June 10, 2017 … Helping Others Find Him

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 161 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Steve Green singing … People Need the Lord … poignantly singing of the need of all Christians to help others find Jesus.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Acts 8:34 [NKJV} … 
34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” 
 … The Ethiopian was seeking the Savior from God’s word; and Philip helps Him find THE TRUTH and THE LORD.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Acts 8:26-40 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Philip as a Deacon in the early church, helps the Ethiopian eunuch find Christ from God’s word. 
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Matthew 28:19-20 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Christ’s “great commission” for all believers to share His kingdom gospel with others who are lost.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Romans 10:14 [NLT] … 
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 
 … God, thru Paul, exhorts His disciples to share His gospel with any/all who will listen so that seekers may find and respond to His call for their salvation.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Randy Kilgore, uses an interesting word picture to illustrate our charge as Christians to help the lost find Jesus. The ODB author wrote: Waldo is the cartoonish star of “Where’s Waldo,” a now-classic best-selling children’s book series. Waldo hides himself in the crowded scenes on each page, inviting children to find where he’s hiding. Parents around the world love the moments of sweet discovery when their children’s faces signal they’ve found Waldo. They also enjoy the occasions when they’re invited to help find him. 

You know, … I’m terrible in the comic classic, “Where’s Waldo,” of locating that little guy in those confusing images (see photo). I’d really need someone to highlight where he was, as with the locator circle in the photo. If my life depended on my finding Waldo all by myself in one of those cartoons, I’d be in trouble.

And that’s sorta like where I was well over 30 years ago, when I was lost and needed help to find Jesus; but God gave me some really strong hints and sent some loving Christians to help me find Him; and as lost as I was, I finally was able to reluctantly say, “There You are, Lord,” … and my life changed forever.

As Steve Green sings (linked above), in this confusing world, people need help to find the Lord, don’t they? He’ll most certainly make Himself evident; but we need to do all we can, today (and tomorrow), to help the lost find our wondrous “Waldo” (i.e., King Jesus). That’s our calling (see Scriptures above); and so let’s get busy helping the lost to find our Lord.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … use me as a guide to help others find 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.

June 9, 2017 … Singing His Praises

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 160 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Hillsong leading in worship and singing … Sing To The Lord … poignantly singing of the need of all Christians to sing our praises to our God.

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Highlight Verse[s]: 2 Chronicles 20:21 [NKJV} … 
21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.” [singing Ps. 106:1-2] 
… King Jehoshaphat has the choir lead the people into battle singing praises from Ps. 106. 
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Highlight Passage [context]: 2 Chronicles 20:14-22 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… King Jehoshaphat chooses a choir of God’s people to lead the Israelites into battle against their enemies singing praises to God; and the result was victory for God’s glory.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Psalms 47:6, 68:4, 104:33-34 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Three of many psalms written and dedicated to praising our God.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Colossians 3:16 [NLT] … 
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 
 … God, thru Paul, exhorted His people to live out our worship of God, singing His praises with hymns and songs.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Amy Peterson, reports a scientific study which documents the effect which singing has on the brain. The ODB author wrote: Singing changes the brain! Some studies show that when we sing, our bodies release hormones that relieve anxiety and stress. Other research indicates that when a group of people sings together, their heartbeats actually synchronize with each other. 

I was in the Dept. of Neurology for a major medical school for 35 years before retiring from my medical career to go into ministry; and I can absolutely confirm author Peterson’s observation about the effect singing has on our brain. And so, it’s no wonder that God called on His children so often to use music with powerful lyrics (i.e, singing praises) to even lead them into battle (see highlight passage).

And we know that a major book in the OT is a collection of songs (i.e., Psalms), many of which were written to praise God for His majesty, greatness, and glory [see references to the psalms above]. And even the Apostle Paul on several occasions in his teachings to Christians exhorted them (and us) to sing God’s praises [see the Col. 3 passage above as one example].

And so, I hope readers here can see why I seek out a song EVERY DAY which enhances my (and prayerfully your) worship and devotional time [one such linked above]. And I would encourage others reading, i.e, those who seek a deeper way to worship our God, to use praise music to do so.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … I sing Your praises daily and it brings me closer to 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.

June 8, 2017 … AMAZING GRACE !!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 159 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …   Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Judy Collins singing her popular version of the old hymn … Amazing Grace … poignantly singing of God’s willingness to forgive such a wretch like me.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Hebrews 8:12 [NKJV} … 
12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” 
… One of God’s greatest promises to repentant, born-again sinners.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Hebrews 8:6-13 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… God to the NT Hebrews reminds them of His New Covenant and His forgiveness of their sins forevermore.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Jeremiah 31:34 [NLT] … 
34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” 
… God’s ultimate promise to His sinful children, fulfilled by His Son on the cross.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Ephesians 2:8-10 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God’s amazing grace … forever His willingness to give repentant sinners His saving grace.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Keila Ochoa, used a personal story to teach about God’s willingness to forget our sin. The ODB author wrote: When I look at my hands, I am reminded that I lost my wedding and engagement rings. I was multitasking as I packed for a trip, and I still have no idea where they ended up. I dreaded telling my husband about my careless mistake—worried how the news would affect him. But he responded with more compassion and care for me than concern over the rings. However, there are times when I still want to do something to earn his grace! He, on the contrary, doesn’t hold this episode against me. 

It’s one thing for a hubby to willingly forgive a wife’s error; but what God has done for me is truly UNBELIEVABLE ;… that He would forgive - and even choose to forget - my sins which nailed His son to the cross. Truly, as the most popular song in history sings (linked above). … God’s saving grace is more than remarkable; … His willingness to not only forgive a wretch like me but then to choose to forget my sinfulness … FOREVER! … AMAZING!!!

Do I sense my fellow readers here joining me in a resounding … HALLELUJAH!!!

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … may my life reflect forgiveness and grace to others as You have extended to me, such a wretched sinner. … 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.

June 7, 2017 … God Calling

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 156 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK … Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Dolly Parting singing her song … Hello God … poignantly singing a conversation which the singer had with her God as she called out to Him in need.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Genesis 3:8-9 [NKJV} … 
8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” 
… Even when Adam had sinned, God called out to him.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Genesis 3:1-10 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… God desires to be heard by even us sinners.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … John 3:16-17 [NLT] … 
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 
… God shows how much He loved us … by sending His Son to save us.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 1st John 4:9-10 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God called out to sinful mankind through His Son.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, James Banks, used a cute personal story about his grandson to teach about God calling out to His children. The ODB author wrote: One morning my daughter gave her eleven-month-old son her cell phone for a moment to entertain him. Less than a minute later my phone rang, and as I picked it up I heard his little voice. He had somehow hit the “speed dial” to my number, and what followed was a “conversation” I will long remember.  My grandson can only say a few words, but he knows my voice and responds to it. So I talked to him and told him how much I love him. 
The joy I felt at the sound of my grandson’s voice was a reminder to me of God’s deep desire for a relationship with us. From the very beginning, the Bible shows God actively pursuing us. After Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God and then hid from Him in the garden, “the Lord God called” to Adam (Gen. 3:9). 

I identify with that story, because I can recall my wife having our little one year old daughter get on the phone and talk to me when I was a resident working at the Mayo Clinic during my graduate school training. It was such a joy to call out her name and have her respond to my call with … “Daddy.” When we call out to our children and they respond to our love by calling back to us, it must be like God feels like when His lost little children respond to His greatest call, … i.e., when He sent His Son to the world to save mankind (see reference passages above).

And when we hear Him calling and we come to Him, He is there with open arms, to love us for eternity. I pray we’ve all heard that call and responded, … running into His arms. And I also pray that we’re in a relationship with God, the Father, which promotes us talking to our God as does Dolly Parton in today’s linked song.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, I often hear You call me from Your word; and I know that You ALWAYS hear me calling out to 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.

June 6, 2017 … Following God Today

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 155 

Devotional Song: … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Mercy Me singing … Word of God Speak … poignantly singing of the best way to hear from the God of the Universe … by meditating on His Word, the Bible.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 119:37 [NLT} … 
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things, and give me life through Your word. 
… We find the Godly way of life by meditating on God’s truth.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 119: 33-40 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… The Psalmist declares his eagerness and discipline in meditating in God’s word and how it changes his life.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Joshua 1:8 [NLT] … 
8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 
… God’s prescription for success in following His will for life - i.e., daily meditation in His word.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Psalm 1:1-3 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… God shows us how to prosper in His ways … to meditate on His word - DAY AND NIGHT!

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … James 1:25 [NLT] … 
25 But if you look carefully [i.e., “meditate”] into the perfect law that sets you free [i.e., “God’s word”], and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. 
 … If we seek God’s blessing, we need to be

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David McCasland, wrote about a Harvard University President’s formula for success in life. The ODB author wrote: Dr. Charles W. Eliot, longtime president of Harvard University, believed that ordinary people who read consistently from the world’s great literature for even a few minutes a day could gain a valuable education. In 1910, he compiled selections from books of history, science, philosophy, and fine art into fifty volumes called The Harvard Classics. Each set of books included Dr. Eliot’s Reading Guide titled “Fifteen Minutes A Day” containing recommended selections of eight to ten pages for each day of the year.

Well our God also provided mankind with HIS formula for success; and as you can read in the Scriptures above, God’s way to success in carrying out His will and following His ways is to meditate with discipline (i.e., daily) in His word. And as the group Mercy Me sings in the linked song, we can be - and often are - at a loss for words, … but God never is!!

And when we’re willing to discipline ourselves to really meditate on his word daily, He will not only lead us in His direction (see all of Psalm 119); but He will transform us in the image of His Son, our King, Jesus.

My friends, that’s why you find me here EVERY DAY, digging into God’s word, meditating on it, and journaling what I believe my Lord gives me for my own walk in life [see photo], as well as to help others on their walk as well. I pray any reading here are developing that discipline of daily Bible meditation.

And if you’d like help in that walk, I’d strongly recommend a book by Robert J. Morgan, entitled Reclaiming the Lost Art of Biblical Meditation, which you can hear about AT THIS LINK, … and it can be procured online.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, thank You for showing me Your ways as I meditate on 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.

June 5, 2017 … God’s Kingdom is NOW!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 154 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images from Gordon Mote singing his song … Don’t Let Me Miss the Glory … poignantly singing of the reality we often miss, looking forward to heaven … that God’s Kingdom is here-and-now!!

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Highlight Verse[s]: Romans 8:11 [NKJV} … 
11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. 
… God’s Spirit dwells in the truly born-again Christian NOW. We don’t have to wait for Heaven to experience the Kingdom of God.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Romans 8:1-11 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… The Apostle Paul teaching on the reality of God’s Kingdom … being NOW!!!
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … John 10:10 [NLT] … 
10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. 
… Jesus clearly states the truth and reality that He wants us to experience God’s kingdom and His abundant life … NOW!

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Ephesians 3:14-21 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Do we get it?!! … As born-again Christians, we have God’s kingdom right now; … all of it! We don’t need to be waiting on heaven.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … 2Peter 1:2-4 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Peter explains God’s truth; … that we have all we need of God’s Spirit to experience all of God in this life as Christians. … But do we?

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Tim Gustafson, used a story of an older man learning that life goes by so fast that we may miss so much of the really important things. The ODB author wrote: “I went from the horse-and-buggy to a man walking on the moon,” said the elderly man to his granddaughter, who shared this story with me recently. But then he mused, “I never thought it would be so short.” 
Life is short, and many of us turn to Jesus because we want to live forever. That’s not bad, but we don’t comprehend what eternal life really is. We tend to crave the wrong things. We long for something better, and we think it’s just ahead. If only I were out of school. If only I had that job. If only I were married. If only I could retire. If only . . . And then one day we catch an echo of our grandfather’s voice as we wonder where the time has flown. 

Wow; … I so love the linked song (above), where Gordon Mote, a so talented blind singer relates, in song, how we often fly thru life, as the man in the OBD entry today expresses; and as we live, we may miss a lot of what God has provided for His own (i.e., born-again believers); and that is what the song sings we shouldn’t miss … God’s glory!

Life does fly by, doesn’t it? And quite often as the Tim G writes above, we, as Christians, tend to desire heaven so much that we miss the reality that Christ has given us, as the Scriptures above attest, all we need NOW to experience all of God’s kingdom and His glory.

My friend, God’s Kingdom is NOW. Let’s not miss it today.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, don’t let me miss your glory by my own selfish pursuits or my desire to be with You in heaven. … 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.

June 4, 2017 … Seeking His Peace

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 155 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from Don Men singing the old hymn … Wonderful Peace … poignantly singing of the only peace we can seek that is powerful to salve the wounds of our lives.
 

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Highlight Verse[s]: John 14:27 [NKJV} … 
27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 
… The only peace we can seek/find that will help us deal with our fleshly anxieties and worldly cares is His peace.
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Highlight Passage [context]: John 14: 25-31 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus is the only one who can give His disciples a peace that overcomes our worldly cares. 
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Isaiah 26:3 [NKJV] … 
3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. 
… Seeking and holding our focus on the Lord is the only way to hold onto His peace.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Philippians 4:6-7 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul writes that the only way to find God’s perfect peace is to set aside our fears and focus, in prayer, on God’s will and His ways.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Amy Boucher Pye, uses a personal story to illustrate how/where we must seek to find peace in our lives. The ODB author wrote: A friend shared with me that for years she searched for peace and contentment. She and her husband built up a successful business, so she was able to buy a big house, fancy clothes, and expensive jewelry. But these possessions didn’t satisfy her inner longings for peace, nor did her friendships with influential people. Then one day, when she was feeling low and desperate, a friend told her about the good news of Jesus. There she found the Prince of Peace, and her understanding of true peace and contentment was forever changed.  

My wife always says that the best place to find God’s peace is on a quiet beach somewhere (see photo). Well, I don’t disagree that a beautiful beach, like the ones we’ve experienced together on vacations in Hawaii or in France or in Florida are great places to lay aside the cares of the world and experience God’s peace.

But we don’t have to be on a beach to seek or find that “peace that surpasses all understanding” (i.e., God’s peace), which Paul wrote about in Philippians 4:6-7. No, all it takes is a quiet place where we can go to God in prayer, or meditation in God’s word, to be calmed and quieted by the perfect peace of God (see also Isaiah 26:3).

In a very disquieting time for Jesus’ disciples in the Upper Room the night before Jesus went to the cross [see the highlight passages], the Lord offered the only place that those men (and us here and now) would (or will) ever find God’s peace; and that is in seeking, receiving, and using the grace of our Lord to overcome our flesh, the world, or the devil.

So, I pray that all reading here will join me on our own quiet mental “beach” today to seek out and receive God’s peace.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … I’m here on my quiet-time “beach” today with You and in Your word; … it’s SO peaceful. … 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.

June 3, 2017 … Love Builds Bridges

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 154 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from Naomi and Wynonna Judd singing … Love Can Build A Bridge … poignantly singing of the the only thing that build a bridge between distrust in our hearts … and that is the love of God.

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Highlight Verse[s]: John 13:34-35 [NKJV} … 
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”… 
… Obedience to Jesus love law to His disciples is the only way mankind will every be able to build a bridge to span human distrust.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Luke 13:31-35 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus declares His eternal panacea for human distrust … i.e., His love!
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Proverbs 20:6 [NKJV] … 
6 Most men will proclaim each his own goodness. But who can find a faithful man? 
… Unfortunately all too true of must human relationships; … however, God’s love is the only remedy to cure human distrust.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … John 3:16 [NKJV] … 
... Surely I don’t have to provide this truth, do I?!! 
… You, very likely, know just how powerful God’s love is, don’t you?

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Monica Brands, uses a personal observation about human relationships in teaching how God’s love breaks thru human distrust. The ODB author wrote: “I just can’t trust anyone,” my friend said through tears. “Every time I do, they hurt me.”  Her story angered me—an ex-boyfriend, whom she really thought she could trust, had started spreading rumors about her as soon as they broke up.  Struggling to trust again after a pain-filled childhood, this betrayal seemed just one more confirmation that people could not be trusted. … Her story was painfully familiar, reminding me of moments of unexpected betrayal in my own life. In fact, Scripture is very candid about human nature. In Proverbs 20:6, the author voices the same lament as my friend, forever memorializing the pain of betrayal.  

Unfortunately this author’s observations about broken trust probably strikes a chord in many - if not most - of us. We likely can remember a time when we trusted someone - even someone we loved dearly - who breached that trust/love with a lie or lack of integrity/fidelity.

But there is one - and really only one - force which, as the Judds sing in the inked song, builds - or rebuilds - a bridge of love between those who’ve experienced broken trust; and that is God’s love. 

Jesus expressed it in His love command [see highlight passages], given to His Disciples the night before He would show the ultimate in love/trust on the cross. And that is the only viable bridge that we can use to span the chasm of distrust in our human relationships, … i.e., using HIS love to build the bridge to trusting togetherness.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … use me - even today - to help build a build a bridge of love between any where trust has been broken down. … 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.

June 2, 2017 … He’s My Rock!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 153 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of song and lyrics from to a group of contemporary Christian singers singing a new arrangement of an old hymn … Firm Foundation … poignantly singing of the reality of Jesus being the sold rock and foundation of our lives.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Luke 6:46-48 [NKJV} … 
47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. … 
… Obedience to God's word is the solid rock on which we build our lives.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Luke 6:46-49 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus on how we build a solid foundation for our spiritual lives.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Mark 12:10 [NLT] … 
10  Have you not read this Scripture: “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. …” 
… Jesus, quoting from Psalm 118:22, where God’s word prophesied Him becoming the cornerstone of our lives as Christians.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Kirsten Holmberg, uses the word picture of a famous rock formation to illustrate how Jesus is the sold rock on Whom we build our lives. The ODB author wrote: A large, illuminated cross stands erect on Table Rock, a rocky plateau overlooking my hometown [see photo]. Several homes were built on neighboring land, but recently the owners have been forced to move out due to safety concerns. Despite their close proximity to the firm bedrock of Table Rock, these homes aren’t secure. They have been shifting atop their foundations—nearly three inches every day—causing risk of major water pipes breaking, which would accelerate the sliding.  

On what are we building our lives as Christians? And today’s OBD author and the highlight passage above, reminds me (us) that Jesus declared Himself to be the “firm foundation,” about which the singers sing in the linked song; and He was the Chief Cornerstone of our lives prophesied in Psalm 118 and a truth reclaimed by Jesus through His word [see Mark 12:10].  And it’s clear that only those who believe in are willing to live by His word are building their (our) lives on the solid rock of God’s truth.

 I’ll leave it to any readers here to deal with that convicting and directing truth.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … truly … You are my solid rock and Your word provides me with the cornerstone on Whom I build my life. … Amen

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

June 1, 2017 … He’s My Everything!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 152 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Avalon singing … Everything To Me … poignantly singing of the reality of what Jesus is for the born-again Christian —> EVERYTHING!! 

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Highlight Verse[s]: 2Peter 1:2-3 [NKJV} … 
2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, … 
… Do we recognize and realize that we have it all when we have Jesus?!
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Highlight Passage [context]: 2Peter 1:1-11 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Peter expresses to Christians why, when we have Jesus in our lives, we have all we need to live Godly lives for God’s glory.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … John 15:5, 7 [NLT] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus declares that He’s all we need to be fruitful in life.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … [NLT] … 
13 No temptation [or trial] has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted [tried] beyond what you are able, but with the temptation [trial] will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 
… Paul declares that when we have Jesus in our lives that He’s faithful to allow us to deal with ANYTHING which life brings our way.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David C McCasland, gets very personal in helping us to realize that Jesus is literally EVERYTHING to/for the Christian. The ODB author wrote: I often feel completely inadequate for the tasks I face. Whether it’s teaching Sunday school, advising a friend, or writing articles for this publication, the challenge often seems to be larger than my ability. Like Peter, I have a lot to learn.  

The Apostle Peter, later in life as a mature disciple of Christ [see highlight passage], came to realize and preach the truth found in the formula expressed in the attached photo; … i.e., that Jesus + Nothing = Everything! Actually, all of Jesus’ Apostles came to recognize that truth after the resurrection; and you read it in the Scriptures above and hear it sung by Avalon in the linked song. 

My friends, when we have Jesus, as He, Himself, declared (see John 15:5,7), we have all we need to be fruitful in life; but if we don’t have Him, … we are NOTHING!

So, today I’m praying that you and I recognize and realize this truth in our lives and we express our thanks and praise to God for being all we need to serve Him and live for His glory.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … King Jesus, … truly … You are EVERYTHING to me!! … Amen

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

May 31, 2017 … Beautiful Brokenness

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 151 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Chris McClarney singing … Beauty for Ashes … poignantly singing of the mercy granted by God to those who’re willing to confess with a contrite heart.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Psalm 51:17 [NKJV] … 
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken Spirit, a broken and a contrite heart; … These, O God, You will not despise. 
… God looks upon genuine, humble brokenness with His favor.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Psalm 51[NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… David’s contrite and humble song of confession, which saved and sanctified his life in the eyes of God.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Psalm 139: 23-24 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
…The Psalmist prays a humble prayer of brokenness … for God to cleanse him of any wickedness.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Lamentations 3:22-23 [NKJV] … 
22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; … great is Your faithfulness. 
… Mercy and God’s saving grace for all who repent and believe in the Lordship of King Jesus.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Matthew 5:3 [NKJV] … 
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ..."
… Jesus teaches that God blesses those who have a broken and surrendered [i.e., “poor”] spirit.

Reference Passage #4 [NKJV] : … 1st John 1:9 [NKJV] … 
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
 … Truth about coming to God with a broken spirit to confess our sins and be cleansed.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, James Banks, uses the description of a type of pottery to illustrate God’s forgiving nature to those who come to Him with a truly contrite heart. The ODB author wrote: Kintsugi is a centuries-old Japanese art of mending broken pottery [see photo]. Gold dust mixed with resin is used to reattach broken pieces or fill in cracks, resulting in a striking bond. Instead of trying to hide the repair, the art makes something beautiful out of brokenness. 

What a good picture of the love, mercy, and grace granted by God to the broken and contrite of spirit, … those who come to the Lord confessing and repenting of their brokenness. And as with the Kintsugi pottery, God fashions renewal and restoration of spirit for the humble and broken who come to Him, as did David after his surrender of the sins of adultery and murder to be healed. Yes, there truly is beauty in brokenness … as Chris McClarney sings in the linked song.

And as the weeping prophet wrote (see Lam. 3:22-23), God’s mercies are new every morning and faithfully doled out to any/all who humbly come to Lord confessing their brokenness (see Matt. 5:3 and 1st John 1:9).

So, I pray we recognize the beauty found in brokenness today and all days; and we’re humbly willing come to God’s throne of grace for His beautiful healing renewal.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … Thank You for fashioning Your beautiful and strengthening grace into the crevices of my brokenness to make me stronger to serve 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.

May 30, 2017 … Mercy Me!!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 150 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images from Gordon Mote singing … Mercy Walked In … poignantly singing of the mercy extended by Jesus to any/all, even the guilty, who would repent and receive His grace-filled offer of Salvation.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Luke 18:13 [NKJV] … 
13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 
… Any all sinners can receive God’s mercy when they repent and receive Christ as Lord and Savior. 
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Highlight Passage [context]: Luke 18:9-14 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus parable tells of mercy shown to even a hated tax-collector who was repentant for his sin. 
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … John 3:16-17 [NKJV] … 
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 
… Mercy and God’s saving grace for all who repent and believe in the Lordship of King Jesus.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 1st John 1:9 [NKJV] … 
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
… Now that’s mercy! 

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Xochitl Dixon, used a personal story to illustrate mercy extended and offered by Jesus and then mercy received by those who need it. The ODB author wrote: When I complained that a friend’s choices were leading her deeper into sin and how her actions affected me, the woman I prayed with weekly placed her hand over mine. “Let’s pray for all of us.” 
I frowned. “All of us?” 
“Yes,” she said. “Aren’t you the one who always says Jesus sets our standard of holiness, so we shouldn’t compare our sins to the sins of others?” 
“That truth hurts a little,” I said, “but you’re right. My judgmental attitude and spiritual pride are no better or worse than her sins.” 
“And by talking about your friend, we’re gossiping. So—” “We’re sinning.” 
I lowered my head. “Please, pray for us.” 

Yes, … mercy, … even for me, a sinner who didn’t deserve His grace; but just as the tax-collector in the Luke 18 parable, my Lord freely pursued ME, a flagrant sinner, and when I repented of my sin, He poured out His saving grace to me to save me from myself. Oh, MERCY ME!!!

And my friend, I pray that any reading here have repented of your sin and found the mercy that King Jesus offers to any of us today. And if you have, I pray that we all lift our praises to the One Who died and shed His blood so that we could Have His mercy and grace … day-by-day (see 1st John 1:9) … now … and FOREVER!!!

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … I have been freed from myself to serve You, King Jesus. … 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.

May 29, 2017 … Really Committed !!

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 149 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images from Clay Crosse, Bebe Winans, and Bob Carlisle singing … I Will Follow Christ … poignantly singing of the commitment that it takes to surrender self to the Savior and make Him the Lord of our lives.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Matthew 6:1 [NKJV] … 
1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. ..."
… Do we do our good for self or for the Savior?
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Highlight Passage [context]: Matthew 6:1-6 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus demands total surrender and commitment to worship Him … and Him alone! 
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Luke 9:23 [NKJV] … 
23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me…. “ 
… Jesus demands denial of self to follow Him as a disciple.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Romans 12:1-2 [NKJV] … 1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
… Paul’s exhortation to commitment and surrender of self as a living sacrifice for our Lord.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Randy Kilgore, uses the example of the commitment of the Guards of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery to teach on the commitment necessary to be a disciple of Christ. The ODB author wrote: I’ve always been impressed by the solemn, magnificent simplicity of the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The carefully choreographed event is a moving tribute to soldiers whose names—and sacrifice—are “known but to God.” Equally moving are the private moments of steady pacing when the crowds are gone: back and forth, hour after hour, day by day, in even the worst weather. 
In September 2003, Hurricane Isabel was bearing down on Washington, DC, and the guards were told they could seek shelter during the worst of the storm. Surprising almost no one, the guards refused! They unselfishly stood their post to honor their fallen comrades even in the face of a hurricane. 

Perhaps you’ve been to Arlington National Cemetery and have seen the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. It’s impressive, … especially when you realize that these committed soldiers wouldn’t let a driving rain storm (see photo), or even a hurricane, deter them from their duties to guard this national monument.

And after hearing the linked song and taking in the scriptures above, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that Jesus demands the same kind of commitment to follow Him as do these soldiers to guard that tomb; … TOTAL SURRENDER AND SELF-SACRIFICE, … just like the Apostle Paul exhorted fellow Christians in Romans 12:1-2.

So, I don’t know about my fellow readers here, but I need to surrender more of myself to my Lord today … and as I’m called on to follow Him in the future.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … today I’m more committed than ever to follow You and prayerfully every day even more hence forth. … Amen

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

May 28, 2017 … One Little Sparrow

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 148 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from Lauryn Hill and Tanya Blount singing … His Eye Is On the Sparrow … poignantly singing of the reality of the value God places on all who know Him as Lord and Savior.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Matthew 10:29-31 [NKJV] … 
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 
… Jesus teaches on the value of all who believe on Him as Lord, no matter what we may be going thru as God’s children here on earth.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Matthew 10:28-33 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… In God’s eyes, our value is as strong as our faith in Him who made us.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Psalm 116:15 [NKJV] … 
16 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. 
… Even in the indignity of death our value to God shines forth brightly … at least to Him.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … John 11:25-26 [NKJV] … 
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 
… Jesus confirms the value of all who love and serve Him, no matter what their circumstances may be in this life. And to answer His question, … YES I BELIEVE THIS!!

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … 1st Corinthians 15:54-58 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Even the indignity of death has no victory over me - or anyone who is in Christ.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Tim Gustafson, teaches on the seeming indignity of death; but in the face of death, the author emphasizes our value as children of God to our Savior. The ODB author wrote: My mother, so dignified and proper her entire life, now lay in a hospice bed, held captive by debilitating age. Struggling for breath, her declining condition contradicted the gorgeous spring day that danced invitingly on the other side of the windowpane. 
All the emotional preparation in the world cannot sufficiently brace us for the stark reality of goodbye. Death is such an indignity! I thought. 
 I diverted my gaze to the birdfeeder outside the window. A grosbeak flitted close to help itself to some seed. Instantly a familiar phrase popped into my mind: “Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it” (Matt. 10:29 nlt). Jesus had said that to His disciples as He gave them marching orders for a mission to Judea, but the principle applies to all of us. “You are worth more than many sparrows,” He told them (v. 31).

Yes, death can many times seemingly rob our human dignity and can even, at times, seem cruel, even as it was for the small sparrow depicted in the attached photo. But when death seems to rob mankind of our dignity, we need to remember what Jesus taught His disciples about death, … that it was just a stepping stone to be with Him in heaven; and He values the lives of His saints so much that He was willing to give up His life for us.

I remember my mother waking from a coma, just hours before she died, and telling me at her hospital bedside the last words we ever heard from her, … “Oh, I’m so tired, … I just want to go be with Jesus.” And not having known whether my mom was saved, those words, as she fell back into her coma, I believe, was God’s way of telling me, … “Don’t worry, Bill, I’ve got this; … she’s mine!” And in that moment I realized what Jesus was teaching His disciples about our value to Him, even in the indignity of death.

Yes, my friends, as the linked song conveys, “His eye is on the sparrow, but I know He watches me.”

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … thank You for what even a sparrow means to You, … and with me, here today, knowing how much I mean to You today and 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.

May 27, 2017 … Broken Vessel Under Repair

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 147 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Hillsong United singing … Broken Vessels … poignantly singing of the reality of our Lord mending our brokenness to use us as His vessels of light. … And THEN ON TO THIS LINK with Queen Latifah singing the song Fix Me Jesus singing a prayer for Jesus to repair our brokenness so that we might be used for His glory.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Romans 3:23-24 [NKJV] … 
23 … for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, … 
… Truth about the brokenness of mankind and the redemption found in Christ.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Romans 3:10-26 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… God, thru Paul, declares the brokenness of mankind and the need for a Redeemed. 
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Isaiah 53:6 [NKJV] … 
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; …we have turned, everyone, to his own way; and the Lord as laid on HIM the iniquity of us all. 
… No matter what rough waters we face in life, God is there to help us thru.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … 2nd Corinthians 5:17 [NKJV] … 
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 
… Our brokenness is made new in/thru Christ.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Philippians 1:6 [NKJV] … 
6 … being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; … 
… God’s repair job on my brokenness will one day be complete.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, David McCasland, teaches on the dysfunction (i.e., the brokenness) of mankind and our need for a redeemer. The ODB author wrote: The word “dysfunctional” is often used to describe individuals, families, relationships, organizations, and even governments. While functional means it’s in proper working order, dysfunctional is the opposite—it’s broken, not working properly, unable to do what it was designed to do. 

As Hillsong sings, we’re all broken vessels, aren’t we, … “dysfunctional” by nature as the ODB entry teaches today? But the blessed truth is that in and thru Christ we can, as Queen Latifah sings in the latter linked song, be fixed. And when we have the Holy Spirit residing in our hearts, as born-again believers, He will, as the Apostle Paul wrote, make us new and refashion us into a completed vessel in Christ’s image [see 2Cor. 5:17 and Phil. 1:6].

Now that’s WAY COOL [!!]; … and it’s what I pray for today, …

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … Fix this broken vessel and use me to carry your living water to others. … Amen

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

May 26, 2017 … In the Eye of the Storm

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 146 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of lyrics from Ryan Stevenson singing … Eye of the Storm … powerfully singing of the reality we Christians can find in our relationship with Christ when the storms of life engulfs us.

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Highlight Verse[s]: 1st Chronicles 28:20 [NKJV] … 
20 And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. 
… Solomon gets encouragement from God thru his father to carry out the instructions of God to build His Temple.
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Highlight Passage [context]: 1st Chronicles 29:9-20 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… King David turns over the awesome task of building God’s Temple to his son, Solomon, who must’ve been overwhelmed by the task.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Isaiah 41:10 [NKJV] … 
10 “Fear not, for I AM with you; be not dismayed, for I AM your God. I will strengthen you, … Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My mighty right hand. 
… No matter what rough waters we face in life, God is there to help us thru.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Luke 8:22-25 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… As long as we’re in the boat with Jesus, we must have faith that He is in control.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … 1st Corinthians 10:13 [NKJV] … 
13 No temptation [also translated “TRIAL”] has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted [or tried] beyond what you are able, but with the temptation [or trial] will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 
… God is faithful to lead or carry us thru any temptation/trial.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Joe Stowell, tells a personal story to illustrate the rough waters in life we often must navigate which test our faith in our relationship with Christ The ODB author wrote: I was enjoying the start of my first whitewater rafting experience—until I heard the roar of the rapids up ahead. My emotions were flooded with feelings of uncertainty, fear, and insecurity at the same time. Riding through the whitewater was a first-rate, white-knuckle experience! And then, suddenly, it was over. The guide in the back of the raft had navigated us through. I was safe—at least until the next set of rapids.  
Transitions in our lives can be like whitewater experiences. The inevitable leaps from one season of life to the next—college to career, changing jobs, living with parents to living alone or with a spouse, career to retirement, youth to old age—are all marked by uncertainty and insecurity.  

I think it’s pretty easy to see how this word picture applies to our lives, can’t we? Certainly we’ve all faced trials in life which seem like the roughest of whitewater rafting; … or maybe like those rough waters faced by Jesus and His disciples in the storm described in Luke 8 (see link). But like Jesus’ Disciples in that boat, we need to realize that Jesus is in the boat with us; and we need to have the faith described centuries earlier by Isaiah when God’s people were sinking in their self-induced storm of sinfulness (see Isaiah 41:10).

In these storms or rough waters of life, we need to have the faith described by Paul to fellow believers, exhorting them (us) to remember that God will always be faithful to lead or help us thru any trial in life (see 1st Cor. 10:13). And when we do come thru the rough waters, as Ryan Stevenson sings in the linked song, we’ll find that God is ALWAYS in control.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … Help us face this patch of rough waters with the faith that You will carry us thru. … Amen

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

May 25, 2017 … Jealous! Who, Me?

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 145 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …   Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of lyrics from Guy Penrod singing … Count Your Blessings … poignantly singing of God’s prescription for envy and strife.

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Highlight Verse[s]: 1st Samuel 18:8-9 [NKJV] … 
8 Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 So Saul eyed David from that day forward. 
… Saul surrendering to jealousy allowed Satan an in-road to his mind/heart concerning David.
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Highlight Passage [context]: 1st Samuel 18:5-15 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… King Saul became jealous of young David; and jealousy caused God’s Spirit to leave the King. 
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Exodus 20:17 [NKJV] … 
17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” 
… The last, and most difficult, to observe from God’s TOP TEN list of commands.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Proverbs 10:6 [NKJV] … 
6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous. But violence covers the mouth of the wicked 
… God, thru Solomon, blesses those heart of the righteous; but curses the lives of those who live wicked, selfish lives.

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Isaiah 26:3 [NKJV] … 
3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. 
… If we focus on self and our own wants, we’ll never have peace of mind/heart.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Alyson Kieda, tells a personal story to illustrate how we all can let jealousy come between our relationship with God. The ODB author wrote: I gladly agreed to babysit my grandkids while their parents went out for the evening. After hugs, I asked the boys what they did over the weekend. (Both had separate adventures.) Bridger, age three, recounted breathlessly how he got to stay overnight with his aunt and uncle—and he had ice cream and rode a carousel and watched a movie! 
Next it was five-year-old Samuel’s turn. When asked what he did, he said, “Camping.” “Did you have fun?” I asked. “Not so much,” he answered forlornly. Samuel experienced the age-old feeling of jealousy. He forgot how much fun he had camping with his dad when he heard his brother excitedly tell about his weekend. 

Jealousy or envy have been pictured (see photo) as the “green-eyed monster,” … a character trait we all, as sinners, exhibit at times. And God’s commandment against this monstrous trait is the last on His list of 10 Commandments [see Exod. 20:17]; and I think it’s listed last on God’s top 10 because it’s likely the most difficult for man to abide by. As in the OBD story above, even little kids easily and often exhibit selfish envy of others. And if you’re a parent or grandparent, you’ve seen this trait of envy express itself in the little ones.

And it was the one character trait which brought King Saul down with his jealousy of young David (see highlight passages). So, … how do we, as Christians, combat this very pervasive human tendency?

Well, if you listen to the linked song and meditate on the reference scriptures above, God’s prescription against envy and jealousy is our choosing to focus on God, rather than self (see Isaiah 26:3) and then, as Guy Penrod sings, choosing to dwell on our gratefulness to God rather than on our selfish desires.

Good plan for today [and all days], don’t you think?

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … Help me to focus on Your many blessings rather than on my desires. You’ve given me so much, especially shedding Your blood for my salvation. … Amen

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

May 24, 2017 … Do I Look Like Him?

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 144 

Devotional Song:  … GO TO THIS LINK …  Please take the time to take in a YouTube video of images and lyrics from the group Phillips, Craig, and Dean singing … I Want To Be Just Like You … poignantly singing of the desire for all of us to become just like Jesus.

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Highlight Verse[s]: 2 Corinthians 3:18 [NKJV] … 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 
… When others see us, do they see God’s glory - from His Spirit - shining from us? 
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Highlight Passage [context]: 2nd Corinthians 3:17-4:2 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Paul teaches on how we must let the light of Christ shine from our lives so that others can see our Lord in the way we live.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Galatians 5:22-23 [NKJV] … 
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 
… When others see me, do they see these characteristics of Christlikeness?

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … Philippians 2:5-7 [NKJV] … 
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 
… Others should see the mind of Christ in what we, as Christians, think, say, and do.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Dave Branon, uses an interesting word picture to show us how we should be showing forth the transformation being made in us by God’s Spirit, presenting Christlikeness to the world. The ODB author wrote: They say we all have one: Doppelgangers some call them. Lookalikes. People unrelated to us who look very much like us. Mine happens to be a star in the music field. When I attended one of his concerts, I got a lot of double takes from fellow fans during intermission. But alas, I am no James Taylor when it comes to singing and strumming a guitar. We just happen to look alike [see photo of James Taylor lookalike above].  

I really don’t know if there’s anyone out there who looks like me. For their sake, I certainly hope not? … {;>) … But I do know that I strongly desire, as a Christian, that others see me as a Doppelganger, a lookalike, for Jesus. As the linked song poignantly sings, I want others to see Jesus in me, … especially in the eyes of my family and dear ones, like you (i.e, fellow Christians). And most certainly, when non-believers see me, I do so pray that they somehow can see me wearing Christ’s robes of righteousness as the Holy Spirit transform me, like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, into the image of my Savior, … flying free from my past life of sin.

And today I was led, by Paul’s teaching in the Scriptures above, to do a self inventory, asking myself if the image of CHRISTLIKENESS, can be seen in the way I live … i.e., in what I think, say, and do. And I do so pray that today I can bear sweeter fruit (see Gal. 5:22-23) for others to see and feel Christ in me.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Lord, … Again I pray that You help me to be more like You today than yesterday … and even more tomorrow than today. … Amen

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

May 23, 2017 … Combatting Angst and Anger

Berry Patch Devotions in 2017 - Day 143 

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 … Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus … poignantly singing of the best strategy we have as Christians to deal with the angst, anger, and grief of this world.

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Highlight Verse[s]: Luke 9:54-55 [NKJV] … 
54 And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” 55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.” 
… God never wants His disciples to use anger to dispel the anger of others.
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Highlight Passage [context]: Luke 9:51-56 [NKJV] … USE THIS LINK …
… Jesus show His disciples that trying to using anger to combat the anger of others will never solve anything.
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Reference Passage #1 [NKJV] : … Proverbs 15:1 [NKJV] … 
1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up [more] anger. 
… God’s advice, thru Solomon, on dealing with the verbal wrath of others towards us.

Reference Passage #2 [NKJV] : … John 13:34-35 [NKJV] … 
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” 
… Is it Jesus’ command to return harsh words with more wrath. … HARDLY!!

Reference Passage #3 [NKJV] : … Ephesians 4:29 [NKJV] … 
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 
… God never wants us to use angry words to respond to the anger of others.

My Devotional Journal: Today's ODB author, Tim Gustafson, told a personal story to illustrate how anger so often provokes more anger. The ODB author wrote: The anti-God bumper stickers covering the car seized the attention of a university professor. As a former atheist himself, the professor thought perhaps the owner wanted to make believers angry. “The anger helps the atheist to justify his atheism,” he explained. Then he warned, “All too often, the atheist gets exactly what he is looking for.” 
In recalling his own journey to faith, this professor noted the concern of a Christian friend who invited him to consider the truth of Christ. His friend’s “sense of urgency was conveyed without a trace of anger.” He never forgot the genuine respect and grace he received that day.  

Ever been in a situation like the one in the attached photo, … with someone spouting angry words at you, maybe attacking your faith as in the ODB entry above? What’s the best way to respond? … With more anger? How do you think Jesus would respond in a such a situation?

Well, the highlight and reference passages above answer that dilemma pretty clearly, don’t they? And if we’re trying to defend our faith with an angry atheist, will getting angry back and spouting Scripture loudly at him or her help to dissuade their disbelief? Hardly!! … Solomon, Paul, and more importantly, Jesus, said that we should return anger with love. And as Tim Gustafson stated in this ODB entry today, … “The best way to defend Jesus is to live like Him.”

So, if we run into someone spouting off at us with anger, especially if they are attacking our faith, how will we handle that one today? … I pray, … as would Jesus, … with love.

My Prayer Today: Heavenly Father, … Help me to live up to Ephesians 4:29 today with my tongue. … 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.