Banquet With The King

Thursday, September 24, 2026

Rejoice Because Your Name is Written in Heaven!

New Life...like the butterfly.
Will a new life...an eternal life with Christ...
begin with your name in the Book of Life?

When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, "Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!" "Yes," he told them, "I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven." Luke 10:17-20

Meditate. Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

Your names are registered in heaven. What a wonderful thought. As God’s children, we are given the authority to be recorded in God’s Book in Heaven! It is a Jewish tradition that at the beginning of the New Year (which just recently happened for 2026) everyone needs to seek forgiveness of others and of God so that their names will be written in the Book of Life for that year. This Book of Life is referred to in a couple of places in the Bible, and those whose names are in it will have eternal life because they belong to Jesus Christ, to God.

At that time (during the end times) Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. Daniel 12:1New

Erase their names from the Book of Life; don't let them be counted among the righteous. Psalm 69:28 (David’s request of God concerning his enemies.)

All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names fromWill the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine. Revelation 3:5 (Jesus’ letter to the church at Sardis.)

And all the people who belong to this world worshiped the beast. They are the ones whose names were not written in the Book of Life that belongs to the Lamb who was slaughtered before the world was made. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. Revelation 13:8-9

Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty--but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Revelation 21:27

Paul also writes in his letter to the Philippians about his coworkers whose names are written in the Book of Life. Jesus points out to His disciples, who had just returned from a time of witnessing, healing, and worship in small towns, that they are protected because they believe in Him. They won’t be harmed by the enemy’s (Satan’s) evil because they belong to Him. To prove it, their names are written in the Book of Life. No fear. Jesus will protect them from evil. What a reassurance.

Is your name written in the Book of Life?

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage?

Prayer – Lord Jesus—please look again. Just take a quick peek. Is my name written in Your Book of Life? I’m sure it is. I believe in You as my Lord and Savior. I so look forward to living in heaven eternally and serving You. I praise You now and forever.

Verse of Salvation ~ Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. Psalm 96:1-4

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 23, 2026

Are You Weary?

The Autumn Season is here.
Take a rest under a tree created by God.

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." Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:25-30

Meditate. Are you bone tired? Who can give you good rest?

Jesus had just spoken to John’s disciples and then a crowd of people about John the Baptist. He also condemned cities He had visited who had not repented. This prayer and invitation to salvation followed. People do think of themselves wise—but what they feel is not God’s wisdom. God reveals Himself to whomever He wants and it is not to those who are self-righteous. Jesus said that God shows or reveals, this way of salvation to the childlike…those who are open to accepting the truth. It seems like those who consider themselves wise are creating a barrier between themselves and God—so that they will not learn the truth—Jesus IS the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus told him (Thomas), "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6. The only way to understand the Father God is to understand—to have an open heart to the Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus knows how weary we humans can be…physically and spiritually. He was once a man Himself—so He can identify with us. He got tired, too. Come to Him—give all your troubles, burdens, confusion, and grief to Him. He has strong shoulders; He can carry your load. What does giving up your burden have to do with being wise? Only those with God’s spiritual wisdom can truly understand what Jesus was saying—come to Him. Seek and receive salvation in Him. Learn from Him, as He comes alongside of you—yoking Himself to you to carry your problems. Perhaps those who consider themselves wise can’t humble themselves enough to look Jesus in the eye and ask for His help. Do you consider yourself wise and clever…or can you humble yourself and seek Jesus’ help through life?

Jesus teaches those who are teachable. He said...Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Find rest...sweet rest. Ahhh—aren’t we all looking for that? I am. Right now, I’m so very tired! I need rest for my tired and weary bones...and for my soul as well. When I am rested, I am more useful to the Lord—I can be of greater, more devoted service. How about you?

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

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for providing the rest that I need! Like one of Your trips on the Sea of Galilee, wake me up if there is a storm—otherwise, let me sleep. Food and water are very important when a person is tired. I remember that You were tired at Sychar, resting at a well when Your disciples went for food, and You asked a Samaritan woman at the well for water…and then offered her living water. Who rested the most? Her life was changed, and I’m sure it became restful. You had a great moment of teaching with her and with all of her village. She was teachable. I think I am, too.

Jesus, take my burden—my trials, temptations, regrets, and unmet expectations—and guide me in Your way—Your everlasting pathway. May others find strength in You as they ask for spiritual wisdom from the Father…not worldly wisdom.

Verse of Salvation ~ I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. 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 1:9-11

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Portions reused from June 4, 2016, 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, September 22, 2026

Are You Rejecting Jesus? Or Repenting?

Capernaum synagogue
Israel
Will they be honored in heaven?

I assure you, even wicked Sodom will be better off than such a town on judgment day. "What sorrow awaits you, Korazin and Bethsaida! For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented of their sins long ago, clothing themselves in burlap and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse. Yes, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you. And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead." Then he said to the disciples, "Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me. And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me. And anyone who rejects me is rejecting God, who sent me." Luke 10:12-16

Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where he had done so many of his miracles, because they hadn't repented of their sins and turned to God. "What sorrow awaits you, Korazin and Bethsaida! For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented of their sins long ago, clothing themselves in burlap and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse. I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you. "And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead. For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today. I tell you, even Sodom will be better off on judgment day than you." Matthew 11:20-24

Meditate on repentance.

Repent! That is the key, the first step to obedience with Jesus. That was His first message and it is still continuing as He heads to Jerusalem for the last time.

From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Matthew 4:17

Wickedness with no repentance results in sorrow, but if someone repents their life changes. Jesus was admonishing the cities that didn’t repent—and did you catch what happens to them? Capernaum will not be honored in heaven, but will be going to the place of the dead—also translated as Hades. That is the worst—it is not just in a place for a lifetime with the absence of Jesus, but it is the very place that will be cast into the Lake of Fire according to Revelation 20:14.

Jesus tells His seventy disciples whom He is sending out to villages that if they are rejected, those people are rejecting Jesus and God, too. God sent Jesus to be the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. If someone refuses to accept, or even acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, they are rejecting God the Father, too. Can anyone afford to do that? Where do you stand with Jesus? Are you accepting Him…or rejecting Him?

What do we learn about Jesus’ personality from this scripture passage today?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, there was a father whose son was filled with an evil spirit, and the father asked for healing. "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:23-24. Likewise, help my unbelief. I know that all things are possible for You, Jesus. You can heal anyone from anything. You are the Kingdom of Heaven—not just near, but here. I praise You. Forgive me for the sins—willful disobedience that I have committed. I recognize that I must repent. It is the key to obedience that is necessary to be Your follower. 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, 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.

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.