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.

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Good Bye 2019 -- Hello 2020

Meditate. Be inspired and put a plan into action.

But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:5

This is the last day in 2019. What spiritual goals have you reached this past year? What spiritual goals are you considering or making resolution plans for 2020? Here are some things to consider that may help or inspire you as you establish Spiritual Goals for the New Year:

1. What would you like to accomplish spiritually this year?

Is there a particular Book of the Bible you want to study more in depth? Have you read the whole Bible?

2. What attitude or habit needs to change?

Do you need to pray for God to reveal that to you?

3. How would you like God to use you?

Are you willing to serve Him any where, any time?

4. What ministry could utilize your unique gifts?

Do you know your spiritual gifts?

5. What ministry could benefit from your leadership? Are you being a spiritual leader in your home? Are you willing to serve as a lowly worker, not as a leader?

6. What level of intimacy would you like to have with God?

7. What friend would you like to lead to Christ?

8. Who do you want to be your mentor…and who do you want to mentor?

As you consider these questions, think about what steps you can take on a monthly, weekly and daily basis to attain these goals. We need goals in lots of areas of our lives to challenge us—at work, at home, with physical fitness and with diet or nutrition (how many pounds do you want to lose this year?). Let me challenge you to seek and to set some spiritual goals for 2020.

Without a goal we fail to attain anything. As Lawrence J. Peter said…

If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else.

Where are you going in 2020?

Lord, help us to choose attainable goals with Your wisdom and vision. Guide us in the things we do with our family and friends, and others to reach those goals.

DailyBible Reading: Revelation 19-22

Happy New Year

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.

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Monday, December 30, 2019

Repent or Refuse?

Meditate on this Scripture today:

How big was that Fish that swallowed Jonah?
Repent -- that was Jonah's message.
Repent -- that was Jesus' massage.
What message do you hear today?

As he (Jesus) was speaking, a woman in the crowd called out, "God bless your mother--the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!" Jesus replied, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice." As the crowd pressed in on Jesus, he said, "This evil generation keeps asking me to show them a miraculous sign. But the only sign I will give them is the sign of Jonah. What happened to him was a sign to the people of Nineveh that God had sent him. What happens to the Son of Man will be a sign to these people that he was sent by God. "The queen of Sheba will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for she came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Now someone greater than Solomon is here--but you refuse to listen. The people of Nineveh will also stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here--but you refuse to repent." Luke 11:27-32 (NLT)

People haven't really changed much in the past 2000 years. There were some who refused to repent when Jesus was right there with them...and now there are some who refuse to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and repent today. Maybe you are wondering just what does it mean to repent? Repenting isn't a difficult action--it is just humbling. You have to admit you are a sinner. Can you do that? It is interesting to note that the idea of everyone sinning is a universal problem not just a New Testament concept. This is expressed in the Scriptures below:

LORD, we confess our wickedness and that of our ancestors, too. We all have sinned against you. Jeremiah 14:20 (NLT)

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23 (NLT)

Everyone--since Adam and Eve--has sinned. That sin breaks our possibility of a relationship with God. To restore that relationship we merely have to confess our sin. Merely you say. That is humbling. Can you do that? Only a day left in this year...it would be a great way to end the year--with a clean heart. I try to keep my account short by confessing my sin daily--or even more often if necessary. Jesus is the answer--renewing my mind--so I am not a slave to sin.

Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. Romans 7:25 (NLT)

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

Repent. Let God transform you. Good way to go into the New Year--transformed.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus--yes, You are my Lord and Savior. I repent of my sin and ask that You would continue to renew my mind-- that I would be more like You each day.

Daily Bible Reading: Revelation 12-18

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Sunday, December 29, 2019

Put The Desire of Your Heart to Work

Meditate on this Scripture:

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. 1 John 1:5-10

Sin...knowing what to do and NOT doing it. Do we need to face sin right after Christmas? Some of Jesus' first words were "Repent" after He spent time fasting in the desert--facing temptation.

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

Repent--turn from sin. That is important every day of the year. After repenting, it is a good time to begin serving God with the work of Christmas. Is that the desire of your heart--to serve God?

Camel Crossing
Judean desert - Israel

Now the Work of Christmas Begins (By Howard Thurman)

When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flocks,

The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,

To heal the broken,

To feed the hungry,

To release the prisoner,

To rebuild the nations,

To bring peace among the people,

To make music in the heart.

These actions are all things that Jesus did. Think about what you need to do on a daily basis to keep Christmas alive, not only in your own life, but in the lives of those around you, all year long. Keeping Christmas alive allows God to work in our hearts—filling us with His love—so that we can love others for Him. From that list above do you see something that you can make for a goal for next year, next month, this week…today? Having a goal motivates us to put our heart's desires into action.

Prayer ~ Lord. I trust and love You with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. You are awesome. The Advent season prepared me for forever with You. Protect those in Israel--may they come to know You, Jesus, as their Messiah. May that truth set them free to trust You. Give them Your peace.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 John & 3 John

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.

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Saturday, December 28, 2019

Do Not Be Deceived

Think about deception? Have you been deceived?
Then the LORD God asked the woman, "What have you done?" "The serpent deceived me," she replied. "That's why I ate it." Genesis 3:13 (NLT)

Deceived? This account from Genesis tells us about Eve being deceived by that Wiley serpent--Satan portrayed as a snake. There was a deception in itself. If satan himself had stood before Eve and enticed her to eat the forbidden fruit would she have been scared and run away...or turned to Adam for protection? But that's not what happened. That deceiving satan tricked Eve...enticing her to eat. It doesn't matter if it was an apple, a pear, a pomegranate or a fig, she thought it was good and she ate it.

This butterfly may deceive it's predictors.

Have you ever been deceived into believing something that wasn't true--that seemed good--but it was a lie? Look around you. Do you see others who are deceived? Maybe they are following a religion that you consider to be a cult or not follow the real teachings of Jesus. In this holiday season are you or others around who are encouraging others to believe in something that is not real? Is that a deception? Is "believing" in "make-believe" a form of deception? Is that an acceptable action in God's eyes? We are told to train ourselves to be godly and to be holy.
Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 1 Timothy 4:7 (NLT)

For I am the LORD your God. You must consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. So do not defile yourselves with any of these small animals that scurry along the ground. Leviticus 11:44 (NLT)

Where do you draw the line? How much are you willing to compromise? Do you want your family and friends deceived? Think about that as you consider your values and communicate them to others.
Blessings ~

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, You said..."I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NLT). The Truth. Show us truth in our lives that we would not be deceived or deceive others.

Daily Bible reading: Revelation 1-5

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Friday, December 27, 2019

Meditating on God's Word?

Mediate on this Scripture:

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

Joshua 1:8 (NLT)

How are you doing with meditating on God's word...on the very Word of God? Consider that Jesus is known as the Word of God.

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John1:1-5 (NLT)

That concept--Jesus being the very Word of God is a enormous concept in itself. Think about that for a few moments. Try to focus on that. Consider the beginning account of creation.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. Genesis 1:1-4 (NLT)

There is such power--POWER--in God's very voice. His spoken words. There was nothing...and He Spoke...and there was light. Jesus is that very Light. He taught a crowd of people who came to hear Him at the Temple in Jerusalem.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12.

Walkimg in darkness would be following evil ways...or giving evil and corrupt ways an opportunity to enter your life. It is best to stay focused on Jesus, walking in His light and applying His teachings to our lives. How are you doing with that?

Prayer ~ Lord God, Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. Psalm 119:27(NLT)

Daily Bible Reading: Revelation 1-5

Feasting at the King's Table
Christmas Crack is an addicting candy. There is still time to make a last minute treat for your family
or to share at a New Year's Eve gathering.

Christmas Crack
35 - 40 saltine crackers
2 sticks unsalted butter

1 cup packed brown sugar
1 3/4 cups chocolate chips

Toppings of your choice:
Crushed peppermint candy

M&Ms - red and green

1/2 cup chopped nuts, pretzels, or coconut, optional

1 jar holiday sprinkles, your choice

Heat oven to 400 degrees.
Line a 10x15 jelly roll pan with aluminum foil. Spray foil with oil spray so that candy will not stick.
Place crackers on foil in a single layer. Melt butter in a small sauce pan. Add brrown sugar and bring to a slow boil. Boil and stir for three minutes. Immediately remove from heat and pour over crackers. Spread evenly with a spatula. Put into the oven for 4-5 minutes until the toffee mixture is bubbly. Remove from the oven and top with choc chips. Let sit for a couple of minutes and then spread choc chips with a spatula. The chips should have melted enough--but if not you can put them in the oven for a couple of minutes. When you've spread the choc evenly, sprinkle on the toppings you and your family or guests enjoy. Let cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight break crackers up into chunks and serve. Enjoy with other holiday cookies, coffee, tea, or milk.

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Wednesday, December 25, 2019

When is...the Time That is Least Expected?

So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and 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. Matthew 22:42-44

Are you ready for Christ's return?...the Son of Man will come when least expected. Are you expecting Him...or are you thinking that He's not coming back anytime soon so you'll just live and let live for now? When is the time that is least expected? Remember how it was in Noah's time? People were just living...and likely ignoring Noah's warnings to change their ways.

Looking for Noah's Ark.

When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn't realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. Matthew 22:37-39.

What will you be doing when Christ returns? Will you be enjoying banquets, parties and weddings? There is nothing wrong with enjoying good food and fellowship of others...but we need to be ready spiritually and attentive to the Lords commands. Have you asked for forgiveness recently? Do you love God and your neighbors as yourself?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, we had a great celebration of Your birthday yesterday. We love You and are waiting patiently for Your Return--and look forward to a great Banquet with You in Heaven.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 John

Celebrate! Rejoice!

Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD! Praise him, you who serve the LORD, you who serve in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God. Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; celebrate his lovely name with music. ... Your name, O LORD, endures forever; your fame, O LORD, is known to every generation. For the LORD will give justice to his people and have compassion on his servants. The idols of the nations are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them. O Israel, praise the LORD! O priests--descendants of Aaron--praise the LORD! ... The LORD be praised from Zion, for he lives here in Jerusalem. Praise the LORD! Psalm 135:1-3, 13-19, 21 NLT (Underlined for emphasis.)

Time to Celebrate! Today is Christmas! The day we remember and celebrate as the day of Jesus' birth. The actual day and date of His birth has been lost in history...but He endures. His love endures forever. Forever.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

That phrase...His faithful love endures forever...is repeated in every verse in Psalm 136. Additionally, it is found in at least ten more verses in the Bible. God's love is faithful and enduring. That love was shown in a powerful and humbling way in the birth of Jesus as a living human being. God's Son became a man so that He could live a sinless life and be offered as a sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. Mindboggling concept, but that is just what God the Heavenly Father planned and did so that mankind could be reunited in relationship with Him after Adam and Eve had disobeyed Him and sinned there in the Garden of Eden. A well-known story. God's plan began to unfold with the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ--Savior of the World. It will culminate in the return of Jesus Christ to the earth, on day, when He will call His church home to heaven...and ultimately all the people...from all times and places will be judged. Those who accept Jesus as their Savior have their sins removed, cleansed by His sacrificial blood, and they will spend eternity in Heaven with God--Father, Son and Holy Spirit. His faithful love endures forever.

Will you be one of the ones who will be in Heaven proclaiming His faithful love endures forever?
The choice is yours. God's gift today...and always...is His Son--as a sacrifice for our sin. His faithful love endures forever. Celebrate and rejoice.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I celebrate Your birth--as well as Your sacrificial death and resurrection. Let all the world know...Your faithful love endures forever.

Bible Reading for Today: Psalm 136 and Luke 2.

Merry Christmas!

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Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Frustrated?

And this, too, is a very serious problem. People leave this world no better off than when they came. All their hard work is for nothing--like working for the wind. Throughout their lives, they live under a cloud--frustrated, discouraged, and angry. Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life--this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past. Ecclesiastes 5:16-20 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Eat, drink, and enjoy your work. Most people are off from work for a Christmas break, although they may have to work the day after Christmas. So Celebrate! Don't let frustration bog down your holiday spirit. I'm preaching to myself here. I am so frustrated with the formatting of my book...which should have been an easy transition...and finished so that it could be published before Christmas...my dream. That could only happen with a miracle. God is in the miracle business. So there is hope.

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, help me in my frustration. You are keeping me busy...but I want to be finished. I give You my burden...my frustration. This is for You...so I give it to You. Blessings on all who hopefully read Your book.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Timothy

Only 1 Days Until Christmas

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Monday, December 23, 2019

Do You Need to be Rescued?

The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. For the LORD protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken! Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished. But the LORD will redeem those who serve him. No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned. Psalm 34:17-22 NLT

Jesus came to earth...close to the shepherds and wise men.
Are you letting Him be close to you?

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Crushed...disappointed? Christmas hasn't even happened yet...but there are likely people out there who are already feeling discouraged. Maybe they are overspending, can't find the gift they want to give, it won't be delivered in time...or they are sick, lost their job, or just have no one to spend the holidays with. Brokenhearted. Discouraged with life.

This Psalm was written long before Jesus was born...but He already existed. He was already listening for people's calls for help. Reach out. Call to Him...all of you who are burdened, discouraged, overwhelmed. Jesus has promised that He will rescue His people.

Are you "His people?" How do you become part of "His people" you might ask? Ask Him. Pray. Tell Him you are sorry for the mistakes...sin...in your life. Turn from your sinful ways...just admit it. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. There is nothing we can do that is "good" enough...only Jesus can rescue us from our sinful nature. Let that be your prayer today if you have never prayed that. He promises to rescue us from our troubles and to carry our burden. That would be the best Christmas present ever. Can you give that to someone else?

Prayer ~ I come to You, Lord Jesus, asking you to rescue me. Give me wisdom to deal with my troubles and help me to share You with others that they, too, could feel Your peace.

Daily Bible Reading: Hebrews 11-13

Only 2 Days Until Christmas

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Sunday, December 22, 2019

Weary? Come to Me...

Burdened? Consider these verses:
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30

This is such a busy, hectic time of the year. School is out and everyone is rushing around trying to create the ideal holiday for everyone they know, likely spending too much money on gifts that no one really needs. God didn't intend for people to focus on material things in "celebration" of His Son's birthday, especially when they may not even recognize Jesus' existence. Are you burdened at this time of the year...or all year? Jesus is offering to give you "rest" from whatever is causing your stressful load.

Single yoke used by one person carrying two heavy loads.
Charleston, SC Museum

We don't often see a yoke these days--but it was common in Jesus time and even in all agricultural communities until machinery took over. For Jesus to offer to share our load...to come alongside of us with His yoke is comforting in itself. He actually takes our burden...lightening our load. Give Him a try. Unload your problems on Him...let Him give you a rest. Prayer allows you to share your difficulties, disappointment, unmet expectations, stresses, grief, and loneliness.

Prayer ~ Jesus, take my burdens. I trust You to teach me and give me rest for my soul.

Daily Bible Reading: Hebrews 7-10

Only 3 Days Until Christmas

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Saturday, December 21, 2019

The Lonely at Christmas

Meditate on this...and consider how those who are lonely feel at this time of the year.

A prayer of one overwhelmed with trouble, pouring out problems before the LORD.
LORD, hear my prayer! Listen to my plea! Don't turn away from me in my time of distress. Bend down to listen, and answer me quickly when I call to you. For my days disappear like smoke, and my bones burn like red-hot coals. My heart is sick, withered like grass, and I have lost my appetite. Because of my groaning, I am reduced to skin and bones. I am like an owl in the desert, like a little owl in a far-off wilderness. I lie awake, lonely as a solitary bird on the roof. My enemies taunt me day after day. They mock and curse me. Psalm 102:1-8

Stop from your holiday preparations for a minute and consider how others feel...like those who are in hospitals and can't take part in holiday festivities. Lonely. There are always lonely people. With my vivid imagination, I was thinking that this person's enemies...could very likely be some horrendous germ--an awful bacteria eating away at their body. It could also be a mental problem that haunts them and drives them into sickness and despair. An overwhelming obstacle in one's life that blocks that person from having good healthy relationships or takes away their confidence in themselves. Depression is such an enemy. What can we do to combat those enemies?

The first step that I see is just what this Psalmist did...pray. Prayer is powerful.

Do you feel like you are in a cesspool?
Lonely and abandoned?

Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:14-16

Pray. Pray. Pray. This can be a miserable, lonely time of the year. God loves...He is love, but decisions that we make can draw us into situations that leave us lonely and feeling unloved. Can you trust God; rely on Him? He is the Truth, the Way and the Life. Prayer requests to our God are powerful and get great results.

If suicidal, then call the newly approved Federal Communications Commission new 9-8-8 number.
Other phone numbers:
Prevention - For support 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
HelpLine - For treatment information and referral 1-800-622-HELP (4357).

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, touch those who are lonely, sick and groaning during this time of the year. Bless them with your love, peace and bring them joy.

Daily Bible Reading: Hebrews 1- 6

Only 4 Days Until Christmas

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Friday, December 20, 2019

He's Coming Again

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, "Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?"
Matthew 24:3

The birth of Jesus was predicted, as was His crucifixion, death, and resurrection. His return was also predicted as noted in the focus Scripture above where He was asked by His disciples...when...what? People are still asking the same questions today...When will Christ return and what will be the sign? there was a sign...the star in the East leading the wise men to Bethlehem when Jesus was born. Here are some of the predictions that we have concerning Christ's return.
Daniel 12
Isaiah 13
Joel 2
Matthew 24
1 Thessalonians 5:2: 4-6

No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-32) '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. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants--men and women alike--and they will prophesy. And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below--blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the LORD arrives. But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.' Acts 2:16-21 (Underlined for emphasis)

Red Moon - photo by Mike Hunacek

This is just one example--so you can see why people who have been watching were so excited when we've had red moons during the last couple of years. Are you watching and waiting? Jesus repeated over and over that we need to be 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! ... You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."
Luke 12:35-37, 40

Be ready, spiritually. Watch for the signs. Keep your account short with the Lord. Share what you learned with others. How are you doing with that?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, when will this happen? Oh yes, even You don't know. We put our trust in our Heavenly Father and wait on His decision.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Peter

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Christmas menus can be challenging. It depends on who will be at the meal…and the time of day. The evening dinner at Christmas Eve should be special…but can be very hurried in order to get to church for the Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service. In past years I’ve tried Chinese, Japanese, Italian, traditional Czech, Mexican, and of course traditional American prime rib with asparagus and homemade rolls. This year we'll do Mexican again and have some chicken enchiladas—with red sauce and with white sauce—and a variety of tamales—from the local mercantile. I was considering options of what else to serve that would make the meal Christmassy. Cranberries always create that special flavor for the holidays, so we'll have some cranberry salsa. I can hardly wait.

Cranberry Salsa

8 oz fresh or frozen cranberries

1/3 cup sugar, or more to taste

1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro (optional for those who don’t prefer cilantro)

1 to 2 tablespoons chopped jalapeno peppers

2 chopped green onions

1 tablespoon grated orange peel

Juice from 1 freshly squeezed lime

¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper

Put the ingredients in the food processor and pulse until it reaches the desired consistency. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy with tortillas or chips.

Only 5 Days Until Christmas

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Thursday, December 19, 2019

Do You Know What Time It Is?

Meditate on these words:
However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. Matthew 24:36

As you read this, you probably know the day...Today is December 19th. You can look at your computer, tablet, phone, Fitbit, or watch and know the time, but do you really know what time it is? Spiritually, what time is it? God's time is His own. He has created time and eternity for us

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Eternity is forever. It is beyond our comprehension...just like Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes. People cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. Conversely, God can...and does see all of time at once. He knows us from beginning to end...for all eternity. He made everything beautiful for its own time...that would be each of us.

Breathe in and feel how God has created you...beautiful. It is wonderful to feel God's love knowing that you are precious and beautiful to Him. So what does being beautiful have to do with time? As we age some of us become less beautiful physically. God is a spiritual being and created in His image, so we are spiritual beings, too. We are spiritually beautiful. That is how God created us. How we grow spiritually is our choice. Are you reading God's Word daily, meditating on it and applying it to your life? Time is of the essence. We only have so much time...and we don't know how long that will be, so we must make good use of our time...our time with the Lord, with family and friends. What do you do with your time? Have you got a plan...a TO DO LIST for today? Does it include time with the Lord?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, help us use our time wisely and to focus on You as the Reason for this Advent Season. We don't know God's timing but prepare our hearts today for the celebration of Your birth and of Your return--whenever.

Daily Bible Reading: Titus

Only 6 Days Until Christmas

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Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Prepare Your Hearts

Meditate on these verses.
Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:1-3 NLT

Is advent important to you? These are days of preparation in the four weeks before Christmas. Advent means "Coming" in Latin. To some people, these weeks are just getting their homes decorated and presents made or bought to put under their tree. There is more to it than that...or there should be more to it. Prepare your heart and remember the real reason for Christmas. Jesus came to earth as our Savior. The four weeks are symbolized using people and places to remind of the event:
Prophets - Hope
Bethlehem - Faith
Shepherds - Joy
Angels - Peace

I just discovered that some churches even use this Advent time, particularly December 16th--which was a couple of days ago--to get ready for the Second Coming of Christ! I'm all for that! Jesus told us to be prepared. We won't know the hour nor the day, but we should be able to tell the signs of the times. There were people in Jesus' time who missed acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah because they didn't pay attention to the Prophets who gave specific predictions about Him. Look up these scriptures for yourself. More details and additional scripture can be found online at sites like the CBN.com website.
Born in Bethlehem - predicted in Micah 5:2 and fulfilled in Matthew 2:1-6
Born of a virgin - predicted in Isaiah 7:14 and fulfilled in Matthew 1:20-23
The Messiah as a Prophet - predicted in Deuteronomy 18:15 and fulfilled in John 7:40-42
Messiah tempted by Satan - predicted in Psalm 91:10-12 and fulfilled in Matthew 4:5-7
Messiah enters Jerusalem triumphantly - predicted in Zeriahech 9:9 and fulfilled in Matt 21:8-11
Messiah rejected by His own people - predicted in Isaiah 52:1,3 and fulfilled in John 1:10-11
Messiah tried and condemned - predicted in Isaiah 53:8 and fulfilled in Matthew 21:1-2

Messiah crucified - predicted in Psalm 22:14-16 and fulfilled in Mark 15:20ia
Messiah died as a sin offering - predicted in Isaiah 53:5-6, 8, 12 and fulfilled in John 1:29
Messiah's Ressurection - predicted in Psalm 16:10 and fulfilled in Matthew 28:5-7

Jesus Himself said that He would return. See John14:2-3. Wait and see. We missed the December 16th emphasize, but don't miss Jesus' return. Be ready spiritually.

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, help us to focus on You as the Reason for this Advent Season and prepare our hearts daily for the celebration of Your birth and of Your return--whenever.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Timothy

Only 7 Days Until Christmas

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Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Meditate on Love

Think about this.
God is love. 1 John 4:8

Who is God to you? Creator, divine sustainer, omnipotent, omnipresent, one who put the universe in motion and holds it together. God is love. What difference does that make in your life? It gives me hope, and an assurance that there is more to life than this day to day existence--although life here is good. Better than I deserve.

There are givers and takers in life. I've tried most of my life to please others--that would make me a giver...but then I realized that when the opportunity existed I am a Taker. I enjoyed being taken care of--even pampered. Still, I mostly put others first. I don't get a massage often--like once every couple of years--and I can't remember the last time I had a pedicure. I am still capable of trimming and polishing my own toenails. I spend my time blogging and writing..which I consider to be for others. One day God will hold us accountable for what we've done. Make each day count for Him.

How have you brightened someone's day today?

What can you do to share God's love with others today?

Smile and give a nod of your head. Acknowledgment of others may go a long way. No one wants to be ignored. Can you see that your friendly gesture begins a rippling effect to encourage one, then another and another? Try it and see.
Share from the bounty from which the Lord has blessed you.
Give...as your cup is overflowing. Psalm 23. Give expecting nothing in return.

Encourage others by helping in unexpected ways.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, shine into and through my heart today. Show me who needs my acceptance and Your love--and may I graciously show that today.

Daily Bible Reading: Philippians

Only 8 Days Until Christmas

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.

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