Banquet With The King

Daily Devotional focusing on spiritual "food" at the King's Banquet Table. In 2024 this blog will explore verses to meditate on as we examine our "choices" daily, pursuing a deeper relationship with God as we grow in Christian maturity. This web page has had over 230,000 page views by people in over 135 different countries who are seeking God through His Word. God has promised if you seek Him, you will find Him. May you be blessed reading Banquet With The King.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Read It and Weep

They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading. Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, "Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:8-10

Have you ever wept when you’ve read scripture? The Israelites here had just returned from captivity in Babylon and they were learning about their God and His laws. This is a beautiful passage. This is a holy day—today is a holy day. Don’t be grieved. Don’t worry—be happy. The joy of the Lord is your strength. He will fill you with joy and strength—you may just need to ask. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. Matthew 21:22

I love this passage. The Israelites had been in captivity for 70 years, so some of them didn’t even remember or know the Lord. They came back to Israel—to Jerusalem and were involved in rebuilding the wall around the city. Imagine how they felt to be back in their own land—reunited with their God and hearing about celebrating this holy day—this holy week of the Feast of Booths. Celebrations are always fun. Reading the Torah, eating food together with family and friends—there may have been dancing and singing. A real celebration! Not a time for tears. God had truly blessed them. He blesses us now with His love, grace and with the gift of His Son. Have you considered His gift—what Jesus has done for you?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, help each of us to rejoice in God’s love and care. Open our eyes to see the miracles, grace and love of God flowing through us—ministering to us and to those around us. Today is a day to be joyful and celebrate.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Sukkot Day 3

After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters, and Jesus' brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! You can't become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!" For even his brothers didn't believe in him. Jesus replied, "Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime. The world can't hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil. You go on. I'm not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come." After saying these things, Jesus remained in Galilee. But after his brothers left for the festival, Jesus also went, though secretly, staying out of public view. John 7:1-10 NLT

The Festival of Shelter, also known as Feast of Booths or Tabernacles, was one of the Jewish holidays that required devout Jews to go to the Temple in Jerusalem. That was where Jesus’ brothers expected Him to go. Interesting that they sarcastically wanted Him to show off His ability to perform miracles—IF…if He could miracles. They didn’t believe in Him. To them He was just their older brother—smart and talented possibly, but they didn’t think He was the Messiah. He had to go to Jerusalem quietly and secretly. Jesus already knew that there were Jews that wanted to kill Him. How disappointing that must have been. To know that there were those who just wanted Him dead—to feel that rejection. The beginning of the humiliation that He endured all the way to the cross. Do you ever feel humbled or humiliated because you are a follower of Jesus?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I claim the promise like David wrote after Nathan confronted him about his own sin…. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:11-12. I am joyful to know that my sin is forgiven—and my relationships are restored between god and me and between others and me. Forgiveness is a beautiful experience that can only occur with love and grace. God’s grace is sufficient for even me.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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

Monday, September 28, 2015

What Can You Give the Lord?

These are the appointed times of the LORD which you shall proclaim as holy convocations, to present offerings by fire to the LORD--burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings, each day's matter on its own day-- besides those of the sabbaths of the LORD, and besides your gifts and besides all your votive and freewill offerings, which you give to the LORD. Leviticus 23:37-38.

We are admonished to… Celebrate them each year as official days for holy assembly by presenting special gifts to the LORD—burnt offerings, grain offerings, sacrifices, and liquid offerings—each on its proper day. We no longer offer burnt or grain offering—not even sacrifices since the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD. Gifts to the Lord? What do we have that we could offer to Him? Everything we have already belongs to Him. Yet our devotion, our obedience, our love and respect for Him are within our own control—our choice. Jesus taught His disciples… Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.' Matthew 25:34-36. Our “gift” to the Lord could be as simple as caring for others around us—with food, water, clothes…simply hospitality. Hospitality is an important part of being a Christian. To share and show God’s love to others. Are you being His hands and feet today?

Each day there is a specific Bible reading that includes a Brit Chadashah, or New Testament, selection. For this second day of the Festival of Tabernacles the reading includes John 1:10-14; Revelation 7:1-10 and Revelation21:1-4.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, open my eyes to opportunities to serve the Lord by serving others. It may be as simple as a smile and encouraging word to a young mom or a bottle of water to a homeless street person. Just help me to help others.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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Sunday, September 27, 2015

Build Yourself a Shelter

"Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. Begin celebrating the Festival of Shelters on the fifteenth day of the appointed month--five days after the Day of Atonement. This festival to the LORD will last for seven days. On the first day of the festival you must proclaim an official day for holy assembly, when you do no ordinary work. For seven days you must present special gifts to the LORD. The eighth day is another holy day on which you present your special gifts to the LORD. This will be a solemn occasion, and no ordinary work may be done that day. (These are the LORD's appointed festivals. Celebrate them each year as official days for holy assembly by presenting special gifts to the LORD--burnt offerings, grain offerings, sacrifices, and liquid offerings--each on its proper day. These festivals must be observed in addition to the LORD's regular Sabbath days, and the offerings are in addition to your personal gifts, the offerings you give to fulfill your vows, and the voluntary offerings you present to the LORD.) Remember that this seven-day festival to the LORD--the Festival of Shelters--begins on the fifteenth day of the appointed month, after you have harvested all the produce of the land. The first day and the eighth day of the festival will be days of complete rest. On the first day gather branches from magnificent trees--palm fronds, boughs from leafy trees, and willows that grow by the streams. Then celebrate with joy before the LORD your God for seven days. You must observe this festival to the LORD for seven days every year. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed in the appointed month from generation to generation. For seven days you must live outside in little shelters. All native-born Israelites must live in shelters. This will remind each new generation of Israelites that I made their ancestors live in shelters when I rescued them from the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God." So Moses gave the Israelites these instructions regarding the annual festivals of the LORD. Leviticus 23:34-44 NLT

It is time for Sukkot—The Feast of Tabernacles. This year this festival is from the 15 to the 22 of Tishri or September 27 through October 4^th. Now is the time to building the “shelter” or sukkah for your family. It is here in the above passage of Leviticus that the tradition and Festival of the Booths is initiated. Originally it was a Pilgrimage Festival which required the Israelites to travel to the Temple—just as with Passover and Pentecost. Jews today still celebrate this festival. It is a week of rejoicing—a harvest festival to commemorate the successful harvest and to remember the Israelites wandering and living in temporary shelters in the desert after their exodus from Egypt. There is a tradition of using local branches or things like cornstalks for part of their sukkah providing an agricultural element to the shelter. It is important that the structure not be permanent, but that it be sturdy enough for the family to enter and enjoy spending some time there eating, studying and visiting. Sometimes families even sleep out in their shelters and enjoy looking up through the roof at the stars. Using the sukkah for the first night of the Festival of Tabernacles for the family meal is an important element of the tradition. It is a meal often shared with extended family and friends and is a time of rejoicing and hospitality. At this first dinner of the festival they recite a traditional blessing…

Praised are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has sanctified us through His commandments, commanding us to live in the sukkah. (From The Jewish Holidays by Michael Strassfeld.)

Additionally, branches from four species of “goodly” trees: the palm, myrtle, willow and citron or lemon are used during the week of celebration after blessing the food and after reading specific scripture passages.

Few Christians seem to celebrate or even recognize this festival. Prophetically it is seen as when Christ has His Millennium Reign. The time for that is known only by the Father. So we can just celebrate along with the Jewish people—a time of thanksgiving and remembrance for what the Lord has done for us. This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24. This week of the Feast of Tabernacles is a week that the Lord has declared for rejoicing. Are you feeling His love, provision and protection?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit…I rejoice in Your love and care.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Atonement Instructions

Then Aaron shall offer the goat on which the lot for the LORD fell, and make it a sin offering. But the goat on which the lot for the scapegoat fell shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make atonement upon it, to send it into the wilderness as the scapegoat. Then Aaron shall offer the bull of the sin offering which is for himself and make atonement for himself and for his household, and he shall slaughter the bull of the sin offering which is for himself. Leviticus 16:9-11

The atonement instructions were given to Moses for the priests who entered the Holy of Holies once a year. To begin with that priest was Aaron and later it was a priest, always in the tribe of Levi, chosen for that particular duty. More instructions were given in Leviticus, particularly chapter 16, for the duties and responsibilities of the priests. Yom Kippur, which for this year was last Wednesday, is that Day of Atonement that is described in the following verses. It is the Day of Atonement for the people—but they didn’t have to do anything. The priest alone went into the Holy of Holies, before God, and atoned for all the people’s sins for that past year. The people were just to rest—no work on the Sabbath—nothing to do.

"This shall be a permanent statute for you: in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall humble your souls and not do any work, whether the native, or the alien who sojourns among you; for it is on this day that atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you; you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD. It is to be a Sabbath of solemn rest for you, that you may humble your souls; it is a permanent statute. So the priest who is anointed and ordained to serve as priest in his father's place shall make atonement: he shall thus put on the linen garments, the holy garments, and make atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make atonement for the tent of meeting and for the altar. He shall also make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly. Now you shall have this as a permanent statute, to make atonement for the sons of Israel for all their sins once every year." And just as the LORD had commanded Moses, so he did. Leviticus 16:29-34.

This was to be an annual event—a permanent statute. Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year. It is still a holy day that Jews today observe. One of the similarities is that it is still a day of fasting. It is a day of repentance. Unlike the Israelites in the day of Moses, no longer is it just to watch while a priest makes atonement for their sins in the past year. Today everyone takes part in the repentance observation. Person and public prayers of repentance are important.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—thank you for showing me the importance of repentance—and Yom Kippur. God, You are worthy of my repentance—and I give up to You my sins—my shortcomings—my attitudes that are not pleasing to You. Renew a right spirit within me…Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10). I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness. (Psalm 119:40 NLT).

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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

Friday, September 25, 2015

It is for Good

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 NASB

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT

Amazing how things can be good one day and not so good another day. A couple of weeks ago—seems like yesterday—as I drove to meet friends for our Thursday Walk by the River, every traffic light I came to turned green instantly. I was amazed! I felt so blessed!

On the other hand…we’ve had an unusual number of things break or go wrong this summer. The control panel on our electric kitchen range burst into flames the day before our daughter and her family were to arrive for a short visit from South Carolina. The stove was dead, so we were without a stove during their visit. Try cooking for twelve people without a stove—my original menus needed a few modifications. Just after they left our microwave stopped working. Bing—that was it. Then one of the tail lights in our pickup truck stopped working—not a fuse or the light. A thousand dollars of mechanical charges—and all the lights now work. Another Bing...and the headlight in our car needed to be replaced. Next…time for new tires…on both the car and truck—megabucks! A few days later as I opened a cupboard door a canning jar just flew out and fell to the floor—breaking into a million pieces. My bracelet that looked like it had a loose link was actually broken when I took it out of the little bag in which I took it to the jeweler. Good thing I hadn’t worn it…it would have fallen off my wrist and been lost! Jerry got a very painful acute attack of gout in his elbow—diagnosed by urgent care doctor as “tennis elbow”—so we had to postpone a trip to South Carolina. Yes, we are looking for “good” in all these things. What is it that God is trying to teach us?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ and Father God—we love You God with all our hearts, soul and minds. We recognize that You have promised to cause everything to work together for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. Show us what it is that we should learn from…life. From our trials and just stuff that happens. Give us grace to live beyond the moment—to remember that You are always with us—and to continue to care and share with others, for all things belong to You. Thank you for the blessings You have abundantly given to us…as well as our family, friends and neighbors.

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

Today is sweet granddaughter Liberty’s birthday! She loves pizza—as well as cake! So here’s a dessert pizza cake as sweet as you are…just for you.

Sweet Liberty’s Pizza Cake

No Bake Chocolate Pie Crust
20 oreo cookies
1/4 cup butter, melted

Combine cookies and butter in a food processor and whir until the cookies are very finely ground and well combined with the butter. Pour moist crumbs into a pizza pan and pack into an even layer around the sides and base of a 12” pie plate. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before adding toppings.

Topping -

½ gallon vanilla ice cream

1 bag (6 oz) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

3 tablespoons milk

M&M candies, chopped pecans or peanuts, shredded coconut

2 oz white chocolate bar, melted

Allow vanilla ice cream to soften a bit. Spread an even layer of ice cream over the crust. Freeze for about 20 minutes or until firm. Melt the chocolate chips in the butter and milk. Spread over the ice cream. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the chocolate layer. Sprinkle with the candy, coconut and nuts. Freeze. Remove a few minutes before time to serve. Slice and serve. Enjoy.

Another variation could be to top with fresh raspberries, strawberries, chopped mangos—fresh or dried, and miniature marshmallows.

Happy 6^th Birthday, Sweet Liberty!

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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

Thursday, September 24, 2015

I Just Don’t Know How to Pray….

But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:25-27

The Message describes groaning very clearing as wordless sighs… Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. Romans 8:26 The Message. How many times have you been at a loss for words when you are praying? That has certainly been my experience when praying for myself and for dear friends who are going through terrible circumstances. That’s when I’ve found myself praying in the Spirit—He gives me the words to say. Turning my aching groans into very comforting words. The Spirit intercedes for us. Read Romans 8:34… Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading (interceding) for us. NLT. We are uniquely blessed! We have Jesus Christ AND the Holy Spirit both interceding for us. Even in times—or especially—of trial and distress we can be assured that our prayers are being taken to the Father in a mighty way. Do you trust the Lord…the Holy Spirit…with your prayers even when you don’t know what to say?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—know my heart and hear the groaning of soul. I trust you to speak to the Father for me…and for my family and friends. May all that I think, say and do be acceptable to You, God—for I live to please You.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Yom Kippur is for Christians, Too.

On exactly the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement; it shall be a holy convocation for you, and you shall humble your souls and present an offering by fire to the LORD. You shall not do any work on this same day, for it is a day of atonement, to make atonement on your behalf before the LORD your God. If there is any person who will not humble himself on this same day, he shall be cut off from his people. As for any person who does any work on this same day, that person I will destroy from among his people. You shall do no work at all. It is to be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwelling places. It is to be a Sabbath of complete rest to you, and you shall humble your souls; on the ninth of the month at evening, from evening until evening you shall keep your Sabbath. Leviticus 23:27-32

This is the day—the Day of Atonement. Humble or be cut off. Don’t do any work…or be destroyed. Observe the Sabbath—rest. Very definite commands. Looks to me like these are still part of the Ten Commandments. Keep the Sabbath—don’t work. We are even to fast. God isn’t expecting any more of us than He expected of the Israelites when He gave the Ten Commandments to Moses (see Exodus 20) and then the festivals, including the Day of Atonement—as listed in Leviticus 23. This Day of Atonement is a chance to set things right with Him and with others. He is a merciful God. We need to take advantage of His grace and mercy by being obedient…atone for your sin. Where do you stand—or kneel—with God today? Evening will be here before you know it. Have you humbled yourself before the Lord and met with others to ensure that you are right with everyone? This is a day of remembrance of the atonement of Christ for us. This is the Day that the Lord has made…let us rejoice in His love and mercy.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I continue to humble myself before You—almighty God. Your plan for mankind continues to amaze me as Your love, grace and mercy permeate our lives when we are so unworthy. Forgive me for my rebellious spirit, and for assuming that life should be good for me. I am Your child and only as Your child am I am worthy of Your love—no matter what happens in life. I praise You with all of my heart, soul, mind and life.

Yom Kippur ends at nightfall – today.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Day of Atonement – Yom Kippur

On the Hebrew calendar today’s date is 9 Tishrei. Yom Kippur begins at sunset – today. It is the holiest day of the Jewish year. As this scripture says, this begins the Day of Atonement. It is a day of fasting, prayer, repentance, and giving contributions. Humble yourselves. This is a command given to the Hebrew people when they were told…Then on the tenth day of this seventh month you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall humble yourselves; you shall not do any work. Numbers 29:7.

In the New Testament the command—that is not just a suggestion—is given again…

Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. James 4:10.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 1 Peter 5:6.

At the proper time. This day is the day…to humble yourself and to set things right with God and with others. Atone yourself. Jewish custom says that this is the last chance to get your name in God’s book for this year. Where do you stand with God? Will you not do any work today…and keep the Sabbath?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I humble myself before You on this Day of Atonement. You are worthy of all glory, honor and obedience.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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Monday, September 21, 2015

Restitution

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel, 'When a man or woman commits any of the sins of mankind, acting unfaithfully against the LORD, and that person is guilty, then he shall confess his sins which he has committed, and he shall make restitution in full for his wrong and add to it one-fifth of it, and give it to him whom he has wronged.'" Numbers 5:5-7

This scripture is addressing when a person sins against another person. It is like sinning against the Lord since He is the one who made the rules by which we should live. To make things right…in restitution…the person need to repay plus give an additional fifth of the value to one that was shorted, offended or harmed. During this time before Yom Kippur is a good opportunity to set things right with others—to become reconciled and that may take some form of restitution. Prayer is essential in reconciliation—so that the relationship is renewed not only between the people, but also with God. How are things in your life? Do you need reconciliation with someone…or with God? Is there an issue of restitution that is keeping things right between you and another person…or God?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I pray that anyone reading this who needs to reconcile with another person or with God would be inspired to move forward in that relationship. Likewise if they need to provide restitution that would happen and restore their relationship. Bless those who respond in obedience to Your love and guidance.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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Sunday, September 20, 2015

Reconciliation

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

God Himself provided us with such a great example of reconciliation. When we consider how much God the Father gave up for our sin…His only Son—to die a painful and humiliating death on a cross—for us, how can we be so obstinate as to hold onto our sin toward God or toward other people? This time before Yom Kippur should even give Christians a time to reflect on letting go of sin—of reconciling ourselves with God and with others. It seems like a simple thing to do. Let go. Then why do we hold on so tightly to our sins? Is it part of our sinful nature? Let’s not blame others—whether Satan, our parents, or someone else. We make our own choices in life. We choose—day by day, moment by moment. We are “new creatures” in Christ—old things are gone—when we let go. Put everything right in this New Year. Right with God—right with other people. Find joy in reconciliation.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, forgive me once again for holding onto past ways. May I be reconciled with You and with my family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances. Fill me anew today with God’s love, grace and joy.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Working on Atonement?

On exactly the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement; it shall be a holy convocation for you, and you shall humble your souls and present an offering by fire to the LORD. Leviticus 23:27

The Day of Atonement—Yom Kippur—for this year is coming—next Wednesday. Atonement—to cover, purge, make an atonement, make reconciliation, cover over, or to pardon. Are you setting things right with the Lord? The time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is the time to consider sins of the past year. On Yom Kippur private and public confessions of guilt are made—in reconciliation with God. The scripture mentions presenting an offering with fire—but no sacrifices of that type have been made since the Temple was destroyed in 70 AD.

Get ready.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, bring to my memory any sins of which I have failed to admit or swept under the rug. Help me to make conciliation…please pardon my sin—and forgive me. I humble myself before You, God.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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Friday, September 18, 2015

Do You Know Where You’re Going?

Who out there fears God, actually listens to the voice of his servant?
For anyone out there who doesn’t know where you’re going, anyone groping in the dark,
Here’s what: Trust in God. Lean on your God!
But if all you’re after is making trouble, playing with fire,

Go ahead and see where it gets you. Set your fires, stir people up, blow on the flames,
But don’t expect me to just stand there and watch. I’ll hold your feet to those flames.

Isaiah 50:10-11 The Message

Do you fear—that is respect—the Lord?

Do you know where you’re going? Do you trust God to be involved in and guide your life?

What are you after in life? Are you rebellious—actually looking for trouble?

Good questions.

Life is short—and as humans we want to do things our own way…that may be rebellious—if our way is not God’s way. We may be so busy with life or we’re confused…groping around not knowing or caring where’re we going…just living one day at a time.

God’s way is for us to be obedient to Him…respecting and trusting Him.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, create in me a clean heart—take away my rebellious spirit and fill me with Your love, guiding my life in obedience.

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

Recently I was cleaning out some old books—and I came across a Choice and Tried Recipes compiled in 1908 by the Young Women’s Home Missionary Society of the Delaware Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church in Buffalo, New York. A friend had given me this copy back in 1983 just because she knew I loved to cook and bake—and she didn’t! Lots of unique renditions of basic and unusual dishes. Here’s one I haven’t tried…but sounds interesting—different from the Pigs in Blanket we usually think of as children’s food. This is just as it appears in the book.

Little Pigs in Blankets.

A thin slice of fat pork, pin the oyster in this, through the little hard part, with a wooden toothpick, and fry until the pork is crisp and brown. Serve on a thin piece of buttered toast.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Is God Listening to You? Are You Listening to Him?

God has no use for the prayers of the people who won’t listen to him. Proverbs 28:9

Prayer is our way of talking to God. Think about it—when you have a conversation with someone—you talk and listen. LISTEN. You hear what the other person is saying…and you want them to listen to you. So listen up…we’ve gotta listen to God. That means once again spending more time in His Word. I know that I need to do that—in a systematic approach. I find that I hear something from the Lord no matter where I read in the Bible. I just pick it up—open it up—and there He is. But I haven’t read every word in the Bible yet…and I’m convicted that I need to do that. Don’t wait for a New Year…begin now. Hey—we did just get a New Year? Rosh Hashanah just ended September 15^th. The challenge is on again! Read the Bible through in this New Year of 5776. Are you listening to God? Will He be listening to you?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit…please keep me on track to read Your Word in totality in this year beginning now. Guide my thoughts, words and actions that all I think, say and do will be pleasing to You, my God.

Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. Psalm 54:2.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Restful Sabbath?

Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place. Daniel 9:24

Rosh Hashanah is over—now it is time during the next ten days before Yom Kippur to consider the sins of the past year…and repent. There are times in the Bible, like when some of the Jews were exiled to Babylon, that God deals with His people because they sinned and did not do as He said. The people in Daniel’s era paid for their transgression with 70 years of captivity because they didn’t observe the Sabbath of the land. God told Moses…Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, 'When you come into the land which I shall give you, then the land shall have a Sabbath to the LORD. 'Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard and gather in its crop, but during the seventh year the land shall have a Sabbath rest, a Sabbath to the LORD; you shall not sow your field nor prune your vineyard. 'Your harvest's aftergrowth you shall not reap, and your grapes of untrimmed vines you shall not gather; the land shall have a sabbatical year." Leviticus 25:2-5. I see it as a matter of trust. Did they trust the Lord to provide for them? God continued to speak through Moses. 'You shall thus observe My statutes and keep My judgments, so as to carry them out, that you may live securely on the land. Then the land will yield its produce, so that you can eat your fill and live securely on it. 'But if you say, "What are we going to eat on the seventh year if we do not sow or gather in our crops?" then I will so order My blessing for you in the sixth year that it will bring forth the crop for three years.’ Leviticus 25:18-21.

This all centers around one of the Ten Commandments…

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of the LORD your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Exodus 20:8-11.

Punishment for not observing the Sabbath was pretty stiff.

For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD; whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall surely be put to death. Exodus 31:15.

Death is final—unless one believes in Jesus as their Savior. But then again Jesus said…If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. John 15:10. Abide…live. God was merciful to the Israelites when He allowed the Babylonians to carry off Daniel and the others to Babylonia—He could have just struck all of Israel dead for their disobedience but instead He allowed them to be overtaken by King Nebuchadnezzar and live in captivity for seventy years.

What does that say to us? Do we “keep the Sabbath” or even follow all of the Ten Commandments? How often have you “worked” on the Sabbath—which for most Christians is Sunday?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit…I want to live to please God. Remind me daily that I need not only to follow a Sabbath day but to keep it holy…no work on that day. You alone God are holy and pure—worthy of my praise, adoration, and obedience.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Throwing Sin Away

Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago. Micah 7:18-20 NLT

Throw your sins into the depths of the ocean…or into a stream or river. That is one of the customs of Rosh Hashanah. Jews throw bread, representing their sins, into a body of water—preferably a moving stream or river. I’ve always liked that idea of casting your cares upon the water. This is a little deeper—not just cares, but sins that separate us from God. Sins of which we are repentant. And God in His mercy and grace forgives us for those sins. That is love.

O taste and see that the LORD is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! - Psalm 34:8 Taste….another custom is eating apples and honey at Rosh Hashanah. Apples and honey symbolize a sweet new year. I’m assuming that the apple represents the creation since it is so closely related to Adam and Eve and honey is one of the purest and sweetest foods. A very sweet combination! May you be blessed to eat some apples with honey in the next day or week as you consider the sweetness of your own relationship with the God of creation.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—I cast my sin into the depth of the river knowing that as I repent of my sin—You, God. are there to forgive me. Thank you for loving me—in Your grace and mercy. I claim these promises that were made to the Jews long ago—even though I am not Jewish—but am related through my relationship with Jesus—the Son of the almighty God. I fear and respect You—for it is written…Fear the LORD, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need. Psalm 34:9 NLT.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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Monday, September 14, 2015

Wait for the Lord…Be Strong and Courageous

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident. One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O LORD, I shall seek." Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me up. Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a level path because of my foes. Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence. I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:1-14

Psalm 27 is associated with the month of Elul which occurs the month before Rosh Hashanah. Every day that month during the worship in the synagogue that psalm is recited and the shofar is blown. It reminds people that the time of repentance is coming soon and they need to consider their transgressions of the past year. At the end of Elul special penitential prayers are recited asking for forgiveness. Those prayers include the thirteen merciful attributes of God that are noted when Moses goes up to Mount Sinai to get the second copy of the Ten Commandments. Then the LORD passed by in front of him (Moses) and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations." Exodus 34:6-7. Rosh Hashanah has begun. God is good…and He is merciful—to a point. The guilty will be punished. Have you considered your past transgressions and are you waiting for the Lord—hopeful of His return?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—As You were with Moses there on Mount Sinai You are here with us now reminding us to wait for the Lord…and to be strong and take courage. As we wait upon the Lord for His return, we do take courage and have hope in the goodness of God and for the salvation of our family, friends and neighbors.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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Sunday, September 13, 2015

Sound the Trumpet for Rosh Hashanah

Again the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall not do any laborious work, but you shall present an offering by fire to the LORD.'" Leviticus 23:23-25

Blow the Trumpet—or Shofar! The Gregorian calendar is different from the Jewish calendar so the seventh month, Tishri, occurs for us in September-October. This holy festival marking the beginning of a New Year, 5776, begins at sunset Sunday, September 13^th and ends on Tuesday, September 15^th at sunset. The sounding of the shofar is done in the synagogue with 100 notes in a special rhythm just for this day. Traditional foods, including apples with honey, are eaten to sweeten the coming year. It is a time to remember God’s creation and to begin a time of reflection on one’s own deed and forgiveness. Often symbolically pieces of bread are thrown into a nearby river or stream as if to cast off sins. Debts are to be paid before Rosh Hashanah. The custom of this holy day is that God opens the Book of Judgment on this day and those who are worthy will have their names written in the Book of Life. Those who are not worthy will have their names blotted out. Those in between will have ten day between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to atone for their mistakes—their sins.

As a Christian I don’t have to worry about making atonement for my sins. That is what Jesus Christ did on the when He died on the cross. Where do you stand with the Lord? How do you view atonement for your sins? Can you blow the shofar horn to sound a sweet new year for yourself—one of repentance to the Lord so that your life will be in a good relationship with Him…and with others.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, as I reflect on my past sins—I cast them off and ask for God’s forgiveness. May all that I think, say and do bring glory and honor to the Lord—and a sweet relationship with God and with my family, friends, and neighbors.

Happy Rosh Hashanah – Happy New Year

May you be sealed with a good year by God.

כְּתִיבָה וַחֲתִימָה טוֹבָה

"Ketivah VaChatimah Tovah"

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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Saturday, September 12, 2015

Earth Quaking and Shaking

And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31

So much power released when the Holy Spirit came to the believers a second time there in Jerusalem. They had begun to experience persecution and yet they were praising God. The earth shook—and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. An earthquake? There were also earthquakes when Jesus died on the cross (Matthew 27:54) and when He was resurrected (Matthew 28:2). Several earthquakes are mentioned in Revelation—(see Chapters 6, 8 11 and 16) all associated with lightning and thunder. There is certainly power associated with God whenever earthquakes are described in the Bible. Read the prophesy in Joel.

Blow a trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm on My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming; surely it is near.... Before them the earth quakes, The heavens tremble, The sun and the moon grow dark And the stars lose their brightness. The LORD utters His voice before His army; surely His camp is very great, for strong is he who carries out His word. The day of the LORD is indeed great and very awesome, and who can endure it? "Yet even now," declares the LORD, "Return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping and mourning; and rend your heart and not your garments." Now return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of evil. … "I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, blood, fire and columns of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And it will come about that whoever calls on the name of the LORD will be delivered; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who escape, as the LORD has said, even among the survivors whom the LORD calls." Joel 2:1, 10-13, 30-32.

Joel was telling it very distinctly—the day of the Lord will be awesome, scary and challenging. Who can survive it? The Lord graciously wants everyone to come to Him—to call on Him so that they can survive and be saved. Will you be among those who call upon the Lord?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I thank you that the Lord is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and overflowing with loving kindness. He surely is great and awesome—a source of power. Please continue to show me ways that I can honor the Lord—by prayer and fasting…and changing my heart—tearing out the old ways and habits. Who knows? Perhaps the Lord will give me a reprieve, sending me a blessing instead of a curse. (Joel 2:14 NLT). I call upon the name of the Lord and praise Him. Please allow me to speak the word of God with boldness—as Paul and the disciples in Jerusalem did when they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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