Banquet With The King

Monday, September 21, 2026

May God's Peace Be on This House.

Time for grape harvest.
Who will pick the fruit?
The workers are few...send more.

The Lord now chose (seventy) seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. These were his instructions to them: "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Don't take any money with you, nor a traveler's bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And don't stop to greet anyone on the road. Whenever you enter someone's home, first say, 'May God's peace be on this house.' If those who live there are peaceful, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you. Don't move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide. Don't hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay. If you enter a town and it welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you. Heal the sick, and tell them, 'The Kingdom of God is near you now.' But if a town refuses to welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 'We wipe even the dust of your town from our feet to show that we have abandoned you to your fate. And know this—the Kingdom of God is near!'" Luke 10:1-11

Meditate. Consider what the Lord was saying to these seventy or seventy-two disciples.

The harvest is great, but the workers are few. Will those workers be overworked, or will not all the harvest be brought in? They were sent out as lambs among wolves. Wolves can be ravenous, tearing their prey apart, limb by limb. The lambs are thought to be peaceable and patient, trusting Jesus for protection. These seventy-two were, in some Bible translations, numbered as only seventy, with the other two being followers who disobediently fell away. I did read in a commentary that the twelve disciples were sent to the Jews, whereas these seventy did not include any of the twelve, and they were sent to the Gentiles. I found that to be interesting.

Jesus gave some great advice to this large group of disciples, which He divided up into twos. No one traveled alone or in large groups. Don’t take any money, nor a bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. Offer a blessing: May God's peace be on this house. Don't hesitate to accept hospitality— eat whatever is set before you. Heal the sick, and tell them, 'The Kingdom of God is near you now.' Yes. Good advice to the young travelers sharing God’s good news and healing touch. Jesus would be going to those towns, too, healing and teaching more people. These guys were doing the initial footwork. What a privilege! Jesus knew that people would provide what they needed—food, clothes, sandals. God would take care of them. If the town didn’t accept them, then they were to say that they…wipe even the dust of your town from our feet to show that we have abandoned you to your fate. The roads were dusty, so of course they had dusty feet—probably dusty clothes and hair, too! But to be abandoned to one’s fate was a scary thought! Their fate will be hell if they reject Jesus!

Imagine yourself as one of these seventy followers sent out to unknown towns to heal and preach. The road is dusty, and it is getting late in the day. Ahhh. Here’s the town, finally. No GPS to navigate there, maybe only a list of towns to visit. Was there a scrap of parchment with a crude map? Well, we’ve arrived. There are men at the city gate, and one is standing up to welcome us. He will take us to his home and provide for us while we are visiting his town. Arriving at his humble dwelling, we give him God’s blessing of peace on this house. He nods. Maybe he knows our God? Oh, he has a sick child, lame from a fall off a donkey. Can you heal him? He has heard of the miracles of Jesus, but we are not Jesus. Can we heal this boy? We will certainly try. Laying our hands on the young man’s head and shoulders, we pray to God in Jesus name for a healing, for strength. Miraculously, he stands up. Healed! We have seen Jesus heal so many people of a variety of diseases and ailments, but we have never healed anyone. God has blessed this family through us. We are overjoyed. Praise be to God the Father! The whole family is rejoicing! The father of the house gives thanks. Now he believes in Jesus. The mother of the boy is hugging him, as are his older sister and brother. The mother tells us of others in the village who need a healing touch. We’ll have work to do for several days—praying and sharing this Good News about Jesus. Is this how you’d envision yourself serving God as one of the seventy?

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you that Your power is still available, real, and not just meant for the twelve disciples—but for all Your followers. That means us, too. Times have not changed. The Kingdom of God is near! You are here with us now, just as You were with the seventy disciples, providing all that is needed and a healing touch. Your love is everlasting. I praise You.

Verses of Salvation ~ Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, "It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles. For the Lord gave us this command when he said, 'I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.'" When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers. Acts 13:46-48 (Underlined for emphasis.)

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, September 20, 2026

Sabbath?

On the seventh day...God rested.

Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don't pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD's holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don't follow your own desires or talk idly. Then the LORD will be your delight. I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the LORD, have spoken!" Isaiah 58:13-14

Meditate. Consider God’s command about the sabbath.

From where does celebrating the Sabbath originate? In the beginning, after God created everything, He rested. He took a break from His work. Resting is an important part of the Sabbath Day. God declared that day—the seventh day—holy.

So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. 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 2:1-3

The first time we see an actual Sabbath Day declared is when the children of Israel on their Exodus pilgrimage complained because they were hungry. God supplied their needs with manna and quail for six days, with twice as much on that sixth day to last them through the seventh day—the Sabbath.

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Look, I'm going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they will gather food, and when they prepare it, there will be twice as much as usual." ... He told them, "This is what the LORD commanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for the LORD. So bake or boil as much as you want today, and set aside what is left for tomorrow." So they put some aside until morning, just as Moses had commanded. And in the morning the leftover food was wholesome and good, without maggots or odor. Moses said, "Eat this food today, for today is a Sabbath day dedicated to the LORD. There will be no food on the ground today. You may gather the food for six days, but the seventh day is the Sabbath. There will be no food on the ground that day." Some of the people went out anyway on the seventh day, but they found no food. The LORD asked Moses, "How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and instructions? They must realize that the Sabbath is the LORD's gift to you. That is why he gives you a two-day supply on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days. On the Sabbath day you must each stay in your place. Do not go out to pick up food on the seventh day." So the people did not gather any food on the seventh day. The Israelites called the food manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers. Exodus 16:4-5, 23-31

Then God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, which specifically dedicated the seventh day as the Sabbath.

Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. Exodus 20:8-11

God was very specific about His people observing the sabbath and what would happen to them if they ignored His command. He gave these instructions to the Hebrew people through Moses at the time that He inscribed the Ten Commandments onto the sacred stones.

"Tell the people of Israel: 'Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy. You must keep the Sabbath day, for it is a holy day for you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; anyone who works on that day will be cut off from the community. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the LORD. Anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death. The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time. It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.'" Exodus 31:13-17

Death for not observing the Sabbath?! That seems pretty serious. Can we assume that God still holds us to that expectation? On which day are Christians to observe the Sabbath? Saturday or Sunday? Is there another day that is appropriate? We’ll look at this again soon. In the meantime, pray about it and ask for God’s wisdom, understanding, and mercy as you contemplate the Sabbath. The decision is your own as to what you do to observe God’s Day and what day of the week is for your Sabbath.

No matter what day you observe as Sabbath—Shabbat, as a Hebrew custom, is to honor God. The Jewish calendar observes Shabbat from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. They serve a special meal that is all prepared in advance, because they do NO work on Shabbat. Even lighting candles is considered work, so they must be lit before sundown. Jews may also attend a religious service in their synagogue and spend special time with family and friends. Studying the Torah and singing Jewish songs are traditional activities for those observing Shabbat. If someone wants to honor God and keep His commandments, then they will observe a Sabbath day.

As you observe the Sabbath, are you honoring God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and your relationship with Him? The decision is your own as to what you do to observe God’s Day and what day of the week is for your Sabbath. The important thing may just be to observe God’s commandment.

Prayer – Lord God, I’ve been confused over the years about celebrating the Sabbath. Some people say that Christians don’t have to observe Your commandment about keeping the Sabbath on Saturday—as declared in the Ten Commandments, while others say that Sunday is the Sabbath since that was the day that Jesus was raised from the dead. Please give me insight into not only when to observe the Sabbath, but how to observe it. I certainly don’t want to “work” on Your Sabbath day…and be put to death for that!

Verses of Salvation ~ You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9

Portions reused from May 4, 2024, 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.

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Do You Want to Burn Them Up?

Should they burn up?

He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, "Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?" But Jesus turned and rebuked them. So they went on to another village. Luke 9:52-56

Meditate. Consider opposition.

What were James and John thinking? "Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?" They wanted to destroy that Samaritan village. It couldn’t have been the same Samaritan village of Sychar, where the woman at the well lived, described in John 4. Many people came to believe in Jesus as the Messiah, so they would likely have welcomed Jesus. Jesus didn’t come to destroy, but to heal, as He described to John the Baptist’s followers.

Then he told John's disciples, "Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—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." Luke 7:22

The opposition from the Samaritans was cultural, since they didn’t respect the Jewish faith, the Temple, and Jerusalem. They were a mixed race that created resistance, conflict, and hostility with the Jews. But Jesus didn’t choose to destroy them. He didn’t want them to burn up. Would you? Remember that God sent His Son to earth because He loved people…and He doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed. He wants them to believe in Jesus as their Savior.

Jesus and His disciples went on to another village on their way to Jerusalem. Were they greeted more hospitably there? Would you welcome Jesus and His disciples?

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for Your compassion and love for those Samaritans who didn’t welcome You into their city. Forgive us for times that we oppose that same type of people now—those who contradict Your values and goals. Those who resist You. Give us wisdom and boldness to stand up for You.

Verse of Salvation ~ Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. Ephesians 4:2-6

Happy Birthday, Naomi!

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, September 18, 2026

Your Faith Has Healed You

As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" He looked at them and said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, "Praise God!" He fell to the ground at Jesus' feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Didn't I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" And Jesus said to the man, "Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you." Luke 17:11-19

Meditate. Consider Jesus mercy and healing.

Earlier in His ministry, Jesus spoke at the synagogue in Nazareth about a leper healed in the Old Testament times. The Pharisees were familiar with this story and were angry at Jesus because He used an example of a Gentile being healed, like the foreigner that Jesus had just healed. Furthermore, there was no record of healing Jews with leprosy in the Jewish Bible, only a Syrian, a foreigner.

And many in Israel had leprosy in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian." When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Luke 4:27-28

Was healing only meant for the Jews? The Pharisees didn’t want to recognize Jesus as the Messiah—or even acknowledge that His power was from God, but they wanted to keep this “healing” for their own people. Ironic! What do you think? I can almost hear Jesus laughing at them. They are furious…and I think He is amused! He is amazed that only one of the ten healed lepers came back to thank Him. Would you? Thanking Jesus is so very important. He gave us an example by thanking our Heavenly Father frequently. Only one healed leper thanked Jesus. His faith in Jesus healed him.

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! "My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Matthew 11:25-27

Paul was sincerely thankful, too, as he expressed in his letter to Timothy.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him. 1 Timothy 1:12

Are you appreciative of Jesus and of God the Father for all that He has done for you?

What do you discover about Jesus in this scripture passage today?

Prayer – Lord God, thank you-thank you-thank you for all that You have done…and for Your plan, dear Heavenly Father, that will guide us into eternity. You are an amazing God…and You are my God. You’ve forgiven my sins and healed my bad attitude. Thank You! I praise You!

Verse of Salvation ~ May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians 1:11

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Rhubarb
Only stalks, not leaves, are edible.

This is still rhubarb season. I’ve been enjoying plenty from my garden…and more will be ready soon! Do you have rhubarb in your garden…or have you picked some up at Farmer’s Market this week?

Here’s a recipe that I recently discovered that came from a friend of my Mom’s. They often shared rhubarb dessert recipes.

Rhubarb Cookies

1 cup butter or coconut oil

1¼ cups brown sugar

2 eggs

3 cups flour (gluten-free if desired)

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1½ cups diced rhubarb stalks

¾ cup coconut (optional) or chopped nuts

Mix together butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs, mixing well. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add to the creamed mixture. Add rhubarb and coconut or nuts, mixing carefully.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto parchment-lined or an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Let cool on a rack.

Knowing the Lord is what life is all about.

Knowing Him is Life.

Please leave your 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, September 17, 2026

Traveling to Jerusalem

When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went down to the region of Judea east of the Jordan River. Matthew 19:1

Then Jesus left Capernaum and went down to the region of Judea and into the area east of the Jordan River. Once again crowds gathered around him, and as usual he was teaching them. Mark 10:1

As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:51

Meditate on traveling.

Model of the Temple and the City of Jerusalem
at Jesus' time.
As seen in modern-day Jerusalem, Israel.

Jesus’ Galilean ministry came to an end, as He headed to Jerusalem. He knew what lay ahead of Him in that city. Death on a cross. But He had a ways to go before He would arrive in Jerusalem, and there were so many people still to touch, to heal, and even one to raise from the dead. Would you have wanted to be one traveling with Jesus, or to be one whom He healed? It must have been wonderfully exciting to be there with the Savior, the Messiah, the traveling Rabbi. The roads were dusty, and the food may have been scarce. There weren’t always lakes or seas, rivers, or even ponds for these fishermen to fish for their dinner, yet they must have eaten. Jesus knew the formula for manna, and if He could feed 5,000, He could certainly feed twelve to twenty. His followers kept their eyes on Jesus and witnessed Him teaching, healing, and helping. Just to be in the presence of The Master, I would be filled with peace and joy. To talk, laugh, and maybe even sing with Him would be wonderful. That day will come. For now, travel with Him as He journeys to Jerusalem.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You were ultimately obedient to our Heavenly Father. I imagine that He told You…It is time to go. And You headed for the big city…stopping along the way for more teaching and healing opportunities. Last days bonuses for those around You. Thank You for Your example of obedience. May we all seek to be like You.

Verse of Salvation ~ (Isaiah’s prayer for Jerusalem.) Because I love Zion, I will not keep still. Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch. Isaiah 62:1

Leave a comment below. What would it be like to travel with Jesus?

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, September 16, 2026

Is He Out of His Mind?

Don't eat strange mushrooms.
You may discover that you are out of your mind.
Jesus was not eating strange mushrooms--
just healing a man born blind.

When he said these things, the people were again divided in their opinions about him. Some said, "He's demon-possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?" Others said, "This doesn't sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?" John 10:19-21

Meditate on divided opinions.

You hear it every day. People on one side or the other about something…from school issues to what the President has most recently said. Divided opinions. That is just what they are spouting. Opinions! Not facts.

Here in this scripture, people were taking sides and voicing their opinions. Jesus had just restored the eyesight for a man born blind. That was a fact. Was Jesus demon-possessed, or was He from God? Some could see that Jesus’ power was not demonic. What is your opinion about what Jesus did? Is He out of His mind? Are those who just don’t see the truth and power “Out of their minds?”

What do you conclude about Jesus, His power, and His relationship with those voicing their opinions about Him?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You were amazingly merciful as You restored the eyesight of that man who had been born blind. I believe that You are the Messiah—the Savior of the World…my Savior. Thank You.

Verse of Salvation ~ Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

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, September 15, 2026

Voluntary Sacrifice

Sheep grazing in Israel.
Are they listening for their shepherd's voice?
Are you?

"I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded." John 10:14-18

Meditate on sacrifice. To what voice, advice, or stories are you listening?

Have you ever been around sheep and noticed that they follow their shepherd when he calls to them? Listen for Jesus’ voice. Jesus is our shepherd and He tells us in this passage today that He sacrificed His own life for His sheep. That’s us. Sacrificed. Gave up His very human life. Would we do that for anyone? Jesus gave us lots of advice. Consider His teaching to his disciples when they asked about the end of the age.

Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Matthew 24:4-8

Wars and rumors of wars. Although wars have been almost constant throughout history, we have conflicts occurring now in and around Israel that people are attributing to end times. Have you Googled information on earthquakes lately? There have even been a series of small quakes within 60 miles of my home that appear to be related to fault lines that go all the way other fault lines in the Pacific Ocean. Does all this point to the End Times about which Jesus was warning? He told His disciples not to be misled. He also told them to be prepared. How are you preparing yourself and your family for such a time as this?

Remember how Mordecai challenged his cousin Queen Esther, wife of Persian King Ahasuerus, to prepare herself to save the Jewish people from eradication.

Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: "Don't think for a moment that because you're in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?" Esther 4:13-14

So—has God prepared you where you are to encourage others at such a time as this? Will you keep silent or speak up for the Lord? The choice is yours to respond to Jesus’ message to be prepared and not to be deceived.

What do we learn about Jesus from this passage?

Prayer – Lord, I’m listening for Your voice. Help me to hear it clearly amongst all the noise today. Don’t let me be swayed by those who claim that they are telling Your story—but they are trying to glorify themselves, not You.

Verse of Salvation ~ Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:16

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

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Monday, September 14, 2026

It’s All About the Money

Do you see the wolf?
I watched it and it watched me.
Jesus kept me safe!
Goose Paririe, WA

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don't belong to him and he isn't their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he's working only for the money and doesn't really care about the sheep. John 10:11-13

Meditate. Consider more of Jesus’ teachings.

Jesus is the good shepherd. He knows His sheep—those who believe in Him and follow Him—and they know Him. He is not a hired hand. Jesus is the Son of God—the true owner of the sheep. Of course, we know that those “sheep” have been adopted into God’s very family. (See Romans 8:15, 23.) That is a promise I cling to and for which I have an everlasting hope. Additionally, Jesus has promised that He will never abandon us.

For the LORD loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die. Psalm 37:28

Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you." Hebrews 13:5 (quote from Deuteronomy 31:6, 8)

It’s all about the money for the hired hand—but not for Jesus…or for us. What a promise! I will never fail you. I will never abandon you. Jesus is our good shepherd. He cares about His sheep.

Does this scripture inspire you to trust in Jesus more?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for not abandoning us when things get rough and wolves come chasing us. There on the cross, You may have felt that God the Father had forsaken You, but He only turned His back on sin, not on You. Likewise, You have forgiven us for all our sins…and now have promised that You will never abandon us. Thank You for keeping those wolves away and fighting for us.

Verse of Salvation ~ And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-28

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

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