Banquet With The King

Daily Devotional focusing on spiritual "food" at the King's Banquet Table. In 2024 this blog will explore verses to meditate on as we examine our "choices" daily, pursuing a deeper relationship with God as we grow in Christian maturity. This web page has had over 230,000 page views by people in over 135 different countries who are seeking God through His Word. God has promised if you seek Him, you will find Him. May you be blessed reading Banquet With The King.

Saturday, February 29, 2020

Look for Joy During Lent

No pagan gods.
Shiva Nataraja, The Lord of the Dance, Early 13^th Century
At Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City

Meditate on this today.

A prayer of David. Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I'm in trouble, and you will answer me. No pagan god is like you, O Lord. None can do what you do! All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name. For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God. Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. Psalm 86:1-11

From this Scripture passage…You alone are God. Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. Teach me. I am willing to learn more about God every day so that I may know God’s purity. That can come only from a living, loving God--our God, not a pagan god.

David is asking for a lot from God: mercy, happiness, forgiveness, love, purity, teaching, salvation, and to hear his prayers. Don’t we ask the same things? Just look around you…people want to be happy. Would they believe in God as their Savior IF He gave them happiness? I doubt it. They would probably just live the good life and bask in their happy times, being in their happy place. I think what we need in life is really joy. Joy doesn’t depend on circumstances. You can even feel joy in the midst of chaos, grief, unhappiness, or even war.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. Psalm 5:11

Grief will turn to joy.

I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy.

John 16:20

Be glad. Rejoice.

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9

During Lent, can you look for the joy that Jesus brings to your life?

Prayer ~ A prayer for the beginning of the season of Lent, by Henri Nouwen:

The Lenten season begins. It is a time to be with you, Lord, in a special way, a time to pray, to fast, and thus to follow you on your way to Jerusalem, to Golgotha, and to the final victory over death.

I am still so divided. I truly want to follow you, but I also want to follow my own desires and lend an ear to the voices that speak about prestige, success, pleasure, power, and influence. Help me to become deaf to these voices and more attentive to your voice, which calls me to choose the narrow road to life.

I know that Lent is going to be a very hard time for me. The choice for your way has to be made every moment of my life. I have to choose thoughts that are your thoughts, words that are your words, and actions that are your actions. There are not times or places without choices. And I know how deeply I resist choosing you.

Please, Lord, be with me at every moment and in every place. Give me the strength and the courage to live this season faithfully, so that, when Easter comes, I will be able to taste with joy the new life that you have prepared for me.

Amen.

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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Friday, February 28, 2020

Show Mercy?

Meditate on this Scripture passage today.

Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with such scum?" When Jesus heard this, he said, "Healthy people don't need a doctor—sick people do." Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, "Why don't your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?" Jesus replied, "Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. "Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before. "And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved." Matthew 9:10-17

What does this mean to you? 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices. Mercy to whom? What do we actually sacrifice today?

Mercy to those who offend us. It is easy to be offended today. Consider drivers who cut you off or tailgate you. Do they offend you? How about someone in the grocery store who gets the best tomatoes—no bruises while you are standing there choosing your tomatoes? What if someone says something in jest that is just rude? Does that offend you? Have mercy on them…and others. Mercy—unmerited favor. Don’t offend them back. In fact, Jesus told us to turn the other cheek…so even if you are offended this would be an occasion to “Treat others the way you want to be treated” and keep smiling. Sacrifice your pride to be considerate of others.

For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. ... 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 7:2, 12

Build your relationship with Jesus by living out His teachings. That is a good Lenten response.

Prayer – Lord, help me to treat others the way I want to be treated, the way I would treat You.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Sometimes I just wish I could eat anything I want…even during Lent. I don’t want to be fat…I’m not obese…just too much belly fat and that is not easy to get rid of. What would you want to eat if you could have anything in the world? A nice slice of German Chocolate Cake, a slice of Apple Pie with good Cheddar Cheese melted on it, lobster, crab or how about a juicy steak? I don’t even consider pasta any more—that is a “fat” food for me that I no longer crave. I guess the craving is the thing that Jesus doesn’t want us to do. During Lent I need to consider that act of craving…and focus on Jesus—and God the Father and the Holy Spirit—instead.

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

1 John 2:15-17

I picture myself living forever…thin. Think thin…be thin. In the meantime I’ll enjoy a quick apple crisp that is a little healthy.

Eat the apple...or make crisp?

Apple Crisp (with honey)

4 c. sliced apples

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

½ c light honey

½ c brown sugar

½ c rolled oats

½ c flour

½ c butter, soft or melted

½ c finely chopped pecans or walnuts, optional

Butter baking dish (9x9) and add apples. Sprinkle with honey, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Mix together brown sugar, oats, flour, nuts and butter until a crumbly texture. Top apples with mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, until lightly browned. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or slice of cheddar cheese.

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Thursday, February 27, 2020

Is Anything Worth More Than Your Soul?

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. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom." Matthew 16:24-28

If any of you wants to be my follower… not when, but if. The choice is yours. Turn from your selfish ways, repent…agree with God that you have been selfish. It is the truth. We all have selfish ways. Take up your cross…being willing to bear your burden…but also give up your sins on the cross. Follow me…follow Jesus. The benefit…is eternal life…if you give up your life for Jesus. Everyone will be judged by Jesus, the Son of Man, according to their deeds, but only their choice of Jesus as Savior really counts. Is anything worth more than your soul? Your soul is your very being…it will last a lifetime either in heaven or hell. Is your soul worth a little fun here on earth or a lifetime in hell? What a great question! As Lent begins, it is a good time to consider what is important in your life.

Is anything worth more than your soul?

Prayer ~ Lord, You are worth more than anything.

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 Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Lent Begins

Then he asked them, "But who do you say I am?" ... From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead. Matthew 16:15, 21

Jesus began His journey to the cross when He and the disciples left Caesarea Philippi, after He had asked them, “Who do you say that I am?” Who is Jesus to you? Will you follow Him to the cross?

Lent is 40-day period of time before Easter for repentance and for introspection when we reevaluate our devotion and our relationship with Jesus, our Savior. Traditionally people use this time for fasting or at least giving up something to show devotion to the Lord. What are you doing for yourself this year for Lent? As you begin your journey to the cross…as you begin Lent this year, what will you do to honor Christ?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, as you instructed followers, we turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, Titus 2:12

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Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Are You Afraid of Something? Death?

Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.

Proverbs 14:27

Choose life...not death?

After looking at the ten most prevalent causes of death in the United States how do feel about death and dying? Death is not “preventable” but taking care of ourselves could extend our lives, momentarily offering us an escape from the snares of death. Thus we can care for ourselves in ways that allow us to live longer...and more meaningful lives. Living such lives could bring glory and honor to the Lord...if that is our focus or our ambition or purpose in life. What is the point of life if there is no meaningful purpose? Is your purpose in life to see how many ballgames you can attend...or how many TV shows you can binge watch? Ha! Sometimes I feel like my friends are TV characters...and I am so addicted that I can hardly wait to see what is happening in their life today. Ugh! God doesn’t want us to be obsessed with TV shows. Am I creating a “god” in my life by being obsessed with TV or ballgames? Will that be the death of me...or part of my soul? Are you “afraid to die” or afraid to live a real life?

Prayer ~ Lord, Thank You for Your encouraging words. The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14. I want to be wise…and I accept Your teachings and the wisdom Your words provide.

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Monday, February 24, 2020

No Regret for Sorrow

I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:8-10

Paul was writing to the church at Corinth. The message is unique. God wants us to experience sorrow. Experience sorrow—to lead us away from sin—to lead us to salvation. That message is meant to change hearts—to give hope. We find that hope in repentance. There is hope in life without sin. Hope in eternal life. Hope. No need to commit suicide. But death from suicide may not be just physical death, it can be spiritual death too. No repentance, worldly sorrow…results in spiritual death. There can be nothing sadder than spiritual death.

Can anyone prevent spiritual death? It takes a simple decision. A choice. Choose Jesus…choose life. No regrets.

Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2

Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 1 Peter 3:13-17

You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:44

Suicide is an action of despair and it is irreversible. Is that any way to suffer for Christ? We are called to suffer in a way that leads others to Christ. Be ready to speak up for Christ. Speak up…that will surely save someone. Be ready. Christ will return…sometime when we least expect it.

Prayer ~ Lord, I remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 1 Peter 3:17. Help me to reach others for You…before it is too late for them.

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Sunday, February 23, 2020

Suicide?

Jesus spoke to a group of non-believers about who He was, but they couldn’t understand Him.

Later Jesus said to them again, "I am going away. You will search for me but will die in your sin. You cannot come where I am going." The people asked, "Is he planning to commit suicide? What does he mean, 'You cannot come where I am going'?" Jesus continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I AM who I claim to be, you will die in your sins." John 8: 21-24

If you are in need of help, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Lifeline available 24/7 – no cost – anonymous.

Suicide. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) lists suicide as the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. The number of suicides is increasing every year in almost all states. Those who cause their own life to end with self-inflicted injurious action commit suicide. According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) it is the leading cause of death in those between the ages of 10 and 44 years old. It leaves almost no group of people untouched—because those left behind are also affected.

No fear of death? Or do they fear death less than they love life? God commanded…Thou shalt not kill (Exodus 20:13 KJV)…and that includes one’s own self. You would assume that mental health issues would be the main cause of suicide, but the CDC studies indicate that more than half of those who commit suicide did not have diagnosed mental health issues. There are usually multiple reasons or problems that cause suicide including:

Relationship issues

Crisis in the past two weeks

Substance abuse – including prescription drugs

Physical health problems – extreme pain

Job or financial problems

Criminal problems

Loss of housing issues

Is time running out? Help while you can.

Know the 12 Suicide WARNING SIGNS

Feeling like a burden
Being isolated
Increased anxiety
Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Increased substance use
Looking for a way to access lethal means
Increased anger or rage
Extreme mood swings
Expressing hopelessness
Sleeping too little or too much
Talking or posting about wanting to die
Making plans for suicide

What can you do to help?

Ask. If you are worried, then ask them if they are considering committing suicide.
Keep them safe. Reduce access to lethal means.
Be there. Listen to them.
Help them connect with someone who can give them more assistance, like the Lifeline.
Follow up to see how they are doing.

Personally I was distraught enough at one time to consider suicide. Mine was mainly a postpartum depression issue and I had some counseling with my pastor that helped. Prayer with someone who is open to God is always helpful. Ask the person if you may pray with them. God cares and does not want anyone to perish.

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

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, suicide is rising…more and more people are no longer valuing life. Help them Lord. You’ve said You are coming back to take those who believe in You home to Heaven, but some are choosing not to wait. As written in Second Peter…The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9. Help these forlorn people to know Your love, to repent while there is time…and to love You and life itself.

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Saturday, February 22, 2020

Sick People Need a Doctor

Later, Levi invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. (There were many people of this kind among Jesus' followers.) But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, "Why does he eat with such scum?" When Jesus heard this, he told them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." Mark 2:15-17

Sick people need a doctor. It doesn’t matter if they are physically, mentally or spiritually sick…they need a doctor. From reading on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) internet site I discovered that people with chronic kidney disease often don’t have symptoms until the disease is advanced. Sinners may be experiencing a similar failure as they try to ignore or rationalize their sin. But healing can take place…in physical illness and spiritual illness. Not dealing with sickness can end in physical or spiritual death.

Jesus was…and still is …the great healer of physical and spiritual ailments.

One day while Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of religious law were sitting nearby. (It seemed that these men showed up from every village in all Galilee and Judea, as well as from Jerusalem.) And the Lord's healing power was strongly with Jesus. Luke 5:17

At that time some Pharisees said to him, "Get away from here if you want to live! Herod Antipas wants to kill you!" Jesus replied, "Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose. Luke 13:31-32

It's a new day. Jesus is healing...some one somewhere.

Jesus said it. He would keep on healing people, spiritually—casting out demons, and physically today and tomorrow. Tomorrow is always the next day…so Jesus keeps on healing! Even if someone is broken from the stress of kidney disease, Jesus will heal him spiritually. Just ask.

Prayer ~ Thank You, Jesus, that You keep on healing…yesterday, today and tomorrow. Your purpose is being fulfilled on earth, as it is in Heaven.

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Friday, February 21, 2020

What is the Way to Heaven?

Meditate on these verses today.

¹²My question: What are God-worshipers like?
Your answer: Arrows aimed at God’s bull’s-eye.

¹³They settle down in a promising place;
Their kids inherit a prosperous farm.

¹⁴God-friendship is for God-worshipers;
They are the ones he confides in.

¹⁵If I keep my eyes on God,
I won’t trip over my own feet.

¹⁶Look at me and help me!
I’m all alone and in big trouble.

¹⁷My heart and kidneys are fighting each other;
Call a truce to this civil war.

¹⁸Take a hard look at my life of hard labor,
Then lift this ton of sin.

¹⁹Do you see how many people
Have it in for me?
How viciously they hate me?

²⁰Keep watch over me and keep me out of trouble;
Don’t let me down when I run to you.

²¹Use all your skill to put me together;
I wait to see your finished product.

²²God, give your people a break
From this run of bad luck.

Psalm 25:12-22 The Message

The ninth leading cause of death in the United States is kidney disease. Most of the references to “kidneys” in Exodus and Leviticus of the Bible refer to the animal sacrifices that God required of Moses and the early Israelites.

Take all the fat around the internal organs, the long lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys and the fat around them, and burn it all on the altar. Exodus 29:13

Kidney disease is not related to sacrifices. Those animals had to be pure. Unlike the sacrificial animals humans with kidney disease do not have pure kidneys. That is what kidney disease is all about. Disease. Failing kidneys. The kidneys are so crucial to human body function that without them people die. In July 2019 there were almost 120,000 people on a waiting list for kidney transplant. In 2018 there were 21,167 people who received a kidney transplant. Comparatively, that is a lot of people who did not receive a transplant and possibly died from kidney disease. Treatment including dialysis can prolong a kidney patient’s life…but once again death is inevitable…if not from heart disease or diabetes, then another killer, kidney disease.

The LORD will strike you with wasting diseases, fever, and inflammation, with scorching heat and drought, and with blight and mildew. These disasters will pursue you until you die. - Deuteronomy 28:22

Yes. These diseases…these disasters…will keep on following you until you die.

The thing to remember is that when you die you have a wonderful place to go…heaven. The only way to get there is by knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Jesus told him (Thomas…and the other disciples), "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6

The Father is in Heaven. Do you want to go see Him someday?

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, I have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But You say, love your enemies! We pray for those who are persecuted! In that way, we will be acting as true children of You, our heavenly Father. For You give Your sunlight to both the evil and the good, and You send rain on the just and the unjust alike. Matthew 5:43-45.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Years ago we had a warm slice of Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake at Jerry’s Aunt Helene’s house. It was wonderfully moist—even with no oil or eggs. That’s in the mayo. She gave me her recipe. It is a great comfort food. Heavenly.

Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

2 c flour

1 c sugar

4 Tbsp Cocoa powder

1tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 c mayonnaise

1 c cold water

1 tsp vanilla

Sift dry ingredients together. Add mayo, water and vanilla.

Beat two minutes. Bake in 2 nine-inch pans at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

This can also be baked as 30 cupcakes for 20-22 minutes.

Frost if you like, top with fresh whipped cream or just enjoy with a scoop of ice cream on the warm cake.

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Thursday, February 20, 2020

A Moment of Comfort

I have only a few days left, so leave me alone, that I may have a moment of comfort before I leave--never to return--for the land of darkness and utter gloom. It is a land as dark as midnight, a land of gloom and confusion, where even the light is dark as midnight. Job 10:20-22

Job was sick and discouraged. He thought he was going to die. That was a physical death he was anticipating.

And I know you are sending me to my death--the destination of all who live. Job 30:23

Is there a spiritual aspect of the flu or pneumonia? Influenza seems to be most detrimental to the very young and the elderly. If you consider elderly those over 65 years of age, I’m in that latter group, but I don’t feel like I’m elderly. Oh well. When one is sick, really sick, they may reflect on life and death. Little children don’t understand what is happening to them and the elderly may seem confused and just ready to be finished with life. Fevers do that to people—cause confusion. Physical, mental and spiritual confusion.

Morning Glory in Israel - offering comfort

God gives us comfort in our time of need…if we ask. Job’s friends came to comfort him (Job 2:11), yet Job was still miserable. Here are a couple of verses in the discussion between Job and his friends…the first from his friend Eliphaz; the second from Job:

Is God's comfort too little for you? Is his gentle word not enough? Job 15:11

How can your empty clichés comfort me? All your explanations are lies!" Job 21:34

Life is tough…but Job did not give up spiritually. Ultimately, he repented and God did reward him. No spiritual death there.

Prayer ~ Lord…just as Job spoke… "I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, 'Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?' It is I--and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me." Job 42:2-3

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Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Other Sick People were Healed

As it happened, Publius's father was ill with fever and dysentery. Paul went in and prayed for him, and laying his hands on him, he healed him. Then all the other sick people on the island came and were healed. Acts 28:8-9

Paul was on his third Missionary journey to Rome when he spent some time on the island of Malta, where Publius was the ruler. Apparently his father had dysentery—stomach flu like symptoms—and a fever. There is a difference between stomach flu and the influenza that is a respiratory illness we commonly call the flu. The respiratory flu is the killer as described by the Scientific America article about how the flu really kills people. The flu virus attacks the body and the immune responds by attacking the body. A secondary infection, like pneumonia, can be the ultimate demise, but whatever the cause the body was just not strong enough. God healed Pablius’ father. For thousands of people in the United States annually there is no healing.

Influenza and pneumonia are the eighth most common cause of death in the United States. There were 55,672 deaths due to influenza and pneumonia in the 2017 statistics available on the Center for Disease Control web site.

Chicken Soup, Rest, Flowers
Prayer
Treatment for the flu.

Death from the flu is very real this time of year. Flu is causing panic in people around the world, as people are rounded up and put in quarantine because of possible exposure to coronavirus. But other flu viruses have killed 10,000 people in the US this year. Is the best thing we can do to wash our hands and stay away from sick people? We’ll have to pray and trust the Lord for now.

Prayer ~ Lord, in Your mercy, heal those who are sick and protect those who have not yet had the flu this winter. Thank You.

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Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Kind Words for the Spirit

My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste. In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short. Proverbs 24:13-14

Diabetes does not allow the body to process sugar properly—so spiritually if a person could not process sweetness, they would be hardhearted, cold hearted, or bitter towards God and others.

Yet the spiritual aspect of diabetes may be the very wisdom that is sweetness to the soul that Solomon wrote about in Proverbs.

Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24

Sweetness to the soul from kind words would reflect well on the Lord—with truth and honor. Kindness is one of the greatest characteristic—it is a fruit of the Spirit: kindness, goodness, gentleness…love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness and self-control. Spiritual consideration of sweetness does not result in death…it results in life. Eternal life. Eternal life is a consequence of repentance and kind, sweet submission to the Lord. Hallelujah! The angels in Heaven rejoice over each sinner who has come to salvation. Let the Heavens rejoice!

Are you among those over whom the angels are rejoicing?

Prayer ~ Lord, You have given me a bright future, and my hope will not be cut short. Thank You.

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Monday, February 17, 2020

Bellyful of Trouble

Don't you realize that from the beginning of time, ever since people were first placed on the earth, the triumph of the wicked has been short lived and the joy of the godless has been only temporary? ...They enjoyed the sweet taste of wickedness, letting it melt under their tongue. They savored it, holding it long in their mouths. ...In the midst of plenty, they will run into trouble and be overcome by misery. May God give them a bellyful of trouble. May God rain down his anger upon them.

Job 20:4-5, 12-13, 22-23

Glutton for food?

Diabetes is the seventh cause of death in the United States. The Bible isn’t real specific about diabetes. Would it be a gut disease…a bellyful of trouble? Diabetes seems to be a disease that affects those who are overweight—dare I call them gluttons. When John the Baptist was in prison Jesus spoke to a crowd with John’s disciples. He said…

For John didn't spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, 'He's possessed by a demon.' The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, 'He's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!' But wisdom is shown to be right by its results. Matthew 11:18-19.

Just calling someone a glutton doesn’t make them a glutton…or diabetic. Diabetes is actually a disease of insufficient insulin production by the pancreas. Cure: none. Control: diet, exercise, medication.

The godly eat to their hearts' content, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.

Proverbs 13:25.

Death during a coma due to extremely high or low blood sugar, a stroke or heart attack is death from diabetes. The seventh cause of death in the United States. So what do you think? Are diabetics gluttons or do they have a bellyful of trouble?

Prayer ~ Lord, You taught…For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Romans 14:17-19. Thank you, Lord, for Your love, teaching, and encouragement.

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