Banquet With The King

Friday, August 14, 2026

Who is Honest?

Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people. Riches won't help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death. The godly are directed by honesty; the wicked fall beneath their load of sin. Proverbs 11:3-5

Meditate on these verses.

This was the example that Jesus set before us. Right living can save you from death. Do you feel like you are living a “right” life? During the time of COVID isolation, one could hardly feel as if they were living at all. No one had much of a life as we sat huddled in our homes. Even if we were out walking, we were still “isolated,” not able to really reach out to others—no hugs, handshakes, or even elbow bumps. A lot of people were having a hard time dealing with isolation and the fear of the virus. Let’s be honest…we need to depend upon the Lord. He wants us to take our anxiety to Him.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:33-34 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Honesty guides good people. That honesty is based on a relationship with God. The godly are directed by honesty. There is no one more honest than God.

God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day. Psalm 7:11

Jesus was recognized for His honesty.

"Teacher," they said, "We know how honest you are. You are impartial and don't play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us--is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" Mark 12:14

Riches won’t help on the Day of Judgment.

Judgment can’t be decided by monetary considerations. God can’t be bought. His judgment, as noted in Psalm 7:11, is honest. Nothing we can do…except be honest and devoted to the Lord God.

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1Timothy 6:6-10

The righteous, the believers, will not be judged.

There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. John 3:18

That gives us hope. Hope for our future that is eternally with Jesus Christ…and for peace in our hearts amidst the isolation that we might silll be feeling.

Prayer – Lord God, You’ve told us to be thankful in all circumstances, for this is Your will for those of us who belong to Christ Jesus. From 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Verse of Salvation ~ But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 2 Timothy 4:5

The Good News is the salvation that Jesus offers us when we confess our sins and accept His forgiveness—the forgiveness that is possible because of His death on the cross. The death that should have been our, for our sins.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Do you have a fig tree? Are there figs growing there now? In Mark 11:12-14, Jesus is hungry and approaches a fig tree hoping to look among its leaves and branches and find a fig or two to eat, but there are no figs…so He curses the tree. Would you do that? Do you even like figs? I do! There is something about the creaminess and the crunch of that fruit that is enticing. Yum! I think Jesus was looking forward to munching on that sweet fruit. Figs are in season now and you might find them at your local grocery store, maybe even Costco or Sam’s Club.

Look closely at the fig as you eat it. The flower is actually turned inward, so the fruit you are munching on is the flower. You can eat the whole thing, even the skin. They provide small amounts of fiber and several vitamins and minerals including vitamin K, thiamin, vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, and magnesium. They have antioxidants that may help prevent cataracts, cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s among other diseases. They are an amazing low-fat fruit and is just fun to eat. When you find them…enjoy them now through October.

Reused portions from October 12, 2020, 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.

Thursday, August 13, 2026

Looking for the Lost Sheep

Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! So Jesus told them this story: "If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away!” Luke 15:1-7

"If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn't wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father's will that even one of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:12-14

Consider sheep wandering off as you meditate on these verses.

Who is the shepherd? Who are the sheep? Who is the lost sheep? Jesus is our shepherd—guiding us, teaching and directing us…keeping us safe, as that is the function of any shepherd. The sheep are all God’s children, although they originally were probably the Israelites, as David wrote this Psalm before the Gentiles were part of God’s family. The lost sheep are those who have strayed away from Jesus, Jews and Gentiles alike. Did the Pharisees see themselves as the “lost sheep?” Most likely some did and that angered them even more. They were lost—and could they see that Jesus was the Messiah? They certainly didn’t want to admit it. Lots of questions.

That one sheep was valuable to Jesus—each of His sheep has value—but He was willing to leave the others and go find that lost one. Would you do that? In the Luke text, Jesus was specifically speaking about a lost sinner and the righteous ones He trusted to stay by themselves while He went to search for the lost one. Rejoice with Him—with all the angels in Heaven. Rejoice with the Heavenly Father Himself when a sinner repents and comes to Jesus. Yes! That is a joyous time.

What do we learn about Jesus from these passages today?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, was there rejoicing in Heaven when I was the sinner who repented? I think so! Thank You for being my Shepherd, my Savior, my God. I will rejoice with You, our Heavenly Father, and all the angels in Heaven when a lost sinner is saved. Please rescue more today!

Verses of Salvation ~ But he rescues the poor from trouble and increases their families like flocks of sheep. The godly will see these things and be glad, while the wicked are struck silent. Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the LORD. Psalm 107:41-43

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, August 12, 2026

If it Makes You Sin…Cut It Off! Don’t Get Burned!

So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It's better to enter eternal life with only one hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It's better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. Matthew 18:8-9

If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It's better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands. ... If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It's better to enter eternal life with only one foot than to be thrown into hell with two feet. ... And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It's better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 'where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out.' "For everyone will be tested with fire. Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other." Mark 9:43, 45, 47-50

Meditate on Jesus’ words of wisdom.

Don’t get burned! I don’t think that you have to literally “cut off” your hand, foot, or eye—but some people do take the Bible literally, so someone might do this if their hand, foot, or eye causes them to sin. That could easily happen these days with the television shows that bring sin into our homes. Better advice is not to let your hands, feet, or eyes cause you to sin. Run from evil, just as Paul advised Timothy.

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12

How can anyone stay pure—young or old?

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. Psalm 119:9

That is the key! Obedience.

What do we learn about Jesus from these passages today?

Prayer – Lord Jesus—You’ve inspired us to stay pure…to be obedient. You did it. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can, too.

Verses of Salvation ~ Who is among you who fears the LORD, Who obeys the voice of His Servant, Yet who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust and be confident in the name of the LORD and let him rely on his God. Listen carefully, all you who kindle your own fire [devising your own man-made plan of salvation], Who surround yourselves with torches, Walk by the light of your [self-made] fire And among the torches that you have set ablaze. But this you will have from My hand: You will lie down in [a place of] torment. Isaiah 50:10-11 AMP

Comment below.

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, August 11, 2026

Temptation Sorrows

Millstone at an Israeli heritage museum.
Don't let a millstone be tied around your neck!

But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. "What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting. Matthew 18:6-7

But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck. Mark 9:42

One day Jesus said to his disciples, "There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin. Luke 17:1-2

Meditate. Consider God’s love and protection of others—especially children.

Jesus said…What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting. Temptation is inevitable. We can’t escape it. It hovers like a dark cloud waiting for a moment to pounce upon you—pulling you into its grasp and haughtily laughing in your face. It forces a wedge between you and others…a wall between you and God as you disobey His commands. No! May it never be…but as a human, it is unavoidable. No! You can avoid the evil grasp.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7

Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. Psalm 34:14 and 1 Peter 3:11

Work to maintain peace with no evil—don’t be tempted. Remember what Jesus taught His disciples in what we call the Lord’s Prayer.

And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:13

There is an Old Testament story that describes this very action of the fact that God does battle against evil for His people.

As all the men of Judah stood before the LORD with their little ones, wives, and children, the Spirit of the LORD came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph. He said, "Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's. 2 Chronicles 20:13-15

There is a spiritual battle going on, and it is over all that we do…all that we are, but the battle then and now is God’s. Trust Him. Be courageous—don’t tempt others or give in to temptation. Pray.

What do we learn about Jesus from these Scripture passages?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, help us to be courageous and intentionally focused on You and on Your word, so that we will apply it to our lives. Do battle for us—for You are mighty and powerful. Thank You.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

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, August 10, 2026

Are You For Us or Against Us?

John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn't in our group." "Don't stop him!" Jesus said. "No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us. If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded." Mark 9:38-41

"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

John said to Jesus, "Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn't in our group." But Jesus said, "Don't stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you." Luke 9:49-50

Meditate on these verses. For or against?

Jesus was specific. Anyone who is not against us is for us. Are you for or against Jesus? Jesus had already spoken about the importance of not denying Him.

But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:33

To deny someone is pretty much being against them. Don’t stop, hinder, forbid, or refuse that person. They are doing the right thing—casting out demons. Or maybe they are healing, or just standing up for Jesus.

American and Jewish flags flying...
on a boat at the Sea of Galilee.
Israel

We have people here in the United States with hidden…or not so hidden agendas that want to do away with Jews and Christians alike. When I was growing up, I heard the Russian leader Khrushchev vehemently state that he would bury the people of the United States. Scary thought. Now, it is those of Islamic faith that want to destroy the infidels, or idolators. Are they considering Christians and Jews infidels? It appears so as they march through the streets of cities in the United States, chanting about killing. This is happening in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

Jesus has promised that He will never abandon us…but that we will have trials. In His last discussion with His disciples, He told them this very thing. It is for all believers.

Jesus asked, "Do you finally believe? But the time is coming--indeed it's here now--when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:31-33

Have peace in your heart. Much earlier in His ministry, Jesus spoke about persecution.

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. Matthew 5:10-12

It may be difficult to be happy…be very glad about being mocked and persecuted, but persevere. Remember Jesus’ letter to the church at Philippi in Revelation.

Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. Revelation 3:10

Hang in there. We are in this together. Encourage others as you see the day approaching. Don’t give up on Jesus. Be for Him. He is for you!

Prayer – Lord Jesus, hear our prayers and give us strength to endure whatever lies ahead for those of us who believe in You. Give us courage to stand up for You…never to deny or forsake You. Thank You.

Verses of Salvation as written by Paul to Timothy ~ So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. 2 Timothy 2:10-13

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, August 9, 2026

Can You Welcome Jesus?

Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me." Mark 9:36-37

Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, "I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. "And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. Matthew 18:2-5

But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. Then he said to them, "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest." Luke 9:47-48

Meditate. Consider childlike innocence and trust.

Little children don’t stop to think about sins or who is greatest in a group of people. Well—most think their Dad and Mom are the greatest…and Jesus, if they know Him. It’s all about love for them. Their parents love them, and they love their parents. If they’ve been taught about Jesus, they probably know the song, “Jesus Loves Me” and are happy to sing it anytime!

Why did Jesus use a child as an example of humility for His disciples? Kids are generally happy, accepting, loyal, welcoming, humble, and genuinely loving. He said that that quality of humility was important. Recall that the disciples had just been arguing about who was the greatest. Jesus was showing them that none of them were—but that everyone needs to be humble and not focused on themselves, but on others to be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Can you be humble as Jesus suggested?

What do we learn about Jesus from these Scripture passages?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, humility is a true gift of God. We have to choose to be humble. Please give me the grace to accept Your gift of humility for my life—and humble myself before You…and others, that I would be a true servant, like You.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the LORD delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Psalm 149:4

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, August 8, 2026

Am I Better Than You? Are You Better Than Me?

Who is the best?
Who is the greatest?

After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, "What were you discussing out on the road?" But they didn't answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, "Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else." Mark 9:33-35

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" Matthew 18:1

Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. Luke 9:46

Meditate on the thought of greatness.

Do the disciples seem a little egotistical? Sort of like second graders…I’m better than you! Wait…isn’t that what different denominations do today? Do you subconsciously set a tribal hierarchy similar to a caste system within any group you are in? It seems to me that is just what the disciples were doing, and it upset some of them. They were arguing—verbally fighting. They’d left their families, homes, and jobs to be with Jesus—and now they just wanted to be recognized within their group as the best. The best of the best? What was Jesus’ response? "Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else." First last. Jesus was the ultimate example of being a servant. Remember that He actually washes the feet of His disciples at their last meal together. That is a servant’s job. Jesus did it willingly and without complaining. God’s plan was for Jesus to be a servant to those around and after Him.

When God raised up his servant, Jesus, he sent him first to you people of Israel, to bless you by turning each of you back from your sinful ways." Acts 3:26

Paul gave Timothy some wise advice about being a servant and not quarreling.

Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. 2 Timothy 2:23-26

The disciples needed that lesson from Paul. No quarreling. Don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments. Do you need that advice from Paul?

What do we learn about Jesus from these Scripture passages?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You’ve been such a great example to all those who follow You—well, actually to all mankind, if we would just listen, observe, and obey. Help me to see those around me through Your eyes…and please give me the wisdom and grace to be a servant…like You. Thank You.

Verses of Salvation ~ The LORD is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? ... Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don't leave me now; don't abandon me, O God of my salvation! Psalm 27:1, 9

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, August 7, 2026

Have You Been Fishing Lately?

On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, "Doesn't your teacher pay the Temple tax?" "Yes, he does," Peter replied. Then he went into the house. But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, "What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?" "They tax the people they have conquered," Peter replied. "Well, then," Jesus said, "the citizens are free! However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us." Matthew 17:24-27

Meditate on fishing and coins.

Have you ever caught a fish? What was in its mouth besides a hook? Usually nothing.

Fish with a coin? Catch it Peter!

Fish. Consider the fish in the Bible. God made the fish. Jonah was swallowed by a big fish. There was a Fish Gate in the wall surrounding Jerusalem. Jesus fed five thousand and then an additional four thousand men and their families with just a few fish and loaves of bread. Jesus blessed Simon Peter and the other disciples by filling their fishing nets full…yet they didn’t break. Jesus cooked breakfast, including fish, for His disciples after His resurrection. Jesus told Peter to catch a fish…and take a shekel out of its mouth to pay the Roman tax. Don’t offend the Romans…pay the tax.

Fish. Who would have thought that such a smelly creature would have provided so much for people across the ages? Food, protection, provision and tax payment. When was the last time you caught a fish and took a coin from its mouth? Jesus did not want to offend the Romans. Just pay the tax…give to Caesar what is due to him. Do you have the same kind of attitude towards your government and taxes? How will you respond to their request for tax payment this year…and to Jesus?

What do we learn about Jesus from this Scripture passage?

Prayer ~ Jesus, thank you for providing the resources for tax payment. Please continue to provide prosperity for our families, friends, community and nation. There is always a need for more fish.

Verses of Salvation ~ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:3-8

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

We can’t live on bread alone. Have some fish stew with that bread…but don’t stew about your relationship with God or with others. In doing a little research on fish stew on the internet I found that there are Fish Stew recipes from countries all around the world…Greece, Brazil, Italy, Moroccan, Basque, Mediterranean, Normandy, Portuguese, Spanish, Jamaican, simple and quick fish stews including at least one from North Carolina. You can Google and pick a country to try one that appeals to your taste and smell in flavors that you love.

Here’s a quick and easy one with which to start. Add the flavors like fennel, cumin, cayenne pepper, rosemary, or even dill to suit your taste.

Quick and Easy Fish Stew – adapted from Pinterest, Food Network and my own cooking attempts

Serves four.
1½ pounds filet fish – use what is available to you…rockfish, cod, mahi mahi, salmon, red snapper
Olive Oil – 6 tablespoons
Garlic 1-3 cloves grated
Onion – 1 white, yellow or sweet, finely chopped
Celery – 3 ribs, chopped
Oregano – pinch or 1 twig fresh, minced
Thyme – pinch or 1 twig fresh, minced
Bay leaves – 3 whole
Tomatoes – fresh or canned - 2 cups peeled and chopped
Green pepper – optional – 1 – chopped
Mild chili peppers – optional – seeded and chopped
Tomato paste – 2 teaspoons
Tabasco sauce – 1 shake or 1/8 teaspoon
½ cup dry white wine
1 cup water
1 cup chicken broth or fish stock
Parsley – ½ cup, chopped or snipped – last minute garnish
Green onions – 2 chopped – last minute garnish
Optional additions to suit your tastes:
1 cup chopped clams (canned)
Mussels or butter clams -1 pound in the shell, well washed
Shrimp – 1 pound thawed, if frozen

Crab - for a special occasion

Sauté the garlic, onion, celery, and peppers in the olive oil until tender. Add the desired herbs (except the parsley and green onion), tomatoes, wine, water and broth. Simmer for about one hour. Add the fish and any other optional meats. Add the parsley and chopped green onions. Cook about 5 minutes, until the fish flakes easily. Remove the bay leaves. Serve with a nice grainy roll, cornbread, rice and/or tossed salad.

Portions reused from November 16, 2014, and July 30, 2021, 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.