Berry Patch Devotions in 202 - Day 340
Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ... Please take the time to take in a song and lyrics from the group Vintage Worship singing … Generous Giver … poignantly singing of how we, as followers of Christ, must do all we can to reflect our God’s generous love and mercy and grace.
Highlight Passage: … 2Corinthians 9:7-8 [NLT] …
7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 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.
… Paul reminds fellow Christians, by quoting <b>Psalm 22:8</b> of God’s law of reciprocity . that we reap what we sow.
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Highlight Passage [Context]: … 2Corinthians 9:6-15 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul quotes from <b>Psalms [22:8 and 112:9]</b> about God’s law of reaping and sowing as we give to others in need with a cheerful heart.
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Reference Passage: … Proverbs 11:24-25 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Solomon’s wisdom, shows us that the Lord rewards those who’re willing to help those in need.
Reference Passage: … Matthew 6:21 [NLT] …
21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
… Jesus shows His followers that the way we handle what He has given us measures our heart for God.
Reference Passage: … Luke 6:38 [NLT] …
38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”
… Jesus teaching on God’s law of reciprocity … that we reap what we sow.
Reference Passage: … Acts 20:35 [NLT] …
35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
…Paul quotes Jesus on how it is far more blessed to give than to receive.
My Devotional Journal: Today's Our Daily Bread author, Estera Pirosca Escobar, AT THIS LINK … tells of the legendary Saint Nicholas, who was told to spread Gospel love by giving freely and generously to children in need in the 3rd century [see photo].
Yesterday was “Sinterklaas Day” in my wife’s home country of Holland, the day when presents are exchanged during Advent Season to commemorate what we, in the USA, would call “Santa Claus” - i.e., the heart of St. Nicholas - coming to share good gifts with children in need who had good hearts. It is a cultural reflection of what is sung in the linked song and shared in the Scriptures above, … which is God’s law of reciprocity … that we reap what we sow and, as Jesus taught (see Acts 20:35), that it’s ALWAYS more blessed to give than to receive.
And I pray that all reading here will join me to do all we can to reflect that Christlike heart of giving as we remember and recognize God’s eternal gift to us during this Advent Season. And let’s pray that we move into the New Year… believing in and following King Jesus, … that we will have generous and cheerful … and GIVING … hearts 24/7 … 365 … i.e. … ALWAYS !!!
My THANKFULNESS:... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, …for giving Your all so that we can reflect Your heart and give to those who are in need … this season and beyond.
My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray that all reading here will join me, … to do all we can to give from what You’ve given to us, Lord, with Your cheerful heart, during this Advent season and beyond. … 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.
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