December 31, 2015: He Watches Over Me

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 364  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …   Please take the time to take in a video of the lyrics of an old hymn, sung by the group Selah, … His Eye Is On The Sparrow, expressing the truth that God’s eye is always on His sparrow … but even more, He watches me … ALWAYS!!!

Highlight Passage:   Matthew 10:29, 31 [NKJV] …  
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. … 
31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 
… God watches over every sparrow … and most certainly He watches me.
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Highlight Context – Matthew 10:27-31 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… If our God loves the sparrow, how much more does He love me?
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Reference Passage #1 - Deuteronomy 31: 8 [NKJV] …  
8 And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. 
… God will never leave, nor forsake His children (that’s us) !!!

Reference Passage #2 - Proverbs 3: 5-6 [NKJV] …  
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him; and He will direct your paths. 
… I trust Him; … He’s watching over me as I follow Him.

Reference Passage #3 - John 3: 16 [NKJV] …
  16 [I sure hope you know this one!] 
… How much does God really love me? … A way big bunch!!!

Reference Passage #4 - 1st Corinthians 2:9-12 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
 … Whatever we see beyond our selves is from God.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Dennis Fisher, uses a worldly scientific analogy to teach about the extent of God’s love for me (and you); and just how much He pursues us to break free from our selves and follow to the Savior. And on this last day of 2015, it’s a good lesson for me to remember how He came after me several decades ago.

In man’s attempt to save the endangered peregrine falcon, scientists attach transmitters to the birds to track their migratory flights [see attached photo]. But even with that, science can’t always know where these fast-flying birds are in the skies. The falcons often avoid detection from the radar tracking as they migrate. They are guided only by God’s imbedded nature.

But I hope all who’re reading with me here, as we move into the new year, know and believe just how much God loves His children [see John 3: 16], … just how much He pursues us [see Deut. 31: 8], … and just how much guidance He gives us from His Spirit to live [see 1st Cor. 2:9-12]. And as Jesus taught, if God loves a small sparrow (or a falcon) so much, … to guide those little creatures flight, … how much more does He love and desire to direct our lives [see Prov. 3: 5-6].?

Hey, dear one! … God’s eye is on the sparrow; and I know He’s watching me [and you] !!

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … Watch over me, Lord, as I move into the new year. Show me the way; and I’ll follow You! … Amen  

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

December 30, 2015: Coming Soon, … I Pray!!

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 363  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of the lyrics of an old country bluegrass song, sung by Ricky Skaggs … This World Is Not My Home, expressing the truth for all Christians that this sojourn on earth, with all it’s trials and struggles, merely prepares us for our real home in heaven where there will no longer be any tears and trials, … only glory with Christ forever.

 
Highlight Passage:   Revelation 21:3-4 [NKJV] …  
3 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” 
 … The Apostle John sees the New Jerusalem, our permanent home in heaven.
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Highlight Context – Revelation 21:1-7 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… We’re just passing through this life, as Christians, on the way to the next … to live with our Lord forever.
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Reference Passage #1 - Matthew 22:38-30 [NKJV] …  
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’ invitation to rest from our worldly burdens, pains, sorrows, and trials.

Reference Passage #2 - John 14: 1-6 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… Jesus told His disciples, just before the cross, that He was preparing a place for them to be with Him in Heaven.

Reference Passage #3 - Philippians 3:20-21 [NKJV] …  
20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. 
 … Our citizenship is in heaven.

Reference Passage #4 - Revelation 22:20 [NKJV] …  
20 He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” 
 … Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! 
 … Oh yes, … for sure … come soon, Lord Jesus!!!

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Lawrence Darmani, teaches about this life and our sojourn on earth as Christians being merely a preparation for our true citizenship in heaven. And if you’ve taken the time to take in the attached photo, the old country song, linked above, and God’s truth/promises from His word, I would hope to sense a strong “AMEN” when we consider what we’re going through in this life and where we’re headed to the New Jerusalem, so gloriously depicted for the Apostle John in his vision of heaven described in Revelation 21:1-7.

Can I hear a resounding “AMEN!!!” … that one day, in glory, we’ll have no more sin to confront, … no more tears of sorrow to experience, … and no more aches and pains of aging?

Can I hear a clarion “HALLELUJAH!!!” … that we’re not permanent citizens of this fallen world, … that we, as Christians, have passports to our permanent home in Beulah Land?

Very personally, when I look around and I see all the sorrows and pain in this world, … when I hear the painful cries of those who struggle mightily with sin or disease, … and when I, myself, feel the pain in this earthy body, … I long for what the Apostle Paul promised, from God [see Phil. 3:20—21 above], … and I’m eagerly waiting (and I am!!) for my Savior to return and take all of His children [me included!!] home to be with Him, FOREVER, in heaven.

And now, as we close out this year, looking forward to the next days on earth in 2016, all I can do is repeat the wishes of the Apostle John, as Jesus promised him the Lord’s return soon in Revelation 22:20, by saying … COME SOON, LORD JESUS!!! 

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … And that is my wish and prayer here today, 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.

December 29, 2015: God’s “911”

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 362  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …   Please take the time to take in a video of images from Twila Paris and Dennis Jernigan singing … On My Knees, written by Jernigan, expressing the need of all Christians to go to our knees in prayer when we are perplexed or vexed about life.

Highlight Passage:   Nehemiah 1: 4 [NKJV] …  
4 So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 
 … Nehemiah, learning of the destruction in Jerusalem, not knowing what to do, … went to God with his concerns.
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Highlight Context – Nehemiah, Chapter 1 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… When this called leader learned about the devastation of the Temple walls in Jerusalem, he immediately went to his knees in prayer, where we all need to go when we’re vexed by life. 
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Reference Passage #1 - Isaiah 26: 3 [NKJV] …  
3 You (Lord) will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You. 
… If we seek peace in our perplexing world/life, focusing on God is our “911” strategy.

Reference Passage #2 - Matthew 14:11 [NKJV] …  
23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 
… Jesus had just fed the multitude and He was about to go out on the water in the storm with His Disciples; so, to re-energize and receive direction, He went to His Father … and if it’s good enough for Jesus, … it’s good enough for us.

Reference Passage #3 - 1st Thessalonians 5:16-18 [NKJV] …  
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 
… Our life should be continually connect to God in a “911” attitude of prayer.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Pho Fang Chjia, teaches about “Rejecting Apathy” today in this ODB entry; and to read his pertinent teaching, please use the link in the “Blogger Note” below. However, when the ODB author took his readers to the highlight passage in Chapter One of Nehemiah’s Book, God’s Spirit took me in a slightly, if not related, direction.

 This past week there were many violent storms, even tornadoes, which devastated many homes in our area and took a number of lives. And when we hear about the storm warnings on the TV, one feels humanly powerless before the frightening warnings and ultimately by the reports of damage and devastation.

 And you know, if we feel threatened by some crisis or devastation in our personal lives, what do we do? We call “911,” don’t we? Yeah, … when we need help or emergency assistance, we pick up our smart phones and call the emergency response network @ 911.

 And as I was confronted by the vexing and perplexing violence of those storms last week, and today I read about Nehemiah’s response to the horrible news of the walls in Jerusalem, I realized that this man of God, knew exactly how to activate His “911;” and that is with prayer. And Jesus did it too. In the Matthew 14 passage copied above, our Lord had just fed His thousands of followers and He realized that His disciples needed a further lesson in just Whom they were following.  So, … what did He do? He sent up a “911” to His Father for guidance and refreshment [see verse 23]. … Hey, if it’s good enough for Jesus, shouldn’t the strategy be good enough for us?

 And so, that’s exactly what I did last week when we got reports of the potentially impending storms. And it’s what I did when I learned of the damage which the storms had wrought. As Dennis Jernigan wrote in his song linked above, I was On My Knees, figuratively if not literally, using my personal “911” to God in prayer. And I will go to my knees this morning, praying that we all have the reflexive response to take our lives to God, not just when things become overwhelming … but also about all the little things in our lives as well [see 1st Thess. 5:17].

 God wants to hear it all; … not just the “911” episodes.

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … Thank You for ALWAYS being there when I need You. … Amen  

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

December 28, 2015: Covered In The Storm

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 361  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of images from Gordon Mote singing … Mercy Walked In, pleading for and receiving the mercy of God to cover the guilt of our sins.

 
Highlight Passage:   Psalm 61:3-4 [NKJV] …  
3 For You have been a shelter for me, … a strong tower from the enemy. 4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; … I will tuts in the shelter of your wings. 
… David trusted in the sheltering mercy of God.
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Highlight Context – Psalm 61 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Written by King David when He needed God’s mercy desperately.
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Reference Passage #1 - Isaiah 26: 3 [NKJV] …  
3 You (Lord) will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You. 
… In our mind we find refuge and protection in our trusting faith.

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' promise of refuge.  …

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Jennifer Benson Schuldt, related a word picture to help her readers (me) grasp the sheltering mercy of God. She wrote, Homeless people in Vancouver, British Columbia, have a new way to find nighttime accommodations. A local charity, RainCity Housing, has created specialized benches that convert into temporary shelters. The back of the bench pulls up to create a roof that can shield a person from wind and rain. At night, these sleeping spaces are easy to find because they feature a glow-in-the-dark message that reads: “THIS IS A BEDROOM.” [see attached photo above]

As I write this, the temperature is going much lower here in Memphis, TN; and the rain/wind is coming into our area. And after reading author Schuldt’s description above, I could just imagine how some homeless people in our area would appreciate finding refuge in a bench which converts to a covered shelter. And there are those who feel just as lost and unprotected spiritually in this world; and these folks would be seeking a refuge from the emotional/spiritual storms of life.

 I was one of the latter ones in the early 1980s. I was lost and sought spiritual strength to weather the emotional storms of life. And one morning, on my way to work, I found God’s bench of mercy. There’s not enough time to provide that whole story here; but as the blind singer Gordon Mote sings in today’s linked song, “Mercy Walked In;” … that morning I found refuge in Jesus. It was like being homeless and finding one of those benches in Vancouver, where I could be covered from the storms of life. And that’s why I come here everyday, … to crawl up in God’s truth and be covered by the warmth of His love and His grace. In His word, my mind finds the refuge of His truth; and I can crawl up under the wings of His mercy as did King David in Psalm 61.

 Come on, crawl up next to me here on His bench today.

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … You give me the cover of Your mercy and love. … Amen  

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

December 27, 2015: White As Snow

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 360  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of the Maranatha Singers singing … White As Snow, showing the clean beauty of God’s pure power, cleansing and covering the earth of it’s impurity.

Highlight Passage:   Isaiah 1: 18 [NKJV] …  
18 … Says the Lord, … “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; … 
… He has covered our sins, making them white as snow with the crimson covering of Christ’s blood …
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Highlight Context – Isaiah 1: 18-20 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… The promise of God of God’s covering of sin with His blood for those who believe on Him and are obedient to His will.
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Reference Passage #1 - Psalm 51: 7 [NKJV] …  
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 
… David’s desire to be cleansed of His past sins …

Reference Passage #2 - 1st John 1: 9 [NKJV] …  
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse of all our transgressions. 
… As white as snow …

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Dave Branon used a teaching word picture for his entry which reminded me of the snow my wife experienced when we lived for a year in Minnesota. It began to snow up there in November and it snowed often, covering the earth in whiteness and beauty (much like the attached photo). It was cold; but it was beautiful, the crystals of white covering over all the dirt and imperfections of the earth.

 It’s an image used in God’s word often to describe the cleansing we can expect from God’s mercy for His obedient remnant, … i.e., the ones who’re willing to surrender themselves in faith to His mercy. He expressed this covering power through Isaiah to a disobedient Judah (see Isaiah 1:18-20 linked above). He promised cleansing to David when the King was willing to confess His sins with Bathsheba (see Psalm 51: 7). And it was the promise of the New Covenant after Christ’s blood on the cross was shed for any who would confess their sinfulness and come to Him in faith (see Romans 10:9-13 on your own and 1st John 1: 9 copied above).

 So, when any faithful and obedient Christian brings the dirtiness of our sin to our Lord in humble confession, it is always God’s willingness to cleanse us, as the Maranatha Singers sing (linked above), and, in doing so, we will be cleansed … AS WHITE AS SNOW.

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … cover me with your cleansing whiteness even today, helping me to see and confess my sins. … Amen  

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

December 26, 2015: Amazing Love

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 359  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Brian Littrell singing … I Surrender All, declaring what should be the attitude of all disciples of Christ … the attitude of surrender and love, offered to all in Christ’s Name.

Highlight Passage:   Galatians 4:4-5 [NKJV] …
  4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 
… His greatest gift of love for all mankind …
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Highlight Context – Galatians 4:1-7 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Jesus sacrificed all for us so that we could have all in Him.
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Reference Passage #1 - John 13: 1-17 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… Jesus demonstrated His sacrificial love for His disciples on the night before the cross by washing their feet and charging them to have that type of love for all.

Reference Passage #2 - Philippians 2:3-7 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… As Christians we are to take on the mind of Christ … that of a love which is willing to give His love for all …

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Bill Crowder, used a classic story by O. Henry to illustrate his teaching. He wrote, O. Henry’s classic tale “The Gift of the Magi” tells of Jim and Della, a young married couple who are struggling financially. As Christmas approaches they want to give special gifts to each other, but their lack of money drives them to drastic measures. Jim’s prized possession is a gold watch, while Della’s is her long, beautiful hair. So Jim sells his watch in order to buy combs for Della’s hair, while Della sells her hair to buy a chain for Jim’s watch. 

Yesterday we celebrated Christmas day; and many reading here may have been comfortably sitting next to a tree, as our family was, exchanging lovely gift and prayerfully giving sacrificially for loved ones as in the O. Henry story. But it all signified - or should have - Christ’s amazing surrender and sacrifice on a cross … His gift of all times … for all mankind.

And I pray this morning that all who come here take on the attitude of surrender expressed in Brian Littrell’s song, linked above. And maybe it caused you - as it did me - to remember the true story of Jesus taking the time to wash the feet of His Disciples in that upper room just hours before he would shed His blood as His ultimate Christmas gift to them [see John, Chapter 13]. And Jesus charged His followers (and that’s you and me too] to have that same kind of grace and love for others in our lives. But do we?

Oh, how I pray all of us will be as Paul charged his beloved readers in Phil. 2:3-5 … i.e., to show the willingness to humble ourselves, as Christ did … and to share the burdens of others. That would be a pretty good resolution for 2016, wouldn’t it?

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … Help me to get my mind off of me and to share Your love with others today … and all days. … Amen  

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

December 25, 2015: Fragile Gift

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 358

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of the family group, The Martins, singing … Heaven’s Child, declaring the delivery of a fragile, but all powerful, gift … our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Highlight Passage:   Luke 2: 7 [NKJV] …
7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. … Fragile!! Handle with care. … 
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Highlight Context – Luke 2: 1-11 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …
 … The glorious gift of the Messiah came in such a fragile package.
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Reference Passage #1 - Isaiah 9: 6-7 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… The promise of this gift from God seemed to all to be a majestic King … and He was; but His delivery would be in such a fragile package.

Reference Passage #2 - Philippians 2:6-11 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… This incredible gift … the little, fragile, baby, Who grow in power and promise to save the world.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Keila Ochoa, used a pertinent word picture to describe God’s gift to mankind … the fragile little baby in a manger, Jesus. She wrote, When we give a fragile gift, we make sure it is marked on the box that contains it. The word fragile is written with big letters because we don’t want anyone to damage what is inside. … God’s gift to us came in the most fragile package: a baby. 

Today is Christmas Day, … the day each year during the Advent Season when we Christians, here in the USA, celebrate that little, fragile gift from God, … that gift, Who was given by God on high, through a young Jewish virgin, to mankind. And the fragile little baby was lain there in a manger with the announcement of His coming by Angels to nearby shepherds. And He was the One Who was later visited by Kings from afar.

 And that special delivery, in the unlikely manger scene we celebrate each year, was the package Whose coming had been prophesied as The Messiah over 700 years before He came, … being sent in such a fragile, gentle package. But it was the most powerful gift delivered to any/all who would believe on Him as the Savior and Lord.

 Please take in a few Christmas moments today, if you’re reading here, to link to the song above, sung by the Martin sisters; and then review the manger scene in Luke, Chapter 2, as well as the prophesy of this special delivery package in Isaiah, Chapter 9. And then pray with me a very personal THANK YOU to God, the Father, for sending His Son as that fragile little baby to save us all.

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … Thank you, Lord, for coming, … special delivery, … to save all of us Who have received You as Lord and Savior. … Amen

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

December 24, 2015: Advent Mystery

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 357  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Francisca Battistelli singing … What Child Is This, declaring what should be our praise for the birth of the greatest mystery of all human time … the birth of King Jesus.

 
Highlight Passage:   1st Timothy 3: 16 [NKJV] …  
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of Godliness … 
… And I am the answer to the mystery … He was born and died for me. Go figure!! … 
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Highlight Context – 1st Timothy 3:14-16 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Jesus is the great mystery of the ages.
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Reference Passage #1 - Luke 2:9-11 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… He was the King, … worshipped by kings.

Reference Passage #2 - Philippians 2:6-11 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… This incredible mystery… that God on High would set aside His glory and majesty to become a baby, live among men, die on a cross, and give ME the right join Him in heaven, forever. … Go figure!!!

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Bill Crowder, taught his readers (me) using the classic Christmas tale, made into many movies. He wrote, As Charles Dickens’ story A Christmas Carol begins, there is mystery surrounding Ebenezer Scrooge. Why is he so mean-spirited? How did he become so selfish? Then, slowly, as the Christmas spirits marched Scrooge through his own story, things become clearer. We see the influences that changed him from a happy youth into a selfish miser. We observe his isolation and his brokenness. As the mystery is solved, we also glimpse the path to restoration. Concern for others pulls Scrooge from his self-absorbed darkness into a new joy. 

But Dickens’ Christmas mystery pales in comparison to the scope of the greatest true tale of all time, … the truth that God on high was willing to dispense of the glory and majesty of the Godhead to be born in that manger in Bethlehem, … that He would grow and walk among men and show His Godliness, … and that He would allow Himself to be tried unjustly and to die in humiliation on a cross, … fulfilling all the prophesies in the Old Testament and becoming our New Covenant King … so that we could, by our faith in Him, receive His saving grace and gain entry into Heaven.

 Go figure! And join me, this day before Christmas, to celebrate this mystery, which became reality, so that we could join our King in Heaven. And let’s sing praises to our Lord for the answer to the question sung above … “What Child Is this?” …

 He was and is … King Jesus! ...  HALLELUJAH!!!

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … You are my King, dear Lord; and I join others here to celebrate your birth. … Amen  

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

December 23, 2015: One Size Fits ALL

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 356  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of the group THIRD DAY singing … Blessed Assurance, declaring our praise of a Savior Who came to save all who would believe in His atoning work on the Cross.

Highlight Passage:   John 3: 16 [NKJV] …  
16 For God so loved the world (… you know the rest, I hope!!) 
… He was a “one-size-fits-all” Savior.
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Highlight Context – John 3:10-21 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Jesus came to be a WHOSOEVER Savior!!
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Reference Passage #1 - Matthew 4:18-19 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
 … He was a Rabbi for commoners.

Reference Passage #2 - Luke 2:9-11 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… He was the King worshipped by kings.

Reference Passage #3 - Philippians 2:6-11 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… He set aside His glory so that we could see Him as our Savior.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Joe Stowell, used a personal story to illustrate His teaching about the essence of our Savior. He wrote, Like most children, I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas. With great anticipation, I would snoop under the tree to see what toys and games awaited my eager grasp. So I felt deflated when I started getting things like shirts and pants. Grownup gifts were no fun! Then last Christmas, my kids gave me some cool socks with bright colors and designs. I almost felt young again! Even grownups could wear these socks, as the label reassured me: “One size fits all.” 

And this memory reminded Stowell, and hopefully his readers (me), that we have a Savior who set aside His glory (see Phil. 2:6-11) to come in a form (i.e., humanity) with Whom all could identify; … a baby born in Bethlehem [see Matt. 2 and Luke 2 above] for shepherds and Magi alike. And He came that common folk, like His Disciples [see Matt. 4] or powerful folk, like Nicodemus [John 3] both would respond to His call to discipleship and salvation.

 King Jesus was/is our “one-size-fits-all” Savior; and He came, as He declared to greatness in the garden (i.e., to Nicodemus, a revered Jewish leader), that He had come to save ANYONE who would surrender self to believe in Him as The Messiah.

 And He certainly fits me as my Savior!!! … How about you? … Do you have the “Blessed Assurance” that 3rd Day sings about (linked above) that the God-Man, Jesus, fits as Your Savior and Lord. Oh, how I pray that He does during this Advent Season and for eternity.

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … I’m so thankful that You came to save me and ANYONE who believes in You as 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.

December 22, 2015: Drumming for Jesus

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 355  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of the TV special performance of he precious Christmas song … The Drummer Boy, declaring the reality of what Jesus demands of all those who worship Him, at Christmas and every day, the spontaneous giving of a pure of heart (see Matt. 5:8) … and THEN ON TO THIS LINK  where Brian Littrell sings … I Surrender All, expressing the heart of the true Christian, giving all to the Lord and King, Jesus.

Highlight Passage:   Luke 21:4 [NKJV] …  
4 for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” 
… The widow gave sacrificially
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Highlight Context – Luke 21:1-4 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Giving sacrificially is our best worship
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Reference Passage #1 - Matthew 5:3-8 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
... God blesses those who especially give from a pure heart

Reference Passage #2 - Philippians 2:3-5 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… The mind of Christ is a giving, sharing, … HUMBLE mind.

Reference Passage #3 - 2nd Corinthians 9:6-7 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… Oh how God loves a cheerful giver.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Bill Crowder, began his teaching today with reference to one of my favorite Christmas songs, The Drummer Boy, written in 1941. And having seen a magnificent contemporary performance of this Christmas classic at our church service this past Sunday, I was taken by the pertinent reminder of how we, as Christians, should be giving, … from joyful heart, not only to honor Jesus at Christmas, but 24/7, 365 days each year, surrendering our all to/for our Lord.

 Really, I don’t need to add to the teaching beyond this ODB entry (use the link below to take it in). But PLEASE take the time to fully digest the two You Tube links above; and then meditate on God’s word concerning giving from a sacrificial, loving heart; and I know you’ll either be reinforced and encouraged by these thoughts or you will be convicted to give more sacrificially from a pure and joy-filled heart … as did the poor widow in Luke 2:1-4.

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Jesus!!! ... Everyday!!!  

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … May I be willing to give my all as Brian Littrell sings today and everyday. … Amen  

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

December 21, 2015: He Is “I AM”

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 354

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Mark Lowry singing singing the precious Christmas song he wrote … Mary Did You Know, declaring the reality of what was prophesied 700 years before Mary’s birth by Isaiah, that her baby would become the great “I AM,” … our Messiah, Who would one day usher in the greatest peace ever seen by man. … and THEN ON TO THIS LINK where Lauren Dangle sings her poignant contemporary Christmas offering … Noel, declaring the reality of whom, in reality, was found in that manger on the first Christmas. … He was/is the great I AM.

Highlight Passage:   John 6:38 [NKJV] …  
38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 
… Jesus states His mission; but His Disciples didn’t get it.
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Highlight Context – John 6:32-40 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Jesus declare WHO He is; but His followers didn’t understand.
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Reference Passage #1 - Luke 2: 7-14 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
... Ultimate truth was seen in the birth of our King, Jesus, … the great I AM.

Reference Passage #2 - John 6:35; 8:12; 10:9; 10:11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… Seven times in John’s Gospel Jesus declares “I AM;” and we must believe HE IS to follow Him into Heaven.

Reference Passage #3 - Philippians 2:6-11 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… Who Jesus was/is forevermore!!

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, David C McCasland, had a very poignant devotional entry in this morning’s ODB. And I would advise those who want to be touched by this author to use the link below and meditate on his entry. However, what McCasland wrote today took me in a slightly different direction than the author’s, causing me to ask the most important question anyone can ask - and must answer - in this Advent Season.

And that question is … WHO REALLY WAS THAT BABE IN A MANGER? Because God’s word, and even more importantly, Jesus, was really quite clear on the matter. In the Apostle John’s gospel account, Jesus, on seven occasions, in seven different ways [see the links above] reported that He, the One Who was born in that manger scene depicted in Luke, Chapter 2 (linked above), is the “I AM” which God declared to Moses from that burning bush.

 Now, if one is to be a disciple of Jesus, as The Lord was trying to get His inner 12 to believe during His walk on earth, we must truly believe - deep in our hearts - that Jesus is Whom He declared Himself to be - i.e., GOD! And in so believing, we will find what He declared to Nicodemus that night in the garden … eternal life [I’m sure you know the truth of John 3: 16-17]?

 So, will you join me this Christmas in seeing that babe in a manger as the one He was to His mother, Mary? … GOD incarnate!!! … Please take in the two songs above; and I pray you will join me in worshipping the great I AM this Christmas … and forevermore!!!

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … Yes, Noel, Noel!!! … My Lord!! … You are THE I AM; and we worship You in the manger, on that cross, and as You sit on Your throne in Heaven … forevermore. … Amen  

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

December 20, 2015: For Unto Us

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 353  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Mark Lowry singing singing the precious Christmas song he wrote … Mary Did You Know, declaring the reality of what was prophesied 700 years before Mary’s birth by Isaiah, that her baby would become the great “I AM,” … our Messiah, Who would one day usher in the greatest peace ever seen by man. … and THEN ON TO THIS LINK where a chorus sings a portion of Handel’s great chorus … For Unto Us A Child Was Born.

 
Highlight Passage:   Isaiah 9: 6a, 7a [NKJV] …  
6a  For unto us a child is born … 7a Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, … 
… His birth rang true for the world in spite of the death knell of sin.
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Highlight Context – Isiah 9: 1-7 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… The prophesy of the birth of Messiah; 700+ years before Mary became the arch of the New Covenant.
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Reference Passage #1 - Luke 2: 7a, 13-14 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… 700+ years before it happened the bells rang the truth of the birth of our King, Jesus.

Reference Passage #2 - John 16:33 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will[a] have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 
… Yes, the world will produce darkness; but Christ’s light has overcome the darkness of the world.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Tim Gustafson, reminds his readers (me) of some of the great ironies of what this Advent season represents.

 First, we celebrate a humble babe, born in a manger [see photo] during the so-called “Pax Romana,” the time of “Roman Peace,” which actually represented one of the most violent and repressive times of slavery in man-kind’s history. And this little babe was born a “KING,”prophesied 700+ years earlier by Isaiah to be the Messiah, … and as Mark Lowry sings in the song linked above, … the “great I AM!” And Isaiah went on to prophesy (see Isiah 9 above) that this little baby would someday rule eternally over the greatest peace known to mankind, a time when the Name of God, would become “the Prince of Peace.” (And to take in that musical truth, meditate on that portion of Handel’s Oratorio linked above.)

 And who would guess that this baby KING, born in a manger, would one day be crowned with thorns and ignominiously crucified on a cross? Oh, the irony of this birth, and then His humiliating death, which brought about eternal life for anyone who would believe on the thorn-crowned Messiah, and the babe, Who is celebrated during this Advent Season.

 But now we celebrate the birth of our King, Jesus! … And as part of Handel’s Oratorio refrains, … “For unto us a child is born, … unto us a Son is given …” … HALLELUJAH!!!

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … Yes, Hallelujah, Lord!! … Your Son was born to die that I may live with You forever!!! … Amen  

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

December 19, 2015: Christmas Bells

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 352  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Burl Ives singing and old Christmas carol … I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day, originally penned in 1864 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, proclaiming the victory of the joy of Christmas over all the despair caused by wars in this world.

Highlight Passage:   Luke 2: 11 [NKJV] …  
11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 
… His birth rang true for the world in spite of the death knell of sin.
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Highlight Context – Luke 2: 8-14 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… The joy of that first Christmas morning will ring true FOREVER.
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Reference Passage #1 - Isaiah 9: 6-7 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… 700+ years before it happened the bells rang the truth of the birth of our King, Jesus.

Reference Passage #2 - John 16:33 [NKJV] …   
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will[a] have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” 
… Yes, the world will produce darkness; but Christ’s light has overcome the darkness of the world.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Tim Gustafson, wrote about one of our great American poets, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who in 1864, after losing his wife in a tragic fire and having his first son critically wounded in the Civil War, penned a poem entitled Christmas Bells, written below in seven stanzas.

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I HEARD the bells on Christmas Day … Their old, familiar carols play, … And wild and sweet … The words repeat … Of peace on earth, good-will to men! 
And thought how, as the day had come, …The belfries of all Christendom … Had rung so along … The unbroken song … Of peace on earth, good-will to men! 
Till ringing, singing on its way, … The world revolved from night to day, … A voice, a chime, … A chant sublime … Of peace on earth, good-will to men! 
Then from each black, accursed mouth … The cannon thundered in the South, … And with the sound … The carols drowned … Of peace on earth, good-will to men! 
It was as if an earthquake rent … The hearth-stones of a continent, … And made forlorn … The households born … Of peace on earth, good-will to men! 
And in despair I bowed my head; … ”There is no peace on earth," I said; … ”For hate is strong, … And mocks the song … Of peace on earth, good-will to men!" 
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: … "God is not dead, nor does He sleep; … The Wrong shall fail, … The Right prevail, … With peace on earth, good-will to men.”
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And if you hear the more common Christmas carol, linked and sung by Burl Ives (see above), you’ll note that three of the verses [in BOLD above} have been omitted in the more modern version of our carol, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. The primary reason for this omission is Longfellow’s reference to the Civil War.

However, the primary message for Longfellow’s hymn remains; and that is the truth that God, in the form of Jesus Christ, rang the bells of truth at His incarnation, … overcoming the ills of horrors like war, and even defeating death as the bells of Christmas truth rang in the good news of Gospel, … even unto the cross, where we heard the ultimate message of … “peace on earth, good will to men!”

So, when you hear a bell ringing during this season, realize the truth of Christ’s words to His Disciples in John 16:33 (above) … that we will have tribulations, like the warring we see in this world, … but Christ came and His Christmas bells have overcome the world forevermore!!!

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … Your Christmas bells ring in my heart, Lord, forever. … HALLELUJAH!!! … Amen  

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

December 18, 2015: Light of the World

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 351  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a video of Debbie Boone singing the 60s classic … You Light Up My Life, a love song proclaiming the reality of how Christ lights up our life in the midst of darkness of this world, giving us hope to carry on … and THEN ON TO THIS LINK with the group Hillsong leading worship and singing Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness, and declaring how pursuing Jesus opens our eyes to the Hope He is in our life … FOREVER!!

Highlight Passage:   Psalm 139: 12 [NKJV] …  
28 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You; but the night shines as the day. 
… His light dispels the darkness.
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Highlight Context – Psalm 139: 1-12 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… His light is always there for those who really believe.
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Reference Passage #1 - Deuteronomy 31: 6 [NKJV] …  
6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” 
… Moses to God’s chosen just before he died and they were to go, bewildered and feeling lost, into the promised land.

Reference Passage #2 - Psalm 119: 105 [NKJV] …  
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my path. 
… God’s truth is our light in the darkness.

Reference Passage #3 - John 14:1-6 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …    … Jesus, being a light for His disciples in the midst of their confusion and darkness.

Reference Passage #4 - Hebrews 13: 5 [NKJV] …  
5b … He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 
 … Encouragement and hope from the words of God (see #1 above).

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, David Roper, used a very personal story about his dog to illustrate his teaching for my morning quiet time. He wrote today, … Our old dog—a West Highland white terrier—sleeps curled up at the foot of our bed. That’s been her place for 13 years. … Normally she doesn’t move or make a sound, but lately she’s been pawing us gently in the middle of the night. At first we thought she wanted to go outside, so we tried to accommodate her. But we realized she just wants to know we are there. She’s nearly deaf and partially blind now. She can’t see in the darkness and can’t hear us move or breathe. Naturally, she gets confused and reaches out for reassurance. So I just reach down and pat her on the head to assure her that I’m there. That’s all she wants to know. She takes a turn or two, settles down, and goes back to sleep.

Ever been like that dog, … feeling like you were in the dark and needing a little light of hope to deal with the darkness? … I certainly have!! … And then I come here, as I do every morning; and God shines a light on my path with His word, … enough to start my day with light, even when I’m surrounded by darkness (see attached photo).

 So, take in that picture, listen to the two linked songs, and meditate on God’s truth above; and then take hope in the midst of this wonderful season. Jesus came into this world of darkness, as the group Hillsong sings, and brought eternal hope. And as Debbie Boone sang back in the 60s … Jesus does truly light up our lives … today, … tomorrow, … and FOREVER!!!

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … You light up my life with the truth of Your word, but even more with the hope of my Savior. … Amen  

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

December 17, 2015: Resting at Christmas

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 350  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a poignant video of Alan Jackson singing … Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, proclaiming the reality of what it takes to deal with the stresses and anxieties of life.

 
Highlight Passage:   Matthew 11:28 [NKJV] …  
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 
 … He commands me to come to Him when I labor.
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Highlight Context – Matthew 11:28-12:8 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Christ is our rest.
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Reference Passage #1 - Isaiah 26: 3 [NKJV] …  
4 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you; because he trusts in You. 
… Our Peace always lies in The Lord … as long as we hold our focus on Him and not on our circumstances.

Reference Passage #2 - Philippians 4: 6-7 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… When we’re anxious, God gives us His prescription for our stress … to bring it to Him with a thankful heart.

Reference Passage #3 - Hebrews 12: 1-2 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… Focusing away from self and sin and putting our eyes upon Jesus.

Reference Passage #4 - 1st Peter 5: 7 [NKJV] …  
7 … Casting all your cares on Him, … because He cares for you. 
… The question is ... will we?

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Bill Crowder, reminded his readers (me) that it’s difficult to find relief from the day-by-day struggles and stresses of life, … i.e., to find rest from the clamor of this world, … especially during this hustle-bustle time of year.

We live in a world where the information glut is almost overwhelming and much of what we have to process is bad news. And then there is the factor of our human flesh (i.e., see Jer. 17:9), where our deceitful hearts want to control everything, creating a heavy stress load. And we simply can’t control so much of life; can we? And what it the result? … Stress, frustration, and anxiety.

 So, where do we go? … What do we do? … Well, if you take in all that God has led me to write above this morning, especially the message sung by Alan Jackson in today’s song as wall as God’s word, … you will have the answer to these questions as well as God’s prescription for our anxieties. I’ll leave it to you to decide whether you want to control things today or just do all you can and leave the worrying to Jesus.

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … I’ll do all I can, Lord. But You’re going to have to take care of the rest. … Amen  

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

December 16, 2015: His Name Is Holy

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 349  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a poignant video of Marshall Hall singing … Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, … There’s Just Something About that Name, proclaiming reality and Glory of the Name of “Jesus!”

Highlight Passage:   Exodus 20: 7 [NKJV] …  
7 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. …” 
… We must not take the Name of God in vain.
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Highlight Context – Exodus 20:1-7 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… God’s Name is Holy!!
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Reference Passage #1 - Matthew 24: 4-5 [NKJV] …  
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 
… The ultimate offense of using the Lord’s Name in vain.

Reference Passage #2 - Acta 9: 20 [NKJV] …  
20 … Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. 
… Paul declares that Jesus was/is THE CHRIST, … the Son of God!!

Reference Passage #3 - Philippians 2: 9-11 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …  
… Paul declares that Jesus’ Name is “LORD” … “King Jesus!!” … “Messiah” … “Son of God!”

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Randy Kilgore, used a teaching from a mentor to illustrate his teaching about how we use the Name of God. Kilgore wrote … One afternoon I was having a discussion with a friend I considered my spiritual mentor about misusing God’s name. “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God,” says the third commandment (Ex. 20:7). We may think this only refers to attaching God’s name to a swear word or using His name flippantly or irreverently. But my mentor rarely missed an opportunity to teach me about real faith. He challenged me to think about other ways we profane God’s name. 

Kilgore went on to describe several ways, besides using swear words, God’s Name is often misused (i.e., taken in vain), … such as [1.] saying that “God told me [something,” … or [2.] using Scripture out of context, … or [3.] when we teach or use Scripture carelessly or selfishly. And he quoted John Piper that we misuse God’s Name when we “speak of God in any way that empties Him of His significance.”

God’s Name is HOLY! Or the Name of “Jesus,” when referring to “The Lord” as Paul did, as “THE CHRIST,” in either Acts 9:20 or Phil. 2: 9-11, puts God’s name in His proper context of holiness or lifts His Name above all other names.

 But as Randy Kilgore and John Piper teach (see ODB for 12/16/15), we take God’s Name in vain any time we refer to our Lord and Messiah in any way that lowers His Holy Name to anything less than “LORD,” … or “MESSIAH” … or “SON OF GOD!” So, today I’m praying that I will never lower my reference to my God to anything less than He deserves.

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … You are my LORD!! And Your Holy Name is to be revered above all other names. … Amen  

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

December 15, 2015: Working for Jesus

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 348  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a poignant video of Daniel O’Donnell singing … Here I Am Lord, proclaiming the attitude which should be shared by all Christians when we are placed in a place to serve our LORD.

Highlight Passage:   Numbers 4: 19b [NKJV] …  
19b …  Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint each of them to his service and his task. … God to Moses/Aaron concerning the tasks of the Levites in the Tabernacle.
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Highlight Context – Numbers 4:17-32 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… We must bloom where we are planted.
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Reference Passage #1 - Romans 12: 1 [NKJV] …  
1 I beseech you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship. 
… Where ever God leads us we’re to follow and serve him gladly …

Reference Passage #2 - 1st Corinthians 10: 31 [NKJV] …  
31 … whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 
… Making our work for God’s glory …

Reference Passage #3 - Colossians 3: 17 [NKJV] …  
17 And whatever you do in word or deed, DO ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 
… Doing our all-in-all for Jesus!!!

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, David C McCasland, used a personal story to illustrate his teaching about how we serve God. He wrote, … While attending Bible college, my friend Charlie and I worked for a furniture store. We often made deliveries accompanied by an interior decorator who talked with the people who had purchased the furniture while we brought it from the truck into the house. Sometimes we had to carry the furniture up several flights of stairs in an apartment building. Charlie and I often wished we had the decorator’s job instead of ours!

Using this link - you can see that a 2013 Gallup poll revealed that 70% of workers surveyed reported that they hated their workplace or job. There were many reasons reported for these attitudes in the workplace; but it boiled down to most people were disgruntled about what they did for a living. And this attitude certainly flies in the face of what God’s word teaches with regard to our attitudes about work.

 The highlight passage above from the Book of Numbers took the ODB readers (me) back to when God instituted the duties of His people in building and maintaining the Tabernacle during the 40 years of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. And we know how God’s chosen turned into grumblers during those refining years. And then, in the NT, the Apostle Paul taught a lot about what our attitudes should be like … no matter where we are or what we do (see the reference passages above). And the bottom line in God’s word should be a “bloom where we’re planted” attitude of gratitude, … no matter what job we have or where we are working … or for that matter, whatever we’re doing day-by-day-by-day.

 So, in that Gallup poll above I would hope that we’d find that the 30% of those who had positive attitudes about their work would be tinged heavily by Christians. … What about you and me? … Today will we be doing ALL we do for God’s glory (as Paul wrote to Corinth above)? On our jobs, will see ourselves as “living sacrifices” for God (as Paul exhorted Roman Christians)? … And/or will whatever we say/do … be done to honor the name of Christ Jesus?

 I’m praying - for me today - that I, … hopefully joined by you, … will respond as Daniel O’Donnell sings in the song linked above when God calls us to think, say, or do ANYTHING today … that we say it or do it for God’s glory.

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, …It’s ALL FOR YOU, 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.

December 14, 2015: Hands Raised … “HALLELUJAH!!”

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 347  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a poignant video of my friend, Clay Crosse, singing … When I Lift My Hands, proclaiming the joy of our praise when we come together to worship our Lord.

 
Highlight Passage:   Psalm 150: 6 [NKJV] …  
6 Let everyone that has breath praise the Lord. 
 … PRAISE THE LORD!! EVERYONE!!! … HALLELUJAH !!!
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Highlight Context – Psalm 150 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… Celebrating our Lord with deserved Hallelujahs.
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Reference Passage #1 - Romans 12: 1 [NKJV] …  
1 I beseech you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship. 
… Giving it all for God a living HALLELUJAH …

Reference Passage #2 - Ephesians 4: 1 [NKJV] …  
1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, … 
… Making our walk a living HALLELUJAH to/for our worthy Lord.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Marvin Williams, reminds His readers (me) of the exuberant celebration which occurs when any international professional soccer (i.e., futbol in Europe or S. America) scores a goal. Goals in soccer are few and far between, so it’s exciting for fans to see the individual celebrations and outright joy expressed by their soccer heroes when they score (see attached photo). And in the stadium where the goal is scored the fans go wild with celebration too.

Isn’t it interesting how we’re willing to shout our praises, so openly and without reservation, at a soccer game or at an American professional sporting event (basketball, baseball, or football); and yet we can be so reserved with our praises for God when we come to a worship service on the Sabbath. 

Psalms 146-150, the last five of the Psalms, have been called the “Hallelujah Psalms,” because they all begin with the Hebrew term “Hallelujah,” which is translated “PRAISE THE LORD!” And Psalm 150, linked above, expresses the outright open and flamboyant praise which was very likely expressed when these songs were sung by Jewish worshippers in the times of David and the Psalmists.

I can just imagine loud and exuberant praises being shouted to God by Hebrew worshippers, … with boisterous music, dancing, and joyous revelry being shared when these songs were sung in a Synagog in David’s Day, … much like the celebrations fans and players alike share when a goal is scored in a soccer game. Why do we feel so inhibited with our praise for the living God when we come to worship His Holy Name on a Sunday morning?

 Maybe today, … maybe right now, … you’ll listen to the linked praise song above and shout out, … in your heart if not with your voice, an exuberant HALLELUJAH!!!  And let’s worship God with our lives today, as Paul wrote about in Romans 12: 1 and Ephesians 4: 1. Praise to God with all we think, say, and do today!!!

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … hallelujah, … HALLELUJAH, … HALLELUJAH!!! … Amen  

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

December 13, 2015: Perfect? … He is!

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 346  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a poignant video of Fernando Ortega, singing … Just Give Me Jesus, proclaiming what should be the pursuit of all during this Advent season … Jesus!

Highlight Passage:   Romans 3: 23-24 [NKJV] …  
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ... 
... No, not one!
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Highlight Context – Roman 3: 19-26 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… None of us are what He is … perfect!
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Reference Passage #1 - Philippians 1: 6 [NKJV] …  
6 … He who has begun a good work in you will complete if unto the day of Jesus Christ: … 
… Made perfect … completed … only in Christ.

Reference Passage #2 - Hebrews 10:14 [NKJV] …  
14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. 
… And our only perfection [i.e., righteousness] is found in our salvation and sanctification.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Julie Ackerman Link, reminds her devotional readers (me) that this holiday season can produce much frustration and anxiety. … She writes, Christmas is the time of year when the pressure to be perfect intensifies. We imagine the perfect celebration and then put forth our best effort to make it happen. We shop for the perfect gifts. We plan the perfect Christmas Day meal. We choose the perfect greeting cards or write the perfect family letter. But our striving leads to discouragement and disappointment when our ability to imagine perfection exceeds our ability to implement it. 

All the hustle and bustle to buy perfect stuff or to be perfect in the eyes of others; and according to the Apostle Paul in Romans 3: 23, we all fall short. However, also from God, through Paul and the Author of Hebrews (see also today’s highlight passage and Hebrews 10:14), we will only find our perfection (i.e., completion) as we are sanctified in the perfection of Christ. As our ODB author, Julie Link, puts it, Instead of being discouraged, however, we can use our disappointment to remind ourselves of the reason Christmas is so important. We need Christmas because none of us is or can be all that we want to be—not for a month, a week, or even a day. 

So, let’s cut ourselves some slack this season, dear one; and in this Advent season let’s just celebrate the reality and truth that God, the Father, when He sees you and me, He views the perfection of the Robes of Righteousness which we’ve chosen - in faith - to wear because of the blood of the perfect One Who died for our sins and shed His blood to cover our imperfection.

And so I pray …

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … Thank you, Lord, for sending us Your Son to be our righteousness forever. … Amen  

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

December 12, 2015: Yes, … Every Day!!

Daily Berry Patch Devotions in 2015 - Day 345  

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a poignant video of the group, MercyMe, singing … Word of God Speak, proclaiming the reality of the God of Universe speaking to us through His word.

Highlight Passage:   Deuteronomy 4: 10 [NKJV] …  
10 ... especially concerning the day you stood before the Lord your God in Horeb, when the Lord said to me, ‘Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.’ 
... God calls us to hear Him through His word.
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Highlight Context – Deuteronomy 4:9-14 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… When God speaks and we listen, we are blessed.
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Reference Passage #1 - Psalm 119 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK  …  
… See the way this psalmist has built his relationship with God through His word.

Reference Passage #2 - Isaiah 55: 11 [NKJV] …  
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from my mouth. It shall not return to Me void, but shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper the thing which I sent it. 
… It's really just a matter of deciding whom we will follow, isn't it?

Reference Passage #2 - 2nd Timothy 3: 16-17 [NKJV] …  
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 
… God’s word is our primary channel to inspiration from and communication with God.

My Journal for Today:  Today’s Our Daily Bread author, Poh Fang Chia, wrote in his devotional entry this morning of a fellow countryman who could not read and desperately wanted the author to read the Bible to him because he was so, so hungry to hear from God.

 When I came to know Christ as my Lord/Savior, after being an atheist for my first 39 years, a mentor turned me on to God’s word as the primary channel of communication between me and God; and after developing an EVERY MORNING habit (i.e., discipline) of quiet time, … reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture, … I came to realize that EVERY MORNING God, Himself, was speaking to me, … lowly me! And how incredible is that!!!

 So, since September, 1988 I have been starting each day with a prayer that God would reveal Himself to me through His word, … and that I would get to know Him more EVERY DAY, … through His word; and that promise has been kept by God EVERY DAY since.

 So, … I come here EVERY DAY; and as the song by MercyMe resounds above, God’s word speaks to me. A pretty good way to start EVERY DAY, wouldn’t you say?

 How about you? Would you like to hear today from the God of the Universe. Well, open your Bible [hard copy or digital] and dive into God’s #1 method of speaking to HIs kids … His word.

My Prayer Today:  Heavenly Father, … Speak to me, God, through Your word again 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.