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, December 31, 2020

Happy New Year

Meditate. Consider goals for the coming year. What can you do to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission?

Jesus...The Light of the World
He is with you always...
...even to the end of the age.

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 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 28:18-20

What can you do to reach others for Christ? Is there a relative, friend or neighbor who hasn’t yet trusted the Lord as his or her Savior? How can you help that person to become a disciple of Jesus Christ? Prayer would be of the first concern. Commit that person and your own words and actions to the Lord. Trust the Lord to open the door to opportunities to witness to that person. Your life will be an example to others whether you realize it or not. Do you follow Jesus teachings…His commands? If not, how can you expect others to do so? Make it a goal to live like Jesus lived…spending time with the Father and allowing Him to give your life direction. Then when you have a chance…help that person understand Jesus commands so that they can obey them. One of those commands is to be baptized. They will know when they are ready…help them find a time and place. The River in the summer or a church baptismal any time of the year. The best part of this scripture today is Jesus’ promise… I am with you always, even to the end of the age. What a great promise we can hang onto in the good times…and the not so good times. Jesus has promised that He will never abandon us…He is with us always. God is with us.

Who is God to you? That is going to be the focus of this blog in 2021. How can you love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength as Jesus commanded if you don’t really know God? Seek Him daily in the scriptures with me in the coming year. I want to know God more fully.

Prayer ~ Lord God, Thank you that You are with us always…even to the end of the age. We look forward to Your return…and in the meantime, bless us with wisdom and understanding that we would know You more dearly. It has been a challenging year and the year ahead will possibly be more of the same. Thanks for Your promises including that You are with us always.

Verses of Salvation ~ Jesus shouted to the crowds, "If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. I will not judge those who hear me but don't obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. I don't speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say." John 12:44-50

Blessings on you as you read, study and apply God’s Word to your life.

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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Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Will You Be Spared in the Judgment?

Meditate.

"You have said terrible things about me," says the LORD. "But you say, 'What do you mean? What have we said against you?' "You have said, 'What's the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the LORD of Heaven's Armies that we are sorry for our sins? From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.'"

Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name. "They will be my people," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies. "On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." Malachi 3:13-18

A special treasure. That is just what you are…IF you are a child of the King…a believer…one who is considered righteous and reverent towards the Lord and serves Him. You are special. Imagine yourself with a crown on your head…a child of the King. You are a princes or princess—royal family to the greatest King of Kings. Hold your head high. Take a deep breath and smile. God’s promise is to spare you in the Judgment. What an honor.

My goal for many years—actually decades—has been to go to Heaven and take as many people with me as possible. But on a practical, daily basis I haven’t done much to actually reach that goal. Goal setting means that one needs to do something regularly—like on a daily basis—to reach that goal. What are your spiritual goals? What do you do on a daily basis to reach that goal? One year January 1^st this year I blogged…

Do you hear Jesus asking you if you are making plans? He has plans for you.

- For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB)

- Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Setting Spiritual Goals for the New Year
What would you like to accomplish spiritually this year?
What attitude or habit needs to change?
How would you like God to use you?
What ministry could utilize your unique gifts?
What ministry could benefit from your leadership?
What level of intimacy would you like to have with God?
What friend would you like to lead to Christ or encourage in their spiritual maturity?

Goals are important. Without goals we have no vision and we are more likely to be tossed about—wishy washy. That could be an opportunity for sin to enter. Keep the temptation of sin away by having Godly goals and concentrating on them. Once you have a goal, then there must be something done monthly, weekly, daily to achieve that goal. When you reach your goal—celebrate. Party! Then set a new goal. Don’t let any joy in your life be taken away by sin or robbed by isolation.

Are you making goals and plans for 2021 and your future?

So here we are approaching the end of 2020. Have you listened to the Lord? Is there still time to set a goal and achieve it before the end of the year? I think that it is never too late to set a goal and work daily towards that end. It is never too late to respond in obedience to the Lord. Listen closely to what He wants you to do for Him today.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...Like Paul, I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for You, Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to You, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for You, Christ Jesus, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for You. Philippians 1:20-22. Help me to live to bring You honor and glory—all year around.

Verse of Salvation ~ Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:9-13

Will you endure to the end?

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Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Do You Know the Good News?

Meditate.

God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David's family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 1:2-4

The Good News is Jesus is the Son of God. He was born as a human baby of a virgin, Mary, into King David’s family. We just celebrated His birth—that is what Christmas is all about. His ministry on earth lasted just over thirty years where He went about doing good and teaching as Jesus told John’s disciples. The Good News is the salvation offered by the Messiah—who was Jesus.

Then he told John's disciples, "Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard--the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor." Luke 7:22

The Garden Tomb - Jerusalem
It is empty.
Jesus is Risen - He is Risen Indeed!

Jesus, the Lamb of God, was crucified as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind. But He did not remain dead forever…on the third day after His death He was raised from the dead. Then fifty days later He ascended into Heaven where He is seated at the right hand of the Heavenly Father. The really great part of the Good News is that those who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior become an adopted part of God’s family and will live with Him in Heaven eternally—forever. Forever is a long time—almost more than our finite minds can grasp.

Prayer ~ Jesus, I believe in You…as the Son of God and as my Lord and Savior. You promised that You would return when our home in Heaven is ready. In Your Father's House are many rooms. John 14:2. I’m waiting patiently for our Father to send You to gather up and take Your church to Heaven…the Rapture! Come quickly, Lord.

Verse of Salvation ~ Let me now remind you, dear brothers and sisters, of the Good News I preached to you before. You welcomed it then, and you still stand firm in it. It is this Good News that saves you if you continue to believe the message I told you—unless, of course, you believed something that was never true in the first place. 1 Corinthians 15:1-2

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Monday, December 28, 2020

Trust in the Light - While There is Still Time

Meditate. Act on God’s Word…while there is still time.

Jesus replied, "My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light." After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them. John 12:35-36

While there is still time. It may be days, months or years before the Rapture occurs and before the seven years of Tribulation begins. Maybe you are one of those who think this will never happen, but I’ve felt for years that the Rapture would occur in my lifetime. Recently, since I’ve attained an age that is considered “old” I’ve begun to rethink the whole idea of feelings about the Rapture. Sure things have to happen…and Israel is back in the Promised Land, but there have been earthquakes, volcanos, wars and rumors of wars for thousands of years and we are still waiting for Christ to return. God’s plan is on His schedule…not ours. His time is not the same as on our calendars.

But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 2 Peter 3:8

So, I’ll put aside my feelings and live each day for the Lord, waiting patiently. Trusting in the Lord...trusting in the Light.

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

Are you waiting for the Lord to return? Be sure that you…Put your trust in the light while there is still time. Jesus is the light of the world. Trusting Him for your salvation is essential if you want to live eternally with Him. Trust in the light...while there is still time.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus…I am waiting for Your return. Is that home in Heaven about done? While there is still time, help me to share Your Good News with others. You are the light of the world and I put my trust in You.

Verse of Salvation ~ So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. Lamentations 3:26

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Sunday, December 27, 2020

Abba Father

Meditate.

Will you share in God's glory...
...and in His suffering?
Abba Father, we are your children.

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:15-17

God sent His one and only Son to earth…to redeem us from the sin of a fallen world. As we accept Jesus, God’s Son as our Savior, our Messiah, we become God’s children. Just as Paul wrote to the church at Rome…with the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives we become adopted by God. He becomes our Abba Father.

And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." Galatians 4:6

Can you imagine what your Heavenly Father offers you as His heir? Consider all the promises He has given to us. Promise after promise. My favorite promise is that He will never leave us, forsake or abandon us. Be strong. Don’t be afraid. Don’t panic.

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:6

In these coming days…be strong, don’t panic, and don’t be afraid. God is on your side. He loves you.

Prayer ~ Lord, just as You spoke to Joshua, I hear You speaking… 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. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:8-9. Thank You that You will be with me wherever I go.

Verse of Salvation ~ "And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!" Luke 21:25-28

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Saturday, December 26, 2020

Get to Work

Meditate. How are you going to apply what you have learned about Jesus during this year?

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. Luke 2:15-20

Christmas is over…now the work of Christmas begins. Google the poem “Now the Work of Christmas Begins” by Howard Thurman copyright by Friends United Press. Thurman was an African-American theologian, educator, and Civil Rights Leader who wrote a liturgy to mark the end of the Christmas Season. It deals with the quiet of the sky as the angels stopped singing, the return of the shepherds to their flocks and the wise men to their homes. Now it is time for us to pitch in and work for the lost, broken, hungry and prisoners. 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 each of us with His love—so that we can love others for Him. Don’t ask yourself so much what the world needs, but ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. There are things we can do…even during isolation.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, help me to find the lost in the community around me, to assist in healing those with broken spirits, to feed the hungry—spiritually and physically, to release those who are prisoners within their emotions or homes that they would be rebuilt physical or spiritually, to bring peace to those nearby and to make music within my heart—that it may flow out to others around me. Let Your love shine.

Israeli Flag flying over the Sea of Galilee.
Pray for Israel.
Peace, love, joy and hope.

Verse of Salvation ~ Because I love Zion, I will not keep still. Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch. Isaiah 62:1

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Friday, December 25, 2020

Merry Christmas

Meditate.

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger." Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others--the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased." Luke 2:1-14

Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased. Good news. The Savior—yes the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Rejoice. This is a wonderful day to celebrate. Be filled with joy and peace. Our Savior has been born. Better yet…even though Jesus was crucified on a cross when He was about thirty-three, He rose from the dead. He lives. Rejoice. He truly is the Messiah. Glory to God. The best is yet to come. He has promised that He will return for His church.

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. John 14:27-28

How will you celebrate the birthday of our Lord and Savior, Jesus? Did you attend…virtually or in person…a Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service? That is my favorite service of the year. Do you give gifts to others…like the Wise Men gave gifts to Jesus? Will you have a special meal…with a birthday cake or a scrumptious dessert? However you celebrate, rejoice! Give Glory to God!

Prayer ~ Happy Birthday, Jesus! You are the light of the world…and light of my life.

Verse of Salvation ~ In that day the people will proclaim, "This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the LORD, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!" Isaiah 25:9

Any day with the Lord is a day of rejoicing because He has saved us.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

I saw a photo of this salad in a magazine and my mouth just started watering. It just looked so Christmasy, I wanted to make it right away. It is simple easy.

Cucumber and Radish Salad
1 large cucumber, lightly peeled and very thinly sliced
3 radishes, very thinly sliced
Red wine vinegar
Olive oil
Salt & pepper – grind fresh to taste

Combine the cucumber and radish slices. Top with a couple tablespoons red wine vinegar and then a tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle on some freshly ground salt and pepper. If you want some additional options, add raw pumpkin seeds, freshly chopped basil (just a couple of leaves), or some other fresh chopped herbs of your choice. Serve immediately. The color from the radishes may run is left to sit for a couple of hours. Enjoy with a sunny smile—looks like Christmas, tastes like summer!

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Thursday, December 24, 2020

Follow the Light

Meditate. Focus on the Light in your life.

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

Jesus was the light of the world—He IS the LIGHT of the World—even now. Follow Him and you won’t be wandering around aimlessly in the dark. He is the light that leads to life…eternal life. Jesus called not only to the people that were listening to Him teach at the Temple, but He calls to all that listen to Him even now: follow me.

· Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" Matthew 4:19

· But Jesus told him, "Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead." Matthew 8:22

· As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector's booth. "Follow me and be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9

· Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24

· 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

· My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

· Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me. John 12:26 (underlined for emphasis)

Follow the light. Jesus is still the light of the world. Just as the light shone over the stable where He was born, He shines in the world now. Listen to His voice, His call. Will you respond and follow Him?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You are my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; You are my God, my rock, in whom I find protection. You are my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psalm 18:2. Jesus, You are might light and my salvation.

Verse of Salvation ~ The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27:1

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Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Chosen and Blessed

Meditate.

"Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever." Luke 1:46-55

Have you ever seen an angel?

Mary was indeed blessed, although it must have been frightening to see and speak to a real angel—and then overwhelming to get the message that she had been chosen. Chosen to be the mother of the Messiah. Wow! She wasn’t ignorant of God. See what she says… the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has brought down princes… and exalted the humble. He has helped his servant Israel…remember to be merciful…made this promise…forever. She knew God, His power and His promises. She considered herself blessed to be chosen. What a responsibility to raise the Son of God—especially considering the social pressures that she and Joseph must have felt. She was pregnant and not married yet. Joseph wanted to put her away secretly, but an angel visited Him, too, and explained God’s plan. He was chosen and blessed as well as Mary. See Matthew 1:18-25. There is no greater love than this…that is to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13). That is what Jesus would do…to die on the cross for His friends, but here Mary and Joseph laid down their lives…their normal lives…to take care of a very special baby—the Son of God. That is love.

Prayer ~ Lord God, help me to be loving to others, no matter their situation.

Verse of Salvation ~ LORD, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. Psalm 119:41

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Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Unfailing Love

Meditate.

A psalm of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the LORD's unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens. The LORD said, "I have made a covenant with David, my chosen servant. I have sworn this oath to him: 'I will establish your descendants as kings forever; they will sit on your throne from now until eternity.'" Psalm 89:1-4

Love one another.
Hug your grandkids...if you can.
Granddaughter Liberty...a few years ago.

Unfailing love. Unfailing is such a wonderful word. Dependable, reliable, consistent, abiding enduring, trustworthy, constant, lasting, unshakable. All of those synonyms give us such a sense of assurance. We can count on God’s unfailing love. That is what God is all about. Love.

As you meditate on this scripture consider your greatest need, desire and motivation. You’ve got it: LOVE. Love is what makes our lives worth living. Love motivates us to work, to enjoy our recreation or sports pursuits, hobbies including reading books, singing and sharing the desires of our hearts…like Jesus. Loving God and loving others is what is important…and feeling that love returned to us. Without love and physical touch babies won’t thrive; children get sassy and rebellious; and grown-ups experience anxiety, rejection, depression and lack of interest in life. Life is the pits without love. God knows us so well and has given us the ultimate gift—eternal life with Him. That is forever, but it came with a price we could not pay ourselves. Jesus had to give His life in order for us to be purified to stand one day before the Holy Heavenly Father God. That is a great price to pay…but obviously Jesus and God the Father thought we were worth it. That is the greatest, unfailing love. I feel loved. Deeply loved. Valued by the most high God. The best Christmas gift ever.

Prayer ~ Lord God, You taught…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. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17. We claim that promise of Your love and eternal life. Thank You.

Verse of Salvation ~ But LORD, be merciful to us, for we have waited for you. Be our strong arm each day and our salvation in times of trouble. Isaiah 33:2

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Monday, December 21, 2020

Did You See the Star of Bethlehem?

Meditate and ponder the stars and planets in the sky.

After this interview (with Herod) the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:9-11

Camel Crossing - Israel
The Wise Men are always depicted on camels.
Star of Wonder.
Did those camels know to follow the Star?

Those living in the United State can look in the southwestern sky tonight for an alignment of the planets Jupiter and Saturn. This alignment will give the illusion of a bright star, known as the Bethlehem Star. If you search on Google or other resources available to you on the internet you’ll discover that at the time Jesus was born a Bethlehem Star involved the constellation Leo with the star Regulus and the planets of Jupiter and Venus. It was a bright enough star that it got the attention of several magi, wise men, to travel to Jerusalem and then on to Bethlehem. It took them a while to get from their home country to Israel. The description of their encounter describes Jesus as “the child” in a house. It is thought that He was about two years old at that time. Right after the Wise Men departed Joseph and Mary left Bethlehem for Egypt and escaped the killing of all boys two years old and younger that was ordered by King Herod to protect his reign as king. God had a plan—get out of town quickly! Be safe. Of course God could have sent angels to protect Jesus any time, but this also allowed for the prophesy of Jesus coming out of Egypt to be fulfilled.

That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod's death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: "I called my Son out of Egypt." (from Hosea 11:1) Matthew 2:14-15

Look for the Bethlehem Star. What difference does it make in your life? Can you use it to describe what happened when Jesus was born…who Jesus is and what He has done for the world?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, just as Paul wrote…But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Acts 20:24. Use me for your glory and honor today and every day.

Verse of Salvation ~ Look up to the skies above, and gaze down on the earth below. For the skies will disappear like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing. The people of the earth will die like flies, but my salvation lasts forever. My righteous rule will never end! Isaiah 51:6

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

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Sunday, December 20, 2020

Fourth Sunday in Advent - Love

Meditate.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven's Armies will make this happen! Isaiah 9:6-7

Love is born. God is love and loved us so much…that He wanted to show us His love by giving us His Son as a sacrifice for the very sins of mankind.

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. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:12-16

These verses out of Isaiah 9 are classic. The Savior and King that the world was waiting for was born as a little baby…in of all places a stable in Bethlehem. Bethlehem was a shepherd’s town. David, an ancestor of Jesus, had been a shepherd and at the time of Jesus’ birth sheep were raised in Bethlehem that were used for sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem. So this baby was wrapped in swaddling cloths, just like a baby lamb that would one day be sacrificed.

From Bethlehem, David’s hometown, came this Holy baby—part of the Trinity so that He would be part of: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. When we think of the Wonderful Counselor, we think of the Holy Spirit. The Mighty God and Everlasting Father invoke thoughts of our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Himself is our Prince of Peace. As you contemplate and meditate on the names of Jesus…and of our God, consider the other names of Jesus, besides Lord, King and Savior. Creator, Redeemer, Righteousness, Morning Star, Alpha and Omega, Messiah, Rabbi, Jehovah, Jehovah Jirah (Lord Provides), Jehovah Rapha (Healer), Yahweh, Yahweh Jireh (Provider), Yahweh Nissi (Banner), Yahweh Shalom (Peace), Yahweh Sabbaoth (Lord of Hosts), Sanctifier, Yahweh Ro’i or Jehovah-Raah (Lord is my Shepherd), Righteousness, Yahweh Elohim Israel (God of Israel) Adonai, Theos (Greek for God), Kurios (Greek for Lord), Despotes (Greek for Master), and Jehovah Shalom (Lord of Peace). Do some studies for yourself in the Blue Letter Bible, other on-line resources or in a concordance to discover more information on the names of Jesus. Seek to know more about Jesus. He has promised that if you seek Him, you will find Him.

Prayer ~ Jesus, help us to know You more day by day—for eternity. Just as David wrote..."Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." Psalm 46:10. I am still before You, Lord. I know that You will one day be honored throughout the world. You are an awesome God. I am so glad to know that You are my God…my Creator, my Redeemer, my King, my Lord, my Protector, my great Physician, my Master, my Love…and my Friend. I praise Your very name. Jesus.

Verse of Salvation ~ Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. Psalm 79:9