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, March 31, 2020

Seek The Lord While You Can Find Him

Meditate on these words today.

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." "Who are you?" they demanded. Jesus replied, "The one I have always claimed to be. I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won't. For I say only what I have heard from the one who sent me, and he is completely truthful." But they still didn't understand that he was talking about his Father. So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I AM he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. And the one who sent me is with me--he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him." Then many who heard him say these things believed in him. John 8:21-30

Jesus had been speaking to people at the Temple in a section known as the Treasury (John 8:20) and then He spoke to these unbelievers again. Imagine how they must have felt when He said you will die in your sin. No one really likes to be called a sinner…but we all are. Jesus was telling them pretty bluntly “I AM”—the great I AM that spoke to Moses from the burning bush. See Exodus 3:1-15. Did those people not know their scripture? But wait, Verse 30 says that…many who heard him say these things believed in him. They did believe. Would you have? Do you believe in Him now? Seek Him while there is still time.

Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Isaiah 55:6

Seek—look diligently—keep on searching for the Lord until you find Him. The time is now to do this searching because that verse says…while you can find him...while he is near. There may come a time…and it might be soon…when He won’t be near and you won’t be able to find Him.

Is Christ Jesus in your heart?

Where have you looked for the Lord? In a famous pastor or preacher? In a movie…like The Passion? In some book, like The Purpose Driven Life? By walking in nature…hiking Mt. Rainier, fishing in a big lake, or looking at the starry sky at night? He might be there in all of those…but you’ll most likely meet Him and get to know Him best in the Bible. Start with the book of John in the New Testament, if you aren’t familiar with the Bible. Actually He is in every book of the Bible, except maybe the book of Esther. Pray that He will reveal Himself to you before you read and then search for Him with all your heart. Write down verses that speak to you. Pray to Jesus about knowing Him more deeply…and look within your own heart. Is he there? Did you invite Him to be there?

Prayer ~ Jesus, one of your disciples asked…"Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?" You replied, "All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. ...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." John 14:22-23, 27. Thank You, Lord, for the peace that You give to us now…especially with this COVID-19 virus attacking our nation and the world. Please be merciful to us…keep us safe as we isolate ourselves and help the doctors and hospital staff as they fight this virus. Protect us as only You can.

If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, seek Him while there is still time. Consider the ABC’s of salvation.

A – Acknowledge or Admit that you are a sinner.

No one is righteous—not even one. Romans 3:10

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

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

B – Believe in your heart that Jesus is the Son of God

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10

C – Call on the Name of the Lord

Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. Romans 10:13

Don’t wait…make your decision to believe in Jesus…in God… today. Life is short…we don’t know when our time will be up…or when the Lord will return for His church.

This is the last day of March...one fourth of the 2020 year has gone past. What will you do with the days ahead...spiritually?

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, March 30, 2020

Do You Want to Be Alone?

Meditate on these words about and from Jesus.

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." The Pharisees replied, "You are making those claims about yourself! Such testimony is not valid." Jesus told them, "These claims are valid even though I make them about myself. For I know where I came from and where I am going, but you don't know this about me. You judge me by human standards, but I do not judge anyone. And if I did, my judgment would be correct in every respect because I am not alone. The Father who sent me is with me. Your own law says that if two people agree about something, their witness is accepted as fact. I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other." "Where is your father?" they asked. Jesus answered, "Since you don't know who I am, you don't know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father." Jesus made these statements while he was teaching in the section of the Temple known as the Treasury. But he was not arrested, because his time had not yet come. John 8:12-20

Jesus is the light of the world. Aren’t you glad for light? We don’t have to stumble around in the dark. On really gray days depression can seep in…especially in these days when we must keep a social distance…and stay home. Alone. But just like Jesus has said…we are not alone. He is with us. He wasn’t alone either as reflected in this scripture. The Father who sent me is with me.

Do you wish you were alone sometimes—when kids are fighting…or you are in a disagreement with your spouse? There can be a lot of extra stress when we are restricted to stay at home…and when there is financial stress within the home and family. Guard your hearts and minds against abuse...physical or mental. It is easy to say…Trust in the Lord…He will provide…He has promised, but to actually trust when there is no milk or eggs in the fridge is hard or when someone you love is angry and in your face. Seek out help at local sites. Most of all…seek Jesus. God is our help. He provides the light for our souls whether we are alone by ourselves or alone in a group.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1

If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, seek Him while there is still time. Consider the ABC’s of salvation.

A – Acknowledge or Admit that you are a sinner.

No one is righteous—not even one. Romans 3:10

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

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

B – Believe in your heart that Jesus is the Son of God

C – Call on the Name of the Lord

Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. Romans 10:13

Don’t wait…make your decision to believe in Jesus today. Life is short…we don’t know when our time will be up…or when the Lord will return for His church.

Prayer ~ Lord, You have taught…We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. Romans 3:22. Let our faith in You grow and spill out onto those around us…encouraging and strengthening our hearts. Let your light shine into our lives—bringing hope, peace and strength.

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Sunday, March 29, 2020

Dry Bones – Oh Hear the Word of the Lord

Think about this Scripture today. Meditate on it.

The LORD took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the LORD to a valley filled with bones. He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. Then he asked me, "Son of man, can these bones become living people again?" "O Sovereign LORD," I replied, "you alone know the answer to that." Then he said to me, "Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, 'Dry bones, listen to the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again! I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.'" So I spoke this message, just as he told me. Suddenly as I spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. The bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons. Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had no breath in them. Then he said to me, "Speak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breathe into these dead bodies so they may live again.'" So I spoke the message as he commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet--a great army. Then he said to me, "Son of man, these bones represent the people of Israel. They are saying, 'We have become old, dry bones--all hope is gone. Our nation is finished.' Therefore, prophesy to them and say, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I will open your graves of exile and cause you to rise again. Then I will bring you back to the land of Israel. When this happens, O my people, you will know that I am the LORD. I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live again and return home to your own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken, and I have done what I said. Yes, the LORD has spoken!'" Ezekiel 37:1-14

Have the dry bones been raised from this desert?

Did you ever sing that song…Dry Bones? Dem bones, dem bones, them dry bones. Oh hear the word of the Lord. The song is an old gospel chorus that is considered a children’s song. It prophesies a great Israeli army rising up from a valley of dry bones just as God predicted through Ezekiel. The prophesy concerns the return of the Israelites to their Promised Land and that is just what has been happening since 1948…and even before that. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones hear the word of the Lord…and to have the bones come together with sinews and flesh…and then breath. They will come to life! God is all powerful. He can raise the dead. Can you imagine that that pile of bones may have been a little mixed up, but God allowed the bones to rise and be joined together with the sinews…the tendons, ligaments and muscles and then the skin to make just the right people. The Lord has spoken. Listen to His words. It will be exciting to see this actually happen.

Do you believe this will happen? God’s prophesies are known to come true, so it is highly likely that this will happen! How can you apply this scripture to your life? Keep watching and waiting.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, it will be so exciting for this to happen. We will watch and wait…praying for the Jews in Israel to see you as their Savior. May you shower them with your peace, love and understanding as they look for hope and Your arrival. Put Your Spirit within them that they would know that You still love them as Your chosen people and that Your prophesies will be fulfilled.

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Saturday, March 28, 2020

Respond to the Call

Meditate—but not too long.

Arise, O LORD, in anger! Stand up against the fury of my enemies! Wake up, my God, and bring justice! Gather the nations before you. Rule over them from on high. The LORD judges the nations. Declare me righteous, O LORD, for I am innocent, O Most High! End the evil of those who are wicked, and defend the righteous. For you look deep within the mind and heart, O righteous God. God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right. God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day. If a person does not repent, God will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow. Psalm 7:6-12

David’s enemy as he was writing this Psalm was Cush of the Benjamin tribe. The enemy of the world right now is this COVID-19. We want God to be angry with it…to wake up and bring justice…and end the evil.

Harvest is ripe.

God is at work in lives here and now…in those whose hearts are true and right. It is so heart-warming to see people reaching out to help and support each other during this stressful time of shut-down and isolation. But God has not forgotten us…and He will never leave us or forsake us. Just gotta hang onto that…and be His hands and feet whenever and wherever we can…while keeping our distance. Phone calls are great…so are FaceTime and live FaceBook events.

Prayer –Thank You Lord—that You will never leave us or forsake us. We trust that You have a plan. Jesus, You told us…You know the saying, 'Four months between planting and harvest.' But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. John 4:35 NLT. Thank you for the wake-up call. I just ask that lots of people would hear Your call and respond by repenting.

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Friday, March 27, 2020

The Lord Watches, Hears and Rescues

Imagine the Lord watching over you. Meditate on that image.

The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth. 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 34:15-22

Seeking the Lord...in Peru.

During these trying days…days of anxiety, fear, discouragement and overwhelming sense of impending disaster, remember that God is with us. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us in the Old and New Testaments (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5). Additionally there are so many verses that should encourage us…like these in Psalms 34. The Lord is watching over us—so we don’t have to feel alone—even if we are alone in our homes. The Lord Himself is listening for and to everyone’s cries for help. There must be thousands crying out for help as they know their loved ones are in the hospital fighting for their life…and no one can be with them except hospital staff. They may literally be dying alone. Alone…but not forgotten or forsaken, if they know the Lord. Now is the time to pray for the salvation of those we know who don’t know the Lord.

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! We all face many troubles—and many people are getting a little overwhelmed…yes again…overwhelmed. But remember God is with us. A friend recently fell in her apartment and the rescue squad came to check her out. She was bruised, but not broken. No broken bones…so just as this scripture promised…the Lord protected her bones.

Prayer ~ Lord, I don't excuse myself by saying, "Look, I didn't know." For God, You understand all hearts, and You see me. You guard my soul because You know me. You will repay all people as their actions deserve. Proverbs 24:12.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Did you have family that lived through the Depression? Did they tell you about things they had to do without or ways that they made ends meet? Here’s a recipe for a cake that a friend of my Mom made do with during that time…and anytime they were short on food before payday, hence the name on the cake: Before Payday Cake. It might be one to consider for a treat if supplies run short in the coming weeks. Note this is an egg-less cake so it is acceptable for those with egg allergies.

Before Payday Cake

1 lb raisins

1 c cold water

2 tsp baking soda

2 c sugar

1 pinch salt

4 c flour

½ melted lard or shortening

1 tsp allspice

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

¼ tsp cloves

2 c water

Add raisins in cold water, bring to a boil for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and add soda, sugar, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, flour, salt, lard, and water, Pour batter into a 9X13 inch greased and floured pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes.

No raisins? Try this variation:

2 tsp baking soda

2 c sugar

1 tsp salt

3 c flour

6 Tbsp cocoa

2 tsp vanilla

1 c vegetable oil

2 Tbsp vinegar

2 c water

Mix dry ingredients. Stir in wet ingredients. Beat well for a couple of minutes. Pour into a 9X13 inch baking pan that has been greased and floured. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes.

The ability to be flexible while doing without is a good quality—but it is always nice to have some kind of a treat to boost the morale of family and friends.

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Thursday, March 26, 2020

The Jewish Leaders Did Not Believe…Can You?

Meditate on these words today in this Lenten Scripture:

I can do nothing on my own. I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will. "If I were to testify on my own behalf, my testimony would not be valid. But someone else is also testifying about me, and I assure you that everything he says about me is true. In fact, you sent investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about me was true. Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved. John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message. But I have a greater witness than John--my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me. And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face, and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me--the one he sent to you. You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life. Your approval means nothing to me, because I know you don't have God's love within you. For I have come to you in my Father's name, and you have rejected me. Yet if others come in their own name, you gladly welcome them. No wonder you can't believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don't care about the honor that comes from the one who alone is God. Yet it isn't I who will accuse you before the Father. Moses will accuse you! Yes, Moses, in whom you put your hopes. If you really believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. But since you don't believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?" John 5:30-47

Jewish Scripture in a Synagogue in Israel.

Jesus will be the judge of us all. He tells us that He will judge as God tells him to—in a just way, carrying out the will of His Father. Here He was speaking to Jewish leaders who accused Him of breaking the Sabbath rules. They refused to believe Him…or to believe in Him. We are challenged to look at Jesus’ teachings and miracles…as we search the Scriptures. Note that the Scriptures that the Jewish leaders knew were what we consider the Old Testament. Jesus, the Messiah’s birth and death were predicted in the Old Testament—but the Jewish leaders didn’t see that Jesus was the Messiah. They didn’t believe. No other religious leader has been predicted…before his birth or about his death. No Buddha, not Mohammad, nor the Mormon leaders. Only Jesus was resurrected. Yet He admitted that He could do nothing on His own. He looked to His Father for His strength and His power.

Jesus is revealed to us in the Scriptures. Just as He said and just as I believe: Jesus is the Messiah and only He provides eternal life. Not the Scriptures themselves, but Jesus Himself. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Do you believe in Him?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, continue to reveal Yourself to me…and please give me wisdom and understanding as I study Your Word and seek eternal life in and through You--my Messiah.

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Wednesday, March 25, 2020

I Come to Do God’s Will

Mediate on Jesus’ words today in this Lenten Scripture.

For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, "You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin. Then I said, 'Look, I have come to do your will, O God—as is written about me in the Scriptures.'" First, Christ said, "You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them" (though they are required by the law of Moses). Then he said, "Look, I have come to do your will." He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. For God's will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. Hebrews 10:4-10

Jesus said to God, "Look, I have come to do your will."

God's will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ…. From early times with the Israelites God has wanted His people to be holy. Consecrate themselves and be holy.

Christ's Sacrifice.
Holy Family Shrine - Gretna, Nebraska

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

It is the same for us today: Consecrate ourselves and be holy. So what does it mean to “consecrate” oneself? Sanctify is to set apart…to be holy. In the New American Standard Bible translation it uses the word “sanctify” to describe making holy. The New Living Translation considers making holy that act of sanctification.

Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. John 17:17-19

You can study that word “sanctification” in several Bible translations, but it still is a process that we go through setting ourselves apart and being made holy by God. We may have to

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. 1 Peter 3:13-16 NLT

Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always [being] ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 1 Peter 3:13-16 NASB

Sanctify…set apart…worship Christ. Be holy. Christ’s sacrifice is what makes us holy. We cannot be holy on our own. We can choose to give up our sins, to worship the Lord and to be obedient to Him.. Jesus was…and is holy. We can choose…Jesus as our Savior.

Prayer ~ You are holy, Lord Jesus. Thank You for being the sacrifice that allows us to be like You…holy.

Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible^® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973,
1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org

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Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Be Still and Know that I Am God.

As you seek God, meditate on these words of His today:

Let the oceans roar and foam.
God is our refuge and strength.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God's voice thunders, and the earth melts! The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Psalm 46:1-11

One of the greatest verses that help us focus on God…and my Auntie Mercedes’ favorite verse: Be still, and know that I am God! Be quiet before our God—let Him speak to you. A friend of ours recently shared a wonderful custom at a church he used to attend in another community. They had a quiet time during each church service to focus on listening to God. Quiet time. Be still and know that I am God. Don’t focus on yourself…on what is going on around you. Allow your mind to let go of other thoughts, worries, concerns, interests…just concentrate on the Creator, Sustainer, Savior, Comforter. Feel His presence in your heart, soul and mind. Have a tranquil time. Relax—Reflect—Reverence. Honor God. Give Him your respect by giving Him your total and undivided attention. He is God.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when…. During this time of pandemic threat…unrest in people’s very souls…we can trust God. He can become the hiding place for those needing to withdraw from others—not only socially, physically, but also spiritually. No fear.

Purity in one’s heart is crucial. God wants us to be spotless. To seek Him…and for Him to be our hiding place, we need to confess our sins. This is not just the initial confession when we first ask Jesus to be our Savior, but continued…daily and hourly if necessary, acknowledgment of our sins, our mistakes and our guilt. David wrote about this in Psalm 32.

Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32:5-8

Pray while there is still time. Pray for yourself, for your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers and those in your community facing the depth of this war against the evil in this world…and the virus that is attacking our world.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Psalm 32:1-4. After I confessed my sins, You forgave me. Thank you. I will be still and know that You are God, as I continue to pray while there is still time.

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Monday, March 23, 2020

The Creator is Still Working

Lenten meditation for today…a new home!

"Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore. Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation! And look! I will create Jerusalem as a place of happiness. Her people will be a source of joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and delight in my people. And the sound of weeping and crying will be heard in it no more. No longer will babies die when only a few days old. No longer will adults die before they have lived a full life. No longer will people be considered old at one hundred! Only the cursed will die that young! In those days people will live in the houses they build and eat the fruit of their own vineyards. Unlike the past, invaders will not take their houses and confiscate their vineyards. For my people will live as long as trees, and my chosen ones will have time to enjoy their hard-won gains. They will not work in vain, and their children will not be doomed to misfortune. For they are people blessed by the LORD, and their children, too, will be blessed. I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers! The wolf and the lamb will feed together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. But the snakes will eat dust. In those days no one will be hurt or destroyed on my holy mountain. I, the LORD, have spoken!" Isaiah 65:17-25

Nautilus Sea Shell

Isaiah gives us such hope. Jesus is creating a new heaven and new earth. He is the original Creator—of this wonderful earth we live on now. The details of creation are just awesome. I am amazed at the intricacy of things like the nautilus seashell. A famous mathematician in Pisa, Italy, Fabonacci developed a formula for understanding things in nature, like the nautilus shell. The proportions of a logarithmic spiral, even as the shell is growing…remember there is a live animal inside…follow a pattern. That pattern follows the squares of the numbers: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34. That is just one example. All throughout nature we see the same pattern in the stars of the galaxies, sunflowers and even in the human body. Check out more info on this on the web. Just Google it. Praise Jesus for being such an amazing Creator. I am looking forward to seeing—to experiencing—a wonderful new heaven and new earth. For now, we just have to remain calm. Trust God. He has a plan and it includes a heavenly home for everyone in His family. Not everyone will be going there…only those who are called…and respond. Are you listening and seeking God?

There is so much about hope written in the Bible. Check out Romans 8. Here are a few verses of encouragement from that chapter.

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. ... Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. ... 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. ... For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) Romans 8:5-7, 12, 15-16, 19-25

Hang onto that hope, brothers and sisters in Christ. And for everyone else…consider who Jesus is to you…and if you want to consider Him to be your Savior? Begin by admitting that you—like everyone else—are a sinner. Believe in your heart that Jesus is the Son of God and that Jesus died for you…for your sin. Confess your sin. Call on the name of the Lord—pray. Then begin daily reading the Bible (available on line for free) and get to know God…know Jesus.

Prayer ~ Lord, Thank You for hope. We can go without food and water and social contact…for a while. But we can’t go long without hope. Encourage and strengthen our hearts…and help us to be encouraging to others so that no one is left behind.

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Sunday, March 22, 2020

Are You Full of Darkness or Light?

Meditate on God’s word today and consider how you can apply it to your life.

For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light." - Ephesians 5:8-14

Wake up! Are you in the darkness or in the light? Spiritually speaking? Like most people across the United States you’ve probably spent a considerable amount of time at home…isolated…for the past week. Have you been in the dark…moping around wondering what to do? Can’t spend time with friends unless you are six feet apart. There are only so many hours that you can sit in front of the TV and watch yet another YouTube video or movie. If your kids have been home you’ve been busy keeping them occupied or helping them with their homework. Homeschooling is not an easy job! Now what are you going to do for the next week or so…or maybe six weeks? School is rumored to be over for the year in some areas. Does summer vacation begins soon?! Those who are actually doing school at home have been doing some intense studying and may be even more focused at home than they were in school. We won’t be labeling those students as whimps! They have got the light…at least a physical motivation to do their work…to learn!

Spiritually, Paul was speaking to the Ephesians, about doing what pleases the Lord. Just like those people at the church of Ephesus, we may get tempted or experience peer pressure to go with the flow…to do what the crowd is doing, but is that right? Would that please God? It is essential that we decide BEFORE we get into any compromising situation what we would do. It is also just as important that we have discussions with our children and grandchildren about the way we should live…about moral choices and spiritual decisions. Think before we act…wake up you sleepyheads and let Christ show you His light. He is the way, the truth and the light. Don’t get worn down and discouraged…by life and especially by the corona virus. Use this time to seek to know Jesus more and to develop your relationship with Him. Spend some extra time reading the Bible, particularly the Gospels in the New Testament…and some Psalms and Proverbs every day. This time of isolation can be time of growth and renewal for you spiritually. Look for the Light.

Prayer ~Jesus, You 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. Show me the Light. Lead me and help me let Your light shine for others that they would come to know You more fully. Our time may be short…so let it be.

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Saturday, March 21, 2020

Repent – Turn or Return to the Lord

"Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring." "O Israel and Judah, what should I do with you?" asks the LORD. "For your love vanishes like the morning mist and disappears like dew in the sunlight. I sent my prophets to cut you to pieces--to slaughter you with my words, with judgments as inescapable as light. I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings." Hosea 6:1-6

Repent. Turn to the Lord or return to the Lord. God wants us to be pure and holy…as He is. Do you realize that only by being holy will you be able to stand before the Lord in Heaven one day? God spoke to Moses and gave him guidance for the Israelites.

Give the following instructions to the entire community of Israel. You must be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy. Leviticus 19:2

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time--to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: "Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: 'I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don't cheat, I don't sin, and I don't commit adultery. I'm certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.' I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Luke 18:9-14

Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Look with favor on Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit--with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings. Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar.

Psalm 51:15-19

Humbled...like this old broken pot seen in Israel.

Humble. That is what God wants us to do…humble ourselves. Admit that we are sinners. We need a broken spirit—a humbled spirit—a repentant heart. When we as individuals and as a nation do that—humble ourselves—then God will forgive us, bless us and restore us.

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Do you want to be “restored” or forgiven? Do you want to be obedient to God?

Prayer ~ Lord, The humble will see their God—You—at work and be glad. Let all who seek Your help be encouraged. Psalm 69:32. I come before You…and ask You to forgive me. Direct my path, my thoughts, my words and my actions that I would please You.

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Friday, March 20, 2020

Let Those Who are Wise Understand

Meditate on God’s words and how you can apply this to your life.

Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for your sins have brought you down. Bring your confessions, and return to the LORD. Say to him, "Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you our praises. Assyria cannot save us, nor can our warhorses. Never again will we say to the idols we have made, 'You are our gods.' No, in you alone do the orphans find mercy." The LORD says, "Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever. I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. Israel will blossom like the lily; it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon. Its branches will spread out like beautiful olive trees, as fragrant as the cedars of Lebanon. My people will again live under my shade. They will flourish like grain and blossom like grapevines. They will be as fragrant as the wines of Lebanon. "O Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me." Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. Hosea 14:1-9

Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully.

Who is wise among us and who can discern what is true? The book of Proverbs gives us some insight and understanding…if we search it, we will find it…beginning with the purpose of Proverbs.

Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:2-7

Solomon asked God for wisdom—even above riches or long life—as he became king over Israel. God blessed him with that wisdom and riches as well.

Asking for wisdom wasn’t just an Old Testament request. For example, Paul asked for wisdom for fellow believers in Ephesus.

Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called--his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. Ephesians 1:15-18

We can ask the same thing today…for ourselves, our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers…and even for the leaders of our country. Spiritual wisdom and insight is so important. Is this something you desire? God has promised to give us the desires of our hearts.

New York City - from the Empire State Building

Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:3-5

The desires of our hearts are for the health and safety of all the people in the United State...and the world as well. We are concerned for those in places like New York City, as well as Seattle. Pray for our nation, for our leaders, for doctors and medical staff, for industries affected by this pandemic. Ask God to give us wisdom...as well as merciful health, mentally and physically. With that wisdom, may we get understanding.

Prayer ~ Lord, I trust in You with all my heart; not depending on my own understanding. I seek Your will in all that I do, and know that You will show me which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6. The wisdom that I seek is Your wisdom. Thank You.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Chocolate. A great comfort food for many people—and this is a time when people need comfort. There can be a lot of calories in chocolate, and more calories are not what many of us need. I, for one, need to lose about ten pounds. But be careful. Matter is neither created nor destroyed—it just changes locations.

About three years ago I read the book Smart Chefs Stay Slim by Allison Adato. One of the lessons from that book is to surround yourself with food you like—but only eat the best. Don’t bother with things you don’t really like. For instance, if you like chocolate—eat only THE VERY BEST chocolate. Pass up any sugar-free or common candy bar stuff; don’t compromise yourself.

Recipe for today. If you are not already familiar with Intense Orange Lindt Dark Chocolate with almond slivers—try some soon. I highly recommend it since it is chocolate worth waiting for. Don’t get distracted when you eat it. Savor each bite—and do share with special friends. You can rationalize that since it is dark chocolate—it is healthy! Enjoy.

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