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.

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Cured of Evil Spirits

John's two disciples found Jesus and said to Him, "John the Baptist sent us to ask, 'Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?'" At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. 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, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him, 'God blesses those who do not turn away because of Me.'" Luke 7:20-23 NLT

Jesus cured people of evil spirits. Here are a few examples

Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out….Luke 8:1-2.

At Gerasenes where He healed a man with a legion of demons…. The demons began to entreat Him, saying, "If You are going to cast us out, send us into the herd of swine." Matthew 8:31 and Luke 8:27-38.

Demons also were coming out of many, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But rebuking them, He would not allow them to speak, because they knew Him to be the Christ. Luke 4:41.

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." Luke 13:31-32 NLT.

Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit began shouting, "Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!" Jesus cut him short. "Be quiet! Come out of the man," he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him. Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. "What sort of new teaching is this?" they asked excitedly. "It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey His orders!" The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee. Mark 1:23-28 NLT.

That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. The whole town gathered at the door to watch. So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak. Mark 1:32-34 NLT.

Evil spirits know Jesus…but they do not worship Him. He destroys them—protecting people from them. Jesus can still do that…but interestingly enough when He sent out seventy disciples and they returned to tell of healing people, Jesus said..."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 10:19-20 NLT. The thing we need to focus on is not our power over evil, but that our names are written down in the Book of Life in Heaven. Rejoice that you will be in Heaven one day with Jesus. Don’t rejoice about demons, goblins and evil beings.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—on this day that people celebrate as all hollowed eve—originally looking towards the day of All Saints—protect our children and grandchildren from the evil forces that would draw them into forces that are not of You…of bewitching being and false teachings. May God be glorified in all that we think, say and do.

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, October 30, 2015

God is Seeking Worshipers

But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:23-24

Worship Him…in spirit and truth. God is spirit. He is Spirit—the Holy Spirit. God is the Spirit, as well as the Father God, and Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The time is here…worship. Worship is all about God…giving Him our total attention, love and adoration. Let the truth be in our hearts…our voices and actions. Worship isn’t about us…it is about God. When I have total focus on God and abandon my own feelings and agenda—then I truly worship God. Are you a true worshiper? Do you worship in spirit and truth? God is looking for people to earnestly and honestly worship Him.

Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! Your enemies cringe before your mighty power. Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs." Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles He performs for people! Psalm 66:3-5 NLT.

I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak His praises. I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD's greatness; let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:1-3 NLT

Yes—let’s worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth—together.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I worship You, my God, with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. You alone are worthy of praise and adoration. Everyday…not just on Sundays and holidays. In my heart and with my voice I sing praise to You—My Lord and My God.

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

This is the pumpkin time of the year. These roasted pumpkin seeds are tasty…and my grandkiddos could hardly get enough of them!

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 ½ to 2 cups raw Pumpkin Seeds

2 Tbsp Butter, melted or vegetable oil, liquid or spray

Seasonings of choice:

Garlic Powder

Smoked Paprika

Chili Powder

Cumin

Cinnamon

1 Tbsp Honey or Sugar

Salt, Kosher or regular table salt.

Remove the seeds from the pumpkin. Wash off the major strings and pulp. Boil the seeds in lightly salted water for 10 minutes. This makes them crisper and make the hulls easier to digest, so you don’t have to hull them.

Drain and dry off the pumpkin seeds. Mix the seasonings of choice in a large plastic bag. Spray the seeds with the oil or dip into butter and drop them into the bag of seasonings. Then spread them out on parchment lined cookie and bake for about 45 minutes at 300 degrees. Immediately after seeds are removed from the oven, sprinkle with salt. Let cool and enjoy.

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, October 29, 2015

Domestic Violence Awareness

For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure. John 3:34

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Here are some Warning Signs of an Abusive Person.

1. Jealousy and Possessiveness. Wants to be with you constantly. Accuses you of cheating all the time. Follows you around and frequently calls. Asks friends to check up on you.

2. Controlling Behavior. Constantly questions who you spend your time with, what you did/wore/said, where you went. Makes you ask permission to do certain things. Acts like you don’t have the ability to make good decisions. Hides controlling behavior by pretending to be concerned for your safety.

3. Quick Involvement. Six months or less before living together or engaged. Claims love at first sight. Pressure for commitment. Says you are the only one who can make him feel this way.

4. Unrealistic Expectations. Compliments you in a way that makes you seems superhuman. Over-flattering. Expects you to be perfect. Says, "I am all you need. You are all I need."

5. Isolation. Puts down everyone you know- friends are either stupid, slutty, or you are cheating with them- family is too controlling, doesn’t really love you, or you are too dependent on them. Refuses to let you use car or talk on phone. Makes it difficult for you to go to work or school. Tries to cut off all your resources.

6. Blames Others for Problems. If there are problems at school or work, it is always someone else’s fault. If anything goes wrong in the relationship, it is all your fault. Won’t take responsibility for own behavior.

7. Blames Others for Feelings. Tries to make you responsible for how they feel. "You’re making me mad." "You’re hurting me by not doing what I ask." "I can’t help being angry." Won’t take responsibility for own feelings.

8. Hypersensitivity. Easily insulted. Sees everything as a personal attack. Looks for fights. Blows things out of proportion. Unpredictable. You can never tell what will upset him.

9. Disrespectful or Cruel to Others. Punishes animals or children cruelly. Insensitive to pain and suffering. Teases children until they cry. Doesn’t treat others with respect. Dismissive of others’ feelings.

10. "Playful" Use of Force During Sexual Activity. Little concern over whether you want sex or not, and uses sulking or anger to manipulate you into compliance. Makes sexual or degrading jokes about you.

11. Verbal Abuse of Any Kind.

12. Rigid Sex Roles. Believes women are inferior to men. Unable to be a whole person without a relationship.

13. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Sudden mood changes- like they have two personalities. One minute nice, next minute exploding. One minute happy, next minute sad.

14. Past Battering. You may hear the person was abusive to someone else. They say it’s a lie, or their ex was "crazy," or it wasn’t that bad.

15. Threats of Any Kind.

16. Breaking or Striking Objects. Breaks loved possessions. Beats on table with fists. Throws objects.

17. Any Force During an Argument. Pushes, shoves, or physically restrains you from leaving room.

18. Doesn’t Respect Your Property or Privacy.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Where is the Wind Going?

"The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." John 3:8

I live in a very windy area. The wind blows frequently—and it gets dusty, since we have less than ten inches of rain a year. This year in the summertime we’ve frequently saw dust devils…little whirlwinds that circle around and stir up dust. I told my kids about trying to run into them when I was a kid. The center of the whirlwind is supposed to be calm, but you get soooo dusty getting in there that it is a joke. My son and his friend tried to get into the center of a whirlwind when they were about ten. They chased the wind…and ended up just covered in dust—including all around their mouths and teeth. They looked so funny. We can’t see the wind, unless it is full of dust. We see it moving the leaves on the trees—and the clouds up in the sky. Birds can hover in the air just with the lift of the wind currents. We know that the wind is caused by changes in temperature over land and water as the heated air rises and the cooler air sinks down to the ground…and weathermen can predict which way the wind will blow…but it is a prediction. The wind still blows where it wants. The word “pneuma” is the same root word in the Greek for wind and spirit. Jesus was telling Nicodemus that like the wind the Spirit is a mystery. Is the Spirit a mystery to you…or to me? We know so much about the Holy Spirit…so much more than Nicodemus knew. Are you chasing the wind? Do you know where it is blowing?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit…I know that I don’t have to chase after You. You are in my heart. Thank you for guiding me in love, filling me with your 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

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Born of the Spirit

Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." John 3:5-6

Jesus was talking to Nicodemus—a Pharisee who came to Jesus secretly one night. Jesus told him…"I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God." John 3:3 NLT. It’s all about being born again—spiritual birth. To me this is a key scripture that Jesus taught about the kingdom of God. Most people…if you ask them…are sure that they will be going to heaven when they die—because they are good people…or because they’ve done some good things or given money to a church or philanthropic organization. Maybe they’ve never read this scripture or been taught that there has to be a spiritual birth in order to enter God’s Kingdom. The amazing thing that I’ve been taught is that we don’t have to wait until we die to enter God’s Kingdom…it is beyond heaven. When someone is born again—their spiritual birth—they enter God’s Kingdom right then. That makes perfect sense with the Lord’s prayer…Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10. May God’s Kingdom come into your life…just as it has in mine. Not with some brass band fanfare…but with a still quiet voice. I look forward to being in Heaven one day…but I know that I am in God’s Kingdom even now. He will never leave me, or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5) and God orders His angels to protect me wherever I go. Psalm 91:11 NLT. He doesn’t wait until we are in Heaven to show His love…we are secure and protected in His love…in a spiritual realm by angels and in this physical world, too. What a great feeling. Loved and protected. Jesus offered that to Nicodemus…and He offers it to us. Have you accepted His gift of spiritual birth?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 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

Monday, October 26, 2015

Praised by Everyone

Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit's power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. Luke 4:14-15 NLT

Filled with the Holy Spirit…. Jesus didn’t just do things on His own—He yielded His will and His way to the Holy Spirit. After He’s been out in the wilderness and tempted by the devil, He began His ministry—with the power of the Holy Spirit. People throughout Galilee heard about Jesus. News travels fast—especially good news. Jesus was just teaching…not yet healing. His teaching was encouraging to everyone. He read scripture that in Nazareth that prophesied His ministry (Luke 4:18). This was before the Pharisees started attacking Him--His teaching and His character. People were amazed at His teaching. Are we amazed? I am amazed at Jesus’ teachings. He fulfilled Old Testament prophesy. I have upmost respect for Jesus…His teaching and miracles…for Him. He is my Lord and Savior. Like the people in Galilee…I praise Him.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I praise You for filling Jesus…for filling and guiding each of us that we would have an understanding and appreciation for the wisdom and teachings of Jesus. I praise You for His Love…for Your Love.

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

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Wilderness Experience

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 4:1

Immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go out into the wilderness. Mark 1:12

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry. Luke 4:1-2

Jesus’ baptism must have been a totally high experience as He was recognized by God the Father as His beloved Son and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." Luke 3:21-22

Then His wilderness experience. Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness east of the Jordan River. It is totally a wilderness area—nothing much grows there so there was no food available to Him. It was just a time for Jesus to spend alone—praying and contemplating His life ministry ahead. Time alone with God—no distractions except that the devil was there tempting Him. Have you ever had a wilderness experience? Time that you thought you’d have alone with God and it turned into a time of temptation? The Holy Spirit is with each Christian now…just like He was with Jesus. Where is the Holy Spirit leading you today? Are you trusting Him to lead you?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit… do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:11-13.

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, October 24, 2015

A Reminder of the Gift

In my first book (the Book of Luke) I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day He was taken up to heaven after giving His chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after His crucifixion, He appeared to the apostles from time to time, and He proved to them in many ways that He was actually alive. And He talked to them about the Kingdom of God. Once when He was eating with them, He commanded them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift (The Holy Spirit) He promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Acts 1:1-5 NLT

Luke wrote about what Jesus did—and said. Jesus taught His disciples using the Holy Spirit—the ultimate wisdom. And Jesus promised…just as the Heavenly Father promised—the Holy Spirit would come on the disciples as a gift—baptism. What did the disciples know about baptism? What did it mean to them? Baptism—immersion in the Holy Spirit. What does it mean to us now? We have the advantage of knowing who the Holy Spirit is…His power and the gifts He gives. The disciples didn’t fully know the Holy Spirit. Jesus had talked about the Helper, the Comforter, the Gift…but until Jesus went back to Heaven, they couldn’t experience the presence—the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in the fullness of the promise. They experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost—just a few days after Jesus’ ascension. For me it has been a life changing experience to be filled with the Holy Spirit—to know that He is with me always giving me power and grace to live as God would have me live—giving me wisdom and love as I make choices. Have you experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Is He a part of your life…forever?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, guide me and help me to make good choices that I would live a life pleasing to You—serving God by serving others.

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, October 23, 2015

Service to the Lord

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. 1 Timothy 1:12-15

Have you ever been willing to serve the Lord in some aspect of ministry and not been “accepted” by those in charge? It is really awkward. Once I was willing to do an activity for a children’s program…but they had their own agenda and my activity didn’t fit with their program. That’s OK. They just didn’t need my help—I moved on to help in another area. Then another time I was willing to facilitate a parenting class—but it wasn’t using the book that I was suggesting so they didn’t need my service. OK. So I’m not needed again. What are these experiences telling me? That Jesus doesn’t need my service…or that these individuals and their programs don’t need the particular gifts or skills that Jesus has provided to the body of Christ within me? How do you respond when you are willing to serve…and have nowhere to give of your time or talents?

Like Paul, I recognize that I am a sinner. We all are. … for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… Romans 3:23. Everyone has sinned. It is by the mercy of God that we are forgiven by the death of Jesus—the shedding of His blood on the cross. We are forgiven and accepted by God. He even accepts our service—our willingness to do things for Him. Feed the hungry. Provide clothes. Visit those who are lonely. That is reasonable service. Do it as unto the Lord. 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' Matthew 25:31-40.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, show me how and where I can serve You. I can always serve others by interceding for them in prayer. It is my joy to serve You, God.

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

What is your favorite holiday recipe, meal or treat? Let me know what it is...and if I can post your recipe on this page to share with other readers. Let the holiday cooking and baking begin!
Blessings~
Looking ahead to the holidays. We’re going to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas early with some of our family this year—so I want to make it special. We’re decorating a small Christmas tree and planning a special meal. I want to bake my German Grandma’s Pfeffernusse cookies. Just the smell of them makes me feel like Christmas is coming. It was a treat that Grandma started making right after Thanksgiving and we had to wait a couple of weeks while they “aged” before she served them. The cookie jar was always full—and it was a special treat to go to Grandma and Grandad’s house during Christmas just for those cookies. I want my grandchildren to remember this fun time of holidays together, too.

Pfeffernusse Cookies – German Pepper Cookies for Christmas

1 cup molasses

1 cup honey

1½ cup white sugar

1 cup strong black coffee (room temperature)

3 eggs

3 teaspoons baking soda

9 cups flour

1 teaspoon allspice

2 teaspoons anise extract

1 teaspoons ground cardamom

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

Stir together the molasses, honey, coffee and sugar. Stir in the eggs. Combine the flour, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, anise, cinnamon, baking soda, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Add the molasses mixture and stir until thoroughly combined. Add additional flour if necessary for the dough to be stiff. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Butter your hands and roll the dough into acorn-sized balls. Arrange on baking sheets, spacing at least 1 inch apart. Bake 10 to 15 minutes. Move to a rack to cool. Dust cooled cookies with confectioners' sugar. Store in a covered container for at least a couple of weeks—to age them—before eating. This will make about 15 dozen cookies.

What is your favorite holiday recipe, meal or treat? Let me know what it is...and if I can post your recipe on this page to share with other readers. Let the holiday cooking and baking begin!
Blessings~

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, October 22, 2015

Stay Friends with Christ

But you have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true--it is not a lie. So just as He has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when He returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from Him in shame. Since we know that Christ is righteous, we also know that all who do what is right are God's children. 1 John 2:27-29 NLT

Little children…dear children. That is how the apostle John addresses the early Christian church. What he says is the important thing…stay in fellowship. Stay friends with Jesus Christ. Little children want to stand up for their friends. That’s the way kids are and Jesus likes them…just the way they are. When children were brought to Him…this was His reaction. But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14. Put those together…stay friends with Jesus and stand up for Him. He is worth standing up for…He is righteous. If we do what is right…then we are children of God. Scripture tell us that we have to believe…and receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13. The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:16-17. It is simple…and yet complicated. As people humble themselves…and realize that life is not about them. It is about Jesus—about God. Those who accept the fact that Jesus is God’s Son and He is God are adopted as children of God. Let the children come to Me…as Jesus said. Come to Jesus. Are you friends with Him? Will you stand up for Him?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, You live in my heart and teach me everything I need to know—especially what is true. I am grateful that Jesus is my King…and my friend—and standing up for Him is very important to me. Continue to bless and guide me that I would do what is right and please God in all that I do.

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, October 21, 2015

Keep Your Faith

So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life He promised us. I am writing these things to warn you about those who want to lead you astray. But you have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as He has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:24-27 NLT

Often Christians will talk about Jesus living in their heart…but this scripture tells me that it is The Holy Spirit who lives in my heart. Jesus told us that the Spirit would be our teacher and remind us of things that Jesus had taught. That is what teachers do—they teach us what others have discovered or taught. It may seem that there are not as many original ideas or discoveries now days…we just learn from others—and build on those preconceived ideas. Yet there are vast frontiers of discovery in areas of outer space, in microbial sciences, in understanding human interactions, and technology. Life is so complex…and the more we learn, the more we know that that there is more to learn. God is the ultimate Master of Knowledge…and to know Him is to know more—to be open to more knowledge. To deny Him, is to deny knowledge. Is refusing to learn and study a rejection of God? Are you teachable? Are you in fellowship with Christ…with the Holy Spirit?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, help me, as well as my family and friends, to keep the faith…to be teachable—to learn from You. You are teaching us everything we need to know—open our eyes, thoughts and minds to the details that will make our lives complete…and eternal.

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, October 20, 2015

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also. 1 John 2:20-23.

Liar—Liar, pants on fire. This old childhood chant makes perfect sense. Anyone who lies, denying Christ, will be headed for hell. Their pants would very likely catch on fire in that Lake of Fire that God has promised will be there for those who don’t believe in Jesus Christ. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:15 NLT. To have your name recorded in the Book of Life is the result of believing. Check it out for yourself. Search God’s Word…and apply it to your life.

The statement about denial is similar to a statement that Jesus made…But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:33. We must never deny knowing or believing in Jesus. He is our lifeline to eternity…our Savior, our Lord, our God. We are, as John wrote, anointed by the Holy Spirit when we believe in Jesus as the Son of God, as God, as our Savior—the Christ or Messiah. Do you believe…do you confess Jesus as Christ and The Son?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, hear my prayer and confession. I do believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God—as God. Lord of Lord, King of Kings. He is worthy of my praise. I claim the Heavenly Father and You, Holy One, as well as Jesus, to be my God.

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, October 19, 2015

Who is Your Advocate?

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 1 John 2:1-3

Who is your advocate? Why do we even need an advocate—someone to stand up for us? Is it that in our imperfection we can’t stand before God the Father? Only the pure in heart can even appear before the throne of God. “If anyone sins….” When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. Romans 5:12-13 NLT. All people sin—we can’t be pure…on our own. Only Jesus is pure…only Jesus can represent purity for us to God the Father. Only He can be our advocate.

So, if we keep His commandments we show that we know and love Jesus. He said…If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15 NLT. Jesus stated the importance of obedience to God’s commandments over and over… "Why ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments." Matthew 19:17 NLT. 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. Are you living…abiding…as Jesus directed?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit…guide me in the path that leads me to obedience to God’s commandments—not just to keeping the letter of the law, but to following Jesus’ teachings from the heart.

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

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Sunday, October 18, 2015

Looking for New Heavens and New Earth

Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 2 Peter 3:11-13

A new heaven and new earth—gleaming in purity and righteousness. Ahhh—how we all long for that day. No more tears…but even better— Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Ephesians 4:31. We will never again grieve each other or the Holy Spirit… Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30. Since we are children adopted by God as His own—we are sealed—set aside. We still have to continue to seek purity or holiness in our lives. …may you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Ephesians 4:23-24. Paul also wrote to the church at Philippi, encouraging them in their obedience. So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling…. Philippians 2:12. Some people believe that once they are saved they no longer must “work” but that is just the beginning…we must continue to mold our lives in holiness to please God. Our righteousness cannot be self-righteousness…but one that is bestowed on us by the grace of God—giving us a desire to humbly seek to make choices that lead to holiness in our lives. As you look for the New Heaven and New Earth where do you stand with the Lord?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I hope that I never give You any grief. Help me to put aside all bitterness, wrath and anger—that I would not cause or feel any tears even here on earth. May my family, friends and I make decisions that result in holiness in our lives…pleasing You and drawing others to Jesus Christ.

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, October 17, 2015

Time is Not an Issue…Yet

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. 2 Peter 3:8-10

God is patient with everyone. He lets us decide if we want to “repent” or not—a real gentleman—not forcing Himself or His ideas on anyone. He’s in no rush—time isn’t important. Well...an end of time will come for each person with their death or when the Lord’s Day comes, so everyone must decide by then. We’ve all heard the one day as a thousand…and a thousand years as one day, but is it just related to creation time period? I guess not. Here in this passage it is talking about “the day of the Lord” when Jesus Christ returns for the final time. The earth and sky will be burned up—life as we know it will be over. Those who don’t choose Christ—choose repentance—will perish. Where do you stand with the Lord?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, give me grace to continually have a repentant heart. I am so thankful that God is patient with me. Help me to always be ready…ready for Christ’s return and ready to give an answer for the hope that I have. May I sanctify Christ as Lord in my heart, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks me to give an account for the hope that is in me, yet with gentleness and reverence…. 1 Peter 3:15

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

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Friday, October 16, 2015

Are You Hungry? How About Some Fish and Bread?

Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, "Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?" He was testing Philip, for he already knew what he was going to do. Philip replied, "Even if we worked for months, we wouldn't have enough money to feed them!" Then Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up. "There's a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?" "Tell everyone to sit down," Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, "Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted." So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves. When the people saw him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, "Surely, he is the Prophet we have been expecting!" When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself. John 6:5-15 NLT

They ate as much as they wanted—all from just two fish and five little rolls of bread. Jesus was amazingly generous. What amazes you most about this story? That this happened right before the Passover—celebrating the feast of unleavened bread? That Jesus fed 5,000 men, plus their wives and children? Or that the twelve disciples gathered up twelve baskets of leftovers? Twelve baskets! One for each apostle. That is a lot of food. I imagine that those were not little baskets. Jesus later declares Himself to be the Bread of Life. "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” John 6:35. Jesus uses bread…and declares Himself to be The Bread of Life. There can be so much significance associated with these barley loaves—including new life. Think about it.

Look at another place in the Bible—in the Old Testament—where barley loaves were served. Elisha went to Gilgal when there was a famine. Now a man came from Baal-shalishah, and brought the man of God (Elisha) bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And he said, "Give them to the people that they may eat." His attendant said, "What, will I set this before a hundred men?" But he said, "Give them to the people that they may eat, for thus says the LORD, 'They shall eat and have some left over.'" So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD. 2 Kings 4:42-44. There were only twenty barley loaves served to 100 men and left overs were gathered! Twelve baskets? That is not mentioned, just that there were leftovers. Are you hungry—spiritually or just in your tummy?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I am amazed that Jesus fed five thousand men and their families with only two fish and a few barley rolls. That is a lot of people—and they were very hungry. They ate until they were full—no longer hungry. Kids can be pretty hungry—so it was very generous of Jesus to feed them until they were full. I want to be as generous as Jesus and feed families as much as they need…not just what I can give. Multiply the food and gifts I give so that more people can have as much as they want to eat—physically and spiritually!

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

Fish or Bread? I looked for recipes for barley loaves and found that during Jesus’ time barley grain was primarily used to make bread by poorer people and fed to livestock. The rich folks baked their breads with more expensive wheat flour. Barley is not a common flour now, but the grain is used in soups and stews and made into an alcoholic beverage—beer. Try serving this bread for some loaves and fishes fun.

Quick Barley Bread

1 cup milk

½ tsp salt

½ tsp sugar

1 cup barley flour

1 tablespoon butter, melted

Prepare 9 inch cake pan by spraying with cooking spray that contains flour, you can also butter and flour the pans. Don't use regular cooking spray that doesn't contain flour, the loaf will stick!

Mix milk, salt, sugar and flour until smooth. It will be about the consistency of pancake batter. Stir in 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake on bottom rack of 350 degree oven for about 35 minutes.

Turn out onto a plate and cut into five sections, representing the five loaves that were blessed by Jesus and served to the 5,000 men. For an authentic Fish and Loaves meal, serve with tilapia fish and hummus.

Double all of the ingredients to make two loaves.

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

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Thursday, October 15, 2015

Visions of Hope

Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, "Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o'clock in the morning is much too early for that. No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: 'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.' Acts 2:14-17 NLT

In the Last Days. That phrase “last days” appears only eleven times in the Bible—but it is one that is surrounded by controversy and continual anticipation. Are we in the “last days?” God’s timing is known only by the Father. We are told…But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 Timothy 3:1. There will be some hard times—will that be for everyone? Paul goes on to write…Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:12-15. Keep on keeping on—following Jesus’ teachings. Rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you. Jesus promised…But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26.

Kind of exciting that it has been promised that young and old will see visions and dreams. Visions of prophesy? Dreams of heaven? There are so many movies that have been made—with visions of the future. Most of them are not very encouraging! Doom and gloom rather than a Utopia where we will live happily ever after is a state of bliss. We watched the two Divergent series movies...Divergent and Insurgent...post-apocalyptic science fiction movies where the society is broken up into factions. Will life on earth be like that someday? Such a power struggle between the groups—and no one looking to God. But then it wasn’t billed as a religious film. Dreams of a better life…of heaven? Isn’t that what we are all ultimately seeking? What do you dream about?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, give us grace to dream dreams that give us…and those around us…hope, peace and an assurance that You are in control. In the troubles of the last days…You will be there to remind us that we are loved and that God has a plan for our lives. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT. My hope is in You, Lord.

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