Banquet With The King

Friday, October 16, 2026

Paid in Pennies?

Depiction of Roman Coins.
Biblical era.
Are they worth pennies?

When you are on the way to court with your accuser, try to settle the matter before you get there. Otherwise, your accuser may drag you before the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, who will throw you into prison. And if that happens, you won't be free again until you have paid the very last penny. Luke 12:58-59

Meditate on disagreements that could go to court.

I’ve never understood the whole idea of keeping a person in prison or jail until they have paid their fine. How can they pay when they can’t work to earn money? Did their family have to raise the money? Was there a possible servanthood established to work off the payment? The same thing happens in the court system today. A person can be fined as well as sentenced to jail or prison time. How do they pay? The pennies all add up.

Jesus recommends that the person try to settle the matter with the accuser before going in front of the judge. No jail time is involved unless the court assigns it. Wise advice.

Consider who the judge is if you put this into a spiritual context. Jesus is our ultimate judge.

What do we learn about Jesus from this passage?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You give such wise advice. I guess that is because You know everything! Thank You for providing us insight into any problem we might have—especially those we create for ourselves. Most of all…Thank You for taking our sins to the cross. We would be lost, forsaken, and eternally dead without You. You’ve shown us amazing grace.

Verse of Salvation ~ You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Colossians 2:13-15

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

The key to enjoying a good meal is to have good health. Good health depends on a good immune system. Garlic is a healthy food that supports our immune system to prevent disease and to help restore good health. Garlic is very effective at destroying bacteria and viruses. Interestingly, garlic is only eliminated from the body via the respiratory system. As it goes, it takes the bacteria and viruses with it. So breathe deeply…always…and have some garlic and honey regularly.

We can’t live on bread alone. Sometimes, we just crave a little something sweet. A spoonful—even a very small spoonful—of honey may be just what we need. Honey is a great anti-inflammatory food with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Combine it with another antibacterial and disease fighting food, garlic, you actually get a symbiotic effect. The two together work better than either one alone. To combine these two miraculous foods, you can pickle or ferment garlic in honey.

Cold season is upon us…and the flu is not far behind. Remember the old adage…Feed a cold, starve a fever. I find that with a cold and sore throat, some chicken soup is best along with some lemon and honey. Actually, fermented garlic honey is the very best. I still had a little left from last year and have brewed up a couple more pint jars with local honey and fresh garlic from my garden to use this fall and winter.

Essence of Garlic-Honey

Heads of roasted garlic.
You can ferment these with honey.
To your health!

A head of fresh garlic

Local pure honey

Simply crush the cloves of one head of garlic and place in a sterile pint jar. Cover with raw, unpasteurized local honey, filling to within one-half inch of the top of the jar. Seal and set on your counter for a few days, turning the jar over to gently shake it a couple of times daily. After about a week, simply use the honey, by the spoonful in anyway you would use honey, and use the garlic in the way you normally use garlic. Both together would be good in salad dressings, in meat or vegetable marinates, or even in soup or stew. Store for a month at room temperature.

Over the years, I’ve had a bit of a sore throat, from postnasal drip—not Covid—and a tiny spoonful of this honey-garlic mixture amazingly takes away that scratchy soreness. Recently, I drizzled it over thinly sliced apples for a quick dessert. You could do that for a snack, too. Yum.

Do you like honey? Don't eat too much, or it will make you sick! Proverbs 25:16

Portions of Friday’s Feast comes from March 4, 2016, and January 21, 2022, Banquet With The King blogs

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 15, 2026

Are You a Weather Watcher?

Then Jesus turned to the crowd and said, "When you see clouds beginning to form in the west, you say, 'Here comes a shower.' And you are right. When the south wind blows, you say, 'Today will be a scorcher.' And it is. You fools! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don't know how to interpret the present times. Why can't you decide for yourselves what is right?" Luke 12:54-57

Meditate. Consider signs of the times.

Are you a weather watcher? You can tell how the day will be by the sunrise and sunset, cloud patterns, temperature, and wind directions, but do you watch for the current political and religious signs? What is going on in the Middle East and around the world? Do you pray for wisdom for the leaders of all nations…or even just the country in which you live? Why can't you decide for yourselves what is right?

Biblically, God has given us directions as to what is going to happen at the end times. Read Ezekiel 38 where a description of terror is foretold for Israel…and other nations.

But this is what the Sovereign LORD says: When Gog invades the land of Israel, my fury will boil over! In my jealousy and blazing anger, I promise a mighty shaking in the land of Israel on that day. All living things--the fish in the sea, the birds of the sky, the animals of the field, the small animals that scurry along the ground, and all the people on earth--will quake in terror at my presence. Mountains will be thrown down; cliffs will crumble; walls will fall to the earth. I will summon the sword against you on all the hills of Israel, says the Sovereign LORD. Your men will turn their swords against each other. I will punish you and your armies with disease and bloodshed; I will send torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and burning sulfur! In this way, I will show my greatness and holiness, and I will make myself known to all the nations of the world. Then they will know that I am the LORD. Ezekiel 38:18-23

This is just one of God’s eye-opening descriptions that warn us of what is to come. There are notes of the last days in both the Old and New Testaments. Paul and Peter write about these with advice.

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 Timothy 3:1

Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 2 Peter 3:3

Jesus was asked about the end times by His disciples. Here is briefly His response. Read more of Matthew 24 for additional clues.

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, "Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?" 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. ... "Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. ... Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Matthew 24:3-7, 9, 12-14

Did you read the October 12, Banquet With The King blog, that listed some of the things we should do to get ready? Jesus told us to be prepared. We may or may not be alive when Christ returns, but we are told to be prepared. Are you watching the weather of the times? Are you ready for any storm?

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

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I am seeking Your face and hope that I am living up to Your expectations. There are so many scriptures of which I need to be aware in order to Be Prepared. Holy Spirit, if I’m missing something I NEED to do…please show me what I should be doing. I praise You. Lord God, and joyfully anticipate these last days, even if it means difficult times.

Verses of Salvation ~ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance--an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 1 Peter 1:3-5

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 14, 2026

Did Jesus Come to Bring Peace?

Should we pray for peace for Jerusalem?
In this sign in Israel, they asked us to do that.
Pray for peace for all the world?

I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning! I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished. Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! From now on families will be split apart, three in favor of me, and two against—or two in favor and three against. 'Father will be divided against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.'" Luke 12:49-53

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in Scripture. Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

Jesus said… Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? What do you think? At Christmas we give and receive cards that say “Peace on Earth” because that is just what is recorded that the angels said when Jesus was born.

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger." Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased." Luke 2:9-14 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Just before His arrest, Jesus spoke plainly to His disciples, and then prayed to our Heavenly Father concerning them. He was encouraging them not to worry about Him, but to have peace.

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 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Jesus wanted them to have peace and not be afraid. Here in the scripture today, a bit earlier in His ministry, Jesus is telling His disciples and a crowd of people that He came to divide people. What divide people? That’s what He says. Some people, even in the same families, will be for Him and some will be against Him. We see that today with families who have different points of view on religion—to the point of not even speaking to each other. Hmmm. Is this what Jesus was referring to? God also gives us a little insight into the desire for peace in Paul’s letter to the Colossians.

For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ's blood on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Many of the Old Testament authors write about peace. Do a search for yourself and discover promises for peace and that there will be no peace. Paul also proclaims his desire for peace to the Colossians.

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

Peace is a desire for no conflict, a feeling of security which all of humanity may strive for and not attain. Peace can be a quality of satisfaction, an absence of conflict, or a state of tranquility. It is also an assurance of salvation. Peace is one of the nine qualities of the Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! – Galatians 5:22-23 (Emphasis underlined.)

Do you have or seek peace for your soul?

What do we learn about Jesus in today’s scripture emphasis?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I do seek Your peace through the forgiveness of my sin and in the hope I have in You for a lifetime of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Thank You for Your love…for me…and for all of mankind. You’ve said that there will be conflict within families, but I praise You for the love that my own family finds in You and that we see in others because of You.

Verse of Salvation ~ How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! Isaiah 52:7

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 13, 2026

Be Ready – Much Will Be Required

"You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected." Peter asked, "Lord, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?" And the Lord replied, "A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. But what if the servant thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful. And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn't prepared and doesn't carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. Luke 12:40-48

Meditate on what is required.

Graves at the Mount of Olives
Jerusalem, Israel
Will they see Jesus when He returns there?

For the last couple of years, I’ve been noticing that there are a lot of people who are afraid to die. Even some Christian people who are assured of an afterlife in the glories of heaven aren’t looking forward to death. That is why I embarked on a journey to look at death, fear, and dying. Personally, I am looking forward to a great banquet with the King—my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ—on that day that I am taken home to Heaven. Time is irrelevant in Heaven. I am looking forward to walking the streets of gold and seeing this new heaven and new earth that Jesus is preparing for us. I am not in a hurry to go there…certainly wouldn’t do anything to cause that journey to begin any earlier than God has planned…but Jesus told us to be ready.

Ready for what you might ask. Death? Rapture? Prepared, prayed up, and ready for Christ’s return to take His church to Heaven? Either way…be prepared. We are given more examples in the Bible of being prepared…being ready. See yesterday’s blog.

The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! Luke 12:37

Be ready to go to heaven…but in the meantime…be ready to serve God here on earth.

Are you afraid to die…or afraid to live? Have no fear, but be prepared to know what you can do to help yourself and others dealing with grief—from any loss, whether it is a person, job, home, or something that you treasure. It is helpful to most people to have someone to talk to or a group of people, not necessarily at the same time. A minister at our base chapel years ago (my husband was in the Air Force) said that if a person has five friends in whom to confide, then they’ll never need to seek a psychiatrist or counselor. You can always take your cares directly to the Lord in prayer. Jesus is still the Great Physician, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Note that Jesus also warns about what is required of believers.

And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn't prepared and doesn't carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. (Verses 47-48).

Think about what God wants you to do—wants each of us to do with the Spiritual Gifts we have been given. Those gifts are meant to be used in service to the body of believers. Do you do it? Do you do what God, the master, expects?

What do you learn about Jesus, His characteristics, His expectations? How will you respond?

Prayer – Jesus, thank You for Your promise…"When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am." John 14:3. Come quickly, Jesus. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Verse of Salvation ~ And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 1 Peter 1:5

Portions reused from May 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

Monday, October 12, 2026

Are You Ready? Ready for What?

Keep the lamp of your lighthouse burning...
...to warn others and keep yourself safe.
Lighthouse at Mukilteo, Washington.

Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the ready servants. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Luke 12:35-40

Meditate. Consider how to prepare for end times.

Are you a checklist person? Do you set goals…and then daily try to take some little action to reach those goals? So spiritually, what are your goals?

Are you ready for service?

Is your lamp burning—are you filled with the Holy Spirit?

Are you ready to open the door for Christ? Are you asking Him to be part of your life?

Do you trust God with the little details and the big decisions in your life?

How do you want to grow spiritually?

Do you want to help others grow spiritually?

What scripture do you want to memorize?

Are there things for which you need to repent?

Are you ready for Christ’s return?

Jesus told His disciples to be ready since they wouldn’t know the hour or the day that He would return. Those who are ready will be rewarded.

You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Luke 12:40

The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! Luke 12:37

When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:3

So, it is time to be ready—and those who aren’t will be like dead vines—they’ll be trimmed off. Each person will make their own choice. Love God—and be a faithful follower or reject God and be thrown into the fire.

Even now the ax of God's judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. Luke 3:9

To prepare for the Last Days…

Get Joyful.

When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God of Heaven's Armies. Jeremiah 15:16

Study and Memorize Scripture.

But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say, 'People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Matthew 4:4

Get Accountable.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

Get Protected.

Watch out! Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21:34-36

Are you faithful and ready?

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

What do you learn about Jesus that you can apply to your life…to your relationship with Him?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I feel like I am about as ready as I can ever be. I am ready to serve you...today and always. Is there anything else I need to do to get ready for Your return?

Verse of Salvation ~ This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 1 Peter 1:10

Portions reused from August 13, 2023, 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.

Sunday, October 11, 2026

Store Up Your Treasures Where They Will Be Safe

What is the desire of your heart?

So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it, and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Luke 12:32-34

Meditate on the desires of your heart.

…give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! …Your treasure will be safe. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

During His ministry, I recall that Jesus was asked by a rich young man, who kept the commandments, what more he should do to enter God’s kingdom. Jesus answered with this same response about selling your possessions and giving to those in need. Can you do that? Where are your treasures—in heaven or your bank safe deposit box?

There is also some wise advice in Psalms where we are told that God will give us the desires of our hearts.

Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:3-5

Is the Kingdom of God and Heaven the desire of your heart?

What do we observe about Jesus from our scripture passage today?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are what I treasure most in life. Side by side and within my heart, You are with me always. I cannot sell or give You away. I can share You with others…as I am doing now.

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

Portions reused from May 5, 2026, 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, October 10, 2026

Are You Looking at Lilies? Are You Seeking God’s Kingdom?

Lily

Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. Luke 12:27-31

Meditate on God knowing your needs.

God knows our needs…and admittedly, He knows our thoughts, plans, and hopes, so He knows our wants, too. Is He concerned about our “wants” as much as “needs?” Do you want to be dressed like a lily? Since we are told that He will give you everything you need…surely when we “ask” He hears and will answer us. Jesus told His disciples to ask the Father, in His name. You may wonder why do people always end their prayer with “in Jesus’ name?” It is because Jesus said to do that.

At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. John 16:23-24

Above all else… Seek the Kingdom of God. What does that mean? God is spiritual. We can only know Him, as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, through the word of God, which is the Bible. Of course, we can see God in nature since He created it, and in other people. Love is from God, because God is love, as told to us in the book of First John.

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

God is love. Where have you seen Him today? Are you filled with abundant joy?

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

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You love us enough to die for us. That is amazing love. Thank You.

Verses of Salvation ~ And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:13-16

Happy Birthday, Mary Ellen!

Blessing and Much Love

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

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