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.

Thursday, October 31, 2019

A Jealous God

Consider and Meditate on these verses:

You must fear the LORD your God and serve him. When you take an oath, you must use only his name. You must not worship any of the gods of neighboring nations, for the LORD your God, who lives among you, is a jealous God. His anger will flare up against you, and he will wipe you from the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 6:13-15

A jealous God…a jealous friend? God told the Hebrew people, His chosen people, that He wanted no other gods before Him. He was a jealous God.

"I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. " Exodus 20:2-6

The Ninevites were told prior to the destruction of their city in 612 BC that they needed to change their ways. They were under God’s judgment.

The LORD is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and rage. He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies! The LORD is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished. He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet. Nahum 1:2-3

When someone deeply loves someone else there can be an element of jealousy in their feelings. They want to be loved unconditionally and exclusively. No one can even give a hint of admiration without evoking feelings of jealousy. That is just how God feels. No other gods before Him. Does that make Him a jealous friend? God is our God…and our friend, but I think He wants us to “share” Him with others—for us to be friends together with others who are His friends—His disciples—and to continue His way of teaching others.

Do you find shelter under the wings of the Holy Spirit?

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

Although we think of jealousy as being a bad attribute, the jealousy of our God is good. It shows His perfect love for us.

How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7

Consider again that God wants no idols for His people. Obey His commands.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 19; Mark 10

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org/.

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Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Friends—Be Faithful

Meditate on this…

Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. Jude 1:3

Be faithful…defend the faith that God has entrusted…to his holy people. Entrusted. Faith delivered…assigned by God Himself. Do you feel that God has called you out to “entrust” you with faith in Him? Personally I feel so special to be a part of God’s family. Everyone theoretically will at some point in their life meet Jesus…or be told about Him. It is up to each person to choose to follow Jesus…or not. I chose to follow Jesus. So I am part of God’s family—and growing in faith…hopefully daily. There is a responsibility in belonging to God’s family…in being a Christian and sharing your faith.

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude 1:20-23

Encourage one another.

Show mercy to other Christians who are struggling in their faith—and rescue them. Encourage them in their relationship with the Lord so that they would seek Him daily and growing in His grace and mercy. Eternal life is our ultimate reward…but daily walking with Jesus gives us His peace and strength to face any challenge that life tosses our way.

Challenges in life are inevitable—but with the encouragement of fellow Christians—knowing we are loved by God—can help us get through anything. One of my grandgirls’ favorite verse is…

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Claim that verse for yourself…and your struggling friends, today.

Prayer ~ Now all glory to You, God. You are able to keep us from falling away and You will bring us joyously into Your glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to You for You alone are God, our Savior. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are Yours before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. Jude 1:24-25

Daily Bible Reading: Luke 18

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Where and When Will the Kingdom of God Come?

Consider this Scripture:

One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, "When will the Kingdom of God come?" Jesus replied, "The Kingdom of God can't be detected by visible signs. You won't be able to say, 'Here it is!' or 'It's over there!' For the Kingdom of God is already among you." Luke 17:20-21

As we near the end of October, I’m sure there are some families out there that are wondering… When will the Kingdom of God come?...because they are so oppressed with domestic violence that only the thought of Jesus return offers them any hope. Domestic violence includes emotional as well as physical abuse, sexual assault and trafficking. The problem isn’t just here in the United States. It is prevalent around the world. The last day of October is the end of the Domestic Violence Awareness campaign for 2019, but it is not the end of domestic violence.

Please continue to pray and intervene for women and children around the world who are victims of domestic violence. Personally, I am still grieving for my sister and her two daughters, along with her new husband, who were murdered almost thirty years ago by her ex-husband. The ultimate domestic violence—death. Because they believed in Jesus as their Savior, we know God was with them. The Kingdom of God was already in them.

The Holy Spirit...in the form of a dove.
May you have peace, joy and goodness in your life.

Do you believe that the Kingdom of God is already in you? Jesus has promised…

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. Romans 14:17

Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Take a look at your own life…as I have looked at mine. Are we greedy…or thieves…or worship (follow) idols in even just little ways? We are not perfect—let’s not try to fool ourselves. Only Jesus was perfect. But we are forgiven…IF we ask for that. For those involved in abuse, I pray that the abuse will end—now—and that forgiveness and reconciliation will transform the lives of those involved. Transformed to know that they can have the Kingdom of God—now—within them when they believe in Jesus as their Savior.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, In Your mercy and love, touch the lives of those around the world involved in abuse. It may seem like a cultural element or habit, but abuse is disrespectful. There is no love there…and all love comes from You—so please protect those involved in abuse and intercede for those, especially the children. May Your love shine through those who love You and touch the lives of those who need Your love. The Kingdom of God is within us—we don’t need to look any further…or long for the future. It is here—now. You are with us and within us.

Daily Bible Reading: John 11

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Monday, October 28, 2019

Do You Call Yourself “Friend?”

Think about this...

Then he (Jesus) told them a story: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, 'What should I do? I don't have room for all my crops.' Then he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I'll sit back and say to myself, "My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry." But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?' Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." Luke 12:16-21

Do you call yourself “friend” or do you even talk to yourself? The farmer in this scripture referred to himself as “friend” while he was giving himself a pat on the back for growing such an abundance of crops. He didn’t recognize that God was the one who caused that abundance.

Is it time to build a bigger barn?
Where are your treasures stored?

Build bigger barns. That is the logical thing for this wealthy farmer to do. Store away his excess for the future. Isn't that what Joseph did for the pharaoh in Egypt? And isn't that what we do with our 401k accounts—store up for the future? Then we can lean back in our Lazy Boy recliners, watch Netflix, and have some popcorn. Eat, drink and be merry. Ahh, the easy life. But wait—we've stored up treasures here on earth—what about treasures in heaven?

Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Matthew 19:21

Jesus also said...

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. Matthew 6:20 KJV

What are you storing up in heaven? Relationships—with God the Father, with Jesus Christ, and with the Holy Spirit. Sweet relationships with other Christians. Good deeds, kind actions, pure motives, helpful initiatives, gentleness, self-control just as shown with the fruits of the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

So store up some kindness and goodness in heaven. Those will be a good reward here on earth, too

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, we praise you. Thank you for Your teaching about treasures and Your love for us. Looking forward to heaven...and treasures there with You.

Daily Bible Reading: John 11

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org/

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Sunday, October 27, 2019

Are You Upset Over Details?

Meditate. Consider your attitude and frustrations…

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me." But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42

A one-dish meal is all that is needed.

Jesus went to the home of His friends where He spent some time teaching and just fellowshipping with His followers, but Martha was distracted. Have you ever been distracted so that you were focusing on something about which no one else seemed to show concern? Mary was interested in only one thing—Jesus’ teaching. Martha was preparing a big meal—and she felt she needed help. She felt it was unfair for her to do all the work. Details…details…details. Don’t lose your cool, Martha. Mary has chosen well. If Martha chose a simpler meal she would have spent less time in the kitchen…and more time at the Lord’s feet. When you have dinner guests…what is on the menu? An elaborate meal? Or a simple meal so that you can spend more time with your guests? If Jesus were your guest, would you keep it simple so you can spend time with Him?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Help me to keep my life…even my meals…simple and focused on the important thing in life—You. You advised Martha: keep it simple. Mary focused on the one thing that was worthy of her attention. You.

Daily Bible Reading: Luke 14-15

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Saturday, October 26, 2019

Once Again…Be Ready

Meditate on this, while you have time...

Is this sunrise or sunset?
Are you ready?

Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Luke 12:35-40

Are you ready?

The Hebrew people had a wedding custom in which the bridegroom had a supper with his friends—sort of a bachelor party—and then he went to the bride’s home to get her and returned to his house for a great banquet. Even if it was really late he expected his servants to be waiting for his return. This gives us the example that there is no room for laziness in the life of a believer who is waiting for Christ’s return. Be ready for that special time that Jesus has promised…His return. It may or may not happen in our lifetime…but we should “be ready” all the time. No slacking off…taking it easy. This is similar to the parable of the Ten Virgins who were waiting for the Bridegrooms return. They needed to keep their lamps lit and only five of them brought enough oil. When the unprepared young ladies returned from going to buy more oil, the door to the wedding feast was closed and they were refused entry. That is analogous to being refused entry into heaven. The lesson again…BE READY.

Be ready all the time because we don’t know when Jesus, the Son of Man, will return. This scripture tells us that it will be when we least expect it. Be ready.

Wait for the Lord’s return eagerly—Philippians 3:20

Crowns for all who look forward to Christ’s appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

Be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. James 5:7-8

Purify yourself. 1 John 3:3

Keep watch—stay alert. Mark 13-32-33

Practice faithfulness—Matthew 25:21, 23

Preach the Word of God–2 Timothy 4:1-2

Friend, are you ready?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I am eagerly waiting for Your return. Help me to see areas in my life that I need to improve so that I can please You in all that I think, say and do. I want to be ready for Your return and to encourage others to Be Ready, too.

Daily Bible Reading: Luke 12-13

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org/.

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Friday, October 25, 2019

Humble Yourself

Think about this. Are you humble?

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

Friend…sit in this seat of honor. Be humble. That reminds me a scripture passage in Philippians.

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:1-5

Don’t selfishly honor yourself and try to impress others. Think of others first…and take the seat furthest away from the head table. Choose the chair closest to the exit…or the noisy kitchen. No one wants that seat. To be humble is a very desirable quality.

The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged. Psalm 69:32

For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Luke 14:11

How can you humble yourself? Quietly look around…and as Paul said to the Philippians…think of others.

Prayer ~ Lord, please give me grace to humble myself before You and others that I would treat others the way I would personally treat You. May we exalt You above all else.

Daily Bible Reading: Luke 10

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Eat like Jesus ate.
Share some bread, fruit, and nuts with friends.

For a worry free diet, eat like Jesus ate. His diet centered around foods of that Mediterranean area like fish, nuts, fruit, some honey, and whole grain breads. Make your desserts fresh fruits and nuts.

While dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you. If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat; don't desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you. Proverbs 23:1-3

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org/.

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Thursday, October 24, 2019

Don’t Abandon Your Friend

Meditate on this:

Never abandon a friend—either yours or your father's. When disaster strikes, you won't have to ask your brother for assistance. It's better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away. Proverbs 27:10

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12

Jeske Family Sod House
Once stood near Warden, Washington

The Golden Rule. You’d never want to be abandoned…so don’t abandon others—whether it is your friend or the friend of your parents. There is nothing sadder than being abandoned—whether it is a child, friend, spouse, parent, neighbor or a pet. A house, or farm homestead, left unattended for so many years that it is falling down is heartbreaking, too. It is likely in the neglect of that house, that people were forsaken, too.

To go to a neighbor at a time of trouble, you have to some kind of relationship with that neighbor. A relationship takes time to develop…interest, commitment, devotion. A sincere caring. That neighbor is a friend you can turn to when disaster strikes. So Solomon has given good advice here in Proverbs. Don’t abandon your friends…turn to them.

Prayer ~ Jesus, You will work out your plans for my life—for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me. Psalm 138:8

Daily Bible Reading: John 9-10

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Are You Being a Hypocrite?

Think about this…

How can you think of saying, 'Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye. Luke 6:42

Would you take this log out of your eye?

I always thought this was a hilarious image...a log sticking out of someone’s eye. It is like a cartoon. I did a puppet story once using a log sticking out of the father’s eye—which you didn’t see until he put down his newspaper. He was giving advice…get that “speck” out of your life; that wrong thought or behavior. Then he puts down the paper…and there is the log in his eye. What a hypocrite! He had a greater sin in his life than anyone else—friends or family. Get rid of that log…sin, broken relationship, judgmental spirit, bad attitude, lust, or unforgiving spirit—whatever it may be. Then you can help someone else get that bincy, little speck out of their eye. Don’t get blind-sighted by that log.

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, I humbly ask You to show me when and if I have a “log” in my eye. Sometimes I’m so self-centered that I don’t even see what is so obviously objectionable to You. Send me a friend who will point it out—and help me remove it from my life. Then I can help that friend with the speck in their eye.

Daily Bible Reading: John 7-8

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Renewed Friendship

Meditate on this:

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:6-11

Jesus on the Cross.
At the Holy Family Shine near Gretna, Nebraska.
Our sacrifice. No greater love than this.

Our friendship with God was restored. That relationship was originally broken in the Garden of Eden when that wily serpent said “take this fruit and eat it.” We were doomed until Jesus came to earth to be the sacrifice for mankind. His death restored our relationship with God. It set things right.

We can once again walk in the Garden with God. But where is that Garden? Is it the spiritual garden of our hearts? The bond of friendship with God is a spiritual one…in our hearts. Rejoice in your new relationship with God. I “rejoice always” and give God thanks for all He has done for me…beginning with this restored relationship in my heart that gives me incredible peace.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Prayer ~ Jesus—I rejoice in Your love and sacrifice. Thank you.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 18

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Monday, October 21, 2019

Renewed Spirit and Body

Meditate on this:

Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.

1 John 3:2

Friends—Christian friends. John was addressing those who love God and are called His children. One day all God’s children will be like Jesus. Renewed. Does that mean our bodies will be renewed at the end of time? Remember Jesus after His resurrection. He wasn’t recognized by the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Was His physical body changed? The disciples in the Upper Room and at the Sea of Galilee recognized Him. Will our physical bodies change? Will we be our younger selves in Heaven? Some people have suggested that from stories and visions of loved ones in Heaven.

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Colossians 3:10

The Fruit of the Spirit...
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness,and self-control.

Become like Christ.

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things [put on] love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

Colossians 3:12-14 NASB

Paul also talks about spiritual renewal. We don’t have to wait until Christ returns for spiritual renew…it happens now every day. I think it is by choice. We are only open to spiritual growth and renewal if we study God’s word…and are willing to applying it to our lives.

We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 2 Corinthians 4:14-16

As a child of God are you seeking spiritual growth?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NASB. I look forward to a new body…as well as a renewed spirit.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 17; Mark 9

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Sunday, October 20, 2019

End of Feast of Tabernacles

Meditate on this:

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" (When he said "living water," he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) John 7:37-39

This Festival, the Feast of Tabernacles, is eight days long. At the end of the Festival, Jesus announced to the crowd that He would provide living water to anyone who is thirsty. It was the custom to carry water daily from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple alter for the first seven days of the festival. On the eighth day, no water was carried—only empty jars were carried, assuming that the Messiah would miraculously one day fill those vessels with water. It was startling for the Jews there to hear Jesus pronounce "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" He was going to provide water? How could that be? That must have raised a lot of questions in their hearts and minds. Who was this Jesus?

For you (God) are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. Psalm 36:9

Had they been in Samaria with Jesus they would heard Him talk to the woman at the well about the living water after He asked her for a drink of water.

The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, "You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?" Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water."

"But sir, you don't have a rope or a bucket," she said, "and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? And besides, do you think you're greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?"

Jesus replied, "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." John 4:9-14 NLT

Fountain in Charleston, SC
Are you thirsty?

Are you thirsty yet? Similar Scripture considering the water of life is found in Revelation:

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." Let anyone who hears this say, "Come." Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. Revelation 22:17

Who is Jesus to you? Do you believe that He can provide you with living water?

Prayer ~ Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and unfailing love, which You have shown from long ages past. Psalm 25:4-6

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 16; Mark 8

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Saturday, October 19, 2019

The Best of the Best

Meditate on Friendship with the Lord:

Don't envy violent people or copy their ways. Such wicked people are detestable to the LORD, but he offers his friendship to the godly. Proverbs 3:31-32

Jesus offers his friendship to the godly. Can you hear that song in the back of your mind…What a Friend We Have in Jesus? He’s the bestest friend anyone could have! That may not be the best grammar, but the message is the best! We who live to please Him…who want to walk in His ways…those who are godly—seeking God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength may be considered His friends. He is our best friend. The best of the best.

Solomon offered such wise advice to not envy violent people or copy their ways. We become like those we hang out with. That’s why we tell our children and grandchildren to be careful who they choose as friends. Violent people, whether it is physical violence or an abusive tongue,

Hang out and do fun things with good friends and family.

are not good role models or “friends”. Consider more of Solomon’s wisdom…

The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. Proverbs 10:11

Violent people mislead their companions, leading them down a harmful path. Proverbs 16:29

Here’s another promise from God to claim day by day. Claim it and feel the love of God protecting you. What a friend we have to rescue and protect us.

You who love the LORD, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked. Psalm 97:10

Do you treat your friends like Jesus treats you?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. You direct the steps of the godly. You delight in every detail of our lives. Psalm 37:23. Thank you.