May 31, 2018 … Once Separated - Now Together

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 150 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from Matt Maher singing … Abide With Me … poignantly singing how we, as Christians, have been saved from our sin because our Lord, Jesus, was willing to shed His blood in shame on the cross and be separated from His Father to bring us into an eternal relationship with our God.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Matthew 27:46 [NKJV] … 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 
… For three fateful hours God, the Father, could not even look upon HIs son, who had taken on the sin of mankind; and the separation darkened the world.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Matthew 27:32-50 [NKJV] …USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus separated from His eternal relationship with His Father as He assumed the sins of the world. 
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Reference Passage : … John 3:16-17 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus separated Himself from His Father on the Cross to save ME (and you)!!

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Dave Branon, takes his readers straight to the cross to realize what Jesus sacrificed to allow you and me to brought into fellowship with the Triune God. The ODB author wrote: The loud, sorrowful cry pierced the dark afternoon air. I imagine it drowning out the sound of mourning from friends and loved ones gathered at Jesus’s feet. It must have overwhelmed the moans of the dying criminals who flanked Jesus on both sides. And surely startled all who heard it. 
“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” Jesus cried out in agony and in utter despondency as He hung on that cross of shame on Golgotha (Matthew 27:45–46). … “My God,” He said, “my God, why have you forsaken me?” 
I cannot think of more heart-wrenching words. Since eternity, Jesus had been in perfect fellowship with God the Father. Together they had created the universe, had fashioned mankind in their image, and planned salvation. Never in the eons past had they not been in total fellowship with each other. 

Perhaps readers here, like myself have been separated from a loved one for sometime because of relationship barriers, misunderstandings, or simply geographical separation due to circumstances. Such separation can be agonizing and painful. However, even with some degree of empathy in such circumstances, we really don’t have a clue of understanding what Jesus went thru on the cross (see photo) to take on the sins of mankind and be separated from His perfect relationship with His Father. 

But He did it … because God loves you and me so much … in spite of our sinfulness. And because He did; and because our Lord is now reunited with His Father, enthroned in Heaven, we can, thru our faith in his finished work on the cross, be united with our Triune God forever (see John 3:16-17).

Do I sense a robust HALLELUJAH!!? … But because I have received that saving grace (and I pray you as well), we can know that we’ll spend eternity with our God.

I think another PTL! is warranted, don’t you?

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 My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, … Abba Father … thank You for being willing to separate, at least for a time, from Your Father to save me.
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … I revel in what You did for me on the cross!! … Amen

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

May 30, 2018 … Abba, … No words!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 149 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of sing and lyrics from a worship group singing … Abba Father Let Me Be … poignantly singing how we, as Christians, can can come - anytime … anywhere … to our Loving “Papa God” … even when we don’t have the words!!

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Highlight Verse[s]: Romans 8:26 [NKJV] … 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession [a]for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 
… No matter when/where we come to our Abba Father, He’s always there to hear us and even to pray, thru the Spirit, for us before our Abba’s throne of grace.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Romans 8:26-27 [NKJV] …USE THIS LINK …
… It’s God’s promise that He, our Abba Father, will never forsake us … even when we don’t know what to say to him in our prayers.
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Reference Passage : … Philippians 4:6-7 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Solomon, assures us that He’s always there to guard our hearts with His peace, … IF … we’re willing to bring our anxieties to Him

Reference Passage : … Hebrews 13:5b  [NKJV]  …  5 … For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 
… It’s God’s promise that He, our Abba Father, will never forsake us … even when we don’t know what to say to him in our prayers.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, James Banks, used a personal story to illustrate how often we don’t have the right words to express ourselves or we say things in the digital age of communication which are inadequate or inappropriate. The ODB author wrote: Not long ago I sent my wife, Cari, a text message using only voice prompts. I was on my way out the door to give her a ride home from work and intended to send the words, “Where would you like me to pick you up, old gal?” Cari doesn’t mind my calling her “old gal”—it’s one of the affectionate nicknames we use around the house. But my cell phone didn’t “understand” the phrase, and sent the words “old cow” instead. 
Fortunately for me, Cari immediately understood what had happened and found it funny. She later posted my text message on social media and asked, “Should I be offended?” We were both able to laugh about it. 
My wife’s loving response to my awkward words that day makes me think about God’s loving understanding of our prayers. 

I believe it’s true that our digital age is conditioning us to avoid face-to-face communications with texting [see photo], emails, and the like. And for Christians, this very well may be causing us to avoid open/honest communion with God in prayer as well. I hope that’s not the case with those who’re reading here; but I, for one, need to realize and be willing to come to our Abba Father with the prayer of the song linked above; … yes, even when I don’t have the right words (see highlight passage). 

How about let’s stop right now, … hear the song, … meditate on God’s word above, and then take a moment to go to our Abba and thank Him for His love, … and that He’s always there hearing our prayers when we need Him. And … I know our Abba will smile down on us when He hears our thankfulness.

Go, be with Him; … even if you don’t have the words. Sense His love and His presence, … knowing that you can come to our Abba Father for His love anytime … anywhere!!

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, … Abba Father … thank You for always being there to hear me and help me pray.
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … Help me when I come to You and don’t have the right words, knowing that You’re ALWAYS there to hear my concerns. … Amen

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

May 29, 2018 … Looking Ahead

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 148 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Don Moen singing the old hymn … Wonderful Peace … poignantly singing how we, as Christians, can find peace in our vision on the horizon of hope in Christ.

 
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Highlight Verse[s]: Hebrews 11:13 [NKJV] … 13 These [of faith who are now with God] all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 
… When we focus on our here-and-now troubles, we can lose perspective on the hope we have in heaven and the peace which comes from that hope.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Hebrews 11:8-16 [NKJV] …USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru the author of Hebrews, gives persecuted Christians the perspective of peace which comes from looking forward to our ultimate home with God in Heaven.
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Reference Passage : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK ... 
… God, thru Solomon, helps us to gain a Godly perspective by taking our focus off of self and onto our Savior.

Reference Passage : … Isaiah 26:3 [NKJV] … 3  You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. 
… Isaiah, helping believers who were troubled by their present to focus on God to help us look to our eternal future with the Messiah.

Reference Passage : … Romans 8:18 [NKJV] … 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 
...  Focusing on the here-and-now struggles we have will cause us to lose the peace we should have by focusing on our relationship with Christ and where that will take us ahead.

Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 5:8 [NKJV] … 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 
… Focusing on what is to come in Christ takes our perspective off of self and onto our Savior.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Keila Ochoa, used a reference to how trust and faith in the hope of Christ can help us take our mind off of present troubles, providing us with the peace which comes from our hope in heaven. The ODB author wrote: Almost as soon as the ferryboat started to move, my little daughter said she felt ill. Seasickness had already begun to affect her. Soon I was feeling queasy myself. “Just stare at the horizon,” I reminded myself. Sailors say this helps to regain a sense of perspective. … 
We can regain perspective by focusing on the distant but steady point of our destiny.

When we focus on the perspective of the “here-and-now,” especially when that involves the trials/troubles of life, it’s so easy to focus on self and away from the hope we have in Christ, doesn’t it? But today, the ODB author, helps us to realize that our peace, as Don Moen sings about, comes from the perspective of the trust and hope we have in what lies ahead. And looking ahead, as the sailors did at the horizon (see photo) when they were getting ill, we gain the peace and perspective which God gives us in His promise of heaven.

So, dear one, if you’re experiencing stress or anxieties in this here-and-now life, let’s all do what the truth of God directs us to do … and that is to focus on Him (Is. 26:3, … to trust in The Lord (Prov. 3:5-6), … and to look ahead to the hope we have in Christ (Rom 8:18 and 2Cor 5:8).

So, the question becomes … do we really want God’s peace enough to trust Him and look past our selves to our hope in Heaven? I, for one, will be looking ahead … WAY AHEAD!!

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, thank You for the peace I have in my heavenly hope. 
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … Help me to keep focused on where You are leading me; and most certainly away from my here-and-now. … Amen

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

May 28, 2018 … Grieving, Yet Celebrating

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 147 

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 a contemporary version the old hymn … It Is Well With My Soul … poignantly singing how we, as Christians, can rest in peace knowing that a departed loved one is with Christ forever.

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Highlight Verse[s]: 2Samuel 1:23 [NKJV] … 23  “Saul and Jonathan were beloved and pleasant in their lives, And in their death they were not divided; They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions. 
… David honors his dear friend and his father in song.
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Highlight Passage [context]: 2Samuel 1:17-27 [NKJV] …USE THIS LINK …
… David’s Song laments the loss of his dear friend, Jonathan, and honors Jonathan’s father, King Saul. 
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Reference Passage : … John 3:16 [NKJV] … 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 
 … So if we know that a deceased loved one believed in Christ, we can know that he/she has everlasting life.

Reference Passage : … Romans 10:13 [NKJV] … 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
... Knowing a dear family member or friend is a fellow Christian takes the tears of loss to a celebration of them being with the LORD.

  Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 5:8 [NKJV] … 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 
… When a fellow Christian dies, the knowledge and belief in this truth gives great comfort from the grief of the loss.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Tim Gustafson, used a personal story of the passing of a Christian friend to illustrate that we may grieve the loss of a fellow believer but we can celebrate his/her home-going to be with Christ forever. The ODB author wrote: After serving his country for two decades as a helicopter pilot [see photo], James returned home to serve his community as a teacher. But he missed helicopters, so he took a job flying medical evacuations for a local hospital. He flew until late in his life. 
Now it was time to say goodbye to him. As friends, family, and uniformed co-workers stood vigil at the cemetery, a colleague called in one last mission over the radio. Soon the distinctive sound of rotors beating the air could be heard. A helicopter circled over the memorial garden, hovered briefly to pay its respects, then headed back to the hospital. Not even the military personnel who were present could hold back the tears. 

It is highly likely that any fellow Christian reading here has experienced the loss of a dear/close friend or family member, just as King David did when his covenant buddy, Jonathan lost his life. We, of course, will grieve, as did David, the loss of a loved one. However, when we know the reality and truth of their abiding relationship with Christ, as a born-again believer, like King David, we can sing a song of celebration (see highlight passage) knowing that our loved one will be with God forever (see reference scriptures above).

Today is Memorial Day, … where we can grieve the loss of loved ones who’ve served their country, maybe even giving their all. But for those who knew Christ as Savior/Lord, we can celebrate knowing that to be absent from this life is to be present with the LORD for eternity. 

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, thank You for the sacrifice of those who died that we might be free.
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … I join other Christians today celebrating the love/peace, beyond understanding, of those who loved You and died to protect the freedoms we enjoy in this life. … Amen

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

May 27, 2018 … Christ’s Hospitality

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 146 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  .Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from an anonymous praise group singing … We Are The Body … poignantly singing how we, as Christians, must come together as the Body of Christ to serve each other in this world.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Romans 12:13 [NLT] … 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 
… Serving one another with Christ’s love, we are the Body of Christ.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Romans 12:9-18 [NLT] …USE THIS LINK …
… As the Body of Christ, we must come together to serve each other with God’s love. 
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Reference Passage : … Ephesians 4:1-4 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… We become the Body of Christ when we unify to serve the needs of others.

Reference Passage : … Hebrews 10:24 [NLT] … 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 
... As Christians we are to stir up love and good works as the Body of Christ.

Reference Passage : …1 Peter 4:8-9 [NLT] … 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. 
… Showing hospitality and love for one another, as Christ’s unified Body, is reflecting Christ’s love into the world.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Amy Peterson, used a personal story to illustrate how the Body of Christ came to help her in a time of need. The ODB author wrote: My husband left for a month-long trip, and almost immediately I was overwhelmed by the needs of my job, our house, and our children. A writing deadline loomed. The lawn mower broke. My children were on school break and bored. How would I take care of all of these things on my own?  
I soon realized I wasn’t on my own. Friends from church showed up to help. 

As a Christian, can any reader here, besides myself, identify with this story of the Body of Christ, reaching out to help us in our time of need? Do I sense a witness of “AMEN” out there? And when the Body of Christ unifies to serve the needs of others, the love of Christ is being shared in a world desperate for more of that love.

Listen to the linked song; and mediate on God’s word above, … and then, … let’s ask ourselves what can we do, especially with others in Christ, to be His Body, opening up our homes and our lives, to serve the needs of others?

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, thank You for giving me all of Your love thru Your Body.
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … Help me to discern the needs of others where we, as Your Body, can come together to extend Your love and grace. … Amen

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

May 26, 2018 … Never Alone!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 145 

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 singing how faithful is our Friend, … King Jesus.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 142:4-5 [NLT] … 4  I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me. 5  Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge.  You are all I really want in life. 
… David found his refuge only in his relationship with the Lord.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 142 [NLT] …USE THIS LINK …
… David, being pursued by Saul, felt so alone!
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Reference Passage : … Hebrews 13:5b - 6 [NLT] … 5 For God has said, “I will never fail you.  I will never abandon you.” [Deut. 31:6, 8] 
6 So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” [Psalm 118:6] 
… Our God will NEVER forsake us; … but do we believe Him?

 My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Kirsten Holmberg, used a cute personal story to illustrate how easily we can get down on our selves and feel all alone. The ODB author wrote: As a child, when I felt lonely, rejected, or sorry for myself, my mother would sometimes attempt to cheer me up by singing a popular ditty: “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me. I think I’ll go eat worms.” After a smile came from my downcast face, she’d help me see the many special relationships and reasons for gratitude I truly did have. 

Wow, … when I read this ODB entry, I had nostalgic pangs, because my mom used to say exactly the same thing to me as a young boy when she perceived that I was in the dumpers. And after saying that, she’d look at me with her lower lip out and her eyes crossed; and she got me to laugh EVERY time. She was trying to show me that, no matter what, she would love me.

And that’s how young David felt about his God when he was on the run from King Saul, who was trying to kill David. And he wrote Psalm 142 in a cave, feeling very alone, but knowing that His God would be there for him … NO MATTER WHAT (see also Heb. 13:5-6 above).

We all can get down and feel lonely at times, where God seems so distant. But if we can develop a close/abiding relationship with our Savior, every day we’ll hear/feel Him knocking on the door of our hearts; and all we have to do is open the door and let Him in to be our friend (go look up Rev. 3:20). 

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, thank You for always being my loving Friend. 
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … How wonderful it is to have a King for a 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.

May 25, 2018 … Thinking Rightly

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 144 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Phillips, Craig, and Dean singing their song … I Want To Be Just Like You … poignantly singing how need to become like Christ and pass that mind onto our kids.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Philippians 4:8 [NLT] … 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 
… And this should be the Christlike filter thru which we view the world.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Philippians 4:4-9 [NLT] …USE THIS LINK …
… Paul exhorts Christians to live out a life of Christlikeness.
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Reference Passage : … Proverbs 23:7a [NKJV] … 7  For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he. 
… We become what we think.

  Reference Passage : … Luke 9:23 [NLT] … 23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow Me. ..." 
… We follow Jesus and become like Him when we think like Him.

Reference Passage : … Philippians 2:5 [NLT] … 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 
 … Philippians 2:5 [NKJV] … 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ... 
… We are to model our thinking on that of our Lord!

  My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Randy Kilgore, used a cute story about the thoughts of a young child teaching her parents about protecting their thoughts. The ODB author wrote: A few years ago, a woman shared with me a story about finding her preteen son watching news coverage of a violent event. Instinctively, she reached for the remote and changed the channel. “You don’t need to be watching that stuff,” she told him rather abruptly. An argument followed, and eventually she shared that he needed to fill his mind with “whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely . . .” (Philippians 4:8). 
 After dinner, she and her husband were watching the news when suddenly their five-year-old daughter burst in and turned off the television. “You don’t need to be watching that stuff,” she declared in her best “mom” voice. “Now, think about those Bible things!”   

TRUTH: … We become what we think (see Prov. 23:7 - NKJV). And we think what we choose to think.

So, as Paul [in the Philippians passages above] exhorted his fellow Christians (that’s you and me!), we need to be choosing - as much as we can - what goes into our minds and how we respond to it, … i.e., how we think.

So, what are we doing to protect our minds; … and what are we doing to saturate our minds, as much as we can, with Godly [Phil 4:8] thinking? Personally, my “battle plan” is to dig into God’s word daily after I’ve prayed that my God will open His mind to mine from the truth of His word. And, … I’ll keep coming back here every morning, as He commanded me in Luke 9:23 to follow His way of thinking rather than rely on my own.

How about you? What’s your battle plan for developing Christlike thinking?

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, thank You for giving me a mind to pursue Your mind. 
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … Put me on a daily trek to think like You by knowing Your mind from Your word. … Amen

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

May 24, 2018 … Sleep In Peace

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 143

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  .Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of imaged and lyrics from Don Moen singing the old hymn… Peace Peace Wonderful Peace … poignantly singing how we can find peace when we surrender our anxieties to The Lord.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 4:8 [NLT] … 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. 
… David finds can sleep in peace knowing that HIs God watches over him.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 4 [NLT] …USE THIS LINK …
… David, under great stress, surrenders his anxieties to God and finds peace
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Reference Passage : … Isaiah 41:10 [NLT] … 10  Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with My victorious right hand. 
… We never need to let fear fear control us when our God wants to take our cares.

Reference Passage : … Philippians 4:6-7 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… It’s really a prideful sin to hold onto worries/stresses because Jesus faithfully gives us the option to bring them to Him {see also Matt. 11:28-30 linked here )

Reference Passage : … 1 Peter 5:6-7 [NLT] … 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 
… Our only power over our stresses/worries comes when we humble ourselves and give over our worries to God.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Poh Fang Chia, used an illustration to which most of us can identify to teach on our search for restful peace as Christians in this stressful world. The ODB author wrote: What keeps you awake at night [see photo]? Lately I’ve been losing sleep, tossing and turning on my bed, trying to work out a solution to an issue. Eventually I begin fretting about not getting enough rest to handle the challenges of the next day! Sound familiar? Troubled relationships, an uncertain future, whatever it is—we all give in to worry at one point or another.  

Ever been there? I would expect most of us can empathize with this scenario. But when we have a deep/abiding/mature relationship with Christ we can have the peace which God promises in His word (see reference scriptures above).

When David wrote the song in Psalm 4, he was obviously under great duress and stress. Yet, because of His strong trust/faith in God, he was able to rest in God’s peace [see v. 8 above]. Really, it’s prideful sin to carry our anxiety to the point that it shackles us in our feelings. Why? Because God, thru Paul and Peter above promises in His word, and yes, even Jesus, Himself, to help us carry our burdens.

So, can I sense a “PTL!!!” And let’s just lay down our burdens to the Lord today and let Him help us carry them.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, thank You for Your uplifting strength to lift me up when I’m down.
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … May I find the peace which surpasses all understanding by bringing my cares to You, my caring 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.

May 23, 2018 … No Mystery

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 142

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of a live performance by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir singing … More Than Enough … poignantly singing how our God’s grace is way sufficient to meet our needs.

Babushka Lady on the Grassy Knoll in Dallas

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Highlight Verse[s]: Acts 2:36 [NLT] … 36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” 
…Peter, the disciple who had denied Jesus, preaches truth … that Jesus IS Christ, the Son of God, … the Messiah.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Acts 2:22-36 [NLT] …USE THIS LINK …
… Peter, who had bolted from Jesus and denied him thrice, preached boldly of the resurrected, living Savior at Pentecost.
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Reference Passage : … Isaiah 41:10 [NLT] … 10  Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with My victorious right hand. 
… We never need to run in fear because we children of the Living God.

Reference Passage : … John 20:19 [NLT] … 19 That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” He said. 
… And these fearful Disciples were never the same after this moment of confirmation of the Living Messiah.

Reference Passage : … Ephesians 6:10 [NLT] … 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 
… God’s Spirit speaking thru Paul, exhorts us to stand strong in our relationship with Christ.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Bill Crowder, used a mysterious figure present at the JFK shooting to illustrate how fear causes us to run and hide from others or ourselves. The ODB author wrote: The “Babushka Lady” is one of the mysteries surrounding the 1963 assassination of US President John F. Kennedy. Captured on film recording the events with a movie camera [see photo], she has proven to be elusive. This mystery woman, wearing an overcoat and scarf (resembling a Russian babushka), has never been identified and her film has never been seen. For decades, historians and scholars have speculated that fear has prevented the “Babushka Lady” from telling her story of that dark November day.   

This lady is not the only one who bolted in fear at the killing of a leader. Jesus’ disciples - all of them - bolted in fear after the crucifixion, confused and fearful of what the Jewish leaders and the Romans might do to them (see John 20:19). But we know that after Pentecost and the coming of God’s Spirit to all of them, they became warriors for the Gospel, standing strong for their Savior, Jesus, as the Messiah.

The question today: Are we standing strong as a disciple of Christ? Or are we cowering into our selves and bolting when we have opportunities to use our witness/testimony to declare His majesty? 

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, thank You for giving me Your strength to cover my weakness.
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … May I stand strong when You give me the opportunity to be Your witness. … Amen Blogger Note:  Everyday during this year, my daily devotional blogs are influenced by the reading and study of the online devotional blog entitled “Our Daily Bread,” distributed online via email by RBC Ministries.  If you GO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.

May 22, 2018 … Rescued

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 141

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of a live performance by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir singing … More Than Enough … poignantly singing how our God’s grace is way sufficient to meet our needs.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Jonah 2:1-2 [NLT] … 1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. 2 He said, “I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and He answered me. I called to you from the land of the dead, and Lord, you heard me! 
…When we’re in trouble and we know that God hears us, we have only to call on Him for our needs. 
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Highlight Passage [context]: Jonah 2:1-10 [NLT] …USE THIS LINK …
… A disobedient Jonah, called on God from the belly of the fish; and God heard him and rescued him.
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Reference Passage : … Lamentations 3:22-23 [NLT] … 22  The faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease. 23  Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. 
… God’s mercies never cease. Hence, we can call on Him anytime for rescue.

Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 12:9 [NLT] … 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 
… Jesus reminds Paul - and us - that His empowering/saving grace is more than enough to rescue us from any circumstances.

Reference Passage : … Ephesians 3:20 [NLT] … 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 
… When we’re “up a tree,” God’s always able to help.

Reference Passage : … Revelation 3:20 [NLT] … 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 wants to rescue us from ourselves, inviting us to dine at His table; and all He wants us to do is open the door of our hearts and let Him in.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Elisa Morgan, told a personal story about her mom’s cat being rescued to illustrate how our God can/will rescue us when we’re “up-the-tree” of life. The ODB author wrote: My mother discovered my kitten Velvet atop the kitchen counter, devouring homemade bread. With a huff of frustration, she scooted her out the door. Hours later, we searched our yard for the missing cat without success. A faint meow whistled on the wind, and I looked up to the peak of a poplar tree where a black smudge tilted a branch. 
In her haste to flee my mother’s frustration over her behavior, Velvet chose a more precarious predicament. Is it possible that we sometimes do something similar—running from our errors and putting ourselves in danger? And even then God comes to our rescue. … 
After exhausting our efforts to woo Velvet down, we summoned the local fire department. With the longest ladder fully extended, a kind man climbed high, plucked my kitten from her perch, and returned to place her safely in my arms. [See photo]  

I don’t know about any other readers here today; but I really identify with this story in today’s ODB entry. For over 22 years of my life, i ran to escape my God, much as the cat ran up the tree; … or as Jonah did in the highlight scripture passage above. And in some respects I got myself in a horrible place in life, which threatened everything I held dear, … totally brought about by my own selfish choices.

BUT … when I needed Him the most, God came for me and rescued me from the pits of hell and invited me to join His family at His table of life [see reference passages above]. God truly can - and WILL - rescue us … in HIs good will and His perfect timing. But He does want us to be willing to call out to Him in surrendered faith.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, thank You for coming after me when I needed You the most.
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … Help me, Lord, as I open the door, hearing You knock today. … Amen

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

May 21, 2018 … Forever Forgiveness

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 140 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Matthew West singing … Forgiveness … poignantly singing how forgiveness may be one of the hardest things we do … almost impossible … but that’s what we much do for others who’ve wronged us.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Luke 6:27-28 [NLT] … 27 “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. …” 
… Luke’s account of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and for His disciples to live with Kingdom values, especially forgiveness.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Luke 6:27-36 [NLT] …USE THIS LINK …
… The early, post-resurrection church came together to form Christ’s Body.
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Reference Passage : … Lamentations 3:22-23 [NLT] … 22  The faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease. 23  Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. 
… God’s mercies never cease. Hence, we should never stop trying for forgiveness.

Reference Passage : … Matthew 18:21-22 [NLT] … 21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” … 22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven." 
 … Jesus was saying that there are no limits to how much or how long we must carry on an attitude of complete forgiveness and a compassionate desire for reconciliation to others.

Reference Passage : … 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. 
 … We’re exhorted by God, thru Paul, to reach out with forgiving hearts to be compassionate toward others, … yes, even those who wrong us.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David C McCasland, used an historical reference to illustrate how simple, but how challenging, God’s call for us to forgive others was simply and perfectly modeled - FOR OUR FORGIVENESS - on the cross. The ODB author wrote: In 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges was the first African-American child to integrate an all-white public elementary school in the American South. Every day for months, federal marshals escorted Ruby past a mob of angry parents shouting curses, threats, and insults at her. Safely inside, she sat in a classroom alone with Barbara Henry, the only teacher willing to instruct her while parents kept their children from attending school with Ruby. 
Noted child psychologist Robert Coles met with Ruby for several months to help her cope with the fear and stress she experienced. He was amazed by the prayer Ruby said every day as she walked to school and back home. “Please, God, forgive them because they don’t know what they’re doing.” 

The little girl, of course, was quoting from Jesus on the cross [see Luke 23:34] as He forgave us for nailing Him to that Tree with our sins. And He prayed to His Father in Heaven that all those who had wronged the Son of God might be forgiven, which was forgiveness being modeled perfectly. And Ruby Bridges the young six year old, understood the impact and meaning of Jesus’ forgiveness. So, why can’t we, in these days-and-times, get it? Because so many don’t, do they?

I hope I do. …I hope we all do. Because if we don’t, the only REALLY bright thing in our future as Christians is the impending return of Jesus to rule a world which He preached about on that Sermon on the Mount and possibly anything we do to abide in Him while we remain on this earth. 

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, thank You for forgiving me.
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … Help me to forgive any/all who’ve wronged me, 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.

May 20, 2018 … A Unified Body

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 139 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images from Geoff Moore singing his song … The Body of Christ … poignantly singing how we are called as Christians to come together to be the working Body of Christ.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Daniel 3:17-18 [NLT] … 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.  
… Unity was the Spirit-imparted power of the early Church.   
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Highlight Passage [context]: Daniel 3:6-18 [NLT] …USE THIS LINK …  
… The early, post-resurrection church came together to form Christ’s Body.   
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Reference Passage : … Ephesians 4:3-4 [NLT] … 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 
… God exhorts the Church to be united in oneness by God’s Spirit.

Reference Passage : … Philippians 2:3-4 [NLT] … 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 
… Avoiding pride and self sufficiency, Christians are to reach out to help others before self.

Reference Passage : … Hebrews 10:24-25 [NLT] … 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. 
 … We must resist our “natural” tendency toward individualism and control and come together in the Spirit of Christlikeness.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Linda Washingtom, used a story about a friend’s daughter to illustrate the oneness we should pursue and achieve in the Body of Christ. The ODB author wrote: My friend Carrie’s five-year-old daughter, Maija, has an interesting approach to playtime. She loves mixing together dolls from different playsets to come up with a new community. In the world of her imagination, everything belongs together. These are her people. She believes they are happiest when they’re together, despite being different sizes and shapes. 

I’m afraid that readers here may be somewhat discouraged by taking in the linked YouTube song and meditating on the Scriptures above. They point to a unified Body of Christ, working together to be His ears, eyes, hands, legs, and his mind here on earth.

BUT … Is that the case? … I’m afraid we, as a culture, are driving - if not free-falling - toward individual pridefulness, self gratification, entitlement, and outright selfishness, … rather than coming to be - or become - Christ’s body, held together, activated, and empowered by His Spirit.

So, fellow Christ … what can we do today - or tomorrow - to be or become that One Body, reaching out from One Spirit, to serve a broken, darkened world? Certainly the least we could do is smile at someone and do all we can to help them.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, thank You for giving me Your grace to reach out and be You for someone today.
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … Help me to smile at/for someone who seems to need Your loving touch today. … Amen

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

May 19, 2018 … An “EVEN IF” Faith

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 138

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Mercy Me singing their song … Even If … poignantly singing how, in the midst of life’s worst challenges, our faith in a God Who is ever able to deliver us is all we have to sustain us.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Daniel 3:17-18 [NLT] … 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” 
… These three had an “EVEN IF” faith … do we?
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Highlight Passage [context]: Daniel 3:6-18 [NLT] …USE THIS LINK …
… Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego would not bow down before the King’s idol …EVEN IF … they were to be thrown into a fiery furnace.
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Reference Passage : … Romans 8:28 [NLT] … 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
… Yes ALL things are for our GOOD, … EVEN IF … it doesn’t seem like that in the middle of the circumstances.

Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 9:8 [NLT] … 8 And God will generously provide all you need. … ALWAYS … EVEN IF it doesn’t seem like it at the time. 
… God, our provider will give us all we need, … and more, … EVEN IF things seem overwhelming.

Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 12:9 [NLT] … 9 Each time He [Jesus] said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 
… Jesus provides Paul, in a time of great trial, the truth and hope that God’s grace will ALWAYS be enough to help us … EVEN IF … He doesn’t deliver us from the trouble immediately.

Reference Passage : … Ephesians 3:20 [NLT] … 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 
… For sure, our God is able!!

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Alyson Kieda, used the story in the book of Daniel about the three boys who would not bow to the King’s idol [see photo] and were delivered by God from a fiery furnace … to illustrate the type of faith our Lord wants all of use to have, … an “EVEN IF” faith. … The ODB author wrote: Sometimes life deals us a tremendous blow. Other times the miraculous happens. … 
 God desires that we cling to Him—even if our loved one isn’t healed, even if we lose our job, even if we are persecuted. Sometimes God rescues us from danger in this life, and sometimes He doesn’t. But the truth we can hold firmly is this: “The God we serve is able,” loves us, and is with us in every fiery trial, every even if. 

Fellow Christian … if you take in and meditate on the story of Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego, and hear the linked song by Mercy Me, … I think you’ll get the message of this ODB devotional, … that God desires all of us to have an “EVEN IF” faith. And that is the type of faith the three boys had when they were thrown into the fiery furnace, … a faith to believe that God COULD deliver them, … EVEN IF … He didn’t.

And the question, as we face the fiery trials of life, is … do we believe God can deliver us; … and are we willing to hold on to our faith … EVEN IF … He doesn’t?!

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, thank You for giving me the faith to know You can deliver me.
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … I stand ready to be thrown into the fire, knowing that You, Lord, are able to deliver 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.

May 18, 2018 … Overflowing Grace

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 137 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Laura Story singing her song … Grace Abounds … poignantly singing how, when our hearts are filled with God’s Spirit, in times of trial, … God’s grace abounds and overflows into our lives to help us to overcome our trials.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Romans 15:4-13 [NLT] … 13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. 
… Paul prays that fellow Christians can experience an overflow of God’s hope and grace.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Romans 15:4-13 [NLT] …USE THIS LINK …
… Paul cites multiple passages from God’s old covenant truth to help fellow Christians to allow God’s grace to flow into/out of our lives.
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Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 9:8 [NLT] … 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 
… God, our provider will give us all we need, … and more, … even enough to share with others in need.

Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 12:9 [NLT] … 9 Each time He [Jesus] said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 
… Jesus provides Paul, in a time of great pain and trial, the hope that God’s grace will always be enough to help us in those times of trouble.

Reference Passage : … Ephesians 3:20 [NLT] … 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 
… Our all powerful God is always above to abound in His grace to do even more than we think.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Adam Holz, used personal illustration of how spills in our life are often considered bad; … but then there is one example where a spill can be God’s blessing. … The ODB author wrote: How many times have our kids tried to pour milk and misjudged the process, with white liquid flowing everywhere [see photo]. Or maybe we failed to remember that a two-liter bottle of soda just rolled around in the trunk . . . with explosively startling results. 
No, spills are almost never a good thing. But there might be one exception. 

Dear one, … perhaps you’ve been there, … when stresses or trials seem overwhelming; … but then, way beyond the circumstances, God’s grace pours into and out of our heart, overflowing to actually provide us with joy in the midst of the trial.

The Apostle Paul, who had experienced more trials then an army of Christians in his life, often wrote (see scriptures above) of how God could/would always provide believers with all the grace we need to handle life’s toughest circumstances.

So, take a few minutes and hear a very uplifting song, linked above, by Laura Story, relating in song how God’s grace is enough to allow us to deal with any/all trials which come our way. 

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, thank You for Your grace which is ALWAYS enough. 
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … Pour Your grace into my heart even to overflowing so that I can find some joy in the midst of my trials. … Amen

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

May 17, 2018 … Singing God’s Goodness

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 136

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from B.J. Putnam singing his song … Sing A New Song … powerfully and poignantly singing how we need to do all we can a Christians to sing of the love of Jesus. … LET THE WHOLE EARTH SING!!!

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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 73:16-17 [NLT] … 1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! … His faithful love endures forever.
… The psalmist sings how we must give thanks to God for His goodness and faithful, forever love.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 136:1-15 [NLT] …USE THIS LINK …
… The Psalmist repetitively thanks the Lord and in each verse praises God for “His faithful love (which) endures forever!”
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Reference Passage : … Ephesians 5:18-19 [NLT] … 18 … be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 
… God, thru Paul, exhorts Christians to sing God’s praises, making the music of love in our hearts, recognizing God’s goodness.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Lawrence Darmani, used personal illustration of how we, as disciples of Christ, praise Him in song about His goodness in our lives. … The ODB author wrote: Someone in our Bible-study group suggested, “Let’s write our own psalms!” Initially, some protested that they didn’t have the flair for writing, but after some encouragement everyone wrote a moving poetic song narrating how God had been working in their lives. Out of trials, protection, provision, and even pain and tears came enduring messages that gave our psalms fascinating themes. Like Psalm 136, each psalm revealed the truth that God’s love endures forever.  

The Psalmist in today’s highlight passage certainly wrote a powerful song praising God over and over and over again for his goodness and eternal love. And the Apostle Paul exhorted Christians to sing praises to our Lord while being filled by the Spirit. So, let me, having prayed that God’s Spirit would give me the words to reflect my thankfulness for God’s goodness, let me write my praises … a poem in my own words.

I’m here, Lord, 
And you’re here, Lord … 
And I’m in surrender 
To Your Spirit of truth … 
Today and all days 
As I give up self 
To praise my Savior … 
For Your love 
Which so graciously 
Covers me with 
Your Protective provision 
And leads me 
To be Yours FOREVER!!

Hallelujah! … Hallelujah!! … HALLELUJAH!!!

Take a few moments and write a few words … maybe in song, poetry, or journaling, honoring God for His goodness, His mercy, His grace, and His love.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, thank You for ALWAYS being MY GOOD GOD!! 
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … Let me trumpet my witness of Your goodness to all Your children … ALWAYS! … Amen

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

May 16, 2018 … Freedom To Follow

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 135 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images from three vocalists, Clay Crosse, Bebe Winans, and Bob Carlisle singing … I Will Follow Christ … powerfully singing of how, as disciples of Christ, we must follow Him thru life.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Matthew 11:29 [NLT] … 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.
… Following Jesus allows His strength (i.e. yoke) to help us carry life’s burdens.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Matthew 11:25-30 [NLT] …USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus prays His thanksgiving to the Father for those who follow Him as true disciples. 
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Reference Passage : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] …USE THIS LINK …
… We will never follow anyone we don’t trust.

Reference Passage : … Luke 8:23 [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. 
… Our work needs to reflect the work God is doing in us.

Reference Passage : … 2 Corinthians 11:1 [NLT] … 1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 
… Paul knew that others could follow him because He was following Christ.

Reference Passage : … 2 Timothy 4:7 [NLT] … 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful 
… Paul ran his race of life, follow Jesus, and so at the end he knew he had remained faithful.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Monica Brands, used a story from high school cross country running to illustrate how we must do what it takes to follow Christ. … The ODB author wrote: My high school cross-country coach once advised me before a race, “Don’t try to be in the lead. The leaders almost always burn out too quickly.” Instead, he suggested I stay close behind the fastest runners. By letting them set the pace, I could conserve the mental and physical strength I’d need to finish the race well. 
Leading can be exhausting; following can be freeing. Knowing this improved my running, but it took me a lot longer to realize how this applies to Christian discipleship.

Good word picture of Christian discipleship, don’t you think? Running the race of life will be tough, like running a cross-country race; and we need to do all we can to follow leaders who will keep us on track and on pace to finish. And as Christ’s disciples, anything we can do to follow Him is good strategy for running our race of life. The Apostle Paul knew that others were following him in life, but he had confidence that he had lived his life following His Lord in all things; and others could follow him in their race because He faithfully followed Christ (see 2Cor. 11:1 and 2 Tim 4:7).

 Jesus commanded us, as His disciples, to deny our way and follow His way (see Luke 9:23). So the question from today’s ODB is … Are we?!

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, thank You for leading the way for me to follow. 
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … Lord, lead the way, Your way, and I will follow. .… 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 youGO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.

May 15, 2018 … God’s Man At Work!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 134 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Casting Crowns singing … If We Are The Body … powerfully singing of how, as disciples of Christ, must be His arms, hands, legs, feet, eyes, ears … i.e., to do His work as He has called us to do.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Hebrews 13:21a [NLT] … 21  … may He equip you with all you need for doing his will. 
… Which should be our prayer for all of God’s people, … especially in these times of selfishness and human entitlement.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Hebrews 13:20-21 [NLT] …USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru the author of Hebrews, prays that God will equip us to do HIS good work. 
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Reference Passage : … Ephesians 4:1 [NLT] … 1  Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 
… Paul expresses God’s desire for all of His BODY.

Reference Passage : … Philippians 2:12b -13 [NLT] … 12  … Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.. 
… Our work needs to reflect the work God is doing in us.

Reference Passage : … 1 John 3:2-3 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God so wants us to keep His temple, the body, pure so that the body can work in this world as He is working in and thru us.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Amy Boucher Pye, reflected on a challenging question we all need answer for our selves. … The ODB author wrote: “How have you seen God at work lately?” I asked some friends. 
 One replied, “I see Him at work as I read the Scriptures each morning; I see Him at work as He helps me face each new day; I see Him at work when I know that He has been with me every step of the way—I realize how He has helped me to face challenges while giving me joy.” I love his answer because it reflects how through God’s Word and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, God stays near to, and works in, those who love Him. 
God working in His followers is a wonderful mystery that the writer to the Hebrews refers to as he draws his letter to a close in what’s known as a benediction: “. . . and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:21). 

If the ODB author today were to ask us that probing question, how would we answer? … Let me ask it again, “How have you seen God at work lately?”

Personally, I think I’d respond, relating how I observe the lives of men, who surrender to God’s enabling grace and then painstakingly walk free from past patterns of sexual sin in the groups I lead where God has called me to work thru the ministry the Lord led my wife and me to found almost two decades ago (use this link). But you likely have a very personal, but very different, response.

So, why don’t you take enough time and do a little WORK (i.e., digging) into the scriptures above and hear the song, linked above. And then answer that question for yourself and see if it doesn’t motivate you to do even more today to work for God’s glory than you did yesterday; … and maybe even more tomorrow than today.

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, thank You for working in and thru me with Your sanctifying grace.
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … Lord, thru what I do today, let me be a flashing sign for all to see … “God’s Man At Work!!” .… 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 youGO TO THIS LINK on the date of my blog, you can read/study the ODB blogs; or you can subscribe to the blog via email at that site.

May 14, 2018 … Reality … Really?!!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 133 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Mercy Me singing … Word of God Speak … poignantly singing of how, as disciples of Christ, we must listen for and discern truth from God’s word to be our spiritual “GPS” in life.

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Highlight Verse[s]: 1st John 4:1 [NLT] … 1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 
… We are admonished by God’s word to beware of using our own perceptions of life, … our feelings or the smooth word of those who would try to deceive us.
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Highlight Passage [context]: 2 Kings, Chapter 19 [NLT] …USE THIS LINK …
… Read how trusting in God’s word brought about a wondrous defeat of an army threatening God’s people in Jerusalem.
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Reference Passage : … Psalm 119:105 [NLT] … 105  Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. 
… We all need a light to guide us in this very dark world. God’s word is mine!

Reference Passage : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Solomon, tells us to seek out His truth and trust His word.

Reference Passage : … 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. 
… God’s word should be our perfect “GPS” in life.

Reference Passage : … 2 Timothy 3:16-17 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God’s perfect word, found in the Bible, is really all we need to guide us thru life.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Tim Gustafson, used a cute story about his wife being fooled to illustrate how life is not always what we perceive to be reality.. … The ODB author wrote: “Listen!” my wife said to me over the phone. “There’s a monkey in our yard!” She held up the phone so I could hear. And yes, it sounded just like a monkey. Which is weird, because the nearest wild monkey was 2,000 miles away. 
Later, my father-in-law burst our bubble. “That’s a barn owl,” he explained [see photo]. Reality was not what it had seemed. 

Cute story from ODB today about being deceived by an owl, isn’t it? But all too often we see things in the media or hear things from crafty people which can deceive us? Personally, I’m a very gullible, impressionable person; and if it were not for God’s word, which has become my personal/spiritual “GPS” in life, I would be very vulnerable to our Spiritual enemies, …Satan, … the world, and especially … my flesh.

The Bible story in 2 Kings 19, linked above, is a good one to illustrate how circumstances can seem to speak one message, but God’s word speaks a very different reality. Read about how King Hezekiah saw the Assyrian army laying siege to Jerusalem. It really looked hopeless for God’s people. But God’s word, thru Isaiah, painted a whole different, and hopeful, message; and you’ll see how trusting in God’s word paid big dividends for the remnant of believers, especially under Hezekiah’s faith in God’s word.

And that’s why we need to be in God’s word and implant His truth into our mind/hearts … so that it can serve, as the Scriptures above tell us, as our Spirit-led “GPS” in life.

Dear one, … that’s why I’m here, digging into God’s word every daily, and begging in prayer every morning for, as Mercy Me sings, … “Word of God Speak!” And I know He will! And i will listen for His promises and trust His direction. … How about you?

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My THANKFULNESS: … Oh Lord, Jesus, thank You for guiding my life with Your truth. 
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My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Precious Spirit … Lord, I’m here again this morning seeking for direction from Your word. Please shine the light of Your truth to help me 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 youGO 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.