Banquet With The King

Monday, June 29, 2026

Time to Minister to Others

When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region. Matthew 11:1

So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick. Luke 9:6

Meditate. Consider Jesus and His disciples heading out to minister to the people in the surrounding villages.

The time had come. His teaching program was accomplished. The ministry of His disciples began. Healing the sick, the lame, the blind, and the demon-possessed, as well as teaching and sharing the Good News about God’s Kingdom, was now the responsibility of the disciples. Jesus Himself went out to teach and preach around the Galilean region. It was like an explosion. Everyone went in all directions. There were six groups of two each, and then Jesus and other followers whom He had not chosen as disciples and specifically sent out. I imagine that some of the women traveled with Him, preparing meals and ministering along with Him. They were quite a troupe of individuals setting off into the territory in which Jesus had chosen. Go and seek out the Jews, ministering to them. God had sent Jesus to save the Jews first. They were His chosen people.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for ministering to and saving the Gentiles, too. I am in awe of You since You trained the disciples for Your service. Now, it is our responsibility to do that for You. Help us to identify the individual to whom You want us to minister. May You be glorified.

Verses of Salvation ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation--a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

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, June 28, 2026

Did You Offer a Cup of Water?

"Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me. If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs. And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded." Matthew 10:40-42

Meditate on this scripture passage. Read it again.

What is Jesus saying here to you? If you receive, hear, accept, or welcome Jesus, then that same action includes your relationship to God the Father. Looking for a reward? Jesus told His disciples, as He prepared them for their teaching and healing ministry, that they would be rewarded like prophets and righteous people if they humbly received those folks. That might look like entertaining them, earnestly listening to their teachings, and upholding them to God. Jesus also used the example of giving one of His followers, a believer, a cup of water. I often offer a bottle of water to any service technicians or salespeople who come to my home. You never know if they may be angels, as was written in Hebrews.

Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Hebrews 13:2

Water is a simple thing to keep on hand and offer to others, especially on a hot day!

What do we learn about Jesus and His attributes from this passage today?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, are You thirsty? You said to come to You if we are thirsty—but I just wondered if You are ever thirsty now? Will our glorified, heavenly bodies require water? If so, I know we can rely on You to provide our needs. Thank You.

Verse of Salvation ~ (Part of a hymn of praise composed by Isaiah, anticipating the coming Millennium.) See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! Isaiah 12:2-3

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

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Saturday, June 27, 2026

Take Up Your Cross

If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it. Matthew 10:38-39

Meditate. Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

Take up your cross. We must expect trials—and follow Jesus’ example. Grin and bear the suffering. You aren’t going through it alone, since Jesus promised that He will never abandon or forsake us. Jesus Christ has shown us the way to deal with enemies, trials, disappointments, and discouragement. Take up our cross and follow Him. Don’t abandon Jesus when things get tough, or only look to Him when you have trials. Bearing our cross daily means carrying the load to the feet of Jesus—our joys and sorrows.

If we deny Jesus, we lose our eternal life. But as Jesus told His disciples, if we give up our lives—our earthly desires, we find the eternal life in Jesus Christ that is precious.

Sounds simple. All it takes is a choice. What is your choice today…this week…next month?

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, Your cross seems heavy, but in reality, it is not heavy. You have promised that if we come to You, our burden will be light.

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.

Thank You for bearing my burdens…as I take up my cross and follow You.

Verse of Salvation ~ The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

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

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Friday, June 26, 2026

Did He Come to Bring Peace or a Sword?

Don't imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. 'I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Your enemies will be right in your own household!' "If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. Matthew 10:34-37 (Words of Jesus to His disciples.)

Meditate. Consider love.

Who do you love the most? So often we hear or read “I love you to the moon and back,” or people will say, “I love you MORE.” Sorry…I love Jesus the most…and not just to the moon, but throughout the entire universe. My love is exploding for the Lord. Sure, I love my husband, my kids, grandkiddos, friends, and other family that are here and gone, but I save my deepest love for the Lord. Sometimes I feel like I’m shortchanging one or another…but God expects me to put Him first.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

God provides everything we need…and want. I’m not looking for a handout—no need for that. I trust the Lord to provide as I seek Him…and His Kingdom.

It is sort of scary that Jesus came not to bring peace, but a sword. War. Fighting. You can see wars throughout the Bible, including those predicted for the future. Where is the peace? Jesus said in this scripture today that He didn’t come to bring peace, but peace is one of his attributes and part of the fruit of the Spirit.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Galatians 5:22 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Just as we see war and swords throughout the Bible, we see peace. Paul often greets the churches with a peace greeting.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

In Jesus farewell teaching to His disciples the night before He was crucified, He spoke to them about peace.

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Peace and love are intertwined. True and devoted love brings peace. So, give yourself to love, and you will receive the Lord’s gift of peace. A peace that surpasses all understanding.

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

Prayer – Lord, I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. As I love and serve You, I can feel Your peace. May Your love, grace, and peace flow through me to others, providing them with Your love, joy, and peace—everlasting. Thank You.

Verses of Salvation ~ I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:2-5

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

What are you hungry for today? Depending on where you are, it may be a hot day, and watermelon may be the best thirst quencher. Hopefully, you can find a fresh sweet watermelon. I’m looking forward to having fresh watermelons from the Walchli Farms in Hermiston, Oregon. They have the best varieties. One known as the Black Mamba, always super sweet and juicy, is my favorite.

Have you ever seen a...
Watermelon Cake?
Celebrate Summer!

My Dad grew watermelons as a field crop one year on our farm—so I know what a ripe watermelon sounds like. I can thump them with the best! A nice hollow sound indicated that it is ripe. If it rings a high sound—not ripe. Other signs of a sweet, ripe melon:

1. A heavy melon for its size indicated high water content—nice and juicy.

2. A dark yellow spot on the bottom of the melon where it rested as it grew in the field. Light yellow or white was picked too early.

3. Dull green skin is ripe. A shiny watermelon skin is underripe. Sugar spots, webbing, and wide stripes can also indicate sweetness. If the striped variety has stripes as large as two of your fingers together, it should be good.

4. Even shape is desirable. If odd-shaped, then uneven growth may affect the flavor. Avoid cuts, bruises, bumps, and soft spots.

5. Brown stem shows that it was left on the vine until ripe. Green stem recently picked, but likely not ripe.

6. Smell it. A sweet fragrance will ensure a sweet taste. Enjoy!

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, June 25, 2026

Don’t Be Afraid

No fear - You are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names! But don't be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear! Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 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. Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:24-33 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Read this scripture again and listen to what He is saying.

Jesus gave advice to the disciples who He sent out to minister to Israeli cities. He didn’t just say, “Go” but He gave them very specific instructions about what to wear, what to take, who to help, and not to be afraid. Really, God is the one to be afraid of, not the devil. God is the most powerful being ever. You want to believe in Him and be on His good side! Those others may want to kill your body…like they wanted to kill Jesus…but like Jesus taught, they cannot touch your soul. As a believer and thus a member of God’s family, you are valued and loved. As Paul wrote in Ephesians, when we believe in Jesus, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit into God’s family…into Christ. What a great promise. Imagine yourself with a protective seal around you, like so many things you buy at the grocery store. Nothing gets into harm that product!

Jesus challenges everyone to acknowledge Him publicly here on earth. Don’t deny Him or He will deny you to God the Father in Heaven. Whoa! That is a scary thought! When you stand before God someday, do you want Jesus to say this is my beloved friend and sibling, please welcome him or her into Your Kingdom? Or, will He say, I never knew you? The choice is yours.

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

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that You are my Lord and Savior—the very God I worship and adore. I am pleased that I am sealed with You and so look forward to serving You someday in Heaven. Help me to be like those disciples that You sent out—believing in the miracles that can be done now in Your name. Bless those who read Your word…and this blog…that we all may recognize our value in Your eyes and not be afraid of anything. You are with us always, even to the end of the earth.

Verse of Salvation ~ In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in the Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:11-14 NASB20 (Underlined for emphasis.)

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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, June 24, 2026

Sheep Among Wolves—Don’t Be Deceived

Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don't worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel. Matthew 10:16-23

Meditate. Consider Jesus’ advice.

Look closely. Is it a sheep or wolf?

Jesus sent His disciples out two by two—not alone. I love that He told them to be shrewd. Don’t be puny and spineless—stand up for what you believe and present it in a way that is convincing. They were brought before governors and kings. We could be brought before judges or others and need to be willing to give our testimony as the Holy Spirit prompts—speaking spiritual food. Are you standing up for what you believe?

Jesus also warns His followers that false prophets or teachers can seem like gentle folks, but they are really deceivers.

Beware of the false prophets, [teachers] who come to you dressed as sheep [appearing gentle and innocent], but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Matthew 7:15 AMP

Jesus gives wise advice—beware. Be shrewd. There is no need to trust a smooth talker, who would just as likely throw you into jail as encourage or support Christians. Be careful.

The Spirit speaks. Spiritual food. Sometimes when we don’t know what to say the Holy Spirit gives us the proper words to say. When I was asked to give a prayer before taking an offering for a missionary at church one Sunday morning, I thought about and planned just what I was going to say—and when it came time—the words I spoke were not what I planned to say—but so much better. It happened again when I prayed with a friend over the phone—and then a couple of days later she called again—to say she was feeling better and that my prayer had been so special to her, giving her a deep calmness and peace. That was the Holy Spirit. God gives peace. Amazing!

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

Prayer – Lord, help us to stand up for what we believe—for You—for Your sake.

Verse of Salvation ~ For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4:11-12

Happy Anniversary, dear one.

We’ve made it this far—til death do us part!

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

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

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

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Have You Got a Walking Stick?

He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no food, no traveler's bag, no money. He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes. "Wherever you go," he said, "stay in the same house until you leave town. But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate." Mark 6:8-11

Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: "Don't go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel—God's lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! Don't take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. Don't carry a traveler's bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don't hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed. Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. When you enter the home, give it your blessing. If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day." Matthew 10:5-15

Meditate. Consider Jesus’ guidance to His disciples.

Sandals for your feet.
What about a walking stick?

Don’t take anything with you! What?! When was the last time, if ever, that you traveled and took NOTHING with you! We always end up with big bags full of our necessities—and we use everything we take along. Still, there is too much stuff. I have a friend who travels light…and frequently! She manages to carry just a backpack compared to my super-sized roller bag!

Jesus sent out His twelve guys with instructions on just what to do. Tell all the Israelites that the Kingdom of God is near…at hand. That was the most important. Just the Jews—not the Gentiles. Jesus had poured His life, His teachings, and healing into these men; now it was their turn to help others. He told them… Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! They weren’t to take any money or extra clothes with them, just a walking stick. Well, Mark says to take a walking stick, but Matthew records—no stick. Considering an uneven terrain, I think that a walking stick would be in order when going from village to village. They were to rely on the hospitality of people in the towns they visited—and on just one home there. No hospitality? Then shake off the dust and leave them. Very specific instruction. Jesus wasn’t leaving anything to chance. He had it planned out just what the disciples were to do. He knew the outcome of this training adventure ahead of time. Jesus, being God, is omniscient—He knows everything. This was a time for Jesus’ teaching to be put into practice. He would see what those guys had learned from Him.

What do we learn about Jesus from these scripture passages?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching Your disciples to follow Your teachings. Help us to be obedient as we try to follow You. May the Holy Spirit guide us and fill us

Verse of Salvation ~ After this, I heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting, "Praise the LORD! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. Revelation 19:1

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, June 22, 2026

Two by Two

And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. Mark 6:7

Meditate. Read the scripture again. Short, but direct. Go.

Do you think the disciples were ready for this? They were going out into the hillsides, byways, towns, and villages to heal people—to cast out evil spirits. That might have been a scary situation. We have the advantage today of the Holy Spirit with us…but those disciples had seen Jesus perform miracles and cast out evil spirits. They were prepared. This is a similar passage to what we read in Matthew 10.

Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter's brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James's brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). Matthew 10:1-4

Mark doesn’t list the disciples by name—but then he is not one of them. He later went with Paul and Barnabus on Paul’s missionary journeys.

Two by Two
Go and serve the Lord.

Here, the disciples were sent out two by two by Jesus Himself. We don’t know just who traveled together, but all twelve of them are included in the list. Go–get rid of evil spirits. Jesus gives them more specific directions that we’ll look at tomorrow. With the instructions, Jesus gave them power and wisdom. They were an extension of Jesus’ power. They became His helpmates

What do we learn about Jesus in this passage today?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You sent out Your disciples to get rid of evil spirits. Would You have us do that today? Are You planning to give us that same authority?

Verse of Salvation ~ But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:24

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, June 21, 2026

On the Road Again – A Traveling Teacher – Preacher – Shepherd

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields." Matthew 9:35-38

Meditate. Read this passage and consider what it says.

Who was this Traveling Teacher? Jesus, of course. He continued to minister to the Israelites in the Galilean region by teaching and compassionately healing the sick. The synagogues were the places that the Jews met regularly, and He came first to minister to them—and then to the Gentiles. Note that Matthew reports that the people were confused and helpless. They needed a shepherd who would take care of them. That is just what Jesus did. Just like in Psalm 23.

Sheep in Israel
The Lord is My Shepherd.

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. – He provides everything necessary. Trust Him.

He lets me rest in green meadows; Sheep don’t rest unless the shepherd directs them to.

He leads me beside peaceful streams. – Sheep are afraid of moving water—they cannot swim and would drown if they fell in because of their heavy wool coat. They still need quiet water to drink.

He renews my strength. – Sheep need rest and fresh grass to get strong and continue growing.

He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. – The wrong path can lead to danger, and sheep will just stupidly follow the sheep ahead of them…right off a cliff. Stupidity does not honor God.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, - We all go through dark times.

I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. – No fear because He is with us.

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. – The shepherd uses the rod to fight off enemies like wolves and the hooked staff to lift the sheep from danger zones, like rocky ravines.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. – The shepherd takes the sheep to the most productive grassy field—and protects them even if there are enemies like vermin or predators.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil. – In the dry desert, sheep need oil to take care of lice and bugs—just like people need oil for their dry scalp. Oil, the Holy Spirit, will anoint us.

My cup overflows with blessings. – Blessings. God is good, all the time.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, - The Shepherd’s love is forever.

and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. – If we believe in Jesus as our Shepherd and Savior, we will live in God’s house forever…for eternity. Psalm 23:1-6

What do we learn about Jesus from the Matthew scripture today?

Prayer – Lord, as You asked, I am praying that since You are in charge of the harvest, please send more workers into Your fields, so that more people believe in You as their Savior. You are our Shepherd, we rely on and trust You for everything—even the harvest. In Matthew 13:39, we are told that… The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels. We wait patiently for that day, understanding that You won’t return until the last person is saved. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Verse of Salvation ~ A psalm of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the LORD's unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens. ... And he (David) will call out to me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.' I will make him my firstborn son, the mightiest king on earth. I will love him and be kind to him forever; my covenant with him will never end. Psalm 89:1-2, 26-28

Happy Father’s Day!

Blessing on all the Dads who serve the Lord by leading their families.

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

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