Banquet With The King

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

What Are You Willing To Give Up?

Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? And if he can't, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own. Luke 14:31-33

Don't be a pig. Let go of your stuff.
Put Jesus first in your life.
Follow Him.

Meditate. What have you got to lose?

Jesus told His disciples and other followers that they had to give up everything to follow Him. Everything. Peter, James, John and Andrew gave up their fishing…fish, nets, boats, life at the Sea of Galilee…to follow Jesus when He called to them…“Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19. Note that James and John even left their father, Zebedee, to follow Jesus. Do you think that they counted the cost like those kings about to go to battle? Did they stop to figure out how much income they would lose? I don’t think so. The Rabbi was calling them to come…whereas usually the disciple asks the Rabbi if he can follow. Big switch. They gave up everything…can we do the same? What do I need to “give up” to follow Jesus? What do you need to give up to follow Jesus?

What do we learn about Jesus from this Scripture passage today?

Prayer – Jesus, I hear You calling, “Follow Me….” Are you asking me to do what You asked the religious leader who came to You asking what he must do to inherit eternal life? You answered… "There is still one thing you haven't done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Luke 18:22. You are my treasure in heaven. Whatever it takes…I will follow You.

Verse of Salvation ~ Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. 1 Thessalonians 4:1

Portions of today’s devotion recycled from August 10, 2017, Banquet With The King blog.

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

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

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Cost of Discipleship

Unusual building in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Did the builder change his mind...
or just not count the cost?

"But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, 'There's the person who started that building and couldn't afford to finish it!' Luke 14:28-30

Meditate. Consider planning and figuring out the cost of a project and what you want to accomplish.

What will discipleship cost you? Time, money, effort?

What is the first step in building a building, a bridge, or a relationship? For a bridge or building, you must plan and evaluate the need for a bridge. Is there a need for a relationship—or building a better relationship? Of course—we all need others in our lives—connections with other people. Even people who are introverts, need other people. It is a basic human instinct—although there are some true hermits and loners in this world. Even more important…we all need to have a god in our lives. Even atheists have things they worship. Our Christian God is one that wants to be worshipped exclusively. I believe in Him as the creator and savior of the world and I seek to worship Him exclusively, just as He commanded.

In building a relationship, choose the right person…or God…with whom to build a connection. Since we are born into a family, we can’t choose our family, but we can choose our friends and the god—our God whom we worship—to get closer to. That first step—choosing—is important. Decide with whom you want a deeper relationship. You don’t want to worship the wrong God and you don’t want to be in relationships with the wrong people—druggies, selfish whiners, or those who are abusive, either mentally or physically. Choose your friends wisely and teach your children to do that, too.

What do you learn about Jesus from this scripture passage?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I want to build my relationship with You…and with others around me to ultimately bring glory to You.

Verse of Salvation ~ But I keep praying to you, LORD, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation. Psalm 69:13

Portions reused from January 3, 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.

Monday, October 26, 2026

Do You Want to Be Jesus’ Disciple?

Which Cross Would You Carry?

A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, "If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple."
Luke 14:25-27

Meditate on discipleship and carrying your own cross.

This is Jesus’ expectation: Carry your own cross. He had said the same thing just a while earlier in His ministry as recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

· Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me." Matthew 16:24

· Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me." Mark 8:34

· Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23

Key to each of these passages is that we must give up our own way. No selfish attitude is encouraged; only giving up what we want to do things Jesus’ way. Note that Mark and Luke are nearly identical, but Luke notes that this action of taking up one’s cross is a daily requirement. What does it mean to take up your cross? Jesus says just what He means… we must give up our own way, even our own life. Do we do that? Do you want to be His disciple? What does discipleship mean to you…and what does that look like in your life now? When was the last time you took up your cross for Jesus? What did you give up to serve Him?

What do we learn from this Scripture today about Jesus that can help us grow in our relationship with Him?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, forgive me when I get caught up in my own activities or, like today, when I had an attitude that put “me” first rather than You. Holy Spirit, please help me see opportunities where I can pick up my cross and follow Jesus, serving Him with the spiritual gifts You have given me.

Verse of Salvation ~ The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

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 25, 2026

Did You Get an Invitation? Are You Going?

The Morning Glory flowers in Israel declare...
It is time to respond to the invitation.
Come to the Banquet of the Kingdom of God!

Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, "What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!" Jesus replied with this story: "A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, 'Come, the banquet is ready.' But they all began making excuses. One said, 'I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.' Another said, 'I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.' Another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.' The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, 'Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.' After the servant had done this, he reported, 'There is still room for more.' So his master said, 'Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.'" Luke 14:15-24

Meditate on giving excuses.

Sorry—I can’t make it. Please excuse me. How many times have you invited someone to come to your home, but when it was time for the meal, they had an excuse not to come? Did you go out and invite someone else? That is just what the man in Jesus’ story did. Twice. He sent his servants out to get those who wouldn’t normally be invited: the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame, and then later, anyone the servants could find to invite. He wanted his house full.

I think that Jesus was describing how it will be for God and His future banquet. He has given the invitation. He wants His Heavenly Home full. Now is the time to respond—time to RSVP. In case you don’t know…RSVP stands for the French words, répondez s'il vous plaît; please reply. Did you get an invitation? How will you respond? Will you have some worldly excuse…like those who bought land, or a new car, just got married, or how about a planned vacation? Would you do what you want instead of going to a special banquet? The choice is yours.

What new insight into Jesus’ character do you gain from this Scripture?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I want to be at our Father’s banquet. I’m willing to give up anything, wanting my attention here and now, for the opportunity to sit at His festive feast. What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God! It is an honor to receive an invitation. Yes! I’ll be there! (Underlined for emphasis from today’s Scripture.)

Verse of Salvation ~ (Jesus’ message to Israel.) This is what the LORD says: "At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you. I will protect you and give you to the people as my covenant with them. Through you I will reestablish the land of Israel and assign it to its own people again. Isaiah 49:8

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 24, 2026

Who Shall I Invite?

Then he turned to his host. "When you put on a luncheon or a banquet," he said, "don't invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you." Luke 14:12-14

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

It might not be safe to invite...
just any gorilla off the street.
Establish a relationship first.
This one is at the Omaha Zoo.
Will he invite you to join him?

Are you hospitable? Thinking about your Thanksgiving Dinner next month? Who will you invite? It is traditional to invite family, friends, and possibly neighbors…but how about adding an additional person or even a whole family? Do you know any poor, crippled, lame, or blind people? You can probably connect with any one of them via your church or local mission. They possibly would have a list of people who you could invite to your home. You may want to meet them first! Another choice would be to volunteer to prepare or serve a meal at your local gospel mission. What can you do? What are you willing to do? Would you invite a stranger just to get a reward from God?

Do you learn anything new about Jesus and your relationship with Him associated with this Scripture?

Prayer – Lord God, please inspire me as to ways I can serve You by being hospitable and serving others.

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.

Friday, October 23, 2026

Take the Lowest Seat

When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, he gave them this advice: "When you are invited to a wedding feast, don't sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, 'Give this person your seat.' Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table! "Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, 'Friend, we have a better place for you!' Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Luke 14:7-11

Meditate on priorities.

When was the last time you were invited to a wedding with a huge dinner as the reception? Were there table assignments or name place cards indicating just where you should sit? No seating arrangements? Where did you choose to sit? Wedding receptions tend to be just cake and punch—but still there are tables and seating. Do you sit at the back of the room…the side or center? How well do you know the bride and groom? Choices—choices! There are always so many choices to make.

Jesus was giving an etiquette lesson. Be nice. Choose the seat farthest away. Then if you are honored by the host, he will move you closer to the head table. It doesn’t matter if it is a wedding banquet, Sabbath dinner, church potluck, or a birthday party. Take the lowest seat. You’re not the star of the day, so don’t put yourself in an embarrassing position. Jesus gives us such good advice. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Proverbs provides us with a couple of verses along this same thought.

Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor. Proverbs 18:12

Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. Proverbs 29:23

These are in the New Living Translation. Read them in the Amplified or The Message for an even deeper conviction.

What do we gain from knowing this advice from our Lord and Savior, Jesus?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank You for Your lesson on etiquette in this Scripture passage. It is good to save face and not be humbled or humiliated in public. Holy Spirit, thank You for reminding and guiding us through even little things like where to sit in a gathering.

Verse of Salvation ~ (In David’s praise after the Ark was brought into the Tabernacle.) Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Cry out, "Save us, O God of our salvation! Gather and rescue us from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you." 1 Chronicles 16:34-35

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

My Grand Pumpkin Sweeties...
several years ago!

It is pumpkin harvest time. Cook up some fresh pumpkin or open a can of pumpkin puree and make some soft yummy cookies. My kids loved these every fall when they were growing up.

Libby’s Pumpkin Cookies

4 c. unsifted flour (part whole wheat if desired)

2 c uncooked oatmeal

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp salt

1½ c butter, softened

1 c packed brown sugar

1 c cane sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

16 ounces pumpkin puree (not pie filling)

1 c chocolate chips or chopped nuts, optional

Canned icing or peanut butter for icing. Decorate with assorted candy, raisins, or nuts as desired.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment or lightly grease.

Combine flour, soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

Cream butter, add sugars, beat until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. Mix. Alternately add dry ingredients and pumpkin to egg mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stir n any chips and/or nuts as desired.

Drop ¼ cup dough onto cookie sheets. Shape like a pumpkin if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until lightly browned and firm. Remove from cookie sheets to racks to cool. Ice and decorate as you wish. Makes about 32 large cookies. Enjoy with some cold milk or warm eggnog.

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 22, 2026

They Could Not Answer…Again

Jesus breaking bread with His disciples.
Drama at Richland Naz church.

One Sabbath day Jesus went to eat dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisees, and the people were watching him closely. There was a man there whose arms and legs were swollen. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in religious law, "Is it permitted in the law to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?" When they refused to answer, Jesus touched the sick man and healed him and sent him away. Then he turned to them and said, "Which of you doesn't work on the Sabbath? If your son or your cow falls into a pit, don't you rush to get him out?" Again they could not answer. Luke 14:1-6

Meditate on Jesus healing, again, on the Sabbath.

Some of the Pharisees have a gift of Hospitality—inviting Jesus to Shabot dinner. They really just wanted to trick Him, as they clearly were watching Him closely. A man with dropsy, swelling of the arms and legs, was also at this dinner. Was he purposely invited? Customs are different in different countries. It may have been that he didn’t have to have an “invitation” to be there, but those Pharisees could see for themselves that this man was sick. He needed to be healed. They couldn’t heal that poor fellow, but they knew Jesus could and suspected that He would do just that.

When Jesus confronted the Pharisees, challenging them about it being permissible or not to heal on the Sabbath, those Jewish leaders didn’t even have the respect to answer Jesus. Then Jesus did the miracle they were all expecting. He healed that sick man and sent him on his way. Precious to the Lord Jesus, but the Pharisees didn’t seem to care. They didn’t even answer when Jesus asked them if they’d save their own son or cow if they were in trouble on the Sabbath. They didn’t or couldn’t answer.

Would you do what the Pharisees did? Invite Jesus to an important meal and then treat Him rudely? Stand up for Jesus and He will stand up for you.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:10 NLT

What do we learn about Jesus from this Scripture passage today?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, as usual, You are compassionate. Way to go! It would be just mean for You to not heal that poor fellow. I’ll bet that he was nearly skipping and whooping as he hurried back to his family! Healed! I’m rejoicing with him and You! Please continue to heal…and I can think of several people who need Your healing touch. Thank You!

Verse of Salvation ~ "Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. Isaiah 58:8

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 21, 2026

More Than a Prophet

Morning Glory flowers
as seen outside of Jerusalem, Israel.
Did these flowers welcome Jesus?

At that time some Pharisees said to him, "Get away from here if you want to live! Herod Antipas wants to kill you!" Jesus replied, "Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose. Yes, today, tomorrow, and the next day I must proceed on my way. For it wouldn't do for a prophet of God to be killed except in Jerusalem! Luke 13:31-33

Meditate. Consider Jesus’ threats of murder.

Herod…and the family of Herod…had always wanted to kill Jesus. Think about when He was born and the Herod of that time had all the baby boys under two killed. Has He ever been safe? Did He come to earth just to be “safe”—safe from what? Even the Pharisees wanted to kill Him.

Jesus came to teach, heal, cast out demons, and guide humanity into God’s way…and to die. He came to be killed on a cross…in Jerusalem. He knew that. So that’s why He said… it wouldn't do for a prophet of God to be killed except in Jerusalem! He had to go through other villages and not be killed there—but go into Jerusalem. Would any of us have done what Jesus did? Obediently going to the cross…and die there…so that humans could be forgiven finally for the actions of Eve and Adam? That is just what He did. That is what Jesus’ mission was. Mission accomplished. He finished it.

At this point, chronologically, in His mission, Jesus was on the final trip to Jerusalem.

What do we really learn about Jesus from this scripture today? Does it bring us into a deeper relationship with Him?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You were a man with a mission. You were more than a prophet. You are our Lord, our Saviour, and our King. Thank You for obediently following our Heavenly Father’s plan.

Verse of Salvation ~ And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. Romans 8:38

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

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