Banquet With The King

Friday, October 9, 2026

Is Life More Than Food?

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

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

Meditate on Life and Food.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Are You Building Bigger Barns?

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

Meditate on storing your harvest.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Who Is Your Teacher?

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

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

Meditate on the Holy Spirit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Do You Fear God?

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

Meditate on your value to God.

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday, Evelyn

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

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

Monday, October 5, 2026

Beware…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Many Believed…Can You?

He went beyond the Jordan River near the place where John was first baptizing and stayed there awhile. And many followed him. "John didn't perform miraculous signs," they remarked to one another, "but everything he said about this man has come true." And many who were there believed in Jesus. John 10:40-42

Meditate on believing.

The Holy Spirit in the form of the Dove.
Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit.

Everything that John said about Jesus came true. What did John say about Jesus?

"I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire." Matthew 3:11-12 (Underlined for emphasis.)

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, 'A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.' I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel." Then John testified, "I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn't know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God." John 1:29-34

At this time, John the Baptist had died, but his followers knew that Jesus had lived up to His teaching and miracles. Jesus had shown that He was greater than John the Baptist, and He indeed did take away the sins of the world. While John was still living, Jesus talked with his disciples…

Jesus told them, "Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen-- the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor." Matthew 11:4-5

Jesus continued to fulfill the expectations of His Father to perform various miracles. He was the Chosen One of God. Many followed and believed in Jesus. Would you? Do you?

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

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are amazing. It must have been a little déjà vu, returning to the place where John had baptized You. Were You listening for God’s voice…And a voice from heaven said, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy." Matthew 3:17. Were You looking for that dove, the Holy Spirit, who descended at Your baptism? I wasn’t there—but I believe in You as the Son of God and the great miracle worker. I praise You.

Verse of Salvation ~ Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and endurance. Hebrews 6:11-12

Happy Birthday, Lisa!

Blessings on you…today and always—with Much Love and Prayers.

Enjoy your Happy Place!

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

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

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Stoned for Blasphemy?

Could these be stones that would have been
thrown at Jesus?
Rocks in a wall in Israel.

Once again the people picked up stones to kill him. Jesus said, "At my Father's direction I have done many good works. For which one are you going to stone me?" They replied, "We're stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God." Jesus replied, "It is written in your own Scriptures that God said to certain leaders of the people, 'I say, you are gods!' And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. So if those people who received God's message were called 'gods,' why do you call it blasphemy when I say, 'I am the Son of God'? After all, the Father set me apart and sent me into the world. Don't believe me unless I carry out my Father's work. But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don't believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father." Once again they tried to arrest him, but he got away and left them. John 10:31-39

Meditate. Read God’s word and see His works.

Which of the miracles of Jesus most impressed you? Feeding the five thousand, healing the man blind from birth, healing the lame man whose friends let him down through the roof, healing the lepers, saving the man with the demons, raising a little girl from the dead, restoring the widow’s son to life? Or some other amazing action? He interacted with each of His disciples and countless other people, like the woman with the bleeding issue, the father and his son who threw himself into the fire, the Mary who anointed Him with oil, and raising Lazareth from the dead. Jesus did all His miracles at the request of His Father. Which do you think offended the Jewish people enough to stone Him? But Jesus escaped. It wasn’t His time—so Jesus was protected.

What do we learn from this passage of scripture about Jesus that will improve our relationship with Him?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are the great miracle worker, and I am in awe of all the wonderful things You did. I believe in You, and I certainly would not throw any stones. How could they want to do that? Couldn’t they see that You are in the Father…and the Father is in You, guiding and directing You in all that You’ve done? Together You are wise, merciful, compassionate, and loving. Thank You.

Verse of Salvation ~ So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose. Hebrews 2:3-4

Happy Okinawa Birthday, Lisa-Chan!

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

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

Friday, October 2, 2026

Are You Afraid of Being Snatched Away?

Jesus replied, "I have already told you, and you don't believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father's name. But you don't believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. The Father and I are one." John 10:25-30

Meditate on God’s love—no snatching.

Sheep grazing in Israel.

Imagine yourself to be a sheep grazing peacefully in a grassy field with your shepherd watching over you. He’s not going to let any wolf, lion, or even a coyote snatch you away. He loves you and is going to keep you from harm. Well…he might eat you himself after a few years…maybe not until your lifespan is up at ten to twelve years. But until then, you are valuable to him for your wooly coat…and the love you share. Basically, it’s all about love. In Jesus flock, there is no end of life. He gives eternal life to those who follow Him. They truly belong to the Father and… No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. And, just as importantly, none of them will perish.

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

Do you feel protected? You should. I do. I know that harm can come even though I love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, but spiritual harm will not happen because I belong to the Lord God Almighty. No one, nothing, can snatch me away from Him. Like the sheep, I listen to hear His voice—even the still small voice of the Holy Spirit calls to me. Do you hear it? Are you listening? Are you afraid that something will snatch you away from God?

Seek Him. Learn more about God and His love for you. It is the responsibility of each of us to develop our relationship with Him, like the sheep following the shepherd, knowing His voice.

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

Prayer – Lord God, thank you for Your protection and love. I am overwhelmed by the mere thought that I am important enough to You that You would protect me. No one can snatch me away from You. Amazing love…how can it be?

Verse of Salvation ~ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:8-10

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

This is the end of the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot. It is a joyful celebration of the harvest and remembrance of the Lord setting them free from the slavery of Egypt and providing for them for forty years in the desert on their way to the Promised Land (see Leviticus 23:43). There is no one particular food associated with this festive time, just seasonal fruits and vegetables. For my Small Group fellowship, I recently used zucchini and apples in this favorite apple cake recipe.

Simple Apple Cake - Variation Z

½ cup avocado oil or applesauce

2 eggs

2 cups + 2 Tbsp flour (can be whole grain and unbleached flours)

2 tsp vanilla

4 cups chopped apples and zucchini mixed – don’t peel

1½ cups sugar (less if a very sweet apple)

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp salt

½ cup chopped pecans, optional – plus extra to sprinkle on top of cake before baking

Combine all ingredients, using one apple and whatever zucchini to total 4 cups of fruit and veggies. Pour into a 9X13-inch pan. Top with chopped nuts or decorate with whole nut pieces before baking.

Bake at 350 degrees for 65 minutes. This will store and keep fresh for a week or more.

Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped topping.

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

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