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.

Friday, August 31, 2018

Just Like Us – Not Angels

We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. Hebrews 2:16-18

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16

How many times have you heard that Jesus experienced all of the emotions that we do? Did Jesus have our same feelings? These passages above in Hebrews tell us that Jesus went through everything that we go through so that He can help us when we are tested. Many of these human emotions are just that…tests of our character.

A study by Alan S. Cowen and Dacher Keltner, Ph.D., of the University of California, Berkeley, published last year in the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences reported that there are as many as 27 different categories of emotions.

Admiration
Adoration
Aesthetic appreciation
Amusement
Anxiety
Awe
Awkwardness
Boredom
Calmness
Confusion
Craving
Disgust
Empathetic pain
Entrancement
Envy
Excitement
Fear
Horror
Interest
Joy
Nostalgia
Romance
Sadness
Satisfaction
Sexual desire
Sympathy
Triumph

My goal for the month of August was to look at these emotions and find examples in scripture of Jesus’ experience with them. Do you feel that by studying these emotions…and Jesus response to them that you know Jesus better? Are there any emotions that you particularly identify with as Jesus did? This has been a good exercise for me to consider these human emotions as challenges that Jesus faced here on earth—yet He was without sin. How remarkable is that? Can you follow Jesus example and teachings? His promise for the righteous is eternal life. That life with Jesus forever is worth trying to mold our lives by His principles.

Pure and honorable--like the new life of a butterfly.
Original watercolor by Mickey.

Prayer ~ Lord, help me to do whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, and if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, may my thoughts dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 NASB.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 16-17

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Recently I had a wonderful crepe for lunch at the Kagen Coffee and Crepes restaurant in Richland, Washington. Nice relaxed atmosphere where they served up savory and sweet crepes along with cups of aromatic coffee. I chose a savory crepe with chicken, spinach, avocado and cheese topped with a pesto sauce. My taste buds are salivating again just thinking about it! So I tried to make crepes at home for my family after church on Sunday. I was so pleased with the results…and they were, too. This may become a new family tradition! I was so busy I didn't take a photo of the food--what was I thinking? Thinking about eating crepes of course! Yum....

Crepes for Eight

3 cups flour (I used whole wheat)

2 Tbsp raw cane sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1 scant tsp salt

4 cups milk

4 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 Tbsp melted butter or oil

Measure flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Add liquids ingredients, including eggs, and beat with a hand held mixer until smooth.

Oil a skillet or griddle and heat over medium heat until a drop of water will sizzle when sprinkled on it. Pour the batter onto the grill in the size you want—keeping the crepe thin. Make them small for small people…and larger for those with a big appetite. Cook until lightly browned. Carefully flip and brown the other side. Stack the cooked crepes on a wire rack in a warm 200 degrees or less oven until all the batter is cooked.

Fill each savory crepe with meat, veggies, and cheese of your choice. Fill sweet crepes by spreading with jelly, jam, applesauce, warm chopped fruit, like peaches, apples, or strawberries. Add peanut or almond butter if desired. Roll the crepes up and serve warm.

Savory crepes can be topped with melted cheese, sour cream or pesto sauce. Sweet ones maybe topped with whipped cream or ice cream. Enjoy!

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

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Thursday, August 30, 2018

Thankful Relief

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. Luke 8:1-3

Another emotion we see in Jesus and ourselves that Cowen and Keltner didn’t specifically address in their study 27 Different Categories of Emotions is that of relief. Relief can be described as respite, release, break, liberation, help, assistance, alleviation and support.

Mosaic near the Sea of Galilee - Israel.
Depicting the five loaves and two fish with which Jesus fed thousands.
Will you support others with loaves and fish?

This scripture is an example of was a physical, monetary and emotional support provided by Jesus’ followers. Of course Jesus could have created anything He needed…or that was needed by His followers, but He instead He relied on the support…the help and assistance of His followers to provide what was needed. That is how it is done here on earth. We don’t take five loaves of bread and two fish and feed thousands. No. We work together—pool our resources and donate funds so that a big group of people can eat. We support one another. When we are recipients of that assistance, like Jesus was, we feel gratitude…towards those who provided the food…and to God, because He is the ultimate source of all things. Although Jesus did create lunch for thousands of people a couple of times, He thanked the Father for that food…and relied on Him to provide enough.

Give Thanks. There are so many good verses on being thankful.

- - And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:15-16

- - Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12:28

If you were to rate your thankfulness or gratitude for everything you have would it be near 1 (low) or closer to 10 (high)?

Prayer ~ Jesus… For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If I serve You, Christ, with this attitude, God will be pleased , and others will approve, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Romans 14:17-19. I am thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18. I praise You and worship You…Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 13-15

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

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Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Was He Angry? Are You?

When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. - Mark 10:14

Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus' enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man's hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, "Come and stand in front of everyone." Then he turned to his critics and asked, "Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?" But they wouldn't answer him. He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, "Hold out your hand." So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! Mark 3:1-5

Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha met him. When the people who were at the house consoling Mary saw her leave so hastily, they assumed she was going to Lazarus's grave to weep. So they followed her there. When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. "Where have you put him?" he asked them. They told him, "Lord, come and see." Then Jesus wept. The people who were standing nearby said, "See how much he loved him!" But some said, "This man healed a blind man. Couldn't he have kept Lazarus from dying?" Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. John 11:30-38

One of the emotions we see in Jesus and ourselves that Cowen and Keltner didn’t specifically address in their study 27 Different Categories of Emotions is that of anger. According to Leon F. Seltzer, PhD, in an article in Psychology Today “What Your Anger Maybe Hiding,” anger is the not a basic emotion, but actually is a secondary emotional response evoked by a primary emotion like fear or rejection (as the opposite of admiration). Interestingly enough anger also causes the brain to secrete the hormone norepinephrine which actually numbs a person…or self-soothes. Maybe that is why some people get into the cycle of anger since their brain knows that it will get this chemical—just like a drug addiction.

God has shown anger many times throughout the Bible especially to the nation of Israel, His chosen people. In their disobedience they deserved it. But He is gracious. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5

Sunset on the Columbia River - Richland. Washington

Paul gave us some very good advice on dealing with life and in particular with anger.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Ephesians 4:21-27

David wrote in the Psalms about that anger that Paul was teaching the church at Ephesus.

You can be sure of this: The LORD set apart the godly for himself. The LORD will answer when I call to him. Don't sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the LORD. Many people say, "Who will show us better times?" Let your face smile on us, LORD. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:3-8

Still angry? Me, too. I’ve had to deal with my own anger issues in life…I had the typical Irish temper. I can assure you that it is only through prayer and by the power of the Holy Spirit that people look at me today and say I have such patience…and a calm attitude. Sometimes even now I am really raging inside. Mad mostly at myself for poor choices. That is what it all comes down to. Choices and attitude. I’m glad that Jesus understands my anger…and that He gives me joy and peace. I don’t deserve it…but He mercifully gives it to me anyway.

There are things about which we can have righteous anger...abortion, human trafficking, child abuse...the list can go on and on. What riles up your anger? What do you do about it?

The Lord has given me great joy. Released from anger…and filled that void in my heart with joy. God is good that way. Just like David taught…Don’t let anger control you. But re-read that again closely…Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t sin. That is just what God wants us to do…remain pure and holy for Him. Challenge for today: Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Make choices that please God, encourage others, and show that you love yourself.

Prayer ~ O LORD, don't rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your rage. Psalm 6:1. Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies (even if that enemy is myself). You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. Psalm 138:7.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 9-12

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

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Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Triumph

Jesus Triumphal Entry…

Donkey at the Mount of Olives
Jerusalem

The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, "Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Hail to the King of Israel!" Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said: "Don't be afraid, people of Jerusalem. Look, your King is coming, riding on a donkey's colt." His disciples didn't understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about him. John 12:12-16

Not in triumph—but in completion…

Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, "I am thirsty." A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. John 19:28-30

Jesus…King of Kings, Lord of Lords. It was predicted in Psalms that a King would come in the name of the Lord.

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Please, LORD, please save us. Please, LORD, please give us success. Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the house of the LORD. Psalm 118:24-26

When we consider “Triumph” we think of victory, achievement, success, conquest, accomplishment, rejoicing, elation and satisfaction. Jesus certainly had a triumph as He entered Jerusalem that last week of His life. What a procession with waving palm branches and singing! I wish I had been there to see that sight. His followers sincerely thought that He was going to be that Messiah that would save them from the Roman oppression. But that was not what Jesus’ ministry was all about. As He told John’s disciples…

Jesus told them, "Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen—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." Matthew 11:4-5

Additionally, Jesus emphasized that He came to do the will of the Father.

For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day." John 6:38-40

And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it's here now, when the dead will hear my voice—the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live. The Father has life in himself, and he has granted that same life-giving power to his Son. And he has given him authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man. Don't be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God's Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment. I can do nothing on my own. I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will. John 5:25-30

So imagine Jesus hanging there on the cross. He knows that He has done just what the Father God asked Him to do. Now His work on earth is finished. It is finished.

Jesus came to do the will of the Father. What have you come to do? Do you ever feel that you’ve achieved a level of success or accomplished what you set out to do? We should all have those points in our lives whether it is just finishing high school or college, birthing a baby or writing a poem. We have big and small accomplishments every day. Rejoice in those—especially the ones in which you can see God at work in or through you. Do you see moments like that? If not, pray about it and open your heart to see God working in your life…to see yourself working and serving the Lord.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I give You my heart and my life. Accomplish in me whatever You will. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Psalm 119:34.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 5-8

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

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Monday, August 27, 2018

Sympathy

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields." Matthew 9:35-38

Do you lift others up and give them hope?
Prosser, WA - Balloon Festival

Sympathy includes the feelings of understanding, compassion, kindness, pity, commiseration, condolences, and support. Jesus was compassionate. He often was overcome with compassion and He showed it as well as taught about it.

- Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. "I am willing," he said. "Be healed!" Mark 1:41

- When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. "Don't cry!" he said. Luke 7:13

- Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:35-37.

Jesus was compassionate with those He encountered while He was ministering here on earth…and He is considerate of all humans…The harvest is great, but the workers are few….send more workers into his fields. Jesus doesn’t want anyone to perish—to spend eternity in hell.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. John 10:27-29

Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. Luke 13:3

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

That is compassion—sympathy. God not wanting any to perish.

Jesus was compassionate. Are you compassionate and feel sympathy for others?

Prayer ~ Thank You for Your mercy, Father God. I’m so glad that You don’t want anyone to perish. We each choose our own destiny for eternity…with You…or without You. I choose to be with You. Bless those who have yet to make a decision. In Your mercy take the hardness from their hearts and scales off their eyes. Help me to be a good witness for You.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 1-4

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

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Sunday, August 26, 2018

Desire

Be perfect--even as Jesus is perfect.
Love others as yourself.

For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and endurance. Hebrews 6:10-12

Sexual desire was one of the twenty-seven human emotions that Cowen and Keltner listed in their study at the University of California, Berkeley. That is a basic longing, crave, covet or need that humans feel. How is that different from the emotion of romance? I think it is that romance involves love, whereas sexual desire is more of a basic need. Did Jesus feel that? Once again we consider the verse in Hebrews that assures us that Jesus felt all the desires and temptations that we all feel.

Undoubtedly He was faced with such desires…but we are assured that He did not sin and to Him, even thinking desirous or adulterous thoughts was sin. Jesus spoke these words in His Sermon on the Mount.

You have heard the commandment that says, 'You must not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28

Paul also reminded us, as is specified in the Ten Commandments, that we should not covet—want something that belongs to someone else.

For the commandments say, "You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet." These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Romans 13:9

Love your neighbor. Jesus confirmed the importance of that when He was asked which was the most important commandment.

Jesus replied, "The most important commandment is this: 'Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." Mark 12:29-31

He merely wanted to be obedient to the Father.

He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." Matthew 26:39

Jesus felt the same emotions as each of us feels. Desire. Desire to belong and to be loved. Love your neighbor as yourself. Love God…Jesus was God. He desires our love.

Do you desire and love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength?

Prayer ~ Jesus, I adore You. I do love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Moment by moment it may not seem like I have much love flowing out of me…but I know that You live me…and will never leave me or forsake me. So let Your love flow through me…back to You and to those around me. Provide me with the spiritual food I need every day, renewing my strength, guiding me along Your righteous pathways, protect me and show me Your abundant and enduring love that will guide me to our Heavenly home to be with You, forever.

You have put a desire in my heart to worship You, and I will never leave You… Jeremiah 32:40.

Daily Bible Reading: Lamentations 3-5

Welcome Baby Alice Ann Marie P.

May God bless you and your sweet family. Hugs and Cuddles~

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

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Saturday, August 25, 2018

Satisfaction

But don't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval. John 6:27

Satisfaction is described as gratification, consummation, fulfillment, approval and contentment.

Did Jesus feel some degree of satisfaction after each time that He healed someone or did a miracle?

He was not boastful about any of His miracles, in fact, He often told those He healed not to tell anyone.

Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news. Mark 7:36

Jesus certainly knew that God the Father approved of Him. At least twice God spoke from Heaven declaring that Jesus was His Son…and that He approved of Him. Even before Jesus came to earth God declared that Jesus was the chosen one, the dearly loved Son.

Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations. Isaiah 42:1

Baptism in the Jordan River - Israel

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy." Matthew 3:16-17

Great joy. That is a feeling of deep contentment. Joy doesn’t depend on happy occasions. We can look forward to joy even in mourning. David expressed such joy to God at the avenging of his enemies.

I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2

Likewise, joy can be found after a time of sorrow.

Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. Psalm 126:5

So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this! Ecclesiastes 9:7

Seek first and foremost in your life to please God…to be obedient. That is just what Jesus did and above all we want to be like Him. Then you will obtain His approval with satisfaction.

Prayer ~ Jesus, May the Lord our God show us His approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! Psalm 90:17.

Daily Bible Reading: Lamentations 1-2

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

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Friday, August 24, 2018

Sadness

When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. "Where have you put him?" he asked them. They told him, "Lord, come and see." Then Jesus wept. The people who were standing nearby said, "See how much he loved him!" But some said, "This man healed a blind man. Couldn't he have kept Lazarus from dying?" John 11:33-37

Jesus experienced sadness. Deep grief. He cried real tears…just like us. His friend Lazarus had died. Could Jesus have prevented Lazarus’ death? Certainly…but He had to let him die so that the power of God could be witnessed in Lazarus’ resurrection. Jesus raised him…called him back to life from the grave. Everyone who witnessed that was amazed. I am amazed…how about you? Jesus had such power…God heard Jesus’ prayer and took mercy on that family allowing Lazarus to return to life with his sisters, Mary and Martha. Jesus shouted, "Lazarus, come out!" John 11:43. Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen. John 11:45.

Do you believe in Jesus…in His power? What would it take for you to believe in Jesus? Would you need to see someone raised out of their grave? Does just reading about it in the Bible convince you? Talk to Jesus about your conviction of His power in people’s lives…about what He is doing in your life.

Plea for Prayer at a garden in Jerusalem.
May God give them peace in their hearts...and homes.

Are you praying for the people of Israel--for Jerusalem? Do you feel blessed—as you bless them? Leave me a comment in the comment box below. Blessings on you as you bless others.

Prayer ~ Lord God, have mercy on the people of Israel—Your chosen people. Protect them from their enemies—and give them strength to fight the battles ahead of them. Help us to trust You with our everyday needs…and provide miracles for those we know and those You love.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 51-52

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

What would you give someone who had just been in the grave for four days (John 11:39) and had been sick before that? Lazarus probably hadn’t had much to eat for days and days. Some Tonic Tea would probably be a good start for his digestive system. Then ease him into other food with the BRAT diet. Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast.

Digestive Tonic Tea

Peppermint

Bay Leaf

Fennel Seeds

Caraway Seeds

Anise Seeds

Blend equal parts of all the dry ingredients and store in a jar or metal tea box. Use 4 teaspoons of the dry mix per cup. Brew for 10 minutes. Enjoy a cup daily.

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

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Thursday, August 23, 2018

Romance or Love?

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16

Pure Rose - Love
Duncan Gardens, Spokane, WA

Romance? Romance is that emotion that we express with words like love, passion, ardor, relationship and allure. Hebrews 4:15-16 tells us that Jesus was tempted just as we are.

Even Jesus Himself said…

There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:13

Was He tempted to have a romantic relationship by the worldly women around Him? He spoke to the woman at the well…and told her He was the Messiah (John 4.) He healed a demon possessed woman, identified as Mary Magdalene…(Luke 8:2.) He forgave a woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11.) There is no evidence in scripture that any of these women or others became romantically involved with Him. Novels have been written about Jesus being romantically involved…and even married, but those stories again have no scriptural basis. Jesus’ love is an agape love…God’s love for mankind—both men and women—to the extent that He did lay down His life for us. There is no greater love.

Prayer ~ Jesus, Your love is amazing.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Let all Israel repeat: "His faithful love endures forever." Let Aaron's descendants, the priests, repeat: "His faithful love endures forever." Let all who fear the LORD repeat: "His faithful love endures forever." Psalm 118:1-4.

I look forward to looking into Your face…Your eyes…one day and praising You face to face because I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 49-50

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

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Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Nostalgia

Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' Matthew 25:34-40

I was hungry...and you gave me something to eat.
Fish caught in the Mediterranean Sea near Joppa.

The emotion of nostalgia includes feelings of reminiscence, wistfulness, longing and melancholy. Jesus may not have been reminiscing about what had happened in the past…but looking to the future in this passage. He was expressing a longing for how His followers had cared for others—as if caring for Him. That “nostalgia” is the same emotion we feel when we long for something with a pleasure and yet sadness. So in this passage Jesus was pleased that His followers had served others with a bit of a sadness that they just didn’t see when they were serving others that they were really serving their Lord.

Do you ever serve others for Jesus…and not realize that you are actually serving the Lord?

Is Jesus your Lord? Those on His “right” in this passage are the sheep…the followers. The ones that are on His left (see Matthew 25:31-33; 41-46) are the goats who are sent away into eternal punishment. Will you be on His right…or on His left?

Prayer ~ Praise the LORD, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. For he loves us with unfailing love; the LORD's faithfulness endures forever. Praise the LORD! Psalm 117:1-2. I praise You Lord—and I serve You with gladness…treating others as I would treat You.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 46-48

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

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Tuesday, August 21, 2018

JOY

I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:11

JOY! Joy is happiness, delight, pleasure, elation, thrill, gladness, delight, and wonder.

There it is. Jesus felt JOY! He says my joy. He wanted the disciples and us to have His joy. Not only just basic full of joy…but joy overflowing! That is a human emotion that everyone feels at some time in their lives. Jesus did, too.

Look at this passage a little more in the context of where, when, and to whom He was speaking. He and His disciples were in the Upper Room and they had just finished the Passover Meal. Jesus was giving those disciples His last pep talk…His last lecture…His last teachings. What He said during the first three years of His ministry was so important…and He was reminding them of His love for them and the importance of obedience. Be loving, obedient and overflowing with joy.

Grapes growing in my yard..
The Fruits of the Spirit...love, joy, peace...

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. John 15:5-12

In Isaiah 5 there is a parable of a vineyard where Israel is depicted as the vineyard and it produces evil fruit. Here Jesus is telling the disciples that those who live the way He has taught them will produce fruit…good fruit. Consider the Fruits of the Spirit…

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

Those were the “fruits” for which Jesus was looking. He was trying to encourage those in His disciples and in us. Note that “joy” is in that list. He wants all His followers to have that overflowing joy. Paul encourages the Romans with this same joy…as well as hope and peace.

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13.

David wrote about joy that comes from obedience to the Lord. That is the joy that Jesus wants us to have. Because of obedient, loving actions as the result of pure, undefiled hearts seeking holiness, we will be filled with His joy.

- The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. Psalm 19:8

- So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! Psalm 32:11

How is your heart today? Filled with joy? Overflowing?

Have you found joy in your life? Has your life brought joy to others?

Prayer ~ Jesus, You told us to…seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 NASB. What I eat, drink and wear are not as important to me as knowing Your love and being obedient to You. Open my eyes, mind and heart to ways that I can change and live to please You more—and be overflowing with Your joy.

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 41-45

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

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