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.

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Cherish the Lord and Exalt Him

Meditate.

Human pride will be brought down, and human arrogance will be humbled. Only the LORD will be exalted on that day of judgment. Isaiah 2:11

This is the last day of September…only three more months in 2020.

When will be the Day of Judgment? Only God knows, but when that day occurs all decisions made up to that point…and beyond will be final. Like Joshua, today is the day to choose whom you will serve. Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the land that God had promised them, Joshua challenges them to choose whether or not they will serve God. It is a hinge point. Without serving God they would never have success in that land. Joshua challenges them to look at their options.

But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

Like Joshua, I choose to serve the Lord. We still have that choice every day until the end comes. Do we seek God and His Kingdom first…or do we serve our own pride, attitudes and possessions? In the end, we can’t take any of our worldly treasures from this world to the next—into eternity. Jesus tells us that we need to store up treasures in heaven.

Seek treasures you can take up to heaven.
Seek first the Kingdom of God...
and His righteousness.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." Luke 12:31-34

Whatever you value most and that which you hold onto dearly is your treasure. Can you take it with you? Gold, silver, great art work, books, stock portfolios, cars, homes, boats, RVs, shoes and clothes will all be left behind one day. The one thing that you will take with you is your soul. With that I hope you are glorifying the Lord because He has redeemed you. Jesus Christ has saved you from your enemies, death and eternal damnation. Have you chosen Him to liberated you from your sin and treasures?

Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. Psalm 107:2

Cherish the Lord and exalt Him above all other people and things.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You redeemed us—gave us eternal life even though we deserved to die on that cross instead of You for our sins. Thank You.

Verse of Salvation ~ The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

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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Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Godly or Wicked?

Meditate.

The godly can look forward to a reward, while the wicked can expect only judgment. Proverbs 11:23

Everyone dies...sometime.
Godly or Wicked?

In the end everyone dies. Godly or wicked? Your actions show what you are—so what have you been up to lately? Will the end be Reward or Judgment? Does it really matter since everyone dies anyway? Of course it matters. Everyone dies…but everyone lives for eternity. Where? It will depend upon whether that person accepts or rejects Jesus Christ as Savior. Everyone sins, and God is willing to forgive anyone…they just have to ask. Are you willing to humble yourself, ask for forgiveness, and become godly? Otherwise, there is only the option of wicked, that ends in judgment. Judgment results in damnation to hell. Eternal life in Hell, without God. Which are you? Godly or Wicked?

Prayer ~ Lord God, 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

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

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Monday, September 28, 2020

Repent on this Day of Atonement

Meditate.

Be careful to celebrate the Day of Atonement on the tenth day of that same month--nine days after the Festival of Trumpets. You must observe it as an official day for holy assembly, a day to deny yourselves and present special gifts to the LORD. Do no work during that entire day because it is the Day of Atonement, when offerings of purification are made for you, making you right with the LORD your God. Leviticus 23:27-28

Ten days later, on the tenth day of the same month, you must call another holy assembly. On that day, the Day of Atonement, the people must go without food and must do no ordinary work. Numbers 29:7

No work. No food. Repent.

This is not a joyous festival. No dancing and eating wonderful rich foods. No. Prepare your hearts to be still before the Lord and to repent. What have you done in the past year that you are sorry for? Judge yourself…not others. Humbly pray for forgiveness. You want to be sure that your name is written in God’s book in heaven. That turning or returning to the Lord is part of the repentance process. Be certain that you include an attitude adjustment in your ponderings with God so that you do commit to change—to live in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. Remember that you can do all things through God who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13). I don’t wait for Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement to get right with God—I feel that I need to do it on a daily…almost hourly basis. This repentance is not just between a person and God, but extends to relationships between people, too. If you aren’t right with others, how can you be right with God…and vise-versa. I think it goes along with obeying Jesus’ command to love God with your whole heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. They go hand-in-hand.

Was it a happy fish that swallowed Jonah?
Repent on this Day of Atonement.

The Jews celebrating the Day of Atonement read the book of Jonah. Yes, the whole book. It is a short one. It is interesting to note that Jonah was the only prophet that actually got people to repent…and then he was mad about it. He lacked compassion for the Ninevites, but God is truly compassionate and forgives those who repent—whoever they are. Are you willing to change your ways? The biggest question goes beyond repentance—are you willing to ask Jesus to be your Savior? We are all sinners (Romans 3:23). When we have acknowledged that we are sinners, ask for forgiveness, believe that Jesus is our Savior and call on the name of Jesus to be saved (Romans 10:13), then we will be saved (Romans 10:9-10). Don’t wait. Make your decision today…tomorrow or next week may be too late.

Prayer – Lord, help us to hear Your voice and respond. Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. Romans 10:13.

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

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Sunday, September 27, 2020

The Lord Just Laughs

Meditate. Smile. The Lord maybe laughing.

Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper--it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land. ...The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance. But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming. Psalm 37:5-9, 12-13

It is good to know that God has a sense of humor…the Lord just laughs. But look at what He is laughing at in this passage. He is laughing at the fools who are wickedly plotting against the godly.

Does that surprise you? God laughs? Jesus expressed joy? I don’t think I want to have God laughing AT me…although laughing with me would be great. I enjoy being around people with a sense of humor…and having a good laugh.

But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. Psalm 2:4

When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning. Psalm 73:20

At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way.” Luke 10:21

STOP
Be Still and Know God.

Note the verse in our focus verses today…Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. God wants us to stop and be quiet before Him. Stop what you are doing…meditate on His word. Focus on who He is, His characteristics and His influence in your life. He will be honored by every nation. Right now there are certainly some nations that are not honoring Him…and I’m sure that makes Him angry. He deserves our love and respect. He certainly is not getting that from some groups in the United States. No worship allowed? How is that honoring God. No matter where we are or whatever is going on anywhere in the world, what we need to daily…be still in the presence of the Lord.

"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." Psalm 46:10

Prayer ~ Lord God, I come before you with Your peace in my heart and quietly honor You right now for You are my Creator, my Savior, my Lord and my God—all powerful and omniscient. I praise You with all of my heart. soul, mind and strength. In that Day of Judgment, Lord, I will be covered by Your blood, Jesus. Thank you for going to the cross for me—for being that unblemished sacrifice required to blot out the sins of the world…the sins of believers.

Verses of Salvation ~ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance--an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 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. 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 1:3-9 (underlined for emphasis.)

That salvation, spiritual birth, is the reward. Do you trust Jesus for the salvation of your soul?

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Saturday, September 26, 2020

Pray. While There is Still Time

Meditate and then Pray.

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. 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. The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Psalm 32:2-8

Fold your hands and pray.
Whether you are 2 or 102 - PRAY.
Repentance is good for the soul.

Repentance is a wonderful thing! I remember when I accepted Jesus as my Savior what a huge burden fell off my shoulders. I actually felt lighter. I wasn’t a horrible person—in fact, I saw myself as a good person—but still like everyone I was a sinner (Romans 3:23) and as I asked for forgiveness the Lord took the burden of sin off my back. He continues to do that as I continue to repent. We can’t let sin build up in our lives. We are forgiven, but we still need to turn away from those errors—call it what it is SIN. I will confess my rebellion to the LORD. During this time between the Feast of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement, it is a time to examine our lives and repent—turn away from those things that we have been thinking, saying and doing that offend the Lord. We know when we’ve done wrong. It is time to make it right. Pray. Do it while there is still time.

God promises in the focus scripture..."I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Let the Lord guide you in HIs paths of righteousness as you seek Him in prayer...and repent.

Prayer ~ Lord God, You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on me! Psalm 119:4-8

Verses of Salvation ~ Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness. LORD, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. Psalm 119:37-41

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Friday, September 25, 2020

Is Your Foundation in Jesus Christ?

Meditate.

Because of God's grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

Obedience is the Key.

On the Judgment Day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. What will be revealed about your life…applying the gifts that God has given you, and about your attitude towards God and others? If your efforts are like straw and burned up…no reward for you. But if your works are not burned up…then you are promised a reward. The results are up to you. Obedience is the key. Jesus told His disciples, and us, repeatedly that if we love Him, we will obey His commandments. He also repeated that the greatest of the commandments is to Love God and love your neighbor as yourself.

When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love. John 15:10

Jesus replied, "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.' The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." Mark 12:29-31

Love God, love those around you…and obey Jesus’ teachings. What could be simpler? Will your efforts be burned up?

Prayer ~ Lord, Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness. Psalm 119:37-40

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

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

God hasn’t forgotten His recipe for manna, that sweet bread that He provided for His children in the desert after He rescued them from slavery in Egypt. Try out this recipe and be encouraged. God has not forgotten His children, no matter where they are. He will one day rescue them again!

MANNA COOKIES

½ cup softened butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 tablespoons guava (or honey)

1 cup granulated sugar

1½ teaspoon baking powder

2 eggs

2 cups flour

dash salt

½ teaspoon of ground coriander

Cream butter, adding sugar gradually, until light and pale. Add eggs and beat thoroughly. Add guava, salt and vanilla. Combine baking powder, flour, and coriander; add to butter mixture. Drop by 1/2 teaspoon onto a greased or parchment lined cookie sheet. Flatten.

Bake in a 400 degree oven for 8 minutes or until done. Cool on wire racks. (If using more honey…lower temp by 25 degrees—note that heating honey makes it toxic, so you may want to think twice before using honey.)

Enjoy with a cup of strong expresso coffee or a glass of milk.

Happy Birthday--Sweet LIBERTY!

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Thursday, September 24, 2020

Shalom

Meditate.

The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 1 Peter 4:7

Look at the scripture in context. Peter was writing to Christians.

So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won't spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead. That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead--so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit. The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:1-10

Do you believe that the end of the world is coming soon? So many people have been predicting the Rapture to happen this fall. Just search for Bible Prophesy on YouTube and you’ll have hours of videos to watch. The thing is Jesus told us to be ready…we don’t know when the Son of Man will return. That means all of our lives, we need to be ready. Just remember that all through history people have been watching and waiting for Christ’s return. Things may be happening now that are fulfilling prophesy, but we still have to watch and wait. Can you do that…watch and wait? And earnestly pray?

Prayer ~ Lord, I am patiently watching and waiting for Your return. With people praising the Abraham Peace Accord between Israel, Bahrain and the UAE things seem to be looking for a more peaceful situation in the Middle East. Is this a true peace? Lord, give us wisdom and understanding for the coming days and situations in the world. May more and more people seek You…and the true peace that only You give. Shalom.

Verse of Salvation ~ And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30

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Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Are You Like a Tree Planted by a Riverbank?

Meditate.

A Tree Planted Along a Riverbank
Near a Kibbutz - Northern Israel

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. Psalm 1:1-6

Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly [are] not so: but [are] like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 1:1-6 KJV

When I was in seventh grade I memorized this scripture passage in the King James Version as part of my church confirmation class. Sometime memorizing may seem like it is beyond your ability—so just meditate on His word. Focus. Repeat the verse over and over. Ask yourself: how does the verse apply to your life? Think on it. Part of meditating on God’s word is to spend time quietly listening to God’s guidance. What is He telling you from this scripture passage?

Anyone who walks the way Jesus walks…not in the counsel of the wicked; stands with the righteous—not with the sinners; and sits in the seat alongside those who are positive and encouraging—not the scoffers, is blessed. How does one learn about walking with Jesus, being righteous or encouraging others? The best way is to know God’s word. Knowing it in your heart, not just your mind.

Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. Psalm 119:27

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on me! ...I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. I cling to your laws. LORD, don't let me be put to shame! Psalm 119:1-8, 25-31

Meditate. Think on these things. Are you meditating on God’s word today?

Consider the ways of the wicked. This focus passage today tells us that the wicked will face judgment. Along with the wicked, will you face condemnation at judgment?

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for You in this parched and weary land where there is no water. ... I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You and on Your Word through the night. Psalm 63:1, 6

Verse of Salvation ~ So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. 2 Peter 2:9

That “rescue” from the path of the wicked that leads to destruction gives you salvation from your sins and is what our sinless Savior, Jesus Christ, provided for us when He took our sins to the cross.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Public domain.

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Tuesday, September 22, 2020

What is Your Destiny?

Meditate. Think about your future.

And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-28

Tombs at the Mt. of Olives
Jerusalem

Think about your future. Where will you be in eternity? Everyone is going to die. We all know that…whether we want to acknowledge it or not. God has created eternity…for everyone. Those who love Him will spend eternity in Heaven with Him. Those who reject God will spend eternity without Him…in continual fires of hell (see Matthew 5:22). God is in control. We choose where we want to spend eternity, but once we choose Him, no one can take us away from His love…His hand. To me, that is a comforting thought. There is security in just knowing God’s love. My destiny is in His hands.

"From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done." Isaiah 43:13

Prayer ~ Thank you, Christ Jesus for dying once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of all people. I trust Your promise to come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for You. From Hebrews 9:28. I am among those who eagerly and patiently wait for Your return…and I praise You continually. You are an awesome God.

Verses of Salvation ~ For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 1 Peter 2:21-24

Jesus’ death on the cross provided salvation for us. Will you accept what He has done for you?

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Monday, September 21, 2020

Do You Feel Rested?

Meditate and rest in God’s Word.

Focus on the Lord.
Be Ready.
Will you get judgment or rest?

And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don't know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. When he comes on that day, he will receive glory from his holy people—praise from all who believe. And this includes you, for you believed what we told you about him. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10

Ahhh. Rest for the persecuted…and also for us. Rest is such a wonderful thing. I love to wake up from sleep or a nap rested. So when the Lord Jesus appears from Heaven, we will get rest. Is this “rest” associated with peace? It seems that so many people are seeking “peace” lately. Rest is good. Jesus spoke about rest…

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

I associate “rest” with being refreshed, with renewing one’s strength. That is just what the Lexicon in the Blue Letter Bible website indicates. Do you feel rested and refreshed?

Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God's people. Philemon 1:7

Rest is good—so much better than the judgment and eternal destruction that those who reject Jesus will face! Once again, where do you stand with your relationship with Lord Jesus? Do you have a relationship with Him? If not, seek Him today, while there is still time.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I come before You seeking Your rest, Your peace and refreshment in my heart and life. Thank You for Your obedience to take my sin to the cross. I certainly could not have done that myself! I praise You and honor You with every breath I take. Please continue to guide me, my family, friends and neighbors that we would make good choices and that You would continue to give us rest.

Verses of Salvation ~ Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens. By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky. My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Proverbs 3:18-26

Wisdom will refresh your soul and keep you safe. The Lord will provide security—salvation. Trust Him.

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Parenting Day By Day

Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Sunday, September 20, 2020

Judging Others—Judging You

Meditate.

You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God's judgment when you do the same things? Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. Romans 2:1-7

Whoa! Words can be powerful. Words can encourage or destroy. We must choose carefully what we say…and as equally careful about what we do. In our words and actions, we may be judging others. Jesus taught about judging others during His Sermon on the Mount as recorded in Matthew and Luke.

"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." Luke 6:37-38

"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. " Matthew 7:1-2

Such wisdom. We should observe it even today—because God’s word hasn’t changed. Are you seeking God’s will for your life—an eternal life with Him?

Prayer ~ Today, Lord God, during this last day of Rosh Hashanah I turn from my sins and plead with You for forgiveness. Thank You for being wonderfully kind, tolerant and patient with me. Please continue to guide and direct my thoughts, words, and actions that all I think, say and do would be pleasing to You.

Verse of Salvation ~ And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God's Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment. 1 Thessalonians 1:10

Our salvation is in Jesus who rescued us.

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Saturday, September 19, 2020

HAPPY NEW YEAR – JEWISH ROSH HASHANAH

Meditate.

The LORD said to Moses, "Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. On the first day of the appointed month in early autumn, you are to observe a day of complete rest. It will be an official day for holy assembly, a day commemorated with loud blasts of a trumpet. You must do no ordinary work on that day. Instead, you are to present special gifts to the LORD." Leviticus 23:23-25

Begin the New Year in joyful contemplation.
The Bird of Paradise
Like Man in the Garden of Eden

Happy Jewish New Year! This is the day that commemorates the beginning of the world, or more specifically the creation of man. Rosh Hashanah, which literally means the head of the year, is also called Feast of the Trumpets. As the Lord instructed Moses to tell the Israelites it is a day of complete rest—no work. This makes it a high holy day. No work. Take it easy today and reflect on what God has done for you in this past year. That is a good thing on which to Meditate. God is good.

This holy day is followed by the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, in ten days. During the next ten days all devout Jews will be considering their spiritual lives, their relationship to God, and this opportunity to reshape their lives in this New Year. These days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are a time of repentance. Yom Kippur is seen as the Day of Judgment and the Jews will pray ceaselessly for forgiveness and renewal. That would be good for everyone.

Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the LORD, people avoid evil. Proverbs 16:6

Celebrate this New Year and seek God’s forgiveness. That would be a special gift to Him.

Prayer ~ Lord, I long to hear Your trumpet sound from Heaven someday. For today I will rest and praise Your name—for You are worthy of praise and glory.

Verse of Salvation ~ "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Matthew 3:2

Happy Birthday, Little Naomi.

You’re a big girl now! Bless You!

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character available as an e-book or paperback at Amazon.com