Friday, August 21, 2026

Courage To Speak Up for Jesus

But after his brothers left for the festival, Jesus also went, though secretly, staying out of public view. The Jewish leaders tried to find him at the festival and kept asking if anyone had seen him. There was a lot of grumbling about him among the crowds. Some argued, "He's a good man," but others said, "He's nothing but a fraud who deceives the people." But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders. John 7:10-13

Meditate. Consider this joyous festival…and fear.

No courage to speak up for Jesus. They were afraid of getting in trouble with the powerful Jewish leaders. Remember what Joshua was told over and over when he was about to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Do you ever feel like you need to hear those words? What about Jesus’ words to His disciples?

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 10:32-33

That is pretty serious. Deny Jesus and He will deny you before our Heavenly Father. Nope, I wouldn’t want that. To be denied before the Father would very likely mean no eternal home in Heaven. That is certainly something we don’t want to miss—an eternity without God. Nope. That is not for me. Do you have the courage to speak up for Jesus in public? This blog is “public” and I am publicly declaring that Jesus is the Son of God. He is God. He is my Savior. Do you feel the same? Similarly, you can publicly acknowledge Jesus by commenting below.

What knowledge do we gain about Jesus from this Scripture passage today?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God—our Savior, protector, counselor, and friend. Please hear our prayers and recognize the depth of our love for You.

Verse of Salvation ~ All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don't believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don't believe what God has testified about his Son. And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God's Son does not have life. 1 John 5:10-12

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Zucchini Time! Gardens are overflowing with zucchini at this time in late summer. Enjoy some of this bread soon.

Zucchini Bread

Mix:

3eggs

1 c. oil – use avocado or olive oil

1½ sugar – cane or substitute of choice

2 c. grated zucchini

2 tsp vanilla

Mix and add:

3 c. flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp soda

3 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp baking powder

1 c. nuts and or craisins (optional)

Bake in 2 (9x5) loaf pans at 325 degrees for 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from pans while still warm and cool on a wire rack—if you can wait before you have a warm slice! Enjoy with coffee or a tall glass of cool milk.

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 20, 2026

Are You Going to the Festival?

After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters, and Jesus' brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! You can't become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!" For even his brothers didn't believe in him. Jesus replied, "Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime. The world can't hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil. You go on. I'm not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come." After saying these things, Jesus remained in Galilee. John 7:1-9

Meditate. Consider Jewish Festivals and God’s guidance for His Feast Days.

You can't become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world! His brothers didn’t believe in him. But did His brothers want Him to do great things and become famous? Would His fame have brought them recognition? They didn’t believe in Him…but had they seen Him do miracles other than turning water into wine? By this time, probably the third year of His ministry, they had likely seen or at least heard of the healings and miracles He had done.

Grain Harvest in Israel.

Jewish Festivals were specified by God to the Israelites through Moses.

Each year you must celebrate three festivals in my honor. First, celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread. For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast, just as I commanded you. Celebrate this festival annually at the appointed time in early spring, in the month of Abib, for that is the anniversary of your departure from Egypt. No one may appear before me without an offering. Second, celebrate the Festival of Harvest (Pentecost), when you bring me the first crops of your harvest. Finally, celebrate the Festival of the Final Harvest (Feast of Shelters) at the end of the harvest season, when you have harvested all the crops from your fields. At these three times each year, every man in Israel must appear before the Sovereign, the LORD. Exodus 23:14-17

These are the only Feasts for which the men of Israel were to appear before the Lord God at the Temple when it was still in existence. There were other festivals, convocations, or statutes that God indicated that have been called by a “feast” name, including: Passover; Trumpets, also known as Rosh Hashanah; Day of Atonement, called Yom Kippur; and the Feast (convocation) of Sacred Assembly, which occurs after the Feast of Tabernacles or Shelters.

This Jewish Festival of Shelters that Jesus and His brothers were talking about had specific rituals that were to be followed. It was to commemorate their harvest, a time of wandering in the wilderness when they were rescued from slavery, and perhaps it foretold of a time of the Messiah living with, tabernacling with His people.

Remember that this seven-day festival to the LORD—the Festival of Shelters—begins on the fifteenth day of the appointed month, after you have harvested all the produce of the land. The first day and the eighth day of the festival will be days of complete rest. On the first day gather branches from magnificent trees—palm fronds, boughs from leafy trees, and willows that grow by the streams. Then celebrate with joy before the LORD your God for seven days. You must observe this festival to the LORD for seven days every year. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed in the appointed month from generation to generation. For seven days you must live outside in little shelters. All native-born Israelites must live in shelters. This will remind each new generation of Israelites that I made their ancestors live in shelters when I rescued them from the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 23:39-43

Jesus wanted to remain in Galilee and not observe this festival. Would you have gone to Jerusalem or stayed in Galilee? There were possibly lots of families in Jerusalem that would want Jesus to come visit them in their home “Sukkot” shelters. It is supposed to be a joyous time!

Are these Feasts or Festivals only for Jews? No. They are part of the Christian heritage and were celebrated by Jesus as noted in the Gospels and then by the disciples in the book of Acts. How each person chooses to commemorate these Festivals is up to them. Have you ever felt like you were wandering in the wilderness like the Israelites on their exodus from Egypt? A longing for the homeland…that you just don’t know where it is…but you want to go there? Celebrate Sukkot!

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, Your brothers didn’t believe in You…at this time—but later, especially James lived to honor You. Personally, I do believe in You. I am so glad You came to “tabernacle” and live here on earth, 100% human. You experienced what we all experience—even not wanting to do something that You knew You had to do, like going to Jerusalem…and eventually to the cross. Thank You for Your obedience.

Verse of Salvation ~ But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The LORD is great!" Psalm 40:16

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 19, 2026

Forgiving?

…and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. Matthew 6:12

Meditate on forgiveness.

Jesus taught His disciples to honor God, focus on His Kingdom and assured them that He would provide their daily needs of food for their bodies and souls. Now what do they need to do? Forgive and be forgiven. Sounds simple—but it is humbling. We have to forgive others to be forgiven. Jesus expounds on this a few verses later.

Are you prickly...unwilling to forgive?
Prickly pear cactus.
Utah

If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15

It would be serious not to forgive…to refuse to forgive others. It would be like rejecting or refusing God Himself. Listen to the advice of Jesus. Often He would say…he who has ears, listen. Other times we are encouraged to forgive…and it is the forgiveness of others in the family of God—not associated with forgiveness of sin associated with salvation.

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13

Forgive. Simply forgive. Offer forgiveness. Ask for forgiveness.

What do we learn about Jesus from this Scripture passage?

Prayer – Lord God, forgive my sins. I am trusting You to hear my prayers and answer. Thank You.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. Titus 2:11-14

Portions reused from July 6, 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.

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Forgive from Your Heart or Pay Up

Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. He couldn't pay, so his master ordered that he be sold--along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt. But the man fell down before his master and begged him, 'Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.' Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. 'Be patient with me, and I will pay it,' he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn't wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full. When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, 'You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?' Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. "That's what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart." Matthew 18:23-35

Meditate. Consider the point of Jesus’ parable.

Pay up.
Will these coins cover our debt?

Pay up! I could never understand how the guy was supposed to “pay his debt” while he was in prison? Hmmm. How does that work? No work…no pay. So just where does the money come from? Does he get paid to be tortured? Who is paying?

In this parable, the servant had borrowed millions of dollars! What did he do with that money? Could he sell whatever he had and recoup some of the money to give back to the king? Whatever he used the money for, it was obviously not income-generating, or he would have been able to pay the king back, at least a small amount every month. Is this an example of money being an idol? Remember Jesus taught not to worship money.

"No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money." Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13

Look at your own life and stewardship. How are you spending…or lending…your money? Are you accountable to God for what He has provided you? How about your attitude towards forgiveness? Are you willing to forgive others for their debts, whether it is financial, psychological, or spiritual? Remember the whole point of this parable was forgiveness. Forgive others, and God will forgive you.

What do we learn about the character of Jesus from this scripture?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You paid such a high price for my debt. Your life…for mine. 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 17, 2026

How Many Times Should I Forgive?

Then Peter came to him and asked, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?" "No, not seven times," Jesus replied, "but seventy times seven! Matthew 18:21-22

Meditate. Consider God’s forgiveness and your forgiveness of others.

7 X 7... 70 X 7 = 490

Did you have trouble with memorizing times tables as a fourth grader in school? I was never good at memorizing anything…spelling words, times tables, or scripture! But somehow, I learned those times tables and I can still quickly multiply and divide using those tables mentally. Seventy times seven?! That was not on the list… but you can figure it out. Just add a zero to the seven times seven, so that 49 becomes 490 times. I think Jesus really meant that forgiveness should be offered an infinite number of times. Are you going to keep track of 490 and then stop? I don’t think so. I certainly won’t.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I know that I’ve repented lots of times…and You have forgiven me. Has it been 490 times? Who’s keeping score? Thank You for always forgiving me. Most of all, Thank You for going to the cross for my sins, and to You and Our Father who have welcomed me into Your family. It is wonderful to be part of God’s Family—to feel the presence of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:24-25

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 16, 2026

Forgive Over and Over – Can You Do It?

If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won't accept the church's decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven. I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them. Matthew 18:15-20

Meditate. Consider God’s command in Scripture. Forgive. Feel God’s presence and forgiveness in your life.

Forgiveness...
begins with prayer.

As Jesus taught His disciples…and us…to pray, He included a phrase about forgiving those who sin against us.

Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:9-15 (Underlined for emphasis.)

That is pretty strong. If someone refuses to forgive, God won’t forgive them. Whoa! That is a sad thing. No forgiveness from God is an eternal death sentence. Remember one must be pure to stand before God—and sin blocks purity. That purity is only ours if we ask for forgiveness from God. The ultimate choice is ours.

Just as Peter asked about the number of times to forgive (see Matthew 18), Jesus addressed that issue with His disciples in the book of Luke.

Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive. Luke 17:4

Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus told His followers that the Messiah was to suffer, die, and be resurrected. That happened. The Messiah is Jesus. He also talked about forgiveness.

It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: 'There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.' Luke 24:47

James and Paul challenge us to help others—to be forgiving and to be involved in rescuing them from death—eternal death.

Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13

My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. James 5:19-20

Forgiveness is a big deal. It is an integral part of any good relationship—with God or with others. How to do it? Basically, with God, get down on your knees and ask for forgiveness. Repent. With others? It will depend on the relationship and what exactly needs to be addressed. Face-to-face conversation is always best, but via FaceTime, just a phone call, even a text message or an e-mail is acceptable. There are no hard and fast rules—just humbling your heart before others is a good way to start. Prayer is often a key to forgiveness. Ask God to give you wisdom and the proper words to say—to Him and to others. Consider if and what you have to forgive others and offer that forgiveness to them. Make allowances for each other’s faults…even your own.

If you have any suggestions, please write a comment by clicking on No Comments below and let others know how you have dealt with forgiveness in your life. Blessings ~

Prayer – Lord, forgive us our debts…as we forgive our debtors. Forgiveness is so important to my relationship with You, Lord God. Forgive me for not being more forgiving to others. You have forgiven me for so much.

Verse of Salvation ~ Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. Psalm 79:9

Happy Birthday Michelle!

Blessings on you and Jacob as you parent and live day by day for the Lord!

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 15, 2026

Practice the Presence of the Lord

Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, "If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD." 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Meditate. Read God’s word and fellowship with Him. Let Him speak to you. He desires your company.

When you are complimented on something you have done, what do you do? Do you beam and thank them for the accolade—grinning and nodding your head—thinking how great you are!? Or do you give credit to God?

Is your fragrance like that of a rose?

When was the last time you practiced the presence of God? Do you ever “feel” the presence of God? Practicing the presence of God is not just spending time reading the Bible or praying—but involves spending time in true fellowship with Him as His child. Can you spend an hour every morning worshipping Him with no requests—just giving of yourself with praise and adoration and your time, expressing your gratitude, honor, and love for Him? As you devote yourself to God who really wants to spend time with you, you will come away with a fragrant aroma that will last throughout the day because you’ve continued constant communion with Him.

Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:15

As you have a continual dialog with Jesus throughout the day, you will remain in His presence. No boasting—just the peace and joy that the Lord gives to you and through you to others. This is the way God wants us to live and seek Him.

Prayer – Lord God, I come before You, honored to be Your child and to visit with You today. You are an awesome God…and You are my God. May even Your very name be honored around the world…and in my heart, soul, and mind…today. I worship You. Thank You for this world and the eternal world that You’ve created. I am excited that one day we will all be together…forever. For now, I stand in awe in Your presence. Please go with me throughout this day, sharing and showing Your love to those around me. You are worthy of all praise and honor.

Verses of Salvation ~ If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people's affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God's household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God's Good News? And also, "If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?" So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Peter 4:14-19

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 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.