Banquet With The King

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Who Do We Tolerate?

And some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” For they did not have courage to question Him any longer about anything. …While all the people were listening, He said to the disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues, and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation.” Luke 20:38-38, 45-47

Meditate on Freedom and Tolerance.

Jesus tolerated the Pharisees. They were trying to catch Him in some error…but Jesus had all the right answers. He said and did the right things…but not always right in the eyes of the Pharisees and scribes, the Jewish rulers. Do we accept the things that others say…and thus tolerate their words and actions? Are they leaders of our country…or rulers of other nations?

This is a day when we remember the freedom for which our nation fought and obtained in 1776 and has continued to strive for at home and abroad. Democracy and the rights of the people, by the people and for the people. Maybe our nation needs to see now where tolerances strengthen and weaken us.

Before you watch the fireworks with your family tonight…or shoot off some fireworks together…discuss the freedoms we have in our nation…and that other people in other nations lack. Freedom to speak freely, freedom to bear arms (carry guns), freedom to get together and discuss things (right to assembly together), freedom to worship when and where we want, freedom for liberty and the pursuit of happiness, among other things. Then, as the fireworks are set off, say this one is for…our freedom to worship God however we want. This one is for the freedom of speech. This one is for the freedom to assemble together…and so on. Consult the Bill of Rights for a more complete list of our freedoms.

It is always fun to dedicate a round of fireworks to each family member or friends with whom you are watching the display. This one if for you…_________. This next one is for you, Dad! BOOM! Wow—that was great! The next one is for you, (insert name), for the way you tolerate xxxxx (name or behavior) and the way you show love to (insert name). Honor each other for their words and actions.

Prayer – Lord Jesus ~ help the United States of America to see that individually and collectively we should treat others in the way that we want to be treated.

Verses of Salvation ~ Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Selah God is to us a God of salvation; And to GOD the Lord belong ways of escape from death. Psalm 68:19-20 NASB20

Glorious July 4^th to everyone in the USA

250 Years of Freedom

Praise and Thank the Lord!

Portions recycled from July 4, 2013, Banquet With The King blog.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Portions recycled from July 4, 2013, Banquet With The King blog.

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

Friday, July 3, 2026

We Need Rest

Get on board!
We'll cross the Sea of Galilee to the other side.
Rest on these peaceful waters of Israel.

Then Jesus said, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. Mark 6:31-32

Meditate on quietness.

Jesus was so wise. He knew that He and the disciples needed rest. Remember one of the Ten Commandments is about rest.

On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. Genesis 2:2-3

Just like Jesus and the disciples, we need rest. The disciples had just returned to Capernaum from a time of ministering to others—like a working vacation. They were excited about the work they’d been doing—but they were probably exhausted. Now Jesus wanted them all to rest…alone, without crowds. The Sea of Galilee could be very restful—with no storms, the water could be as smooth as glass, calming, and peaceful. Just what Jesus and His disciples needed. They were headed for an equally restful place, but will they find it as quiet and relaxing as they’d hoped?

What knowledge about Jesus do you obtain from this scripture passage?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I appreciate Your reminder to rest! I’m tired…and I need rest. Unlike You, I have no crowd surrounding me, so I have no excuse. I just need to take my rest. Please give me the sleep that my body needs…and that will help my spiritual rest and growth, too.

Verse of Salvation ~ Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law. This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Romans 13:10-12

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

A restful meal on the Fourth of July. It can be a simple stressless day—to celebrate our nation. Choose a menu that is easy for you and your family. Here’s a simple menu—with some do ahead dishes that we all enjoy. Then kick back and enjoy the fireworks.

Fourth of July Celebration Menu:

Appetizer: Charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, and veggies of choice (do ahead)

Hot dogs and Hamburgers

Cheese, lettuce, onions, and tomatoes to top off the burgers

Potato Salad – prepare the day before

Corn on the Cob

Watermelon

Iced Tea or Lemonade drinks

Dessert: S’mores, Fruit pie, or Strawberry shortcake with Ice Cream

Enjoy this holiday with family and friends.

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, July 2, 2026

Do You Have a Story to Tell?

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Mark 6:30

Meditate on traveling and returning home.

Reenactment of Jesus with His disciples.
Everyone sharing their stories...
...as they feasted together.

Imagine how excited the disciples were to see Jesus again and tell Him what they had encountered. The sick, blind, lame, and demon-possessed people. They had prayed and healed them. They didn’t have cell phones, so how did they know when to return to Capernaum? Maybe Jesus had set a time for them all to come back together? Maybe the Holy Spirit just guided them? Whatever, they were all back in one place with stories to tell.

Everyone has a story to tell. Have you ever taken a trip and come home with all kinds of stories? Sometimes adventures create the most memorable situations.

Jesus was the greatest teacher ever—even non-believers and Jews will admit that Jesus was a great teacher. These verses from the Bible tell us that Jesus taught His disciples—He gave them instructions, teaching them to be teachers. When they got together again, the disciples reported what they had taught and done. He also taught more than just His disciples. He compassionately taught the everyday people. This homecoming of the disciples was just before the feeding of the five thousand men. Watch as Jesus continued to teach by showing compassion to the great crowd. So, what can we learn about teaching from Jesus?

1. Do it with compassion – just like He taught and fed the 5,000—we should approach those we have the opportunity to teach with compassion.

2. Teach those who are in our immediate circle—like His disciples. Disciple or train them in the way that Jesus did: focusing on putting God first, following His teachings and commandments, the importance of bearing fruit, loving one another, and making disciples. Teach others to be ready themselves to teach others about Christ.

3. Teach others beyond our immediate circle. Jesus went out to the cities and taught people wherever they came to Him—like by the Galilean Lake shore.

4. Listen to those you are teaching. Jesus listened to His disciples. He met their needs. One example of this is when they asked Him to teach them to pray—and He gave us the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).

5. Take time with those you are teaching—nothing of value happens instantaneously unless it is a miracle. Discussion with those you are teaching/discipling is a good way of learning—giving insights to both the student and the teacher.

6. Teach by example—Jesus washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:4-12).

Are you learning anything from studying about Jesus?

Prayer – Lord, help us to be teachable and give us wisdom and understanding that we can be better teachers to bring You glory and honor.

Verse of Salvation ~ 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 25:5

Portions reused from Banquet With The King blog on August 21, 2013.

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, July 1, 2026

Do You Want to See Jesus?

Jesus is the Light of the world.
Where do you see Jesus?
Beach near Ocean Shores, Washington.
When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about everything Jesus was doing, he was puzzled. Some were saying that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead. Others thought Jesus was Elijah or one of the other prophets risen from the dead. "I beheaded John," Herod said, "so who is this man about whom I hear such stories?" And he kept trying to see him. Luke 9:7-9

Meditate. Consider Jesus’ popularity.

Everyone wanted to see Jesus. Those with ailments, diseases, evil spirits. The hungry, down and out, tax collectors, rich young rulers, the Pharisees and scribes, and now even Herod Antipas wanted to see Jesus. Do you want to see Jesus? Blind men asked Jesus to heal them. For what are you asking Jesus? Like Herod, are you puzzled?

Where do you see Jesus? In nature? In scripture? In your prayers? Seek Him, and you WILL find Him as promised throughout the Bible. David told His son Solomon that.

And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9

Also, think about what Isaiah wrote. It is exciting to see what God has for us in His Word. I could keep on reading and seeking for hours. Praise God when you find Him!

Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:6-9

So, now is the time to seek the Lord. Do you truly want to see Jesus?

What is Jesus showing you about Himself in this scripture today?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I want to see You and to know You. As it is written in Second Corinthians, For God, who said, 'Let there be light in the darkness,' has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6. Let Your light shine Your truth into and through my life. You are the light of the world…and without light we are in darkness. Thank You for showing us the truth, for You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, John 14:6. I praise You, Lord, for You are my hope, my joy, and my salvation.

Verse of Salvation ~ We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 2 Corinthians 4:14

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

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

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Tuesday, June 30, 2026

A Life Cut Short

When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus, he said to his advisers, "This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead! That is why he can do such miracles." For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod's brother Philip). John had been telling Herod, "It is against God's law for you to marry her." Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet. But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias's daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted. At her mother's urging, the girl said, "I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!" Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. So John was beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. Later, John's disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened. Matthew 14:1-12

Meditate. Read this passage again. Consider Jesus’ feelings about this.

Jesus has been told that His cousin, John the Baptist, is dead. Jesus’ ministry began when John baptized Him in the Jordan River. Now, John had been beheaded. What a cruel way to die—and for such a flimsy reason. Herod said to his young step-daughter, “I’ll give you anything you want” for doing such a pleasing dance. Anything? Including the head of John the Baptist. Herod’s wife, Herodias, was seeking revenge against John for his criticism of her relationship with Herod. Off with his head. It was served up on a tray—possibly a silver platter—and given to Herodias. How sad for his followers and for family, like Jesus. John’s followers buried his body.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage?

How about a cupcake instead
of a head for a birthday?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, we know that life is sometimes cut short—but it is usually by an accident or some deadly disease. John was a righteous man who wanted others to comply with God’s plan for marriage—to one person, for life. Herodias was upset for being accused of a sin. Upset or convicted? Help us to be compassionate to those who are grieving, like those who likely mourned for John the Baptist.

Verses of Salvation ~ Listen! The LORD's arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. It's your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore. Isaiah 59:1-2

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 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 basic 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.

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

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.

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

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.