July 19, 2017 … Mighty Is He! …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 200 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images from the magnificent Iguazu Falls in South America … A Video sequence of the Falls … showing the majesty of God’s creation to realize that He is so much mightier than the power of these falls.

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 93:4 [NLT] … 
4  But mightier than the violent raging of the seas, … mightier than the breakers on the shore - the Lord above is mightier than these! 
… Yes He is!!!
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 93 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… The Psalmist honors the mighty power of our God.
==============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Acts 1:8a [NLT] … 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. … 
… But do we realize the extent of this power, which is the same power Who created the world and raised our Savior from the dead, … more powerful than all the waterfalls collectively in the world (see photo/video).

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 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. 
… We so underestimate God’s power in us.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … 1st John 4:4b [NLT] … 
4 … the Spirit [i.e, God's Power] Who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 
… God’s Spirit in our hearts, as Christians, is so far greater than we imagine it to be.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, C.P. Hia, used a waterfall picture of the power of God to help us realize the power we have in us, which we so often underestimate. The ODB author wrote: Iguazu Falls, on the border of Brazil and Argentina, is a spectacular waterfall system of 275 falls along 2.7 km (1.67 miles) of the Iguazu River. Etched on a wall on the Brazilian side of the Falls are the words of Psalm 93:4, “Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!” (rsv). Below it are these words, “God is always greater than all of our troubles.” 

But do we really believe that truth? … I think not! … At least I, in my weak faith, so underestimate the power of God in me.

To think [and really believe], as I see the attached photo and linked video of Iguazu Falls, I too often don’t get it [!]; … that the power God has implanted in my heart [see Acts 1:8] is the same power which, when God spoke, the world was created; … and it’s the same power which raised our Savior from the dead. And that power is wondrously more powerful - IN ME - than, not only Iguazu Falls, but all of power generated by all of the waterfalls on earth.

As the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:20, God’s power in me is far greater than I can think or imagine it to be; and most certainly, as the Apostle asserted in 1st John 4:4, God’s power in me is far greater than he (Satan) who is in the world using his power against me and mankind.

Oh, … when will I believe it? … When will I get it? … When will I live it?!

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Work thru my weak faith to help me see Your power in me and to use if for Your glory. … 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.

July 18, 2017 … Just As You Are …

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 199 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Brian Doerksen singing the old invitational hymn … Just As I Am … poignantly singing of the reality of how God receives any/all into His family … just as we are!

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: Romans 5:6-9 [NLT] … 
6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 
… And all we need to receive this love is to come to Him JUST AS WE ARE.
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: Romans 5:1-11 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Faith in the finished work of Christ brings help to the helpless and salvation to the lost. 
==============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … 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 will come in and fellowship with anyone, anytime, anywhere … and all we have to do, wherever/whenever we are, is open the door to His invitation to come in.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David C McCasland, observed how we often let self-perceptions get in the way of coming to Christ just as we are to be received into His kingdom or to receive his grace. The ODB author wrote: A church in my city has a unique welcome card that captures the love and grace of God for everyone. It says, “If You Are A . . . saint, sinner, loser, winner”—followed by many other terms used to describe struggling people—“alcoholic, hypocrite, cheater, fearful, misfit . . . . You are welcome here.” One of the pastors told me, “We read the card aloud together in our worship services every Sunday.” 
How often we accept labels and allow them to define who we are. And how easily we assign them to others. But God’s grace defies labels because it is rooted in His love, not in our self-perception. Whether we see ourselves as wonderful or terrible, capable or helpless, we can receive eternal life as a gift from Him. 

Has any reader here with me been to an event and was asked to fill out a name tag like the one in the photo to help others know who you are? But the name tag doesn’t really identify us, beyond the label of our name, does it? No, we also need to have another tag which says … “I am __________;” and then, if we’re honest, we’d fill in the blank with the essence of truth about ourselves. Or would we? Really, it’s unlikely; because we so often don’t want others to know who we really are, do we?

On April 13, 1983 I went to work; and if I had honestly filled in the “I am ___” ID, I would have put … “broken addict to P0RN, who needs spiritual strength.” But then, that morning, I actually wore that ID on my soul for my Lord to see me as I was; and when the morning was over I was able to change my name and ID tags to read … “Bill Berry, … born-again saint, redeemed by the blood of King Jesus!” And all I had to do was come to Him, just as Brian Doerksen sing, “Just as I am,” and receive His saving grace.

And really, now, … anywhere, at any time, I can come to Him, just as I am, and open the door at His knocking and let my Lord come in to receive His sanctifying grace (see Rev. 3:20). And I pray that all reading here have that kind of relationship with King Jesus, … a really honest and surrendered attitude which allows our Lord to save or sanctify us as needed when we come to Him just AS WE ARE.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I’ve heard You knocking this morning, Lord, and I gladly open the door to Your graceful invitation to be with me and give me Your 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.

July 17, 2017 … Like Father - Like Son

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 198 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Phillips, Craig, and Dean singing their song … I Want To Be Just You … poignantly singing of model we, as fathers, should find from Jesus, Who was just like His Father, … as we should we be for our sons [or daughters].

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: John 5:19 [NLT] … 
19 So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. … 
… Jesus clearly explains that what He said/did was only under the instruction of His Heavenly Father.
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: John 5:17-20 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus declares that His only goal in His life on this earth was to be like His Father.. 
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Deuteronomy 18:9 [NLT] … 
9 “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, be very careful not to imitate the detestable customs of the nations living there. 
… God calls His people to imitate His call to holiness and to avoid imitating the unholy practices of the godless people in the Promised Land.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 1st Corinthians 11:1 [NLT] … 
1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 
… Paul knew that as long as he followed Christ’s lead, he could lead others in the right direction.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Ephesians 6:4 [NLT] … 
4 Fathers, [or parents] do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. 
… God’s instructions, thru Paul, on Godly parenting.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Leslie Koh, observed how growing young people often imitate their parents, which was the perfect example of our Lord Who did only what His Father led Him to do. The ODB author wrote: Isn’t it endearing to see a child mimicking his parents? [see attached photo] How often we’ve seen the young boy in a car seat, gripping his imaginary steering wheel intently while keeping a close eye on the driver to see what Daddy does next. 
I remember doing the same thing when I was young. Nothing gave me greater pleasure than doing exactly what my dad did—and I’m sure he got an even bigger kick watching me copy his actions.

And then the ODB author observed that God, the Father, must have looked down with great Fatherly pride to see His Son doing EVERYTHING to imitate the holiness of Jesus’ Holy Father, … including showing, by miraculous examples, that He and His Son were one.

And that has always been the desire of our Abba Father … that we should avoid following the examples of the world (see Deut. 18:9); but rather, as the Apostle Paul learned, to imitate God, the Son and to lead others, especially our children, to follow Him thru this life (see 1Cor. 11:1 and Eph. 6:4).

And so, if you’re a parent reading this, I am praying for us that we can be the Godly examples for our kids, leading them, as God the Father led His Son. And if you are a parent, be sure to take the time to use the link above and listen to the poignant and powerful song from Phillips, Craig, and Dean. I think you’ll be touched as was I.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I have children whom I so desire to follow my lead and to become like You, my 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.

July 16, 2017 … The Roots of Faith

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 197 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the Maranatha Singers singing … Thy Word … poignantly singing of the power of God’s word to allow us to grow in faith and give us strength to stand tall through the storms of life.

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: Luke 24:44-45 [NLT] … 
44 Then He said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 
… Jesus shows the disciples after His resurrection the roots of their faith are in God’s word. 
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: Luke 24:35-49 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Post resurrection, Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus and reveals His truth is rooted in His living word, the Scriptures.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Psalm 119 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 
… This Psalmist discovered that the very roots of his faith were found in God’s word.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Mart DeHaan, used a botanical word picture to illustrate how our faith in Christ is rooted in His word. The ODB author wrote: The sequoia tree, one of three species of redwoods, is among the world’s largest and most enduring organisms. It can grow to 300 feet in height, weigh over 2.5 million pounds (1.1 million kg), and live for 3,000 years. But the majestic sequoia owes much of its size and longevity to what lies below the surface. A twelve- to fourteen-foot-deep matting of roots, spreading over as much as an acre of earth, firmly grounds its towering height and astonishing weight [see photo]. 
A redwood’s expansive root system, however, is small compared to the national history, religion, and anticipation that undergird the life of Jesus. 

That’s what Jesus brought to light for the two disciples who were walking to Emmaus after the resurrection [see Luke 24:35-49]. Their minds minds eye had been blinded to whom Jesus was by their fear … until Jesus revealed His essence by opening their minds to God’s word. And it’s true that our faith in Christ is, like that of a redwood, rooted deeply; but our roots of faith only run deep when our minds are grounded by God’s truth thru His word.

That’s why years ago, a mentor helped me realize that my faith in Christ would only weather the storms of life if I were deeply rooted in God’s word. And that’s why - EVERY DAY - you find me trying to plant the roots of my faith more deeply into my mind/heart by discovering more of God’s truth from His word. I want my faith to be rooted, like the redwood’s, allowing me to grow tall and to weather the storms of life.

And like the Psalmist discovered and revealed in Psalm 119, the only way to do that is to let my faith grow deeply into the soil of God’s grace by planting myself deeply into His truth.

So, … come back tomorrow; and let’s grow together by getting to know our God more more deeply in His word.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … My faith grows everyday as I root myself in 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.

July 15, 2017 … Being Prepared

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 196 

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 … Dear Younger Me … poignantly singing reflections of a Christians as we learn to deal with our past and use it to allow us to live life for God’s glory.

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: 1st Samuel 17:37 [NLT] … 
37 The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” … Saul finally consented. “All right, go ahead,” he said. “And may the Lord be with you!” 
… David had no fear of Goliath because of his days fighting off beasts as a shepherd. 
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: 1st Samuel 17:8, 32-37, 48-50 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… David was prepared to fight Goliath because He had been prepared by God to fell the giant by his days of felling bears/lions as a shepherd.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT]  ... USE THIS LINK …
… Solomon learned from His father, David, about trusting God’s lead in life.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 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 [the] called according to His purpose for them. 
… Through our youth, God works for our good to prepare us for later life.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Julie Schwab, used an interesting modern-day illustration to teach on God’s preparation of His children for future battles in life. The ODB author wrote: I worked at a fast-food restaurant for over two years in high school. Some aspects of the job were difficult. Customers verbalized their anger while I apologized for the unwanted slice of cheese on the sandwich I didn’t make. Soon after I left, I applied for a computer job at my university. The employers were more interested in my fast-food experience than my computer skills. They wanted to know that I knew how to deal with people. My experience in unpleasant circumstances prepared me for a better job! 

Young people dealing with complaining customers with a smile in the fast food industry [see photo] will prepare them for dealing with problem people later in life. King David had learned to deal with beasts as a young shepherd boy; so, when he was confronted with Goliath, his faith in God was well tested and he was ready to face the giant [see highlight passages]. And his son Solomon learned that lesson as he taught his boy (in Prov. 3:5-6) to trust in God’s lead in life … ALWAYS!

Even the Apostle Paul taught Christians that ALL THINGS we encounter in life were for our good in preparing us to live out our lives for God’s glory [see Romans 8:28]. Our question today is: … Do we believe these truths; and do we live life knowing that all that has come before has prepared us for what is not and what it is to come?

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … You have prepared me for all that I will deal with 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.

July 14, 2017 …Connected … REALLY?!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 195 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Alan Jackson singing the old hymn … What A Friend We Have in Jesus … poignantly singing of the closeness we can have with our Savior.

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: Exodus 33:11a [NLT] … 
11 Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. 
… Moses spent intimate friendship time with God … just as we can do now because of what Jesus did to break thru to God for us.
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: Exodus 33:7-14 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Moses had a face-to-face connection with God.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … John 14:21 [NLT] … 
21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” 
… Jesus is revealed in those who intimately are connected to Him thru obedience.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … John 15:12-15 [NLT] … 
12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 
… To those who are intimately connected with Jesus, He is our friend.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … 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 offers His close friendship with us … IF … we’re willing to open the door of our relationship with Him.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Amy Boucher Pye, referred to the relationship Moses had with God to point us to a deeper, more intimate, connection with our Savior - and each other! The ODB author wrote: Although the world is connected electronically like never before, nothing beats time together in person. As we share and laugh together, we can often sense—almost unconsciously—the other person’s emotions by watching their facial movements. Those who love each other, whether family or friends, like to share with each other face to face. 
We see this face-to-face relationship between the Lord and Moses, the man God chose to lead His people. Moses grew in confidence over the years of following God, and he continued to follow Him despite the people’s rebelliousness and idolatry. 

Today’s reference to the closeness Moses had with God (see highlight passage) and how, thru Jesus’ love for us, we can now be His friends and have intimate communication with Him (see John 14&15 passages above), reminded me how our electronically hyper-connected world is becoming so disconnected (depicted in the photo).

I think Satan has devised a super-weapon (i.e., the cell phone) to promote a connected-disconnect world. And we see it all around us with people paying more and more attention to their cell-phone screens; … yes, even when we are physically close with one another. And I’m afraid it’s also a devilish device to take the attention of Christians away from a deep and abiding relationship with our Lord.

We need to ask ourselves if we’re letting our “devices” take us away from a deep/abiding communion with our God.
 … Are we spending close/intimate time with God every day?
 … Is Jesus the friend He wants to be with us [see John 15:15] and offers to us [see Rev. 3:20]?
 … And are we letting our electronic connection with the world get in the way of “facetime” with God today and all days?

Personally, that’s why you find me here each day, choosing to get up close and personal with my Savior; and then trying to share that closeness with any who might read with me. … But I pray we all choose to be with God today and relate to Him as Alan Jackson sings in the linked song … as a close and loving FRIEND.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … thank You for being my 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.

July 13, 2017 … He Knows ME!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 194 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Brian Doerksen singing … Creation Calls … poignantly singing of how God’s creation calls us to realize just how much He loves His crowning creations … mankind!!

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 139:1-2 [NLT] … 
1 O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down and stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 
… To think that the God of all creation knows EVERYTHING about me.
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 139:1-18 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… King David, in a down moment, writes/sings of just how much God cares for His children of creation.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Psalm 19:1 [NLT] … 
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship. 
… Look around and see His glory!!

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Matthew 10:28-30 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… The God Who created all … knows all; … and yes, even knows every hair on my head.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … John 3:16 [NLT] … 
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. 
… This is how much God loves me (and you)!!

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Sheridan Voysey, emphasized the vastness of our universe (see photo) to illustrate just how much God loves His crowning creation - me and you. The ODB author wrote: The universe is astonishingly grand. Right now the moon is spinning around us at nearly 2,300 miles an hour. Our Earth is spinning around the sun at 66,000 miles an hour. Our sun is one of 200 billion other stars and trillions more planets in our galaxy, and that galaxy is just one of 100 billion others hurtling through space. ... Astounding! 
In comparison to this vast cosmos, our little Earth is no bigger than a pebble, and our individual lives no greater than a grain of sand. Yet according to Scripture, the God of the galaxies attends to each microscopic one of us in intimate detail. 

I pray today that I - no, … that WE ALL - can internalize the reality of what Ms Voysey is teaching in today’s ODB entry. Because, I admit that the vastness of God’s love for me (or for you) tends to escape me, … especially in the context of His entire creation (take in the linked song and the photo). 

Can you grasp it as you look into the sky on a clear night? … The very God who created all of that, not only knows every hair on my head (Matt. 10:28-30); but He loves them all (John 3:16); and He loves me (and you) enough that He gave up His Son for us.

Do I sense my readers here - along with me - proclaiming a loud and thankful HALLELUJAH?!

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … in the vastness of Your creation I praise Your Holy Name for loving me. Again, … HALLELUJAH!! … Amen

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

July 12, 2017 … Anytime … Anywhere!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 193 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Symphony in Red, singing … Jesus I Come … poignantly singing of how we, as Christians, can come to God with our needs anytime … anywhere!

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: Hebrews 4:16 [NLT] … 
16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. 
… Do you need Him today?! …. Well, come to Him … anytime/anywhere!!!
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: Hebrews 4:14-16 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, telling us, that He is our High Priest, to Whom we can come - ANYTIME/ANYWHERE - to be at His throne of grace.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Psalm 73:28, 116:1-2 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… The Psalmists sing of being able to be near His God and knowing that He is always there to hear our prayers.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Matthew 28:20b [NLT] … 
20 … And be sure of this: I am with you ALWAYS, even to the end of the age.” 
… Jesus promises to be with us ALWAYS … EVERYWHERE!!

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Romans 5:2 [NLT] … 
2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. 
… The Apostle tells all of our privilege, by faith in Christ, to be able to share in His glory and confidently and joyfully come to our King.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Lawrence Darmani, used a word picture which I pray we all can grasp in faith. The ODB author wrote: A woman desiring to pray grabbed an empty chair [see photo] and knelt before it. In tears, she said, “My dear heavenly Father, please sit down here; You and I need to talk!” Then, looking directly at the vacant chair, she prayed. She demonstrated confidence in approaching the Lord; she imagined He was sitting on the chair and believed He was listening to her petition. 

Dear ones … do you grasp the importance and impact of that word picture? I hope so, because for those who do, we recognize that, as the highlight passage above recounts, we have a High Priest, … King Jesus …, Who sits on the throne of our hearts where we can come ANYTIME … ANYWHERE, boldly knowing that He is there and will take in whatever we need to share with Him [see Psalms 73:28 and 116:1-2].

And here I am today, this morning, and I was just on my knees by a comfortable bed I have in my office (where I often nap with my Savior); and I was on my knees, knowing - in faith - that my Lord, King Jesus, … my High Priest, … was right there bending down to hear whatever I brought to Him from my heart [see all the reference scriptures above].

Oh, … what a comfort … that I pray is shared by all reading with me here today.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … precious Holy Spirit … as the linked song recounts, … I COME!! … 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.

July 11, 2017 … His Power in Me

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 192 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …   Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Unspoken singing their song … Call It Grace … poignantly singing of the power in all Christians to defeat the powers of hell … God’s grace!!

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: James 4:6-7 [NLT] … 
6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, … “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” [Prov. 3:34] … 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 
… Our power to resist Satan is to surrender in humility to the grace of God.
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: James 4:5-10 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Jesus’s brother, defines the power in all Christians to defeat our sin nature … and that is, God’s grace.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Luke 4:1-13 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… If Jesus’ strategy to defeat Satan’s temptation was to use His living word, it’s good enough for me to use to defeat my enemies.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 1st John 4:4 [NLT] … 
4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 
… The truth about the power within us to defeat sin and Satan.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, James Banks, used a legend from history to teach on the power to defeat Satan’s temptation in our lives. The ODB author wrote: They call it “The Devil’s Footprint.” It’s a foot-shaped impression in the granite on a hill beside a church in Ipswich, Massachusetts [see photo]. According to local legend the “footprint” happened one fall day in 1740, when the evangelist George Whitefield preached so powerfully that the devil leaped from the church steeple, landing on the rock on his way out of town. 
Though it’s only a legend, the story calls to mind an encouraging truth from God’s Word. James 4:7 reminds us, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” … God has given us the strength we need to stand against our adversary and the temptations in our lives. 

That story of “The Devil’s Footprint” is likely a quaint legend to honor the powerful word preached by George Whitefield; but the reality today is that we all face Satan’s temptations every day as Christians, desiring to be victorious over sin and self. And very personally, I’ve learned that I have the power within me that I need to cause Satan to flee from my life; and here are the truths on which that power lies …
 … 1. God’s power in me (i.e., His grace) is greater than Satan’s or that of my own flesh (see John 4:4).
… 2. When I retreat, humbly in surrender, to God’s word, Satan will flee from me (see Jesus’ strategy in Luke 4:1-13).
… 3. My power over self and Satan lies in humility and surrender to my Lord to receive God’s empowering grace [hear the song for today], … NEVER in prideful arrogance to stand boastfully against our enemies (see highlight passage above).

Hence, that’s why you find me here every morning, going into God’s word, … getting God’s word into me, … to sharpen the sword of God’s Spirit in me (see Eph. 6:17 on your own); humbly and trustingly relying on His truth to guide my life (see Prov. 3:5-6). And when I do surrender to His word, I know that I have a ready, sharpened, and practiced sword (i.e., God’s word) to do battle for the day.

So, today I go forth to do battle in Jesus’ Name and for His glory. … How about you? … Are you ready for battle today?

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I stand humbly prepared by your word, Lord, to do battle 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.

July 10, 2017 … Justice … God’s Way

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 191 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Big Daddy Weave singing… Redeemed … powerfully singing of the redemption from our sins which comes when we’re set free from our past by our faith in the redeeming blood which King Jesus shed on the cross.

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: Genesis 4:10-12 [NLT] … 
10 But the Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground! 11 Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother’s blood. 12 No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.” 
… God’s justice for Cain’s sin.
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: Genesis 4:1-12 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God’s justice was carried out when Cain killed his brother, Abel, … the brother we will see in heaven one day because of Abel’s faith in his Redeemer.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Hebrews 11:4 [NLT] … 
4 It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith. 
… God’s justice for Cain’s sin still resounds to speak of God’s redemption for sin even today.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 1st John 3:11-12 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God’s justice and redemption involving Cain and Abel remains as a teaching from God to this day. God’s righteousness will ALWAYS prevail … especially when Jesus comes as our Judge one day.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Tim Gustafson, used a story about an Olympic athlete to illustrate that justice may not bring back the result of a past injustice; but God’s will ultimately ALWAYS prevails in eternity. The ODB author wrote: In June 2004, at a Vancouver art gallery, Canadian cross-country skier Beckie Scott received an Olympic gold medal. That’s interesting, because the Winter Olympics had been held in 2002—in Utah. Scott had won bronze behind two athletes who were disqualified months later when it was learned they had used banned substances. It’s good that Scott eventually received her gold, but gone forever is the moment when she should have stood on the podium to hear her country’s national anthem. That injustice couldn’t be remedied. 

Sometimes at the moment justice may not be rightfully gained. As it was for the Olympic skier, nothing could be done to allow her to stand on the podium to receive her medal. And when Cain killed his brother [see highlight passage], nothing could bring Abel back to life; but God’s righteous remedy from that act is still being redeemed to this day (see Reference scriptures) and will for eternity.

My friends, nothing can be done to right the wrongs I did in my past; but praise God, as Abel will live forever because of his faith in his God, so will the redeemed live forever because of our faith in Christ.

Today’s question resounds: Do you know that you are of the redeemed as Big Daddy Weave sings, … with your sins covered by the blood of Jesus? I pray so.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Your blood has redeemed me from my past injustices. I stand so gratefully redeemed as I pray for any who read with me 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.

July 9, 2017 … Joyful, Joyful!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 190 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the British audience joining in and singing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” or … Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee … joyously singing in chorus what should be the chorus of praise we Christians offer to Christ every day by the way we live for His glory.

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: 2nd Chronicles 7:10 [NLT] … 
10 Then at the end of the celebration, Solomon sent the people home. They were all joyful and glad because the Lord had been so good to David and to Solomon and to his people Israel. 
… It’s so much easier to be joyful when things are going well than when trials come. 
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: 2nd Chronicles 7:1-10 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God’s people were joyful when Solomon dedicated the Temple they had built for the Lord to His glory.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Psalm 100:1 [NLT] … 
1  Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth. 
… The song which was likely sung by God’s people in 2Chron. 7:1-10
Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Habakkuk 3:17-18 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Habakkuk learned, from God, how to hold onto joy in the midst of any trial.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Alyson Kieda, used a personal illustration to teach about the joy we should be expressing for God’s glory as we live our lives for His glory. The ODB author wrote: My granddaughter’s favorite tune is one of John Philip Sousa’s marches. Sousa, known as "The March King,” was a US composer in the late nineteenth century. Moriah isn’t in a marching band; she’s only twenty months old. She just loves the tune and can even hum a few notes. She associates it with joyful times. When our family gets together, we often hum this song along with claps and other boisterous noises, and the grandchildren dance or parade in circles to the beat. It always ends in dizzy children and lots of laughter. 

But then again, it’s much easier to be filled with joy, or rather happiness, when we’re children or as adults when things are going well, … just as when King Solomon was dedicating the glorious Temple which God’s people had built for God under his leadership and King David’s plans [see highlight passage]. But God’s people really didn’t have such great track record of being so filled with joy, as in today’s linked song, when things were going against them … such as when there was famine or they were under attack from neighboring nations.

No, when things are tough, it’s much more difficult to sing an “Ode to Joy,” isn’t it? That’s why I so revel in the lesson of Habakkuk’s journal of trials and triumph in the OT book by His name. And as we read in Habakkuk 3:17-18, the disgruntled and joyless Prophet learned from God how to hold onto his joy no matter what the circumstances.

And I know that’s a lesson I need to reteach myself over and over again, … especially when I’m confused or frustrated by life. How about you?

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I choose joy,… joy in You, rather than any happiness I might experience from Your providence. … 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.

July 8, 2017 … Resting In Him

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 189 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Brian Doerksen singing… Resting Place … poignantly singing of the resting place we need to seek out and hold onto in Christ.

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: Exodus 20:8-9 [NLT] … 
9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. … 
… Keeping The Sabbath.
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: Exodus 20:8-10, 23:10-13 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God lays out His law of the Sabbath.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … John 11:28-30 [NLT] … 28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” 
… Jesus offers Himself as our Sabbath … our resting place.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Amy Boucher Pye, used a personal illustration to teach God’s command of us to observe a “Sabbath” place in our lives The ODB author wrote: One Sunday, I stood by the gurgling stream that wends its way through our North London community, delighting in the beauty it brings to our otherwise built-up area. I felt myself relax as I watched the cascading water and listened to the birds chirping. I paused to give the Lord thanks for how He helps us to find rest for our souls. 

I would think that most, if not all, of those reading with me here know what the biblical concept of “Sabbath” means. I’m not going to go into all the ramifications of “Sabbath” here today. If you’re interested in doing so, HERE IS A GOOD SITE LINK .

However, here today, I want to point out that God saw fit to establish the Sabbath command (see highlight passages) to allow His faithful to have a resting place in Him. Jesus even taught His disciples that they could always find a special resting place in Him [see Matt. 11:28-30].

And all I want to ask of any reader here today is … “Are you taking a designated/devoted time each week, or even each day, to rest in Jesus?” … It’s what Brian Doerksen sings in the linked song; and it’s why I come here to this quiet place every morning; … and I pray you have a Sabbath place/time to rest in Him as well.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I come here to rest in You. … Amen

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

July 7, 2017 … Good?! … Really?!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 188 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Kristian Stanfill leading in worship and singing a contemporary arrangement of the old hymn … In Christ Alone … powerfully singing what should be the reality of our relationship in Christ … HE IS EVERYTHING!!!

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: Philippians 3:7-8a [NLT] … 
7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. 
… All we consider “GOOD” is rubbish, ... save knowing Christ [see photo].
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: Philippians 3:1-11 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… The Apostle Paul declares His priorities in His relationship with Christ, urging all Christians to hold the same values.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Deuteronomy 6:4-5 [NLT] … 
4 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. …” 
… Truth about the priorities of our life.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … John 14:21 [NLT] … 
21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” 
… Knowing the Lord, thru obedience to His word, is all that’s really important.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Karen Wolfe, used a personal illustration to teach on how we generally prioritize the things of this world, when, as Paul described, there is “GOOD” way beyond our human values. The ODB author wrote: As I was growing up in Jamaica, my parents raised my sister and me to be “good people.” In our home, good meant obeying our parents, telling the truth, being successful in school and work, and going to church . . .  at least Easter and Christmas. I imagine this definition of being a good person is familiar to many people, regardless of culture. In fact, the apostle Paul, in Philippians 3, used his culture’s definition of being good to make a greater point. 

And if you’ve joined me to take in the Philippians 3: 1-11 passage, the photo image, the highlight and reference Scriptures, and the linked song today, … what are you feeling?

Personally, I’m recognizing that I hold on far too tightly to STUFF in this world and need to pursue a far deeper relationship with Christ by surrendering more fully to His word, which spells out completely Who His is and what’s really important.

That’s why I’m here this morning and will be back here tomorrow trying to know my Lord more deeply and living for Him more intensely.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Help me know the depth of you, Whom I serve, more intimately day-by-day. … 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.

July 6, 2017 … God-first Love

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 187 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Hillsong singing their song … Our God Is Love … powerfully singing of the love God has visited on mankind in the gift of His Son’s love which has come before our ability to love others.

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: 1st John 4:19 [NLT] … 
19 We love each other because He loved us first. …
God-first "agape" love is the bestest kind!    
=============
Highlight Verse[s]: 1st John 4:19 [NKJV] … 
19 We love Him because He first loved us . 
… Agape toward God yields our love toward others.   
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: 1st John 4:7-21 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… The Apostle, so loved by Jesus, exhorts all Christians to love one another as God first loved us. 
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … John 3:16, 13:34-35 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Truth about God-first love.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Kirsten Holmberg, used a personal illustration to teach on how we generally must believe and feel God’s love first before being able to visit “agape” upon others. The ODB author wrote: We worked patiently to help our son heal and adjust to his new life with our family. Trauma from his early days in an orphanage was fueling some negative behaviors. While I had enormous compassion for the hardships he experienced in his early days, I felt myself begin to withdraw from him emotionally because of those behaviors. Ashamed, I shared my struggle with his therapist. Her gentle reply hit home: “He needs you to go first . . . to show him he’s worthy of love before he’ll be able to act like it.” 

How does a Christian express God’s type of love, … “agape” …, to others if that one doesn’t feel God’s love being visited upon his/her life first? I think it’s impossible without the grace of God being felt in the life of the Christian! But it’s very possible - even probable - to share “agape-love” with others when one believes completely that God has loved us so much that sent His Son to die for us. And that’s why our belief in GOD-FIRST love is so important.

I think most - if not all - Christians express being totally sold out to the truth of John 3:16, that God so love us that He sent His only Son to die for our sins so that we could love Him forever. But then, living up to His command to His disciples in John 13:34-35 is not as universally exhibited, is it?

No, … all too often, we back down from complete - God-like “agape” - rather making our love conditional to the actions/behaviors of others.  That’s why I’m taking self-inventory today to see if there is anyone in my life which I’m holding back from expressing Christ-like love. Perhaps we all should do that inventory today.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … Help me love others as You ALWAYS love 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.

July 5, 2017 … Thy Will Be Done!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 186 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Hillary Scott, of the group Lady Antebellum, singing her song … Thy Will … poignantly singing of the choices we have every day, even in the midst of trying circumstances … to follow MY WAY … or GOD”S …

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: Genesis 45:8a [NLT] … 
8 So it was God who sent me here, not you! … 
… Choosing to do life God’s way … not his own.
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: Genesis 45:1-11 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Joseph reveals his CHOICE to follow God’s will rather than his own in dealing with the past treachery of his family.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Joshua 24:15 [NLT] … 
15 But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” 
… Joshua challenges God’s people to choose to follow God’s way … the way of life rather than the way of death.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … 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.  
… Jesus commands His disciples which way to go.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David C McCasland, used the Old Testament example of Joseph choosing to follow God’s will, rather than taking the way of the flesh. The ODB author wrote: Yet, along Joseph’s journey of life, he chose to be true to his God and rely on Him even when it seemed to make his situation worse. After being falsely accused by his employer’s wife and imprisoned for something he didn’t do, Joseph struggled with the injustice of his situation but kept trusting the Lord. Years later his brothers came to Egypt to buy grain during a famine and were terrified to discover that their despised younger brother was now the Prime Minister. But Joseph told them, “Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you . . . . It was not you who sent me here, but God” (45:5, 8).  
Joseph’s kind words cause me to wonder if I would be ready for revenge. Or would I be gracious because my heart had confidence in the Lord? 

Choices! …

We all have them everyday, … don’t we?
And sometimes those choices, given the pressures of the world or the desires of our flesh, are really hard to make for Christians, … aren’t they?
As the photo depicts, which was the choice Joseph had to make, we can seek to follow our way or God’s highway, … can’t we?

 I hope any reader here with me here today takes the time to hear the touching song, written and performed by Hillary Scott, … a song written when this dear lady had just lost a baby to miscarriage, and a song which expresses the same choice Joshua wrote about in his desire to follow the ways of God, … the ways which lead to life, rather than the ways of man, which leads to death (see Joshua 24:15 above).

So … which way will we seek to follow today?

================
PS: It’s interesting to me that each Scripture verse quoted above was authored by God’s Spirit but voiced or written by men whose names were different in our Bible translations … Joseph … Joshua … and Jesus. BUT … in Hebrew, their names are all the same … “Yeshua!” God’s way of calling us to follow Him thru His word is AMAZING … isn’t it?
================

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … As You commanded me in Luke 9:23, I choose to follow You today … and all days!! … Amen

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

July 4, 2017 … Freedom Forever!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 185 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Nichole Nordeman singing her song … Finally Free … poignantly singing of the freedom we who believe in the finished work of Christ on the cross to set all true believers free from our bondage of sin.

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: Romans 6:22 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK … 
22 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.
… FREEDOM!!!
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: Romans 6:15—23, 8:2 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul declares and celebrates the freedom from self/sin born-again Christians have with our faith in King Jesus as Lord of all!
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … John 8:36 [NLT] … 
36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. 
… Jesus has set free all who believe Him to be the Living Truth!

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Galatians 5:1 [NLT] … So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. 
… Paul helps Christians to be free from legalism and religions by the true freedom we have by believing in Christ as LORD and KING.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Julie Ackerman Link, used a news release to remind us of the feeling of freedom we Christians should experience everyday and for eternity. The ODB author wrote: After being kidnapped, held hostage for thirteen days, and released, New Zealand news cameraman Olaf Wiig, with a broad smile on his face, announced, “I feel more alive now than I have in my entire life.” 
For reasons difficult to understand, being freed is more exhilarating than being free. 
For those who enjoy freedom every day, Olaf’s joy was a good reminder of how easily we forget how blessed we are. This is also true spiritually. Those of us who have been Christians for a long time often forget what it’s like to be held hostage by sin. We can become complacent and even ungrateful. 

FREEDOM!! 

For those few readers from across the pond in Europe or Africa, forgive my American attitude of celebration today as we here in the USA celebrate our “Independence Day,” the day we honor our declaration of freedom from the rule of another nation. And you Brits, forgive our ardor for freedom on this date yearly since that nation was yours. ... LOL!

But seriously, there is another freedom which takes vast precedence over our national independence day; and that’s the day any Christian celebrates as the day (or time) when he/she was set free from self/sin by repentance and belief in Jesus as the Son of God and Lord of all. And that’s the freedom, Paul and Jesus spoke of in the Scriptures above and the freedom Nichole Nordeman sings of in the linked Song

So, for those who have been set free from the bondage and shackles of sin [see photo], as I have, join me in a robust … HALLELUJAH!!! 

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … HALLELUJAH [!!], … You have set me free from myself … FOREVER! … Amen

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

July 3, 2017 … Letting Go of Self

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 184 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Daniel O’Donnell singing … Here I Am Lord … poignantly singing of our need, as Christians, to give up self to receive the grace of our Savior

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: Joshua 7:12 [NLT] … 
12 That is why the Israelites are running from their enemies in defeat. For now Israel itself has been set apart for destruction. I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction. 
… Follow Jesus means taking no shortcuts.
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: Joshua 7:1-12 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Joshua and the Israelites learned that God’s protection only extends as far as their (our) obedience.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … John 14:21 [NLT] … 
21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” 
… Jesus will only Manifest Himself in those who show their love for Him by obeying Him.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 1st John 1:9 [NLT] … 
9 But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from ALL wickedness. 
… John declares what God is willing to do … IF [but only if] … we’re willing to humbly confess our sins.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … 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 will only fellowship with those who respond to His call to open the doors of our hearts in obedience/response to His call.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Xochiti Dixon, used a personal story to illustrate how our surrender of self to the Savior is the only way to maintain a closeness of fellowship with Him so that His Spirit can be manifest in our lives. The ODB author wrote: A writing deadline loomed over me, while the argument I had with my husband earlier that morning swirled through my mind. I stared at the blinking cursor, fingertips resting on the keyboard. He was wrong too, Lord. 
When the computer screen went black, my reflection scowled. My unacknowledged wrongs were doing more than hindering the work before me. They were straining my relationship with my husband and my God. 
I grabbed my cell phone, swallowed my pride, and asked for forgiveness. Savoring the peace of reconciliation when my spouse apologized as well, I thanked God and finished my article on time.

Oh, … oh … how our NATURAL tendency is to hold on to self and unwillingly resist surrender to the Savior. Jesus told His Church (that’s you and me) that He knocks at the door of our hearts every day (see Rev. 3:20); but WE have to be willing to voluntarily surrender our natural desire to control life’s moments/circumstances and surrender to Him, opening the door to our hearts to let Him in (see also John 14:21).

Daniel O’Donnell sings it [linked above], ... but will we do it today?

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … As he sings, Lord, … here I am, 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.

July 2, 2017 … No Shortcuts

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 183 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …   Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Kathy Troccoli singing … Clean … poignantly singing of the route we must take in following Christ as His disciples.

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: 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. …” 
… Follow Jesus means taking no shortcuts.
==============
Highlight Passage [context]: Luke 9:23, 57-62 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus spells out clearly that being His disciple will cost.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Proverbs 3:5-6 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Solomon knew that doing life God’s way would mean denying our own way and following the Lord obediently.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Acts 1:8 [NLT] … 
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 
… Jesus promises His Spirit to provide us with the power necessary to be His witnesses.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … 1st Corinthians 10:13 [NLT] … 
13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 
… No matter how difficult the temptation or test in life, God is faithful to be there for us.

Reference Passage #4 [NKJV] : … 2nd 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 tells Paul (and us) that His grace is all we need to overcome our tendency to take the shortcuts to avoid the pains of life.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Tim Gustafson, used a personal analogy to illustrate our human tendency to take shortcuts in life rather than doing what it takes to follow Christ. The ODB author wrote: Sipping her tea, Nancy gazed out her friend’s window and sighed. Spring rains and sunshine had coaxed a riotous expanse of color from a well-groomed flowerbed of lilies, phlox, irises, and evening primrose. 
“I want that look,” she said wistfully, “without all the work.” 
Some shortcuts are fine—even practical. Others short-circuit our spirit and deaden our lives. We want romance without the difficulties and messiness of committing to someone so different from ourselves. We want “greatness” without the risks and failures necessary in the adventure of real life. We desire to please God, but not when it inconveniences us. 

The attached photo pretty well describes our human tendency to cut corners in life, doesn’t it? Our human nature would default us to take the shortcut around the tough roads in life, wouldn’t it? In fact a whole food industry - i.e., fast-foods - was born of our human desire to cut corners, wasn’t it?

So, what does this mean to us Christians today, when we take in what God has to say to us in the Scriptures above about following Him as His disciples? … Well, duh!!! … It means that we’re going to have to avoid our human tendencies and go where He leads, … even if that’s not the easy way. No shortcuts in following King Jesus!

The question for us then, from this OBD entry, is … ARE WE taking His way rather than defaulting to take the easy way? And personally, I’m more than a little convicted by today’s charge; and I need to do more of what Kathy Troccoli sings in the linked song above.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … King Jesus, … I choose to follow You today, Lord, no matter where You lead me. And tomorrow too!! … 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.

July 1, 2017 … Housecleaning

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 182 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Natalie Grant singing … Clean … poignantly singing of work the Holy Spirit does in the born-again believer to clean house.

=============
Highlight Verse[s]: 1st Peter 1:22a, 2:1a [NLT] … 
22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, … 
 2a  So get rid of all evil behavior. … 
… God’s desire for all who’ve come by faith to use His grace to clean house.
============== Highlight Passage [context]: 1st Peter 1:22-2:3 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Peter, teaches on the cleaning of our Christian house when we come to truly believe and live in Christ.
=============

Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … 2nd Corinthians 5:16-17 [NLT] … 
16  So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
… New creations in Christ when we let Him clean us up by our confession and repentance.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 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. 
… It may take God awhile, given our human nature, but He will complete the house cleaning job He began when we were cleansed by His blood.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … 1st John 1:9 [NLT] … 
9 But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 
 … He makes us clean any time we’re willing to humble ourselves, in repentance, and confess our sinfulness.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Monica Brands, used a personal story and a word picture of her house cleaning to illustrate that our Lord allow us to completely clean our spiritual house until it’s spotless in/for Christ. The ODB author wrote: Recently, I switched rooms in the home I rent. This took longer than expected, because I didn’t want to simply transfer my (extensive) mess to a new room; I wanted a completely fresh and uncluttered start. After hours and hours of cleaning and sorting, bags of stuff sat by the front door to be thrown away, donated, or recycled. But at the end of this exhausting process was a beautiful room I was excited to spend time in. 
My housecleaning project [see photo] gave me a fresh perspective when reading 1 Peter 2:1, [see above in NLT] as paraphrased in The Message: “So, clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy, and hurtful talk.” 

That’s what God is doing in my life now, cleaning me up and helping me to in a “do-over” to take on the image of my Savior. He began the project over 30 years ago, when I was saved; and, as Paul wrote in Phil. 1:6, He’ll complete His house cleaning when I come to Him in glory.

The making of our newness in Christ (see 2Cor. 5:17) began when we repented of our sinfulness and received His blood-bought saving grace; and with our cooperation as surrendered house slaves, He continues to clean house (His temple) throughout our lives until we join our Lord in Heaven.

So, dear one, hear the linked song by Natalie Grant; and then let’s open up all the doors to all the rooms in His home in our hearts and allow Him in to really do a complete house cleaning today … and everyday.

My Prayer Today: Abba Father, … Lord God, … I’m showered by Your grace today, … but prayerfully even cleaner tomorrow. … 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.