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2025 A New Commandment I Give - 3 31 25 - John 2024 Just A Simple Question 3 19 24 - John Simple Christmas 12 14 24 - John & Sharon 2023 Naked Prayer 3 16 23 - John The Man In The Deck Chair 12 6 23 - John 2022 Does Your Heart Reveal Your Citizenship 4 5 22 - John Listener Beware, Pay Attention! 12 1 22 - John 2021 Crossing Over 4 13 21 - John |
2020 God Our Refuge And Strength 4 25 20 - John During Times Of Fear And Anxiety 5 12 20 - John Morning With The Lord 10 19 20 - John Our Citizenship 12 31 20 - John 2019 Are We Faithful? 3 20 19 - John 2018 So Great A Love 2 15 18 - John 2017 Managing Opposition 3 13 17 - John 2016 A Legacy Of Faith 2 16 16 & 10 8 20 - Sharon |
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Monday, March 31, 2025 A New Commandment I Give by John |
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Scripture: Matthew 22:35-40 (NLT) – “One of them [a Pharisee], an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: ‘Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?’ Jesus replied, ‘“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.’” Message: In a recent Bible study of the ten commandments, the writer dug into each commandment one by one. The first three focus on a vertical relationship with the Father, the fourth explains how to honor the Sabbath, our relationship with the Father and all he has done for us. The last six relate to our horizontal relationships with others. The last five of these tell us what not to do in maintaining relationships and in reflecting God’s love to others. The study assignment included a worksheet instructing us to re-frame each commandment in a positive way, in our own words, using “shall” instead of “shall not”. The intent was to use this as a blueprint going forward in serving others. There were only ten short lines to use indicating brevity in the assignment. Would I rewrite thou shall not steal as thou shall steal? Or I shall commit adultery? I think not. I would want to consider the opposite of the focus of each commandment, or “What does God actually want us to do”. Then these two examples would read: “I shall give to those who ask” and “I shall honor the sacrament of holy matrimony”. Got it! I could see a plan developing to always reflect His love to others. Jesus summed up all of this with a new commandment recounted in Matthew, Mark and Luke as the Great Commandment: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all of your soul and all of your mind.” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37 & 39). All that Jesus said was in a positive light, and without one “not”. Prayer: Gracious and loving Father, help us see how to love our neighbors in a positive way that reflects Your love and character. Let us replace the “shall nots” with “shall” in all we do for You. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
John
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Tuesday, March 19, 2024 Just A Simple Question by John |
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Scripture: Psalm 51:1-2 (NLT Life Application Study Bible) – “Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.” Message: It was during the men’s bible study, where the leader starts each week with an ice breaker that he posed the question. But this week’s question went down a rabbit hole nearly robbing us of the scheduled lesson on integrity. What’s more, as I continue today to ponder the responses, I find myself reading, and yes enjoying, the Psalms….previously one of my least favorite books. The question? Who in the bible contributes more to your understanding and relationship with God? David or Paul. Really! David? The boy who 1,000 years before Jesus, killed the Philistine giant with his sling versus Paul who wrote nearly half of the New Testament? The books of Samuel give us the story of David with a bit more than just a boy and his sling. But it is in the Psalms where you feel David come alive. In the Psalms, David reveals his inner-self while running for his life from King Saul and becoming a masterful, yet sinful, king himself. As a result of this simple question, I now read the Psalms daily and see my own insecurities in David’s writings. Today, rather than skip the Psalms, I find comfort in praying them as David likely did. Still we must carefully consider Paul, given the breadth and the depth of his spiritual life and work. So, the question still stands, “Who contributed more to your understanding of, and your relationship with God? David or Paul? How about you, David or Paul (or both)? As our journey continues, help us as we explore the contributions of David and Paul as they reveal truths of Your character and Your love for mankind through the gift of Your Son. Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin that I may become more like Your Son. Make my path clear, Lord, so others will see You in me, and not me. In the name of Your Son, and my Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. John Berry |
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Saturday, December 14, 2024 Simple Christmas by John & Sharon |
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Scripture: Luke 2:7 (NLT) – “She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available to them.” Message: In 2019 we moved to the East Coast of Florida to be closer to and more active with our grandchildren. As with any move there is a lot to consider in assimilating into a new community. Among them, finding a new church. We visited a Methodist Church, that has a long and storied history, with our daughter and family where we quickly began to feel at home. Fall came that year and we participated in the usual events beginning with the pumpkin patch, even in the 85°F (30°C) days that linger in October. As the Christmas season neared, we began to hear of this “Simple Christmas,” but saw no mention of coming events. What was the Christmas celebration to be? When would the Hanging of the Greens take place? Would there be a music program? Not here…. We soon learned the focus for the season was to be on Jesus, the birth of our Savior and on family. Not on the busyness of holiday events. Each Sunday, service in Advent builds on the expectation and excitement of the arrival of the Christ Child that is fully celebrated with church-wide services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Each year our Christmas offering is given away to the UMC Children's Home and individual ministries to support their missions. This simplified Advent season created a full sense of “Joy”, centered on Jesus, and peaks on Christmas Day. After experiencing this simple Christmas for several years, we see how it reflects the story in Luke’s gospel. Christ came into the world with no fanfare. Born in a stable with the most humble surroundings to a young virgin girl engaged to a carpenter, laid in a manger and visited by shepherds, the lowest of society in His day. A most simple beginning and quite unlike the pride, pomp and circumstance of a royal birth. However you celebrate Christmas may your heart simply remain focused on the birth of the Christ Child and the Kingdom on earth He brought to us all. Merry Christmas! Prayer: Father, this season help us to see through all of the busyness to focus on one thing, “Joy” through the simple gift of Your Son, the Christ Child. Amen.
John & Sharon
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Thursday, March 16, 2023 by John |
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Scripture: Mark 14:32-42 (NIV Extract) - "Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 'Abba, Father,' he said, 'everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.'" (Please read the entire text in your Bible)Message: Recently I read "God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer"1 by Pete Greig. The text was part of a sermon series on why God doesn't answer prayer. Digging in I was most intrigued with Greig's work and grateful to learn "Naked Prayer" did not require me to pray naked! Grieg makes the point on prayer: “All too often, it is the church that creates cultures in which people feel compelled to have it all together and, therefore, to pretend.”1 (Page 63; Chapter 5 Section Learning to Lament)" I wondered, do I pretend and not offer sincere prayer? He knows my heart like no other and whether I am honest and serious. Perhaps I sugar coat my frustrations and don't lay my heart open. Could this be why some prayers seem to go unanswered? In the garden passages Mark tells us Jesus "fell to the ground" and exclaims "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.". Then Jesus asks "Abba Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me." (italics added). Jesus teaches us how to pour out our heart with the full and honest emotion we feel - to lay naked our true feelings. To frankly lay out our anxieties, and our joys, is telling our best friend, our closest confidant, how we sense our true condition. After all Jesus told us "Blessed are those who mourn," (Matthew 5.4a NIV) and I believe the inverse is true as well. If we were to be painfully honest and open in prayer, as Jesus was with His Father, would it not be cathartic? It might begin to heal the pain and frustrations eating at us during the day. Perhaps it's a pain or sorrow Jesus has already taken to the cross on our behalf. Prayer: Father, thank You for accepting us just as we are: full of pride and selfish in thought. You, who knows all things, including the condition of our hearts. Strengthen us to always come to You, just as we are, that we might glorify You through our suffering. No pretending. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
John Berry 1. “God on Mute: Engaging the Silence of Unanswered Prayer” by Pete Greig. Copyright© 2007, 2020. Published by Zondervan. Used by permission of Harper Collins Christian Publishing. |
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Wednesday, December 6, 2023 The Man In The Deck Chair by John |
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Scriptures: Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV Life Application Study Bible) – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age." (bold italics added) 1 Corinthians 3:8-9 (NIV Life Application Study Bible) – “The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor (effort). For we are co-workers in God’s service, you are God’s field, God’s building." (bold, italics & parentheses added) Message: During our Memorial Day vacation with extended family, the man in the deck chair next to me reached out seeking friendship and conversation. The man in the deck chair began a conversation with unwelcome remarks with inappropriate language, disparaging the women around the pool. Later he noted how our family was enjoying each other in the day’s planned activities. Acknowledging his latter point, I shared this was our annual retreat with friends, nieces, nephews, adult children and grandchildren. After reflecting on my comments he began to weep and explained he was divorced and estranged from his children. Now he would give anything to enjoy some of what our family had. Still quite uncomfortable with his topic of discussion and language I excused myself for lunch. Later it hit me; had God placed this man next to me because he was in pain and needed a friend? Did I miss His calling by not sharing my faith and how it played into our family? In this season of Advent, look and listen for God’s calling. If He calls, share and stand firm with Him as His co-worker, to serve the one He places next to you. Prayer: Father, we are co-workers with You in Your Kingdom and You are our King. Make plain Your path for us today so we may share our faith story to those who are hurting. Give us ears to hear. Strengthen us to stand firm when You call so we can plant and water Your seeds to offer You a harvest. Father, please touch the heart of the man in the deck chair and his children with Your healing presence. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. John Berry |
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Tuesday April 5, 2022 by John |
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Scripture: Matthew 5:1-16 (NIV) – “Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’” Message: Today, as in the time of Jesus, people everywhere seem short tempered and appear angry, are curt and complaining. The news seeks ways to separate us by every means possible especially race, gender or political affiliation. Simply, the world is not alright. In his message, Brett Clemmer, President and CEO of “Man in the Mirror,”1 helps us step away from this turmoil by reminding us this place we live in is not our permanent home. We are only here until the day we can live with Jesus. Jesus came to reveal his Kingdom of Heaven and then told us He would go home and prepare a place for us. Until that day we are to be His “salt of the earth” and His “light in the world.” As Christians we are citizens of God’s Kingdom. Viewing our current condition in this light will help us fulfill our role in this world. Clemmer says “The attitude of my heart reveals the citizenship of my soul”. What is the attitude of our heart today? Are the behaviors of today’s world driving our attitude? Perhaps you are like me and need a course correction every day. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus gives us a picture of how our citizenship role and behavior should look. When I feel myself drifting into the selfishness of this world I refer to this passage for help. Perhaps you too may find a course correction that will help ease the burdens of the world we are living in. Try reflecting on one verse a day and pray it will help you see your role in this world in a new light. The light He called us to be. Prayer: Father I am weak though my spirit is hopeful. My heart is selfish though my spirit reminds me of the love and peace You give. Forgive me for not fully claiming Your offer of the Heavenly citizenship You give so freely. Help me accept the blessings You offer that I may become the light with my life You intended. This I pray in the precious name of Jesus. Amen. John Berry 1.“The Man in the Mirror” by Patrick M Morley. Copyright© 1989, 1992, 1997, 2014. Published by Zondervan. Used by permission. All rights reserved. |
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Thursday, December 1, 2022 Listener Beware, Pay Attention! by John |
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Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-3 (NIV) – “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For since the message spoken through angels [the law of Moses] was binding and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.” (Italics added) Message: My, how easy it is to drift in thought and action from what is central to what is unimportant. The discourse of our time shouting intolerance, injustice and acceptance of new ideas can surely distract us from what is true and challenges the tenets of our faith. Christians in the early Church faced persecution not only from the Romans but also from their peers – fellow Jews. Some, even though they had heard first-hand accounts of Jesus by eye witnesses, were still beginning to doubt the teachings of Paul, Timothy, and the disciples. And some were contemplating returning to Judaism. Much like the early church, today’s world is pressing us to question our understanding and to accept things contrary to our beliefs. In this vein, the writer of Hebrews tells us to pay the most careful attention to what we hear and weigh it against what we know. Be discerning in your thoughts as you choose your way so as not to drift away from what is central to your salvation. This “drifting” was illustrated so vividly during hurricane Ian. Boats, left in Estero Bay, Florida, to weather the storm, not properly moored or anchored, were lost upon the shore and left in ruin. Advent is a time of preparation for the Christmas season. Therefore, I challenge us to be focused on the coming of the Christ child and the promise of His return. Let us use these daily devotions to stay the course and prevent the drift. Preserve our faith and most importantly preserve our salvation. Prayer: Father, You are greater than Moses and the angels yet You came and dwelt among us. You alone know what distracts us. Forgive us for drifting from what is true and help us to keep our eye on You, our true prize. In this Advent season we seek only You. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen. John Berry |
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Tuesday April 13, 2021 Crossing Over by John |
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Scripture: John 5:24 (NIV) - "Very truly I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." Message: There it is. The rest of the story. After John 3:16 (NIV) - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." this is one of the most powerful verses in the bible spoken by Jesus. Now hear His words and rejoice. "Very Truly" or most assuredly, "I say to you,": Jesus is saying this to you today in the most absolute terms; pay attention! "Whoever hears and believes": Not just hearing the audible word, but to those who accept Him and God the Father who sent Him, and then act on and takes fully to heart these words. "has eternal life": Not "will have", not someday "will have", but "has eternal life" right now. "will not be judged": If you know Christ Jesus today your sins have already been forgiven. Living for Him going forward you will not be tried a second time because He has already paid the price for you. "crossed over from death to life": It is here for you today, now, for all who accept Him as their Savior. You have already "crossed over" from spiritual death to everlasting life. Take heart in the Good News and rejoice! In the words of Patrick Morley author of Man in the Mirror, "He paid a debt He did not owe because we owe a debt we cannot pay." Prayer: Father, we lift thanks and praise to You for the amazing and reassuring words You spoke. Help us to remember and rejoice in knowing we have crossed over and live with You today and forever. Amen. John Berry |
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Saturday, April 25, 2020 - "The Connection" Series by John |
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Scripture: Psalm 46:10a (NIV) – “He says ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’” Message: So. It’s time for a confession. For me, it is often hard to pray. Just too much going on with the virus running the world, health issues with friends and family, businesses closing and people out of work who are trying to make ends meet. Even when I go to the Lord in prayer there is that noise in my head reminding me of what I have to do next and who I should have already called today. Oh yes, did I get the meat out of the freezer? Am I the only one? If you also sense distractions like these take the next two minutes, right where you are, and follow this little process. Take two deep cleansing breaths. With your eyes closed inhale slowly through your nose filling the lower part of your lungs and continuing to expand the upper lungs until you cannot inhale any further. Pause, then exhale through your mouth by slowly blowing through your pursed lips. Repeat. Now, sitting still and quiet, right where you are, with eyes closed and breathing comfortably pray this prayer now and repeat the process whenever you need it during your day. Prayer: Lord, Forgive my hurried life that is distracting me from your peace and grace. Help me, Father, to be still and remember that you are God. Amen. John Berry |
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Tuesday May 12, 2020 - "The Connection" Series During Times Of Fear And Anxiety by John |
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Scripture: Psalm 121:1-2, 7 (NIV) – “I lift up my eyes to the mountains; Where does my help come from? “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” “Keep you from all harm; He will watch over your life.” Message: Psalm 121 was my mother’s favorite passage and a place where she drew strength. See, Sara Berry was a person with many fears and this is written in her memory. As a child in a home hit by a tornado she carried fears of storms throughout her life. I have memories of us huddled in the hallway during summer thunderstorms while she sang Jesus Loves Me to my three siblings and me while the thunder pounded. This helped keep us calm until the storm passed but mostly it helped her manager her own fear. As an adult we had many conversations about the worries she had for Dad during his cancer, for my siblings, me and our families with our challenges and the grandchildren as they all struggle to grow up. I often heard her say, “I can’t worry about this now so I have to turn it over to the Lord.” When it was clear cancer was to take her life she became the example of fearless strength through faith. While we all gathered around her at the hospice facility, friends and family came to hear her speak of the peace she had with her circumstance. She was simply ready to go home. She was an example to all of us of how to live…with knowledge the Lord will “Keep you from all harm; he will watch over your life.” (Psalm 121:7) Prayer: Father, forgive us in our weakness in trusting you in all circumstances. As it was said by the Psalmist it is comforting to know we can depend on you for our help. Amen. John Berry |
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Monday, October 19, 2020 - "The Connection" SeriesMorning With The Lord by John |
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Scripture: Isaiah 65:17 (NASB) – “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered, or come to mind.” Message: Often the best time of day is early morning, just as dawn breaks, when you can walk in the cool of the day. There you will find time to reflect and walk with the Lord. Morning is still, stars still shine and there is a hush about the landscape. As you move along a trail you hear the hoot of a distant owl, the muffled toot of a train whistle, or the crunch of fallen leaves beneath your feet. As the first light appears you notice two squirrels chasing one another, a hawk flies to the top of a tall pine and the first cool breeze moves the morning dampness across your face. Soon you sense the first warmth of sun on the horizon and the tips of the tallest pines are illuminated with its radiance. The morning fog is lifting and the brightest of blue sky appears above giving promise to another day the Lord has provided. As the trail ends it is time to give thanks for the peace His creation can give. Life is full of challenge and heartache but a morning with the Lord in His creation can bring a different perspective; hope. Hope for the day and hope in the future He promises forever. The time is coming when all of the tears and sorrow of today will be wiped away and together we will enjoy the bounty and unimaginable fullness of life He offers. Prayer: Father, in this season when we remember the passion on the cross, help us to understand that the peace You offer does not replace the conflicts of life, but rather provides an island of tranquility in the midst of the storm. Amen. John
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New Years Eve - Thursday, December 31, 2020 by John |
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Scripture: John 14:27 (NIV) – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Message: Writing this just prior to the election, our nation is fraught with all kinds of anxiety from conflict. We sense fear that our candidate will lose and the nation will be lost, fear of COVID-19, dissension over whose life matters and the list goes on. Our TV news has lost credibility and leaders on both sides are dividing us by race, ethnicity, religion, income and culture. As a US citizen it could be overwhelming and most disheartening not knowing where to turn. Years ago a child was born to bring light to this fallen world. Christ, our King, was sent to establish His Church on Earth for those who choose to believe in Him and be saved to have life everlasting. Through faith alone we are justified and made whole for His Kingdom. As followers of Jesus we are citizens of His Kingdom and free from the conflict in this world. Do not let your hearts be troubled at what you hear and see, for our King has us in His hands; safe and sound. Step into His light and enjoy the peace only He offers. Prayer: Dear Lord in this season of Advent and preparation we give thanks for the gift of a child so freely given by You. May we remember He is our King and it is through our citizenship in His Kingdom we are saved and safe from the conflicts in this nation and in this world. Thank You, Father, for the peace and comfort You give freely to us. Amen. John Berry |
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Wednesday, March 20, 2019 Are We Faithful? by John |
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Scripture: Mark 14:27-29 (NIV) - "'You will all fall away,' Jesus told them, 'for it is written I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.' Peter declared, 'Even if all fall away I will not.'" Message: Good old Peter. Always running off with his mouth. Of course we know later in the evening Peter is unfaithful to Jesus as he denies knowing Him three times. Fortunately for Peter, Jesus forgives him for this unfaithfulness and their relationship was restored. This issue of faith is key for us as Christians. How do we remain faithful in our walk with Him, with our spouse and children, our employer and the talents entrusted to us? Often our actions do not measure up to the picture of faith we know. God calls us to be faithful and not to a specific outcome. He does not call us to save the world but to treat our neighbor as ourself. The next time you sense that you have fallen short of what God has called you to, remember Peter. He often failed miserably, but, like Peter, we have a loving Father who forgives and encourages us to move forward. Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive me for not trusting and surrendering to You fully. Help me this day to be faithful with the talents and the life You have so graciously given me. Amen. John Berry |
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Thursday, February 15, 2018 by John |
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Scripture: John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."Message: In the cold, dark evening of December 27, 2017, our son, Chris, was rear-ended at a stoplight. Witnesses said the driver who hit him did not touch her brakes before slamming him into the three cars ahead. He received only minor injuries, but his car was a total loss. It was two days before Sharon and I were able to see him and reassure ourselves he would be alright. What I was not prepared for was seeing his car. When we arrived at the storage yard, the power of the impact was evident. I found myself overcome with emotion, realizing how fortunate we were that he survived. I could have easily lost my son that cold evening, not a choice I could have made. Yet our God, in his love and empathy for us, gave His Son freely and intentionally for you and for me. If I experienced such deep emotions in the moment of seeing a wrecked car, what more did God feel knowing the Passover events to come? Why did the Father choose to suffer for me that I might have life eternal with Him'? Just how great is This love He has for all as His children? Prayer: Father, forgive us for not fully comprehending the depth of Your gift, Your son, Jesus. We pray this season will serve as a powerful reminder of Your love and desire for a childlike relationship with each of us. Bless each day that we may grow in understanding and in our relationship with You. Amen. John Berry |
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Monday, March 13, 2017 by John |
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Copyright Issue - Devotional cannot be viewed at this time John Berry |
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Tuesday, February 16, 2016 & Thursday, October 8, 2020 - "The Connection" Series by Sharon |
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Scripture: Psalm 121:1-2 (NRSV) – “I lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Message: Throughout my 43 years in the Berry family I learned many things from my mother-in-law. She taught me how to make bows to beautify packages, cook spaghetti for thirty people, do last minute decorating with spray paint and tree branches. She inspired me by always recognizing the needs of others and assisting them when possible. She was always full of great advice and wisdom. Like many of us, she had fears: storms, bridges, airplanes. Many of these fears came from early life experiences. But the one thing she did not fear was death because she believed in Jesus, the Resurrection and the life everlasting. In her final days she inspired everyone. She called on God to be with her family and to comfort us during this time. She shared her gratitude for a full and happy life and she left a legacy for her family to draw on. Yes, she was a tremendous influence in my life and many of her invaluable teachings I put to use every day. But the greatest lesson she taught me was how she lived her faith, and how, trusting in Jesus, brings life out of death. Prayer: Lord, grant me the wisdom to know You are in control and that You know my needs even before I ask. I give thanks to You Who never grows tired, or weary of keeping me from harm and watching over my life today and forevermore. Amen. Sharon Berry |
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