December 31, 2022 … Finishing Strongly …   

Berry Patch Devotions in 2021</u> - Day 365 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...  Please take the time to take in song and lyrics from Nichole Nordeman, singing  … Legacy … poignantly singing of how we can leave a legacy of faith by being steadfast in follow Christ as Lord. 

103 year old champion ... a legacy of finishing strongly

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Highlight Passage: … 2Timothy 4:7 [NLT] …  

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.  

…Paul testifies to Timothy (and all faithful Christians) how he had finished strong in following Christ.                                                                              

Highlight Passage (Context): … 2Timothy 4:1-8 [NLT] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… The Apostle Paul declares he has been thru much but has finished strong in the faith.             

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Reference Passage: … Deuteronomy 6:5-7 [NLT] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… God, thru Moses, commands His chosen and faithful followers to keep the faith and pass it on to the following generations. 

Reference Passage: … Psalms 145:4-7 [NLT] …  USE THIS LINK … 

…  God, thru King David, instructs God’s people to pass along the mighty acts and wonders of the Lord to their children and following generations.  

Reference Passage: … John 15:5-8 [NLT] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… Jesus commands His disciples on how to be fruitful by abiding in Him and faithfully following His will and His ways.  

Reference Passage: … 1Corinthians 11:1 [NLT] … 

1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 

… Paul confidently exhorts fellow Christians to follow Him as he follows and imitates God’s will and the ways of Christ.    

Reference Passage: … 2Timothy 2:2 [NLT] … 

2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

… Paul instructs Timothy (and all faithful followers) to pass along those elements of Christlikeness that he had passed along to other Christians.  

                                                                             

My Devotional Journal: Today's Our Daily Bread author, Winn Collier … AT THIS LINK …   tells of the inspirational story of a 103 year old woman, Man Kaur from India, who won several gold medals at the World Masters Athletic Competition in Poland (see photo), where she desired to leave a legacy of finishing strong for others who might follow her example of life-long effort.  

And the ODB author also made reference to the legacy of faith left by the Apostle Paul, in the highlight passage, writing to Timothy how Paul had kept the faith and left a legacy of following Christ right to the end of his life.  And these examples of long-lasting faith and disciplined endurance today certainly call me out, … challenging me to take inventory on this last day of the year and move forward into the New Year, trying to do more to leave a legacy of faith for others to follow me (just as Paul exhorted other Christians in 1Cor 11:1).  

Let’s finish stronger this year!!   … Are you with me?       

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … for giving me Your enduring grace to follow You more diligently this year.      

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray that all reading here will join me, … to do all we can to follow You more diligently, Lord, and to lead others to compete in the race of life more strongly.        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.

December 30, 2022 … Seeking God’s Peace …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2021 - Day 364 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...  Please take the time to take in song and lyrics from Fernando Ortega, in duet with an anonymous female, singing  … Grace and Peace… poignantly singing of how we find God’s grace and peace in our relationship with Christ Jesus.     

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Highlight Passage: …Psalm 107:30 [NLT] …  

30 What a blessing was the stillness as He brought them safely into the harbor. 

… God sings of His grace leading His faithful out of the storm into His harbor of peace.                                                                             

Highlight Passage (Context): … Psalm 107:23-32 [NLT] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… God’s psalmist sings of God’s grace leading His faithful thru and out of the storms of life.        

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Reference Passage: … Isaiah 26:3 [NLT] … 

3 You (LORD) will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, … all whose thoughts are fixed on You.  

…  God, thru Isaiah, shows his suffering people how to find His peace.    

Reference Passage: … Matthew 11:28-30 [NLT] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… Jesus invites any/all, would would believe in His Lordship, to yoke our weaknesses to the power of His empowering grace so that He can provide His beloved with His power and His peace. 

Reference Passage: … Philippians 4:6-7 [NLT] …  USE THIS LINK … 

…  Paul shows fellow Christians how they (we) can deal with the stresses and storms of life as we seek God’s peace.  

Reference Passage: … 2Thessalonians 1:2 [NLT] … 

<i>  2 May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.  </i>

… The Apostle Paul’s prayer and wish for his fellow Christians (yes, all of us!) .  

Reference Passage: … 1Peter 5:7 [NLT] … 

7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares for you. 

… God’s advice, thru Peter, to fellow Christians who were being persecuted, … for them (and us) to cast ALL their (our) worries to a loving and caring and grace-providing God.

                                                                             

My Devotional Journal: Today's Our Daily Bread author, Adam Holz … AT THIS LINK …   tells of a peaceful nap being interrupted by the chaos and noise of the ODB author’s son playing his guitar; … but then hearing the peaceful strains of his daughter playing Amazing Grace on the family piano, showing the author that God’s peace and grace are available even in the chaos of this world.  

Sometimes it’s difficult to find peace in the uncaring chaos of this world, isn’t it?  But if my readers have take the time to take in the linked song and mediated on the Scriptures above, God wants us to see that we can - AND WILL - find God’s peace by being willing to surrender our will and let a caring God, thru His Spirit, give us His empowering grace to find His peace. 

Personally that is my pursuit each morning as I come here, to my quiet place to hear from my God, primarily thru His word, as cast my cares and stresses aside and just be with  my Lord Who cares for me thru His truth.  Where … and how … do you find God’s peace amid the chaos of this world?    

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … for giving me Your peace, Lord, but shining Your light on my path thru Your word.     

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray that all reading here will join me, … to seek after the peace You have for us, Lord, in the grace You provide for us thru Your word.      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.

December 29, 2022 … Come As You Are …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2021 - Day 363 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...  Please take the time to take in song and lyrics from Alan Jackson singing  … Just As I Am … poignantly and powerfully singing of how God calls any/all who have faith in Christ to come and follow Him.   

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Highlight Passage: … Matthew 10:1 [NLT] …  

1 Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. 

… Jesus calls His disciples to go forth in His Name and gives them the authority of HIs grace to share the Gospel with others.                                                                             

Highlight Passage (Context): … Matthew 10:1, 5-10, 16-20 [NLT] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… Jesus calls His 12 disciples to go out, as they are, to share the gospel with others, warning them (and us) of the challenges they (we) will face.                                                                        

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Reference Passage: … Psalm 34:18 [NLT] … 

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.  

…  In dedicating the materials collected for Solomon to build a Temple to God, King David declares his commitment to God that they have worked together with honesty and integrity to serve and honor the LORD.   

Reference Passage: … Matthew 11:28-30 [NLT] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… Jesus invites any/all, would would believe in His Lordship, to yoke our weaknesses to His power so that He can provide them (US) with His power. 

Reference Passage: … John 6:37 [NLT] … 

37 However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. 

…  Jesus declares that any/all who come to Him, by the calling of His father, will not be case out. 

Reference Passage: … Romans 10:9-13 [NLT] …  USE THIS LINK … 

…  God’s promise, thru Paul, that ANYONE who believes and declares Jesus as Lord and Savior will be saved from their (our) sin.   

Reference Passage: … James 2:8-9 [NLT] … 

8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.

…  God’s teaching, thru James, that Christians must treat all as Christ would treat us … EQUALLY.  

                                                                             

My Devotional Journal: Today's Our Daily Bread author, Patricia Rayon … AT THIS LINK …   tells of a woman, Charlotte Elliott, who was to give an address to a group but felt very unworthy.  However, she remembered God’s word (see Scripture above), which bolstered her in confidence to sit down an pen the poetic words to the classic hymn, with the words  …“Just as I am, without one plea, / But that Thy blood was shed for me, / And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, / O Lamb of God, I come, I come.” , … which readers can hear with the link provided above. 

Perhaps some - if not all - of my readers have felt God’s calling to a task where you felt unworthy.  I sure have.  But over the years, as a Christian, searching to follow my Lord’s calling, I’ve come to realize what is shared above from God’s word - and even from Jesus, Himself, … that when God calls us to any task in life, He will provide His empowering and enabling grace to carry out that task for His glory. 

So, if we feel the Lord calling us today, … as the Nike logo calls out, … Let’s “JUST DO IT!”      

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … for giving me Your empowering grace when You call me to any task in life.    

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray that all reading here will join me, … to be willing to come faithfully when You call us, Lord.      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.

December 28, 2022 … Walking With Integrity …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2021 - Day 362 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...   Please take the time to take in song and lyrics from a worship chorus singing  … Walking In Integrity … poignantly and powerfully singing of how God leads us, as Christians, to walk in life with Christlike integrity. 

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Highlight Passage: … 2Corinthians 1:12 [NLT] …  

12 We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you. 

… Paul expresses his commitment to deal with his fellow Christians with God-given integrity and sincerity rather than relying on human wisdom and intentions.                                                                             

Highlight Passage (Context): … 2Corinthians 1:12-16 [NLT] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… Paul declares his commitment to walk with integrity and sincerity to all of his beloved fellow Christians in Corinth (and to us as well).                                                                                          

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Reference Passage: … 1Chronicles 29:17 [NLT] … 

17 I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously.  

…  In dedicating the materials collected for Solomon to build a Temple to God, King David declares his commitment to God that they have worked together with honesty and integrity to serve and honor the LORD.   

Reference Passage: … Proverbs 10:9, 11:3 [NLT] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… God, thru Solomon, declares how God protects those who walk in life following the Lord with faithfulness and integrity.  

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

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

…  King David showed in song how he used God’s word to guide him to walk with integrity in life. 

Reference Passage: … Matthew 4:1-11 [NLT] …  USE THIS LINK … 

…  Jesus models how to follow the Lord, and walk with integrity, especially when tempted by Satan. And see also Luke 4:1-13.   

Reference Passage: … 2Timothy 3:16 [NLT] … 

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  

…  Paul shows Timothy (and us) that following God’s word (i.e., HIs truth) is the only real way to walk with Christlike integrity in this life.   

                                                                             

My Devotional Journal: Today's Our Daily Bread author, Marvin Williams … AT THIS LINK …   tells of an 18th century merchant, John Woodman, who stood with Christian integrity, inspired by the teachings and life of Martin Luther, 200 years earlier, by having the integrity to refuse to do business with those who dealt with slave traders.                    

And if my readers have taken in the linked song and mediated on the Scriptures above, we can see the emphasis God’s word puts on walking in life with Christlike integrity.  Jesus even modeled that walk of integrity in the wilderness as he stood behind God’s word in dealing with Satan’s temptations (see Matt 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13).  

And if you join me here daily, as I journal my thoughts by seeking to follow God’s truth, you know that i owe any faithfulness and Christlike integrity to my searching to follow my Lord, King Jesus, by going deep in His word,  And you’ll see me here again tomorrow, doing exactly that.  How about you?  How do you walk with integrity, following the light of Christ in this very dark world?    

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … for shining Your light of truth on my path so that I can follow You    

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray that all reading here will join me, … to follow Your light of truth, Lord, as you lead us down Your path of righteousness and integrity.      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.

December 27, 2022 … Joining In HIS-STORY …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2021 - Day 361 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...  Please take the time to take in song and lyrics from Katy Nichole and Big Daddy Weave singing  … God Is In This Story … poignantly and powerfully singing of how God is woven into the story of our lives. 

TOGETHER in HIS-STORY ... 

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Highlight Passage: … Genesis 1:26a-27 [NLT] …  

26 Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. … 27 So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female He created them. </i> 

… God’s story of mankind begins in His creation of man and woman IN HIS IMAGE.                                                                             

Highlight Passage (Context): … Genesis 1:1, 26-31 [NLT] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… God created everything for His glory, including mankind in His image.                                       

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Reference Passage: … Genesis 2:18-25 [NLT] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… God creates man and woman to rule over the earth in His mage and for His glory.               

Reference Passage: … Ephesians 4:24 [NLT] … 

24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.   

…  Paul enjoins fellow Christians to put on the new nature of holiness since, in Christ, we are created to be like God.     

Reference Passage: … Philippians 1:6 [NLT] … 

6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns..  

…  Paul teaches fellow Christians that God will continue to do His work to transform them (us) into Christ’s image.

Reference Passage: … Colossians 3:10 [NLT] … 

10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.   

…  Paul exhorts fellow Christians to grow to learn of the new nature of Christlikeness as we grow to know Him and become more and more like Him.      

                                                                             

My Devotional Journal:Today's Our Daily Bread author, Kirsten Holmberg … AT THIS LINK …   tells of interesting research which has shown that when a group of people listen to a story together, the hearts of many in the group begin to beat in unison.                  

And when one reads in God’s Story - our Bible - (see Scripture passages above), these research findings should seem very plausible; … because we were created in God’s image and to be joined in Christ to become and live as the growing image of God.  

That’s why you find me here, everyday, digging deeply into HIS STORY - i.e., God’s word - so that I can know my Lord more intimately and grow in HIs images to live TOGETHER with others who were created to live for our Creator more and more every day.   Will you join me today to have our hearts beat in unison with His heart,… living for His glory in HIS-STORY?       

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … for joining my heartbeat with Yours today, Lord.    

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray that all reading here will join me, … to have our hearts to beat in unison as we grow closer to You, Lord, thru Your story … day-by-day.      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.

December 26, 2022 … Casting Off Our Fears …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2021 - Day 360 

Devotional Song: ... GO TO THIS LINK ...   Please take the time to take in song and lyrics from Zach Williams singing  … Fear He Is a Liar … powerfully singing that the thoughts we get from Satan are ALL LIES.  

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Highlight Passage: … Judges 7:15 [NLT] …  

15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the Lord. Then he returned to the Israelite camp and shouted, “Get up! For the Lord has given you victory over the Midianite hordes!”    

…God finally shows Gideon to trust the Lord and follow Him into battle.                                                                             

Highlight Passage (Context): … Judges 6:12, 7:8-15 [NLT] …  USE THIS LINK … 

… God patiently shows Gideon to cast aside His fears and trust in HIs God.                                 

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

… God, thru Solomon, commands His people to trust in Him … and lean not own feelings and perceptions.               

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.   

…  God, thru Isaiah,  commands His faithful followers to cast aside their (our) fears and follow Him - NO MATTER WHAT we face in life.  

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

20b … And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”   

…  God’s promise, thru Jesus Himself, that He will be with us ALWAYS as we trust and follow Him in life to carry our HIs great commission.   

Reference Passage: … Philippians 4:13 [NLT] … 

10 For I can do everything through Christ, Who gives me strength.   

…  Paul exhorts fellow Christians (and us) to trust that our Lord will give us His strength when we feel weak or unable to carry on.  

Reference Passage: … 2Timothy 1:7 [NLT] … 

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.  

…  Paul teaches Timothy (and all Christians) that feelings of fear NEVER come from God.  

                                                                             

My Devotional Journal: Today's Our Daily Bread author, Karen Huang… AT THIS LINK …   tells of being fearful of an upcoming annual physical with her doctor, … having fears from a past bad diagnosis.  But then the author remembered the promises from God’s word to trust in the Lord in all circumstances.                

It’s so NATURAL to have reflexive fears when we face some circumstances in life.  And the ODB author makes reference to the fears encountered by Gideon when God’s people were being attacked by mighty enemies.  And in this highlight passage, we read of God patiently showing the fearful Gideon, how the Lord would always be with Gideon and God’s people in battle, dispelling all of Gideon’s fears and allowing Gideon to be the warrior God had seen in this fearful follower.

We all deal with fears, don’t we?  But it’s only when we trust in God and His promises from  His word that we remember and realize that our fears are lies from Satan or our selves; (listen to the inked song); and, from the truth of the Reference Scriptures above, we come to believe and gain strength to deal with the trials and circumstances of life.    

And so I pray we all go our way today, trusting in the reality that, like Gideon, we need not fear what we’re going thru, … knowing that our God is ALWAYS there with us, giving us His strength when we feel fearful.         

My THANKFULNESS: ... Oh, Abba Father, thank You, King Jesus, … for Your empowering grace to deal with my fears today.    

My Prayer Today: Oh Abba Father, ... King Jesus, ... . I pray that all reading here will join me, … to trust and follow You, Lord, not matter what we’ll face 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.