May 31, 2021 … Quiet Giving …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2021 - Day 151 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...   Please take the time to take in song and lyrics from the group Hillsong singing  … I Give You My Heart … poignantly singing of we as disciples of Christ must be willing to give others our hearts as He was willing to give His all for us. 

An anonymous gift to help a Disabled Vet ... 

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Highlight Passage: Matthew 6:2 [ESV] …  

2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. …” 

… Jesus on giving quietly to help others … not for personal recognition.          

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Highlight Passage [Context]: … Matthew 6:1-4 [ESV] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… Giving should be done to help others not for selfish recognition. 

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Reference Passage: … Proverbs 3:27 [ESV] … 

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it.  

… When we have the opportunity, we should give to help others in need. 

Reference Passage: … Luke 12:33-34 [ESV] … USE THIS LINK ...  

… Jesus shows what Kingdom giving is all about.   

Reference Passage: … 2Corinthians 9:6-7 [ESV] …

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[a] will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

… Yes God loves a cheerful and sacrificial giver.   

Reference Passage: … Hebrews 13:6 [ESV] … 

16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.  

… God, thru the author of Hebrews, exhorts Christians on doing good by giving to others in need.  

 

My Devotional Journal: Today's Our Daily Bread author, Xochitl Dixon, AT THIS LINK   … writes about an anonymous donor who gave an expensive self-riding lawn mower (see photo) to a disabled veteran who was using a push mower with great difficulty due to his handicaps.  

That’s the kind of giving Jesus wanted us to provide for others in need, isn’t it? He was pretty clear about that in teaching about giving without showing off to others (see highlight passage and Luke 12).  And I’m praying that all reading here with me today, have taken in the linked song and the Scriptures above; and we’ll all do all we can - maybe even today -  to give to others in need when we have opportunities to do so … just like Jesus was willing to give His all for us.   

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … for giving Your all to save me so that I can give what I can to help others.  

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray that all reading here will join me, … to look for opportunities to help others today. … Amen

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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, 2021 … He Is worthy! …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2021 - Day 150 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...   Please take the time to take in song and lyrics from Chris Tomlin singing Andrew Peterson’s song … Is He worthy… poignantly singing of of the worthiness of our Savior, who died as the Lamb of God for our sins. 

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Highlight Passage: Revelation 5:12 [ESV] …  

12  …“Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”

… In his revelation of glory, John heard the angels and elders around the throne of God declaring God’s worthiness.          

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Highlight Passage [Context]: … Revelation 5:6-12 [ESV] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… God reveals His worthiness, thru John, as the Lamb of God who was slain for the sins of the world.    

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Reference Passage: … 2 Samuel 22:4 [ESV] … 

4 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. 

… King David sings of the worthiness of His God to be praised for saving him.

Reference Passage: … Psalm 96:4, 150:6  [ESV] … USE THIS LINK … 

… God’s psalmist declares God’s worthiness to be praised.      

Reference Passage: … John 14:6  [ESV] …

6 Jesus said to [His disciples], “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.   

… Jesus declares His worthiness to His disciples and us.  … But do we believe Him?  

Reference Passage: … 1Peter 1:13 [ESV] … USE THIS LINK … 

13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

… Peter writes of our preparing for the return of the worthy One, our Lord, Jesus, … The Christ    

My Devotional Journal: Today's Our Daily Bread author, Jams Banks, AT THIS LINK   … writes of Helen Roseveare, a missionary to Africa in the 60s who was captured and tortured, … at times wondering it it was all worth it.  But then, God showed her that HE WAS WORTHY of her service and sacrifice.  

It’s certainly not difficult, in times of hardship or trial, to feel that Christian service, which can really be hard, is worth it all. … But as the ODB entry asks, … the question should not be “Is it worth it?”  No, the question MUST Be … “Is HE worth it?” And if we believe in what Chris Tomlin sings and God’s word says above, then we’d have to conclude it’s all worth it  ... because the Lamb of God, our King Jesus, was slain on a cross for our sins. And He is worthy of all praise and glory. 

Yes, my dear one, … whatever we’re going thru for Christ’s sake today, is worth it  ... because HE is worth it !!! 

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, …for giving me the opportunity to serve my Lamb of Go today.  

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray that all reading here will join me, … to recognize that our Lord is worth anything we must endure for His sake.  … Amen

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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, 2021 … In the Danger Zone …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2021 - Day 149 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...  Please take the time to take in song and lyrics from Kenny Loggins, singing … Highway to the Danger Zone … powerfully singing of how we, in our nature, often push our limits way past our own limits of safety. 

King David in his "danger zone" ... 

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Highlight Passage:  2Samuel 11:1 [ESV] …  

1  In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel. And they ravaged the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem.

… David put himself in real danger, … more danger on that balcony in the palace than out on the battlefield leading his men in battle.      

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Highlight Passage [Context]: …  2Samuel 11:1-6, 12-15 [ESV] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… King David put himself into a very human and tempting danger zone by being on that balcony in the palace instead of out leading God’s men in battle as he should have been in God’s safety zone. 

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Reference Passage: … Psalm 119:105  [ESV] …   

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

… David sang of the right path - the safe path - to take in life is follow His light of truth and avoiding our own danger zones of selfish pursuit. 

Reference Passage: … Proverbs 3:5-6  [ESV] … USE THIS LINK …  

… We must ALWAYS trust doing life God’s way and avoid trying to do it on our own.   

Reference Passage: … Jeremiah 29:11  [ESV] …   

11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

… God has a plan for His people and we need to follow it !!   

Reference Passage: … Luke 9:23 [ESV] … 

23 And He said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 

… Jesus to HIs followers on what it takes to follow our Lord - … to deny our own way and to diligently follow Him.  

Reference Passage</u>: … John 14:15 [ESV] … 

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. … 

… If we Christians truly love the Lord, we’ll stay in line with His commandments.  

 

My Devotional Journal: Today's Our Daily Bread author, Mike Wittmer AT THIS LINK   … uses a story about a mountain climber who made the peak at Mt Everest in 2019 but died of heart failure on the descent down the mountain.  Apparently, since this has happened in the past, Doctors call the descent from Everest, the “death zone.”     

And then the ODB author went on to compare that “death zone” to the “danger zone” that King David put himself into by being where he shouldn’t on that balcony (see photo) the evening he saw Bathsheba bathing.  And we certainly know from the highlight passage that being in that “danger zone,” where he, as King, should’ve been out on the battle field, led David to create a “death zone,” ultimately having Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband killed. 

I’ve heard it said that the safest place to be in life is in the center of God’s will;” and I believe it is in our sin nature to push the limits and pursue the “danger zones” of life as Kenny Loggins sings in the linked song.  But Jesus wants us to deny that danger zone pursuit and follow His way, doesn’t He (see Scriptures above).  So, I’m praying here-and-now that we follow God’s way and stay in His safety zone today.  

Good battle plan, don’tcha think?     

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … for showing us the way to go today … by the light of truth see Ps 119:105 and Prov 3:5-6.  

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray that all reading here will join me, … to do all we can to avoid the danger zones of our selfish pursuits and stay in the safety zone of God’s will.    … Amen

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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, 2021 … The Rainbow of Hope …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2021 - Day 148 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...   Please take the time to take in song and lyrics from the group, Elevation Worship, singing … Your Promises … poignantly singing of how we can always rely on God’s promises when we’re confronted by the challenges of this life. 

A "Brockton Spectre" experience ... 

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Highlight Passage:  Genesis 9:12-13 [ESV] …  

12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13 I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 

… God, to Noah and his family, … the rainbow as a promise of God’s covenant with His creation.        

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Highlight Passage [Context]: …  Genesis 9:12-17 [ESV] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… God, after the great flood, gave mankind a reminder of His covenant never to flood the earth again by giving us a rainbow as His sign of faithfulness. 

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Reference Passage: … Numbers 23:19  [ESV] …   

19 … God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it? 

… God is not like a man.  He will ALWAYS keep His promises.  

Reference Passage: … Deuteronomy 7:9  [ESV] …   

9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations, … 

… God is faithful to keep His promises … ALWAYS!   

Reference Passage: … Psalm 33:4 [ESV] … 

6  For the word of the Lord is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness. 

… God thru the Psalmist promises ALWAYS to do His work faithfully. … But do we believe Him?

Reference Passage: … Hebrews 10:23 [ESV] … 

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He Who promised is faithful. 

… We, in faith, must hold fast to the hope we have in God’s faithful promises.  

 

My Devotional Journal: Today's Our Daily Bread author, Kirsten Holmberg AT THIS LINK   … tells of Nathan, a young man who was engulfed by what is called a “Brockton Spectre,” which is a rainbow-like halo of light encircling a person (see photo).  It was a glorious experience for  the young man, … somewhat like it must have been for Noah and his family to see the first rainbow as they came out of the ark, .. receiving God’s promise to never use a flood to destroy mankind again, … His promise in the form of that first rainbow.    

You know, every time I see a rainbow, knowing the absolutely true story of the great flood and God’s promise to Noah, …. and also knowing the character of my God, whom I’ve come to believe thru His word, … I’m uplifted in faith, knowing that God’s promises - even like the rainbow - will ALWAYS be true.  And God’s ultimate promise -  thru Christ on the cross to save all of mankind - is mine to hold onto hope no matter what “flood” or disaster I may go thru. 

Oh, how I pray that we might glean a “rainbow” of hope from God’s word today which shines to remind us of God’s always true promises.    

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … for the hope I have from your promises to come thru any challenge I face today … yes, even if I might die. 

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray that all reading here will join me, … to take in the rainbow of hope we have from our God’s promises as we face life today and tomorrow.  … Amen

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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, 2021 … Trusting God in Hard Times …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2021 - Day 147 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...  Please take the time to take in song and lyrics from the group, the Gettys, singing … By Faith … poignantly singing of how we Christians must walk by faith in times of trial or trouble. 

Flowers blooming in the California mountains when it rains ... 

 

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Highlight Passage:  Exodus 1:12 [ESV] …  

2 But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel. 

… The Apostle Paul exhorts fellow Christians to be people of faith, showing off the love of Christ now living in us.         

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Highlight Passage [Context]: …  Exodus 1:6-14 [ESV] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… Moses writes of how, in spite of Egyptian oppression, during the slavery of God’s chosen, the Israelites’ faith for God was strong; and under God’s protection/providence, they multiplied greatly.  

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Reference Passage: … Deuteronomy 31:6  [ESV] …   

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

… Moses challenges God’s people, about to go into the Promised Land, to have faith because God will never forsake them.  

Reference Passage: … Isiah 41:10  [ESV] …   

6 … fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

… God’s promise, thru Isaiah, to provide His people with HIS strength when trial come our way

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Reference Passage: … Matthew 28:20b  [ESV] …   

20 … And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

… After challenging the Church with the great commission to go into all the earth, Christ promises us to have faith because He will be with us ALWAYS.  

Reference Passage: … Hebrews 11:1 [ESV] … 

6  Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  

… In the remainder of Hebrews 11, God’s word shows those who had  this kind of faith in times of trial or deprivation.  But, … do we?  

 

My Devotional Journal: Today's Our Daily Bread author, Jennifer Benson Schuldt AT THIS LINK  … shows how flowers, which bloom beautifully in mountains of California when rain is available,  go dormant with seeds stored by nature (i.e., God’s providence) in the ground during times of drought to later germinate and bloom again when the rains come (see photo).   

And the ODB author compared that work of God to that of how God’s people, in their times of oppression in Egypt, bloomed and multiplied in spite of the harsh treatment by Pharaoh.  As it says in the highlight passage. God’s people, who were gloriously protected and provided for by God, actually multiplied during these times because of their faith in their God.  

But these illustrations certainly point to how we may have trouble holding on to our faith during trials or challenging times like those we find ourselves being oppressed these days; but if we have the type of faith sung by The Gettys in the linked son or in the truth of God’s word (see Scriptures above), we will ultimately bloom where we have been planted, … or most certainly in Heaven.  I pray we have that kind of faith today and onward to tomorrow.  

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … for giving me Your strength to hold onto my faith in these times of drought and weakness. 

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray that all reading here will join me, … to hold onto our faith in these times of oppression and doubt.  … Amen

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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, 2021 … Love Like Jesus …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2021 - Day 146 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...   … Please take the time to take in song and lyrics from the group, the Rhett Walker Band, singing … Love Like Jesus … poignantly singing of how we Christians must make our lives a love fest to live and love like Jesus.  

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Highlight Passage:  1Corinthians 16:13-14 [ESV] …  

3 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14  Let all that you do be done in love. 

… The Apostle Paul exhorts fellow Christians to be people of faith, showing off the love of Christ now living in us.         

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Highlight Passage [Context]: …  1Corinthians 16:10-14 [ESV] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… Paul exhorts fellow Christians to treat others with the love of God.  

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Reference Passage: … John 13:34-35  [ESV] …   

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” 

… Jesus commands (and teaches) His disciples (and us) that they (we) are to love one another as He loves all His own called ones … to show others that we are His disciples.    

Reference Passage: … John 15:13  [ESV] …   

13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

… Jesus, referring to what He was about to do for mankind, teaches about at the ultimate sign of one’s love for another.   

Reference Passage: … 1Corinthians 13:1-7 [ESV] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… God, thru Paul, instructs all who would call themselves “CHRISTIAN” on the essence of Christlike, unconditional, sacrificial love. 

Reference Passage: … 1John 4:16  [ESV] …  

16 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.  

… God, thru John, show us that love more than emotions or words; … it is faith in action. 

 

My Devotional Journal: Today's Our Daily Bread author, Patricia Raybon, AT THIS LINK …  … uses the true story aboard the sinking US Ship, the SS Dorchester, sinking from a torpedo attack in the waters near Greenland in WW2; and the brave actions of four sailors who gave up their life jackets to save four other sailors, … also calming the rest of the men as the ship sunk and the men died bravely with many of their fellow sailors.  

The story illustrates the essence of Godly, … AGAPE love, … like the kind Jesus talked about to His disciples the night before He became the greatest example of God’s love (see John 13 and 15 above), going to the cross and dying to save any/all who would believe on Him.  And it is the kind of love that Paul wrote about in 1Corinthians 13 and John exhorted fellow Christians to live out in 1John 4.   

And oh how I pray that all reading  with me will join me in the pursuit of living and loving the way Jesus loved us all, … not just singing about it as Rhett Walker does in the linked song, but living it out in our relationships with others.  Common fellow Christians, let’s show a little love out there today. 

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … for showing me and my fellow Christians what love is really all about.   

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray that all reading here will join me, … to go out and show off some real Godly love to others today.   … Amen

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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, 2021 … Putting Life In Neutral …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2021 - Day 145 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...   … Please take the time to take in song and lyrics from the group Hillsong United singing … Still … poignantly singing of how we Christians in times of turmoil and trial should stop and be still, knowing that God is sovereign and in control of all of life. 

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Highlight Passage:  1Kings 19:12 [ESV] …  

12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 

… God shows Himself to a broken Elijah in a still small voice.        

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Highlight Passage [Context]: …  1Kings 19:9-18 [ESV] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… God takes Elijah to a resting place to restore His soul with faith and trust. 

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Reference Passage: … Psalm 46:10  [ESV] …  

105 “Be still, and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

… God shows thru the Psalmist that there are times when we just put life in neutral and quietly know that God is in control.    

Reference Passage: … Matthew 28:20b  [ESV] …   

20b …  And behold, I am with you ALWAYS, even to the end of  the age.  

… Jesus declares, as He accents into Heaven that He will always be with His Bride.   

Reference Passage: … John 16:33  [ESV] …   

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  

… Jesus promises that resting in Him will give us the way to overcome the trials of the world. 

Reference Passage: … Romans 8:28 [ESV] …  

<i> 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose.</i> 

… God, thru Paul to fellow Christians, that we can rest in the reality that ALL THINGS are for the GOOD of those who love and follow our Lord as Savior.  

 

My Devotional Journal: Today's Our Daily Bread author, Mike Wittmer, AT THIS LINK  … uses the story of a frantic driver who put his vehicle in drive rather than neutral and went thru a carwash without barely getting wet. 

There are times in our lives, … especially when we’re stressed or challenges in life, … when our desire to control our circumstances does not allow us to do what God asked of Elijah in the highlight passage; … and that is to just put life in neutral, … trusting in the reality and God is always in control, … ALWAYS wanting us to rest and know that ALL THINGS, as Paul wrote in Romans 8:28, are for the GOOD of those of us who’ve been called by God’s sovereign purposes. 

And I have. … Have You?  … I pray we have.  So, let’s just put our challenging circumstances - whatever they are - in neutral today and trust God to take us thru this carwash we call life.  

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … for being able to put my troubled life in neutral today, trusting that You will take me thru to the other side.  

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray that all reading here will join me, … to rest in neutral in our Lord’s “carwash,” trusting that He is n control and will take us thru, cleansed and ready to the other side.  … Amen

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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.