gustafson, used a cross-cultural illustration to teach about destroying the idols in The ODB author wrote: As he awaited his baptism in Togo’s Mono River, Kossi stooped to pick up a worn wooden carving. His family had worshiped the object for generations. Now they watched as he tossed the grotesque figure into a fire prepared for the occasion. No longer would their choicest chickens be sacrificed to this god. 
In the West, most Christians think of idols as metaphors for what they put in place of God. In Togo, West Africa, idols represent literal gods that must be appeased with sacrifice. Idol burning and baptism make a courageous statement about a new believer’s allegiance to the one true God.

And as the ODB author intimates, we likely have idols in our lives to which/whom we sacrifice our allegiance, draining our worship of the one true God. And so, as did the young King, Josiah, when we know the truth of God’s word, we must tear down and destroy all idols in our lives and sacrifice our lives in worship to the ONE TRUE GOD [see highlight passages].

So, what must we do to surrender to our LORD; and give our lives in worship to Him ALONE? Josiah made his choice (again, see highlight passages). Joshua made his choice (see Joshua 24:15); and the Apostle Paul made his (see Romans 12:1-2).

Now, … we must make ours!

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … LORD, … Help me tear down any idol which stands between You and my worship of Your holiness. … 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.

April 4, 2017 ... His Word Lighting My Path

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 94 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of an image and lyrics from the Maranatha Singers singing … Thy Word … poignantly singing the truth of the power of God’s word to guide our lives as Christians.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 63:6-7 … [NLT] … 
6 I lie awake thinking of You (LORD), … meditating on You through the night. 7 Because You are my helper, … I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings. 
… David’s meditation on God’s word calmed his heart.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 63:1-11 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… King David had learned how to quiet his soul and mind … by meditating on God’s Word. 
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Psalm 119:105 [NLT] … 
105 Your word (LORD) is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. 
… This Psalmist knew that focus on God’s word would light our way in life.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Isaiah 55:11 [NLT] … 
11 It is the same with My word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. 
… How foolish not to use the power of God's word for His purposes in guiding our lives.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … 2Timothy 3:16-17 [NLT] … 
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 
… Everything we do as a Christ follower is enhanced by the power of following God’s word.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David McCasland, told of the found of The Navigators ministry and his reliance on God’s Word. The ODB author wrote: Dawson Trotman, a dynamic Christian leader of the mid-twentieth century and founder of “The Navigators,” emphasized the importance of the Bible in the life of every Christian. Trotman ended each day with a practice he called “His Word the last word.” Before going to sleep he meditated on a memorized Bible verse or passage, then prayed about its place and influence in his life. He wanted the last words he thought about each day to be God’s words. 

Early in my discipleship as a new Christian, a mentor realized how spiritually handicapped I was in my biblical illiteracy. So, he set out to instill in me the type of discipline spoken of by the OBD story above. And here I am, over 25 years later, praying, studying, meditating, and journaling God’s word EVERY MORNING. And quite often, when my mind/heart is in turmoil at the end of the day, I will use a variant of the technique described above to calm my heart/mind, allowing me to sleep more peacefully.

And today’s photo, song, and scriptures pose the question as to how much we, as Christians, rely on God’s word to do what Psalm 119:105 decries above. Because if we don’t, we’re trying to grope for direction in the darkness of the world with no Spirit-led power to guide our way.

Personally, I’d rather be compulsively here every day, starting my day in God’s word, and using its truth to light my way through this life [see photo].

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … LORD, … Shine Your light brightly thru Your word to guide me 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.

April 3, 2017 ... Compassion ALWAYS!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 93 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from an anonymous voice singing … Everyone Needs Compassion … poignantly singing what should be the surrender and goal of every Christian … to show the Savior in all that we do.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Colossians 3:12-13 … [NLT] … 
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 
… Being compassionate, as Christians, is our way of showing Christ to a fallen world. 
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Highlight Passage [context]: Colossians 3:12-17 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul helps Christians see how we should treat others … ALWAYS!
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Lamentations 3:22 [NLT] … 
22 The faithful love to the Lord never ends; … His mercies never cease. 
… Yes, … even when it doesn’t feel like it, God works in our lives … for our good.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … John 13:34-35 [NLT] … 
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.” 
… It’s our Lord’s command … to love others … ALWAYS … to show the world we are His disciples.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Ephesians 4:31-32 [NLT] … 
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. 
… Being compassionate and caring should be the M.O. of any Christian.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Dave Branon, used a personal illustration to teach on showing the love/compassion of Christ to others. The ODB author wrote: Seven of us were attending a musical production at a crowded amusement park. Wanting to sit together, we tried to squeeze into one row. But as we did, a woman rushed between us. My wife mentioned to her that we wanted to stay together, but the woman quickly said, “Too bad,” as she and her two companions pushed on into the row. 
As three of us sat one row behind the other four, my wife, Sue, noticed that the woman had an adult with her who appeared to have special needs. She had been trying to keep her little group together so she could take care of her friend. Suddenly, our irritation faded. Sue said, “Imagine how tough things are for her in a crowded place like this.” Yes, perhaps the woman did respond rudely. But we could respond with compassion rather than anger. 

How would we react/respond to someone seemingly rudely trying to push their way into our lives in such a confrontation? I would hope like those folks, … in the way Christ would want us to respond … as HE would respond. And if we take in today’s song/scriptures above, perhaps we will show His love and compassion today.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … LORD, … Help me to find the humility/meekness You described of Yourself in Matt. 11:19. I want others to see You in my actions 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.

April 2, 2017 ... Waiting on God

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 92 

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

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Highlight Verse[s]: Daniel 10:12 … [NLT] … 
12 Then he [the angel] said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. 
… An angel arrives to let Daniel know that God has been working on his behalf.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Daniel 10:1-14 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Daniel waits for God to act on behalf of His people.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … 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 called according to his purpose for them. 
… Yes, … even when it doesn’t feel like it, God works in our lives … for our good.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 2nd Corinthians 12:8-9 [NLT] … 
8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away [the painful thorn]. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” 
… Paul didn’t realize that God was always there, in his pain, interceding on his behalf.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Philippians 4:19 [NLT] … 
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. 
 … We must have faith that God will ALWAYS take care of our needs.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Kirsten Holmberg, used a personal illustration many have experienced to illustrate how God often works behind the scenes. The ODB author wrote: My daughter sent a text message to a friend, in hopes of having a question answered quickly [see photo]. Her phone’s messaging service showed that the recipient had read the message, so she waited anxiously for a reply. Mere moments passed, yet she grew frustrated, groaning her annoyance at the delay. Irritation eroded into worry; she wondered whether the lack of response meant there was a problem between them. Eventually a reply came and my daughter was relieved to see their relationship was fine. Her friend had simply been sorting out the details needed to answer the question. 

I’m sure we’ve all been in situations where we likely prayed for God’s intervention but He seemed far away, and we were waiting for His response. Today’s highlight passage (above) had Daniel, waiting on God concerning a vision Daniel had had; and God finally sent an angelic messenger to let Daniel know He had been intervening for him all along. And Daniel learned that during the delay, God’s angels had been fighting on his behalf. We all probably know the story of Paul experiencing a painful thorn; and praying for God repetitively to rid him of the pain; but then Paul remembered Jesus saying that God had never left Paul and was giving him His enabling grace to handle the pain [see 2Cor. 12:8-9].

Unfortunately now that Jesus has come on our behalf, God seldom, if ever, sends Angels to address our praying and waiting as He did for Daniel. Nor does He speak encouragement directly to us as He did with Paul.  No, He expects us to have faith that He’s always there for us and will always provide what we need.

So, if we’re praying for God’s help; and He seems way far away, … be assured that what we’re experiencing is for our good (see Rom. 8:28); and our Lord will ALWAYS provide for our needs in those times of temptation or pain (see Phil. 4:19 and 1st Cor. 10:13) - the latter on you own).

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … LORD, … I know You’re there for me! … 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.

April 1, 2017 ... Good … All the Time!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 91 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of lyrics and worship from Don Men singing praise to God in his song … God Is Good … gloriously singing praise that our God truly is good … ALL THE TIME … even when we don’t understand His plans or purposes for us.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Romans 8:23 … [NLT] … 
23 And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children,[a] including the new bodies he has promised us. 
… Our hope … our longing is always the promise of eternal life with Christ.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Romans 8:22-28 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… No matter what we must endure in this fallen world, GOD IS GOOD!
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Psalm 120: 1 [NKJV] … 
1 I took my troubles to the Lord; … I cried out to Him, and He answered. 
… But sometimes we don’t really want to hear His answer, do we?

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Matthew 26:42 [NKJV] … 
42 Then Jesus left them [His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane] a second time and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 
… Even Jesus had a time when He wished there could be another way to travel.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Romans 8:28 [NKJV] … 
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. 
… Yes, … REALLY …, fellow believer … ALL THINGS!

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Xochitl Dixon, used a very personal illustration to teach about God’s goodness in times of suffering. The ODB author wrote: I thanked God for the privilege of serving as my mom’s live-in caregiver during her battle against leukemia. When medicines began to hurt more than help, she decided to stop treatment. “I don’t want to suffer anymore,” she said. “I want to enjoy my last days with family. God knows I’m ready to go home.” 
I pleaded with our loving heavenly Father—the Great Physician—confident He could work miracles. But to say yes to my mom’s prayers, He would have to say no to mine. Sobbing, I surrendered, “Your will be done, Lord.” 

There are times, especially when we’re suffering, that we pray for God to take away the suffering. And yet, He doesn’t. … In those times, we’d love for him to take life in a way different direction than it seems to be going. But, as with the story from today’s ODB author, God may not take life in the direction of our personal desires.

Even Jesus had that kind of a moment, didn’t He, … in the Garden of Gethsemane, as He was headed to the cross in those final hours, when He knew He was about to experience suffering greater than His manhood could stand [see Matt. 26:42]. But Jesus’s divinity fully recognized that His suffering was for the good of His Father’s plan to save mankind. So, He surrendered to God’s will over His own desire for a release from suffering.

Yes, my friends; … Romans 8:28 is true … ALWAYS!  And, as with the story related by the ODB author today, there are going to be times when we have to declare that “God is good” … even when it most certainly doesn’t feel good 

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … LORD, … Your way is always the right way; … even when I don’t want to travel that road. … 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.

March 31, 2017 ... I’m Invited !!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 90 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of lyrics from the group Hlllsong singing their song … Here I Am To Worship … gloriously singing of the worship anyone can have with King Jesus any day … anywhere. All we have to do is accept His invitation to come in and share in His feast of love.

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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’s greatest invitation.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Isaiah 55:1-7 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God’s invitation to come dine with Him … FOREVER!
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Revelation 3:20 [NKJV] … 
20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 
… Jesus’ invitation to open the door of sanctification … to let Him in to wine/dine with us.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David McCasland, used a personal illustration to teach about God’s greatest invitation. The ODB author wrote: During a recent week, I received several invitations in the mail. Those inviting me to attend “free” seminars on retirement, real estate, and life insurance were immediately thrown away. But the invitation to a gathering honoring a longtime friend caused me to reply immediately, “Yes! I accept.” Invitation + Desire = Acceptance. 

And that’s the spiritual formula for the greatest invitation of all; … the invite to God’s grandest banquet … at the wedding feast of the Lamb, when Christ gathers His bride to Himself for the greatest celebration of eternity.

And my friends, I’m invited! … Are you?

But I don’t have to wait until I die to have my Savior dine with me. I dine with Him every day after I accepted His invitation to salvation well over 30 years ago. And now, He knocks at the door of my heart every day - really, every moment; … and all I have to do is open the door and let Him in (see Rev. 3:20).

And that’s why you find me - readily and eagerly - coming here each morning to let my Lord, King Jesus, come in a give me His bread of life and His living waters; and it’s so sweet to have Him dine with me here each day.

Oh, how I pray you’ve accepted His invite to come in and dine with Him. Join me as we accept His invitation … right here … right now! And let’s worship Him.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … LORD, … Come on in; and as Hillsong sings, … “Here I am to worship!” … 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 blo

March 30, 2017 ... Death Forever Defeated

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 89 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …   Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of lyrics from the duo of Michael W Smith and Carrie Underwood singing … All Is Well … poignantly singing of the truth that all will be well FOREVER for all who know Christ as Lord and Savior.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Genesis 50:24… [NLT] … 
24 “Soon I will die,” Joseph told his brothers, “but God will surely come to help you and lead you out of this land of Egypt. … 
… Dying, Joseph saw God’s deliverance of His people.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Genesis 50:22-26 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… At the time of Joseph’s death, he was looking ahead for God’s people.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … John 14:1-2 [NLT] … 
1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me. 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? 
… Jesus’ promise to prepare a place for all His disciples, … i.e., those who know Him as Lord and Savior.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Romans 8:39 [NLT] … 
39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
 … God’s promise, thru Paul, that NOTHING, … no, not even death, can separate a Christians from the love of God.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 2nd Corinthians 5:7-8 [NKJV] … 
7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 
… We can be confident of where we will be in death.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Hebrews 13:5 [NKJV] … 
5 … For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 
… God’s promise is never to abandon a Christian … in life or death.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Amy Boucher Pye, used a personal story to illustrate our hope of heaven as Christians. The ODB author wrote: I will never forget sitting at the bedside of my friend’s brother when he died; the scene was one of the ordinary visited by the extraordinary. Three of us were talking quietly when we realized that Richard’s breathing was becoming more labored. We gathered around him, watching, waiting, and praying. When he took his last breath, it felt like a holy moment; the presence of God enveloped us in the midst of our tears over a wonderful man dying in his forties. 

Death can seem so final for the living, can’t it? But, as Christians, born again in Christ, we know it’s not, don’t we?

In the OT, [see the highlight passage] Joseph, a patriarch of God’s people, enslaved in Egypt, looked ahead in faith, knowing that God would fulfill His promise to deliver the Jews from captivity into freedom. And in the NT, Jesus has promised to prepare a place for all who know Him as Lord (see John 14:1-2). And it is God’s promise never to forsake us (Hebrews 13:5); and as well, He promises (thru Paul) that nothing can separate us from His love (see Rom. 8:39 and 2nd Cor. 5:8) … no, NOT EVEN DEATH!!

So, as today’s linked song shows us … ALL IS WELL … forever; … yes, even in death … for those who love God and are the called to His eternal purpose.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … LORD, … we, who know You, will be with you in glory. … Amen

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

March 29, 2017 ... Holding On To Joy

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 88 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Chris McClarney singing… Beauty For Ashes … poignantly singing of God’s promise to bring beauty from the ashes of devastation in our lives.

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Highlight Verse[s]: James 1:12 [NKJV] … 
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 
… God’s promise of reward for those who endure trials/temptations.
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Highlight Passage [context]: James 1:1-12 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
... God, thru James, exhorts Christians to hold onto our joy in spite of our trials.
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Reference Passage #1 : … Habakkuk 3:17-18 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… God shows the disgruntled Prophet how to hold onto his joy in the midst of devastation.

Reference Passage #2 : … John 16:33 [NKJV] … 
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 
… Jesus is our ticket to joy in the midst of tribulations.

Reference Passage #3 : … Romans 8:28 [NKJV] … 
28 And we know that ALL THINGS work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 
… Yes, ALL things!!

Reference Passage #3 : … 1st John 4:4 [NKJV] … 
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them [i.e., evil spirits of this world], because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 
… Our God is WAY BIGGER than our circumstances.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Amy Peterson, used a nature reference to teach on holding onto joy in the midst of trials. The ODB author wrote: Last winter while visiting a natural history museum in Colorado, I learned some remarkable facts about the aspen tree. An entire grove of slender, white-trunked aspens can grow from a single seed and share the same root system. These root systems can exist for thousands of years whether or not they produce trees. They sleep underground, waiting for fire, flood, or avalanche to clear a space for them in the shady forest. After a natural disaster has cleared the land, aspen roots can sense the sun at last. The roots send up saplings, which become trees. 

Perhaps you’ve seen this botanical wonder after a forrest fire (again, see photo); and it’s nature’s picture of how God can - and will - restore lives after the fiery devastation of some set of dire circumstances which Christians are called on to endure.

Yes, becoming a Christian doesn’t shield us from trials. In fact, Jesus promised His disciples that they (we) would endure trials/troubles; but He also declared that HE had overcome the tribulations of this world (see John 16:33). The question is … do we believe Him, along with God thru Paul, who wrote that ALL THINGS work together for the good of any/all Christians [yeah, Rom. 8:28]?

That’s a hard pill of truth to swallow sometimes, isn’t it? And the Prophet Habakkuk in his OT journal, wrote of questioning God in the midst of the fires of his life. And God set him aside and showed him that he need not lose his joy in the trials of this life (see Habakkuk 3:17-18).

And if we do hold onto our joy in the forrest fires of life, God promises to bless us, … possibly in this life, … but certainly in the next (see highlight passages above).

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … Things are tough; but You are tougher … as I read and believe from 1st John 4:4. … 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.

March 28, 2017 ... Fruitful From God’s Word

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 87 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Kim Hill singing the psalm … Psalm One … poignantly singing of God’s promise to bless the believer who meditates on God’s word to be fruitful.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 1:3 [NLT] … 
2 But they (true believers) delight in the law of the Lord (i.e., God’s word), meditating in it day and night. 3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. 
… God’s prescription for fruitfulness … i.e., meditating in God’s word daily.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm One [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
... David recognized and sung about the “secret” of spiritual fruitfulness.
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Reference Passage #1 : … Psalm 119:28, 98, 111, 144, 165 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… The Psalmist knew that being in God’s word was the key to a productive and prosperous life.

Reference Passage #2 : … John 15:4 [NLT] … 
4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 
… Jesus taught His disciples that they had to abide (remain) in Him to be fruitful; and the best way to do that is to abide in His word.

Reference Passage #3 : … Galatians 5:22-23 [NLT] … 
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 
… When we’re fruitful in Christ, these are the fruit which mature in their abundance and sweetness.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Peter Chin, used two biblical references to teach on Christian fruitfulness. The ODB author wrote: Just as a bountiful harvest depends on a source of clean water, the quality of the “fruit” in my life—my words, actions, and attitude—depends on my spiritual nourishment. The psalmist describes this in Psalm 1: The person “whose delight is in the law of the Lord . . . is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season” (vv. 1–3). And Paul writes in Galatians 5 that those who walk in step with the Spirit are marked by “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (vv. 22–23). 

If I were to ask my Christian readers if they (we) want to be more fruitful for Christ, I’m pretty sure I’d get a consensus “AMEN,” wouldn’t I? Of course, … when we read the list of the “fruit of the Spirit” in Gal. 5:22-23, we’d all like to mature in all of those character qualities, wouldn’t we? But then the question immediately rises; … and that is … “HOW?”

Well, this Sunday in my church we had a guest preacher, Robert J. Morgan, who had written a new book entitled “Recovering the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation;” and he preached on this vital topic. And if you’d like to take the time (40 min) to see/hear his message, you can USE THIS LINK .

And Pastor Morgan’s premise was simple, but powerful, … that God’s word tells us clearly that we must exercise the faith discipline of biblical meditation to be able to mature and grow in fruitfulness. That’s the message of Psalm 1 by King David (see Ps. 1:2-3) and almost all of Psalm 119 - select verses linked above).

And Jesus taught His disciples [see John 15:4] that to be fruitful they [we] must abide (i.e., remain steadfast) in Him; and we know that the best way to do that is to abide in His word as Psalm 1 sung about. And those who know me would likely recognize that the reason I’m here every day, doing all I can to get into Gods’ word deeply embedded in my mind/heart, is to become as fruitful in/for Christ as I can.

So, as I write this, I pray my commitment level to meditate in God’s word EVERY DAY leads me to mature greatly in the fruit God’s Spirit has planted in me.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … I meditate on/in Your word daily. Help me to grow in Your fruitfulness. … 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.

March 27, 2017 ... The Real Me

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 86 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images from Phillips, Craig, and Dean singing there song … He’ll Do Whatever It Takes … poignantly singing God’s promise to finish transforming us in to His images.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Isaiah 43:4 [NLT] … 
4  Others were given in exchange for you (Israel). I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to Me. You are honored and I love you. 
… God’s declaration of love for Israel … in spite of their disobedience.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Isaiah 43:1-9 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
... God declares His love for recalcitrant Israel.
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Reference Passage #1 : … Lamentation 3:22-23 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… In spite of whom we really are, God loves us and is willing to extend His faithful mercies to us, His chosen ones.

Reference Passage #2 : … Romans 8:35-37 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul declares the truth about nothing - even our own selves - can separate us from the love of God.

Reference Passage #3 : … Philippians 1:6 [NLT] … 
6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. 
… As in the linked song, God is going to do whatever it takes, in spite of our selves, to transform His repentant children into His image.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Sheridan Voysey, used a historical reference to illustrate how we need to be transparent and vulnerable as witness to/for Christ. The ODB author wrote: To celebrate Winston Churchill’s eightieth birthday, the British parliament commissioned artist Graham Sutherland to paint a portrait of the celebrated statesman. “How are you going to paint me?” Churchill reportedly asked the artist: “As a cherub, or the Bulldog?” Churchill liked these two popular perceptions of him. Sutherland, however, said he would paint what he saw. Churchill was not happy with the results. Sutherland’s portrait had Churchill slumped in a chair wearing his trademark scowl—true to reality, but hardly flattering [see photo]. After its official unveiling, Churchill hid the painting in his cellar. It was later secretly destroyed. 

We’re not that much different from Churchill, are we? At times most of us - if not all - have our ego-driven desires to wear masks, … to hide our real faces, … or to appear better to others than we really are. Christlike humility, transparency, and vulnerability are just not clarion character traits for most Christians, are they? And yet, God still shows his love, mercy, and grace to those of us who’ve been chosen by our Lord for glory, … just as he declared for Israel (see highlight passages above). Israel continually was like a recalcitrant child, … revealing and hiding behind worldly idols and personal desires.

And yet, as Isaiah declared, God still loved them; and He will fulfill His promise to Israel in glory. And the Apostle Paul, in Romans 8:35-37 and Philippians 1:6 declared that, even though Christians have so much trouble being honest, real, and transparent to God and others, … He is still ALWAYS william to provide His mercies and love to His repentant children (see also Lam. 3:22-23).

So, my fellow Christians, let’s get real for God today!!

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, …Help me to take off the masks and be real in witnessing for You today. … Amen

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

March 26, 2017 ... God’s Perspective

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 85 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of lyrics from Kathy Trocolli singing her song … I Will Choose Christ … poignantly singing of our need, as Christians, to God’s way and follow Him not matter the circumstances of life.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Habakkuk 3:17-18 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Once Habakkuk saw life Gods’ way, he was able to find joy in the midst of personal sorrow. 
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Highlight Passage [context]: Habakkuk 1-3 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
... The Prophet finally came around to seeing life God’s way.
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Reference Passage #1 : … 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. … “ 
… Being a disciple of Christ means seeing and following HIS WAY, not our own.

Reference Passage #1 : … Galatians 5:22-23 [NLT] … 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 
 … “Joy” is a fruit of the Spirit and any Christian can choose to partake of it, along with all the other Spirit-given fruit.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Mart DeHaan, used a personal experience to help me see things God’s way this morning. The ODB author wrote: When students from Southeast Asia met a teacher from North America, the visiting instructor learned a lesson. After giving his class their first multiple-choice test, he was surprised to find many questions left unanswered. While handing back the corrected papers, he suggested that, next time, instead of leaving answers blank they should take a guess. Surprised, one of the students raised their hand and asked, “What if I accidentally get the answer right? I would be implying that I knew the answer when I didn’t.” The student and teacher had a different PERSPECTIVE and practice. 

It was the word “PERSPECTIVE” [in all caps above] which grabbed my mind today; and God’s Spirit took me in a different direction than that taught by the OBD entry. So, go with me, please. 

“Perspective” refers to the way we see things, doesn’t it? Well, recently I’ve been seeing things in my life thru some pretty dark glasses, … leading my heart to some pretty dismal thoughts. Ever been there? Well, my “perspective” had gotten skewed to take my mind inward, rather than seeking God’s UPWARD perspective. I had lost my joy by a selfish perspective rather than a Godly perspective. 

Then, this morning, in my time alone with God on His day, I remembered the struggle the Prophet Habakkuk had in a time when the circumstances of life led him into a joyless pit of despair [see link to His book above]. But God took the Prophet aside and showed him the Lord’s way; and Habakkuk found God’s joy by seeing life God’s way (especially note Hab. 3:17-18).

My friends, joy is a choice; … not a feeling; and this morning I’ve been led to remember that I can choose to take in the sweetness of Gods’ fruit of joy … even when life is pretty sour.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, …You are so, so sweet to bring my Your joy in some pretty sour times. … 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.

March 25, 2017 ... Doing It His Way

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 84 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of lyrics from Sara Groves singing her song … I’ll Wait … poignantly singing of our need, as Christians, to wait on God to show us HIS way and will.

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Highlight Verse[s]: 1st Chronicles 17:4, 23 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… David surrenders to God’s will … rather than going ahead and building the Temple on his own. 
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Highlight Passage [context]: 1 Chronicles 17:1-4, 16-25 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … David was not allowed to build God’s Temple because of his previous sins; but the promise was for Solomon, his son, to be the builder with David preparing the way.
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Reference Passage #1 : … Deuteronomy 32:48-52 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God didn’t allow Moses to lead His people into the promised land because of Moses’ past sins; but Moses, in obedience, gladly turned that blessing over to Joshua.

Reference Passage #2 : … 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. … “ 
… Being a disciple of Christ means doing life HIS WAY, ... not our own way.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Poh Fang Chia, used a biblical example to illustrate our need to let God lead and do life His way, … not getting ahead of Him with our own free will. The ODB author wrote: David had drawn up the plans. He designed the furniture. He collected the materials. He made all the arrangements (see 1 Chron. 28:11–19). But the first temple built in Jerusalem is known as Solomon’s Temple, not David’s. For God had said, “You are not the one” (1 Chron. 17:4). 
God had chosen David’s son Solomon to build the temple. David’s response to this denial was exemplary. He focused on what God would do, instead of what he himself could not do (vv. 16–25). He maintained a thankful spirit. He did everything he could and rallied capable men to assist Solomon in building the temple (see 1 Chron. 22). 

David had free will, just like we do. But when it came time to build a Temple to God, rather than defaulting to his own desire to be the one to build the Temple, he surrendered to God’s will that Solomon, his son, be the one to build God’s house [see photo and highlight passages].

Similarly, when God’s people were to be led into the promised land, Moses, deferred to God’s will not to be the one to lead Gods’ people into the land God had promised. Instead, Moses yielded to God’s will to have Joshua lead God’s chosen [see Deut. 32 link above].

Often we Christians may feel that we have the ability and the direction to get something done for God and His Kingdom; but then we’re confronted with God saying, … “WAIT.” And rather than get ahead of God’s will, we must do what Sara Groves sings in the linked song above. We must wait on Him and do life His way. Need I write any more? If you’re as convicted by this truth as am I, … I think not!

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … I’ll wait on 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.

March 24, 2017 ... Seeking His Face

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 83 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …   Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Alan Jackson singing the old hymn … Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus … poignantly singing of our need to continually see the face of our Lord, Jesus.

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Highlight Verse[s]: 1st Chronicles 16:11 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 
13 Search for the Lord and His strength; … continually seek Him. 
… David’s song honors God’s Name by calling on His people to seek His face ALWAYS! This exhortation is also sung in Psalm 105:4.
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Highlight Passage [context]: 1 Chronicles 16:8-27 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
... Upon the return of the Ark of the Covenant to the Temple in Jerusalem, King David writes a song to honor the Name of God.
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Reference Passage #1 : … John 14:8-11 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus made it clear (to Philip and to us) that to see His face, i.e., the face of God’s Son, was to see the face of God, the Father.

Reference Passage #2 : … Philippians 2:5-11 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Paul, strongly exhorted Christians to seek God’s face by taking on the attitude and character of Jesus.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Amy Peterson, used a personal story to illustrate our need to focus on seeking the face of God. The ODB author wrote: My four-year-old son is full of questions, and chatters constantly. I love talking with him, but he’s developed an unfortunate habit of talking to me even when his back is turned. I often find myself saying, “I can’t hear you—please look at me when you’re talking.” 
Sometimes I think God wants to say the same thing to us—not because He can’t hear us, but because we can tend to talk to Him without really “looking” at Him. We pray, but we remain caught up in our own questions and focused on ourselves, forgetting the character of the One we’re praying to. Like my son, we ask questions without paying attention to the person we’re talking to. 

My fellow Christians, … if you read with me here EVERY DAY, I hope you know that I’m here in this quiet place each morning, seeking the “FACE” of my Lord. As the attached photo depicts, I come here and delve into God’s word, with the help of the ODB devotionals, seeking to know my God’s character and to become more like Him. And that, my friends, is what “seeking God’s face” is all about.

The “face of God” in Scripture refers to God’s character; and Jesus was very clear to His disciples (tho they didn’t quite get it!) that, as He said to Philip in the upper room, … to see His face (i.e., His character) was to see the face of His Father (see John 14:8-11). And Paul exhorted his fellow Christians (i.e., you and me) to seek to become just like the character of The Christ (see Phil. 2:5-11), Who was willing to set aside His glory/majesty, humbling Himself to become a man and to die on a cross that we might live with Him in eternity.

So, is it too much to ask, as King David did in His song (see highlight passage), to continually seek God’s face? … I think not!! … Personally, I’m touched to the core of conviction with Alan Jackson’s version of the old hymn [linked above]; … and so driven to come here, as I am today, deeply delving into God’s word to seek His face and become more like my Savior … day-by-day-by day.

What could each/all of us do today to seek His face?

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … King Jesus, help me to seek Your face and become more like You today than yesterday; … and even more tomorrow than 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.

March 23, 2017 ... In His Arms

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 82 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Fernando Ortega singing the old hymn … I Need They Every Hour … poignantly singing of the reality of our need to come to the Lord in our need of comfort or His grace.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Isaiah 66:13 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 
13 I will comfort you there in Jerusalem as a mother comforts her child. 
… Yes, … even Moses in the OT was following Jesus.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Isaiah 66:12-16 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK ...
… God’s word, thru Isaiah, to His people warning of the coming judgment … but His comfort to the remnant obedient believers.
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Reference Passage #1 : … Isaiah 23:6 [NLT] … 
6 You (Lord) will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, … all whose thoughts are fixed on You.
… God’s promise of peace to those who focus on His love/mercy/grace.

Reference Passage #2 : … Philippians 4:11-13 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK ... 
… Paul learned that, no matter the circumstances, he found his strength from Christ.

Reference Passage #3 : … 1st Peter 5:7 [NLT] … 
7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 
… Peter had learned to find his comfort in Christ.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Kirsten Holmberg, used a personal story to illustrate our need to run into the arms of our Lord when we’re in need of His comfort/grace. The ODB author wrote: My friend entrusted me with the privilege of holding her precious, four-day-old daughter. Not long after I took the baby into my arms, she started to fuss. I hugged her closer, my cheek pressed against her head, and began to sway and hum in a gentle rhythm to soothe her. Despite these earnest attempts, and my decade and a half of parenting experience, I couldn’t pacify her. She became increasingly upset until I placed her back into the crook of her mother’s eager arm. Peace washed over her almost instantaneously; her cries subsided and her newborn frame relaxed into the safety she already trusted. My friend knew precisely how to hold and pat her daughter to alleviate her distress. 

Ever felt like you needed what God promised to His people, thru Isaiah [see highlight passages], in their time of trial? I sure have recently. Diagnosed with clinical depression, I have found myself coming here - to my quiet place - each morning and essentially cuddling my heart in the spiritual arms of my Lord, and receiving His closeness, His love, and His grace. And like the closeness of a mother to her child (see photo), I’ve felt all the protective love which God promised to His children, thru Isaiah in the time of their captivity [see highlight verse], as well as the strength God promised to us, thru Paul in Phil. 4:11-13.

Do you need that kind of comfort or strength today? If so, follow Peter’s lead and bring your cares to our God, … for He truly cares for us (see 1st Peter 5:7).

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … As Fernando Ortega sings today, “I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord.” … 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.