Banquet With The King

Monday, October 12, 2026

Are You Ready? Ready for What?

Keep the lamp of your lighthouse burning...
...to warn others and keep yourself safe.
Lighthouse at Mukilteo, Washington.

Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the ready servants. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Luke 12:35-40

Meditate. Consider how to prepare for end times.

Are you a checklist person? Do you set goals…and then daily try to take some little action to reach those goals? So spiritually, what are your goals?

Are you ready for service?

Is your lamp burning—are you filled with the Holy Spirit?

Are you ready to open the door for Christ? Are you asking Him to be part of your life?

Do you trust God with the little details and the big decisions in your life?

How do you want to grow spiritually?

Do you want to help others grow spiritually?

What scripture do you want to memorize?

Are there things for which you need to repent?

Are you ready for Christ’s return?

Jesus told His disciples to be ready since they wouldn’t know the hour or the day that He would return. Those who are ready will be rewarded.

You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Luke 12:40

The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! Luke 12:37

When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:3

So, it is time to be ready—and those who aren’t will be like dead vines—they’ll be trimmed off. Each person will make their own choice. Love God—and be a faithful follower or reject God and be thrown into the fire.

Even now the ax of God's judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. Luke 3:9

To prepare for the Last Days…

Get Joyful.

When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God of Heaven's Armies. Jeremiah 15:16

Study and Memorize Scripture.

But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say, 'People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4

Get Accountable.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

Get Protected.

Watch out! Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:34-36

Are you faithful and ready?

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

What do you learn about Jesus that you can apply to your life…to your relationship with Him?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I feel like I am about as ready as I can ever be. I am ready to serve you...today and always. Is there anything else I need to do to get ready for Your return?

Verse of Salvation ~ This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 1 Peter 1:10

Portions reused from August 13, 2023, Banquet With The King blog.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Sunday, October 11, 2026

Store Up Your Treasures Where They Will Be Safe

What is the desire of your heart?

So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it, and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Luke 12:32-34

Meditate on the desires of your heart.

…give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! …Your treasure will be safe. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

During His ministry, I recall that Jesus was asked by a rich young man, who kept the commandments, what more he should do to enter God’s kingdom. Jesus answered with this same response about selling your possessions and giving to those in need. Can you do that? Where are your treasures—in heaven or your bank safe deposit box?

There is also some wise advice in Psalms where we are told that God will give us the desires of our hearts.

Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:3-5

Is the Kingdom of God and Heaven the desire of your heart?

What do we observe about Jesus from our scripture passage today?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are what I treasure most in life. Side by side and within my heart, You are with me always. I cannot sell or give You away. I can share You with others…as I am doing now.

Verse of Salvation ~ Though the LORD is very great and lives in heaven, he will make Jerusalem his home of justice and righteousness. In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD will be your treasure. Isaiah 33:5-6

Portions reused from May 5, 2026, Banquet With The King blog.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Are You Looking at Lilies? Are You Seeking God’s Kingdom?

Lily

Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. Luke 12:27-31

Meditate on God knowing your needs.

God knows our needs…and admittedly, He knows our thoughts, plans, and hopes, so He knows our wants, too. Is He concerned about our “wants” as much as “needs?” Do you want to be dressed like a lily? Since we are told that He will give you everything you need…surely when we “ask” He hears and will answer us. Jesus told His disciples to ask the Father, in His name. You may wonder why do people always end their prayer with “in Jesus’ name?” It is because Jesus said to do that.

At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. John 16:23-24

Above all else… Seek the Kingdom of God. What does that mean? God is spiritual. We can only know Him, as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, through the word of God, which is the Bible. Of course, we can see God in nature since He created it, and in other people. Love is from God, because God is love, as told to us in the book of First John.

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

God is love. Where have you seen Him today? Are you filled with abundant joy?

What do you learn about Jesus from our scripture passage today?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You love us enough to die for us. That is amazing love. Thank You.

Verses of Salvation ~ And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:13-16

Happy Birthday, Mary Ellen!

Blessing and Much Love

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Friday, October 9, 2026

Is Life More Than Food?

You are more valuable to God than any birds...
even the great Sandhill Cranes.
They migrate over eastern Washington.

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things? Luke 12:22-26

Meditate on Life and Food.

… if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things? Good question! Jesus had just asked… Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? What is of value in your life? Food, clothes, nice car, beautiful home in a safe neighborhood, vacations to exotic places, an RV or boat, first edition books, large screen TVs—in more than one room in your home, money in the bank, and a large IRA for the future. Are you concerned about any of these things? Jesus tells us not to worry about everyday life. We are to store up our treasures in Heaven.

Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:19-21

Are you worried about the future? Who will take care of you when you get old and feeble? Where will you live? Where and when will you die? Where will you go after you die—is there life after death? Jesus says not to worry, just as He did a little earlier in His ministry. He encouraged those following Him—especially the seventy who had been out to nearby cities for ministry. The same is good for us, too.

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30

The great Teacher said He’ll take everyone’s burdens. He took it all to the cross. Are you burdened by cares, unmet expectations, disappointments, questions about the future, or your relationship with the Lord? Best thing to do is pray…and seek some counsel with another Christian. Leave me a message below and we can dialog. Discussion is usually a good thing.

What do you learn about Jesus in the scripture today that helps you deepen your relationship with Him?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I lay all of my burden down at Your feet. Thank You for the assurance that we don’t have to worry—that You will be yoked with us and take our burdens. I am grateful to remember every day that You will never leave us or forsake us. My favorite promise.

Verses of Salvation – for saving your soul…not your body ~ Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign LORD rescues us from death. Psalm 68:19-20

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

What to eat? We do need food daily, although I know some who fast regularly…and fasting is definitely beneficial for one’s body and spirit. So, what to eat…or NOT eat!?

NOT Eat – nothing from sunrise to sunset. It’s OK to drink water.

With an 18-hour fast, a person can eat NO food for 18 hours, then eat normally for 6 hours. I’ve found it very beneficial for lowering and then maintaining weight, but I actually do more like a 16-hour fast, with still only two meals a day. As we get older, we don’t really need three meals a day! I sometimes have breakfast or brunch foods for a noontime lunch and then a light meal at suppertime. The hard thing is to stop eating in the evening! Don’t let carbs attack your appetite and drag you into the non-stop craving for chips, cookies, cake. It helps me to keep visualizing myself thinner and trying to convince myself that those carbs are NOT good-tasting. Good luck with that!

What has kept you motivated about eating good foods? What do you think Jesus would eat if He had our food choices today? Share your comments with everyone in the Comments below.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Are You Building Bigger Barns?

Then someone called from the crowd, "Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father's estate with me." Jesus replied, "Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?" Then he said, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own." Then he told them a story: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, 'What should I do? I don't have room for all my crops.' Then he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I'll sit back and say to myself, "My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!"' "But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?' "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." Luke 12:13-21

Meditate on storing your harvest.

Harvest these exquisite grapes!
Sweet and juicy-right in my yard.

It is harvest time. The wheat harvest ended some time ago, but harvesting potato, corn, apples, grapes, and other crops continues. Where will those crops be stored? In this parable that Jesus told, the rich farmer built himself new, bigger barns to no avail. God declared him a fool and that he would die that night. Bigger barns. Keeping his crops until the market is higher seems like a wise thing to do, but is he greedy and hoarding? Just what is it that God wants him to do? Perhaps this guy should have been thanking God for the bounty of his harvest. Then he was hoarding it and what made him think that he really needed bigger barns? Why not just add onto what he had? Would he have as great a crop next year? History points out famine often follows a bountiful year. Look at what happened in Egypt at the time of Joseph. This farmer was certainly self-centered. “I will” not if the “if the Lord wills.” So, his plight was folly. Although he just wanted to take it easy…eat, drink, and be merry, that wasn’t the Lord’s plan for him. Life is unpredictable. It was over for him.

God knows our every thought, and He knows the number of our days. If we listen and obey, we will live a long life. That life will only be of value if we are obedient and serving the Lord with our time, talents, and His generosity.

These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the LORD your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. Deuteronomy 6:1-2

A wealthy and feisty cousin of mine recently lived to be 107 years old, and would often declare her devotion to the Lord. We have to choose…build bigger barns or listen and obey. Can we have both? As Jesus taught in this passage a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God. Where do you stand today in your relationship with the Lord God?

Prayer – Lord God, I love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I strive to live keeping You most important in my life, but I am bogged down by the day-to-day cares and concerns. I don’t want to disappoint others, but I just can’t do everything! Help me to prioritize what is important and to rely on You moment by moment for all my choices and decisions. Thanks.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Who Is Your Teacher?

The Dove represents the Holy Spirit.
He was there when Jesus was baptized.

I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God's angels. But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God's angels. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don't worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said." Luke 12:8-12

Meditate on the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus was here on earth, His disciples, people following Him, and even Pharisees often referred to Him as “Teacher” or “Rabbi.” Jesus Himself said He was Lord and Teacher.

One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority." Matthew 12:38 NLT

A man in the crowd called out to him, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, my only child. Luke 9:38

Once a religious leader asked Jesus this question: "Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?" Luke 18:18

You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and you are right, because that's what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. John 13:13-14

During the Last Passover Supper that Jesus had with His disciples, He told them about the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, that God the Father would send after He left. Jesus explained that the Holy Spirit would be our teacher.

If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. …But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:15-17, 26

Are you looking for the Holy Spirit? Note that Jesus said that the world isn’t looking for Him and doesn’t recognize Him. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us.

Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? …1 Corinthians 6:19a

So, are you experiencing a relationship with the Holy Spirit within you? Ask God to reveal Him to you and allow Him to be your Teacher.

What do you learn about Jesus today that draws you into a closer relationship with Him?

Prayer – Lord God, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us. There are so many times that I feel convicted and encouraged by this still small voice within me, reminding me of Scripture or telling me to respond to some action—like calling or visiting someone. Please continue to reveal to me deeper truths about You, Lord, through the Holy Spirit.

Verse of Salvation ~ Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:10-12

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Do You Fear God?

Dear friends, don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I'll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he's the one to fear. What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Luke 12:4-7

Meditate on your value to God.

Are you shaking in your boots?
Do you fear God or respect Him?

Do you fear God? Not the “shaking in your boots” fear…but the type of fear that is respect. Awe. Reverence. I think something is lost in translations and culturally. When we think of fear, we think of something lurking in the dark, ready to pounce and attack us. Is that from too many terror-filled dramas that we watch on Netflix? Or even from reading some mystery novel? Fear of God is wholesome. It is found in 68 verses in the New Living Translation. It began with Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice Isaac to the Lord. Obedience was the key. Reverently willing to obey.

Jesus tells His friends—His disciples and the thousands who were listening to Him—Fear God. If you respect Him and obey His commands, then He will value you—and not throw you into hell. Well, we shouldn’t live in fear of being thrown into hell—but it is a reality for those who intentionally refuse to believe in Jesus and choose to honor Satan instead. Why do that when you can know God, honor Him, and realize that He highly values you? He knows all about you—even the number of hairs on your head, which may be less today than yesterday! He still knows and cares.

What do you learn about Jesus from this scripture passage today?

Prayer – Lord God, thank You for caring about me. I am honored that You find value in me—who am I that You would love me enough to make me part of Your family?

Happy Birthday, Evelyn

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Monday, October 5, 2026

Beware…

A traditional blue door in Israel.
Painted blue to ward off evil.
Are you whispering behind closed doors?

Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy. The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!” Luke 12:1-3

Meditate on Jesus’ words and listen to what He is saying.

Have you ever made bread and seen the results of yeast firsthand? It gets all puffed up—first just in water and then in the dough. Lots of inflated energy is expended. That is just what Jesus was warning His disciples about concerning the Pharisees. Do you see that in any individuals today? All puffed up and proud about themselves. It might be truth to them, but in reality, it is exaggerated. Fake. We have to be diligent in our search for the truth. Do others, like politicians, teachers, or preachers, really speak what is right, true, good, and productive? Does it match with the teachings of Jesus or with Paul’s advice?

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:6-8 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Beware of the things to which you listen and believe…and to what you teach others. As Jesus said… the time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. No secrets. No hypocritical words of wisdom. Focus on truth and excellence.

What do you learn about Jesus in this passage that is helpful to you and your relationship with Him?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see, my ears to hear, and my heart to understand the deep truths that You have always taught. Holy Spirit, show me just what I need to do to share the love of Jesus with others around me. I want to love God and love others, just as Jesus taught. Please fill me with Your joy and peace—that others around me would see that it comes from You.

Verse of Salvation ~ But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.