Banquet With The King

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.

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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.

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