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.

Friday, July 31, 2020

Save Forever

Meditate.

Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25 NASB

Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. Hebrews 7:25 NLT

This passage was marked in the NASB Ryrie Study Bible that had been my sister’s when she died. It is appropriate that she had written “entirely, completely” in the margin. She was a devote Christian.

It is important not to take verses out of context. Sometimes a verse can stand alone giving advice, encouragement, or reminding us of God’s commands or qualities. Here are the verses before and after the selection above.

There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven. Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people's sins. The law appointed high priests who were limited by human weakness. But after the law was given, God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made the perfect High Priest forever. Hebrews 7:23-28

Save completely and entirely. That is just what Jesus can do, save those who trust Him. Forever. We don’t have to keep being “saved” although we should continue to repent of any sin we have committed. My sister accepted Jesus as her Savior. Actually, I’ve trusted Him, too, as my Savior to guide my life…until death. That is what my sister did. She died about thirty years ago. Now she is resting in peace…until the Lord returns. She will be among those who are the “dead in Christ” who will rise first.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

I eagerly wait for that day…when I will meet my sister in the air…or up there. How about you? Are you going to be with those who hear the trumpet call of God and will be caught up in the air? Believing in Jesus is your ticket to that mass exodus. Don’t wait until the trumpet sounds. It will be too late. Seek to know Jesus as your Savior today…while there is still time. He is the light of the world.

Jesus is the Light of the World.
Let His light shine in your life.
Fort Casey Lighthouse on Whidbey Island.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, may all who hear of your ability to save, trust in You—fully and completely. May they accept You as their Savior while there is still time/

Verses of Salvation ~ 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. Psalm 32:5-6

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

This is an original recipe developed in a Home Economics Food class at Central Washington State College (now CWU) by my sister, Shirley Jeske Woody. She loved to cook as much as she loved to play the piano—which was a great passion for her. One day we will feast together around the King’s Table. Maybe she’ll create another dish just for that occasion or play “Flight of the Bumblebee” on the piano one more time for us.

Krautburger Casserole

1 lb. hamburger

Salt and pepper

1 1-lb can sauerkraut, drained

1 can diced or stewed tomatoes

8 oz. mozzarella cheese, grated

Brown hamburger in skillet. Drain off excess grease. Season with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes. Add sauerkraut. Stir together. Stir cheese into mixture. Pour into greased 1 ½ quart casserole dish. Bake in 325 over for 20 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. This casserole may be prepared entirely in a skillet by heating thoroughly before adding the cheese. It will be juicier unless some of the tomato liquid is reserved before the tomatoes are added. This is good served over toast, brown rice or wide egg noodles.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – Shirley

Rest well…sleep sweetly as you wait for the Trumpet Sound.

You will rise first! See you in the air…or up there!

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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Thursday, July 30, 2020

Meaningless Life?

Meditate.

And this is not all that is meaningless in our world. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless! So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun. In my search for wisdom and in my observation of people's burdens here on earth, I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and night. I realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim. Ecclesiastes 8:14-17

Morning Sunrise
What do you plan to do today...for the Lord?

Is life meaningless? No one can discover everything God is doing under the sun.

Think about that. What gives your life meaning? The ceaseless activity? Are you finding happiness along with all the hard work? What choices do you make when you get up every day that focuses your day of something of value? Do you try to do something for someone each day to show that you care…a simple back rub, a smile, hug or phone call? How can you be the hands and feet, eyes and ears of God today?

Prayer ~ Lord God I am in awe of Your creation and plan for mankind and so glad that I am part of the body of the church. “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:12-13.

Verses of Salvation ~ …"Then who in the world can be saved?" they (the disciples) asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible." Matthew 19:25-26

We can’t “save” ourselves with good works…only Jesus can “save” us. Seek Him while there is still time. Salvation will give your life meaning.

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Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Be Happy. That is Why We Are Here!

Meditate.

I also noticed that under the sun there is evil in the courtroom. Yes, even the courts of law are corrupt! I said to myself, "In due season God will judge everyone, both good and bad, for all their deeds." I also thought about the human condition--how God proves to people that they are like animals. For people and animals share the same fate--both breathe and both must die. So people have no real advantage over the animals. How meaningless! Both go to the same place--they came from dust and they return to dust. For who can prove that the human spirit goes up and the spirit of animals goes down into the earth? So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why we are here! No one will bring us back from death to enjoy life after we die. Ecclesiastes 3:16-22 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Evil actions and corruption are out there. God will judge those involved. We just need to avoid being associated with corruption…stay out of harm’s way. Who really wants to be part of a riot…or even a demonstration? I guess lots of people do since they are turning out in the thousands…and certainly not maintaining the six feet apart social distancing. Is that giving meaning to their lives…or the lives of others? Destruction of public property does not add value to life.

Solomon advised people in his time to be happy in their work—that is why we are here. Enjoy your life while you are living. What are you doing to “enjoy life” today? Are you staying cool in this overwhelming HOT weather? Are you sharing your time and talents with others? Or are you just sitting around watching YouTube and Netflix? On these hot days, there may not be any better activity unless you have a pool nearby! Are you happy in your work? A lot of people are out of work…or had their hours reduced during this COVID pandemic. The really blessed ones are those who can work from home and have a strong internet connection to enable them to continue the responsibilities of their job.

Dust to dust. Adam was cursed after he and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit.

By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return. Genesis 3:19

Adam couldn’t have been happy about his punishment…life was pretty good until the fall. He had meaningful work to do in the Garden of Eden since creation, but now his work included dealing with thorns and sweating…and he could only look forward to becoming dust. Life became hard. Do you think he was happy? Are you happy in the work you do…in a business or in your home? Are you working for the Lord in some way…serving Him by serving others?

Dust to dust.
Is that lizard coming or going?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You gave Your life in service. I am willing to serve others for You. Show me what You want me to do.

It was written...“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28

Verses of Salvation ~ Jesus answered 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 and need to repent." Luke 5:31-32

Repent and be saved while there is still time.

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Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Nothing Can Be Added or Subtracted

Meditate. Consider these words.

And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God's purpose is that people should fear him. What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again. Ecclesiastes 3:14-15

Whatever God does is final. That’s it. Love and war…it is final. We can’t add to it…or take away from whatever God has planned.

Unfortunately we also know from scripture that Satan is in control of the world. He does not control us…just the world. And we know how the story ends…so to speak. God wins.

We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. 1 John 5:19

Tree of Life

Nothing is to be added or taken from God’s plan, His word, or His action. That is God’s intention from the beginning of His relationship with the Israelites to the end of time. Moses gave us an example of God’s proclamation about not adding to or taking away from God’s commandments given to the Israelites in their desert time. It is also commanded in Revelation not to add or take away any of God’s words. Don’t add or subtract…just obey.

Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you. Deuteronomy 4:2

And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person's share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book. Revelation 22:18-19

Obedience is the key to a healthy and eternal relationship with the Lord. Know what He expects…and do it.

How is your relationship with the Lord? Do you see yourself obeying the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength?

Prayer – The most important commandment is this: 'Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' Mark 12:29-30. I praise and love You, Lord, with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Verses of Salvation ~The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation." Psalm 91:14-16

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Monday, July 27, 2020

Enjoy Life…While You Can

Meditate and consider God’s work.

What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. Ecclesiastes 3:9-13

Eat, drink and be happy. I’ve thought that it isn’t appropriate to seek happiness. Happiness may be a choice as was once the title of popular book, but actually it can be the effect of lifestyle or result of successful events in one’s life. People who strive for happiness are often disappointed when they don’t reach that goal and find themselves in a miserable situation. It might be better to seek joy—that can be present in one’s life during the good times or even in disappointing times. Joy is a fruit of the spirit that can bless a person no matter what is happening to them.

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15

…. All who seek the LORD will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy. Psalm 22:26

Fruit - like the Fruit of the Spirit
Be joyful.
Choose joy, as well as love, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control.
Be joyful.
Enjoy life while you can.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23

What do people get for their hard work? I grew up in a farming community where there were a lot of hard workers…and a few not so hard workers. In the end, they all got the same thing: a burial plot in the local cemetery. But some of those who were hard workers had nice homes, nice cars, nice clothes, fun vacations, an orange in their Christmas stocking and steaks one a week. Others lived in less than ideal situations. Everyone would eat, drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor—striving for happiness, but rarely attaining it. What they got for their hard work was blistered hands, a sore back, a crop that depended on the weather, and a bank account that they hoped would see them through time to buy seed for the next year and more than hot dogs for their family. Whether they were hard workers or not, those seeking joy found it in Christ.

Eat, drink and be happy. Choose “joyful” to fill your heart for eternity. Enjoy life while you can—it goes by so quickly and we don’t know when it will be over and Christ will return.

Prayer ~ Lord, fill us with Your joy—Your everlasting joy.

Verses of Salvation ~ Then Jesus explained: "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. 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. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, 'One plants and another harvests.' And it's true. I sent you to harvest where you didn't plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest." John 4:34-38

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Sunday, July 26, 2020

Don’t Live Like Fools

Be careful. Study God’s word to see how you should live.

So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:15-20

Be careful...
where is the fire in your life?

Be careful how you live. The song that comes to my mind is that little children’s song about being careful what your eyes see, hands do and where your feet go, for the Father up above is looking down in love…so be careful what you do. God wants us to live holy lives unto Him…but He knows we can’t and won’t be perfect. Does that mean that we can go about burning public buildings, tearing down statues, vandalizing local businesses, or rioting? No. What are those people thinking? Are they getting paid enough to do the dirty work of the devil? Those things are not on the list of the way that God wants us to live. See the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17), the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), or even Colossians 3:5-17.

Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Paul is desires the people at the church at Ephesus to understand…to know and apply…what how the Lord expects of them. Do you know how God wants you to live? Search out the Scriptures for yourself…and then apply it to every waking moment of your life. Don’t just pray on Sunday—as you watch church via YouTube—or at meal or bedtime, but keep in constant contact through prayer to God. We shouldn’t get legalistic about keeping God’s commandments or directions, but here is yet another list:

Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Stay away from evil pretty much says it all as far for the rioting and pillaging—the anarchy in the streets of our nation. Scary stuff. Don’t act thoughtlessly. How thoughtless is the destruction of your own city, state or nation? God has a plan—watch it unfold. Are you part of His plan for eternity? Are you part of His family? Choose today who you will serve…yourself; other gods; or the one true living God and Savior of mankind, Jesus Christ. Choose today how you will act.

…the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Prayer ~ Lord God, thank you for Your guidance. Jesus, You declared that You are the Way, The Truth, and the Life, and that no one can go to the Father, except through You (John14:6). I praise You and ask that You would be merciful to the Christians in our nation—keep us out of harm’s way.

Verses of Salvation ~ Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

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Saturday, July 25, 2020

Sing. Just Sing.

Meditate and sing.

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:14-17

So much wisdom here in this passage for today.

Wrap yourself in love. Let it cover you and be part of you and those around you, drawing you together, in perfect harmony—no discord.

LET peace reign in your heart…above all else.

Teach…not just tell…others about Christ—as He fills and overflows from your life.

Counsel others with the wisdom that has been given to you. God gives us stuff for a reason.

Sing. I’m not a naturally good singer…but I try…and it almost always makes me feel better.

Be thankful…not just from your mind and mouth…but from your heart.

In whatever you do or say, give thanks to God, through our Savior, Jesus Christ. See Ephesians 5:20.

Someone asked me once a long time ago…what is the difference between hymns and spiritual songs? I didn’t know, but now we have Google…so I Googled it. The Book of Psalm, as a collection of songs, was inspired by the Holy Spirit. Psalms means praise.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16

Sing and dance to the Lord.
Sing as you find peace in our Lord.
Jerusalem

Hymns and spiritual songs may include scripture, but are not necessarily “inspired by God.” I’ve found that hymns may be sung about God or to God, expressing faith, thankfulness, praise, glory and honor. So many corporate worship songs now are choruses that are repeated over and over, unlike the traditional hymns that have verses and sometimes a chorus and express deep feelings, adoration or values. Some Christian hymns don’t necessarily focus on the spiritual aspect of God, but on Christian values and truths, as compared to spiritual songs which may express joy in salvation, God’s grace, and other spiritual aspects of Christian life. I still don’t know that is really the answer to that old question, but singing to the Lord is good whether it incorporates scripture or the feelings of your own heart.

Prayer ~ Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. Psalm 96:1-4. Lord, in my heart I sing a song of glory and honor to You, praising Your Holy Name for You are great and worthy of praise. Thank You sor all that You have done…and will do.

Verses of Salvation ~ If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation." Psalm 91:9-16

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Friday, July 24, 2020

Get Rid of the Old Stuff

Meditate on God’s Word.

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:5-13 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Get rid of the old. Put on the new. Sounds like cleaning out a closet—get rid of the old, worn out useless, ill-fitting, or the unworn (why did I ever buy that!?) clothes. Get some new clothes that fit—not in a greedy way, but clothes that will honor God. Same with your “nature” or your attitude. Off with the old…on with the renewed—that which was renewed by Christ.

Paul wrote something similar to the church at Ephesus.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:21-24

Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes—just like Paul wrote in Colossians—get rid of the impurity in your life—those sinful thoughts and actions that anger God. You have been forgiven; forgive others.

During this time of isolation we might have more time to reflect on our lives—so take the time to do just that and see how God has been and is at work in your life. I’ve experienced some overwhelming anxiety—maybe it has been from too much time to reflect and looking at not so good times—but God has helped me through it. Now I am focusing on the positive—on the good, the true and the fact that God chose me to be the holy people He loves, so I must clothe myself with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. God is good.

Prayer ~ I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! ... How kind the LORD is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! Psalm 116:1-2, 5. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing my prayers…and those of my family and friends. Please give special grace and mercy, strength and comfort to those who have recently lost loved ones.

Verses of Salvation ~ As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Micah 7:7

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

During these hot summer days, what do you crave most to drink? Iced coffee or tea, lemonade, just plain cool, clear water. Be careful not to get dehydrated in this summer heat. Even without the heat we need to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. Drink additional water, sports drink or for children, Pedialyte, to replace lost fluids. Water—cool, clear water—is the best. God created it—it is good.

Nojito

If you are looking for a refreshing summer beverage, consider a Cuban drink made with limes and mint, Nojito. If you add rum, it is call a Mojito, and it was said to be Ernest Hemmingway’s favorite drink.

10-12 fresh mint sprigs

1 lime, juiced, saving a slice for garnish

1 Tbsp Agave syrup

12 oz. sparkling water

Mull or crush together mint, lime juice and agave together. Add ice, pour sparkling water over mixture and serve with a sprig of mint and slice of lime.

Enjoy!

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Thursday, July 23, 2020

If…or If Not…Then

Think. Meditate.

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3 NASB

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-4 NLT

If. There is always an "if"...or an "if not." You can't have one without the other. Here is the choice...if you are raised up with Christ...IF you believe in Him as your Lord and Savior...or if not. The choice is yours and the most important choice you'll ever make...or have made in your life. That choice makes the difference in where you'll spend eternity--Heaven or hell.

Maybe you are wondering what it means to be "raised up" with Christ. If you are from the South being "raised up" means growing up. But in Christianese, "raised up" means to be resurrected with Christ--to die with Him--and then to live again with Him.

And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day. John 6:39-40

And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead. 1 Corinthians 6:14

"Seek things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father." The right hand is the honored position. The honored guest is seated to the right of the host--so Christ was honored by our Heavenly Father. In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus told His followers that they should seek first the Kingdom of God...and His righteous. That is where we will find Jesus Christ--in Heaven. Keep seeking. Don't give up because He has promised that when you seek Him, you will find Him. In finding Him you find the new life He offers. Live it!

And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9-10

"Set your mind on things above, not on things that are on earth." So what is the difference? In Matthew 16:23 Jesus admonishes Peter to set his mind on God's interests, not man's interests--the things people want. Romans 8:5 explains that the flesh strives after flesh or sinful nature, whereas those seeking God's will are controlled by the Holy Spirit.

"For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Either way, Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Nothing is hidden.

"For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has [anything] been secret, but that it would come to light. Mark 4:22 NASB

"When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory."

Glory-Glory-Glory

1 Corinthians 1:3-8

Philippians 3:20-21

1 John 3:2

Check out these verses. We will be like Jesus in His resurrected body. What a great promise!

If...then. If we believe, seek Him and thus have been raised up like Him, then we will be revealed with Him in the glory of Heaven. We'll stand before the very throne of God with Jesus. That will be a glorious moment. I can hardly wait! How about you?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus—May we be glorified with you.

Verse of Salvation ~ And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 1 Peter 1:5

Which key will open the door to your heart?
Do you have faith to believe in Jesus as your Savior?

Faith is the key. If you have faith…then. Believe and receive the Salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Answered Prayers

Meditate and consider Daniel’s experience.

And the man [an angel from God] said to me, "Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you." When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling. Then he said, "Don't be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come." Daniel 10:11-14

Daniel humbly prayed and his prayers were heard in heaven. His prayers didn’t fall on deaf ears—God heard his prayers, from the first day, and answered them in a mighty way. God sent the angel Gabriel to talk to Daniel—to explain what is going to happen in the future. Prophesy from Daniel’s vision is yet to be fulfilled. We just read it now in amazement. Amazed at the way God used Daniel…amazed that the future was foretold so long ago…and amazed that it is coming true. But we shouldn’t be amazed. God has a plan and it centers around the nation of Israel.

A Sign in Jerusalem

Like Daniel, pray for understanding. Pray for the nation of Israel and for Jerusalem.

Prayer ~ Lord God, hear our prayers and bring peace to those individuals in Israel who believe in You as their Lord and Savior. May even more people there today see You as their Messiah. We praise You.

Verse of Salvation ~ This is what the LORD says: "At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you. I will protect you and give you to the people as my covenant with them. Through you I will reestablish the land of Israel and assign it to its own people again." Isaiah 49:8

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Tuesday, July 21, 2020

The Lord is My Light

Meditate

He [Daniel] said, "Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. You have told me what we asked of you and revealed to us what the king demanded." Daniel 2:20-23

Daniel began his prayer by praise God’s name. That is just what Jesus taught His disciples. Honor God by honoring His name. Daniel recognized and acknowledged the power and wisdom of God, as well as thanking Him for the wisdom and strength that God had given him.

Did you learn anything from this Scripture passage that you can apply to your life…or use the next time you pray?

Jesus is like a light shining as a beacon for us.

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are an awesome God—I praise Your name—and I praise You for all your power, wisdom and strength. Please continue to inspire me as I read Your word and give me wisdom and understanding that I may apply it to my life. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me even here in Old Testament Scripture, as light.

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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