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.

Monday, November 30, 2020

What’s On Your Plate Today?

Meditate.

And don't be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don't worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. Luke 12:29-31

Baked Avocado Egg
Good for Lunch or Supper.

Every day my husband and I ask each other…what do you want for breakfast, lunch…or supper? The food at those meals does not magically appear on the table. With just the two of us in our home we eat whatever we want…from the food we have on hand. I don’t think that asking about our wants falls into the category of worrying about what we will eat or drink. Especially for drinking…we mostly only drink water, coffee and tea. Juices are too high in carbs. But what shall we eat today? Having a menu made up for the month is the easiest way to go…you only have to decide once a month. But that is too ridged for hubby. He likes flexibility in food choices. So day by day, we decide what to eat. Sometime this week we’ll have some bean soup since we have a nice ham bone in the ham we got a few days ago. I’m looking forward to that with maybe some gluten free cornmeal muffins. Yum. My taste buds are already getting ready for that! Yesterday we had avocado eggs. Good Keto food.

How do you decide what to eat…and when? Do you worry about what to eat…or if you have enough food for your family? That is a real concern for many people in our nation right now. There are millions on unemployment and the lines at food distribution centers are reportedly long. My Zoom friends and I regularly comment to each other that we are so blessed…God has generously provided for all our families…and we can and do contribute to ongoing food collections and distributions. God knows what we need…even before we ask.

Trust God. Trust Jesus to be your Savior while there is still time. He already died on the cross for your sins. Have you asked for forgiveness and will you trust in Him day by day? It is good to establish and grow your relationship, spiritually, with God…with Jesus. To; ;have a relationship with someone, you have to get to know them. To know God it is best to start with reading your Bible every day and praying. Do you have a Bible? If not…no worries. There are several on-line resources like Blue Letter Bible, Bible Gateway and YouVersion Bible app for grown-up or one for kids. Praying is merely chatting with God. Be sure to take time to listen to Him, too. So what’s on your plate today…spiritually?

Prayer ~ Dear Lord…I won’t worry about today…or tomorrow. I will trust You. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34 I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people. Psalm 52:9

Verse of Salvation ~ See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. Isaiah 12:2

Happy Birthday to niece Vicki – Homebound in Heaven

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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Sunday, November 29, 2020

Consider the Poinsettias

As we begin the Advent season, meditate on God as our creator--giving us Hope.

Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? Luke 12:27-28

Flower time is about over in most of our gardens. Now we’ve poinsettias indoors—great Christmas flowers. When we lived in Okinawa where my husband was stationed in the Air Force, we had poinsettia bushes growing outside in our yard that were well over eight feet tall—and poinsettias bloomed on them in the winter. I don’t recall the blooms being as large as the colored portions of the flowers we have now…and they were all red when in season. Local people often had them growing along their cement block fences and the edge of their yards. Nice border bushes.

Consider the poinsettias blooming now…red, white and pink. God was very creative in development of blooming flowers, bushes and trees in different seasons. No matter what the season…there is some flowering plant to be seen…somewhere. He is an awesome God. There is no other God like Him. Could Buddha or Confucius create beasts as diverse as those of the oceans, deserts and mountains, as well as the variety of flowers, shrubs and trees that we have around the world? I don’t think any being is as powerful or creative as our God. Just as Luke quoted Jesus… And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. He cares more about us than He does about the flowers. He makes sure the plants get enough water to grow and bloom each year. He cares. That alone is enough to make me whole heartedly believe in Him…as my creator. To know that Jesus cared enough about me to go to the cross for my sin…and die there…makes me whole heartedly believe in Him…as my Savior. Can life get any better? I am eternally grateful for all that the Lord has done for me—knowing that I could never pay for my own sins myself or never buy my way into Heaven. That is not God’s way. He had a more perfect plan. I must, and do, just humbly accept His plan. Do you have faith to believe and accept what Christ Jesus has done for you? Have faith and Hope.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, please give me more faith each day…and a deeper love and understanding for what You have done for us all. You give us HOPE for our future.

Verse of Salvation ~ What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the LORD's name for saving me. I will keep my promises to the LORD in the presence of all his people. Psalm 116:12-14

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Saturday, November 28, 2020

Don’t Worry – Be Thankful

Meditate.

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things? Luke 12:22-26

Don’t worry…be thankful. We usually hear…don’t worry, be happy. But I think it is more important to not worry…just be thankful. Are you continuing to keep your attitude of gratitude even after Thanksgiving? We can never be too thankful…grateful for all that we have and don’t worry about anything.

Mosaic near the Sea of Galilee - Israel
Don't Worry.
Jesus fed the 5,000 from a couple of fish & loaves.
Life is more than food.
He will take care of you.
Be Thankful

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

God has been so good to us—as individuals and as a nation. Our nation is in a bit of a mess right now…and some people are not particularly open or responsive to God. In the next couple of weeks it will be announced who is officially chosen to be President of the United States by the Electoral College, and thus the government. Even after that announcement our country will likely be divided…but still we can be thankful. Thankful that we are the land of the free and the home of the brave…that we have a great military protecting our country…that we are provided for and we take care of others. God has not forgotten His promise to the Gentiles who believe in Him. Don’t worry…God will ultimately take care of you. You can trust Him to keep His promises.

And this is God's plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God's children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:6

Have you had enough of the thanksgiving message yet? November isn’t quite over…so be prepared, there is still time for more thankfulness. It is an opportunity to show and share your grateful attitude. Don’t worry…just be thankful.

Prayer – Dear God, I don't want to worry about anything; instead, I am praying to You about everything, telling You what I need, and thanking You for all You have done. I am experiencing Your peace, God, which exceeds anything I can understand. Your peace will guard my heart and mind as I live in Christ Jesus. From Philippians 4:6-7. Thank You.

Verse of Salvation ~ We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:11-14

Time for a Family Gathering – Virtual Style

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Friday, November 27, 2020

Eat. Drink. Be Merry.

Kick back. Relax. Meditate.

Then he (Jesus) told them a story: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, 'What should I do? I don't have room for all my crops.' Then he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I'll sit back and say to myself, "My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!"' "But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?' "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." Luke 12:16-21

Now is traditionally the time to kick back and relax. Watch some good football games on TV. The kids are off from school and playing video games or running around outside, weather permitting. The Moms are off shopping…or on-line shopping for all the great holiday deals. As Jesus taught, recorded here by Luke, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God. So what are you doing with your time and assets? Are you like that rich man who wanted to build bigger barns? Are you storing up stuff—filling up your big house.

Second-hand shop in Tel Aviv.
Almost everywhere in the world...
...has too much stuff.
How about you?

I’ve heard it said that in the first half of our lives we gather and store up stuff. In the second half of our lives we try to get rid of it. I am experiencing just that. Don’t wait…downsize and declutter starting with one room TODAY. God gave us life, family and the opportunity to gather stuff. But He doesn’t want us to store up treasures here on earth. Jesus even told the rich young ruler to go sell all his belongings, give the money to the poor and then follow Him.

Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. "There is still one thing you haven't done," he told him. "Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Mark 10:21

It is ironic that sometimes the needy have more than those of us in middle class. A few years ago I had helped a young family move and they had more stuff than I did, including a pantry full of non-perishable food. Good planning for a rainy day to have extra food on hand. In addition, the young mom had bags and bags of stuff that she was continually amassing—actually stockpiling—treasures that she personally had no use for...just gathering items for future yard sales. Is that accumulation of treasures wise? She was supplementing her meager income with regular yard sales. That was wise. Was she tithing from her income? That is between her and God. That family deserved to eat, drink and be merry for their hard work…and God will reward them for their stewardship. How are you handling the surplus stuff in your life? Are you willing to part with things that are really essential or do you feel the need for a larger house…larger barns so you can store more stuff?

Prayer ~ Lord God, Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16 NASB. Even now that the Thanksgiving holiday is over, I still praise You, Lord, and give You thanks for my very being and all that You have provided for me.

Verse of Salvation ~ Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. Jude 1:3

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

The day after Thanksgiving! What’s on your plate today? Leftovers? Or maybe you just didn’t get enough pumpkin pie. Here’s a crust less version.

Pumpkin Custard

1½ cups milk
4 Tbsp cornstarch or keto friendly thickener like Almond flour or Konjac Glucomannan Powder
1½ cups cooked or canned pumpkin
½ cup sugar or Stevia, if following a keto diet
½ tsp freshly ground Himalayan salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger root (½ tsp dry ground)
1/8 tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground mace
¼ tsp gr coriander

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Wisk together milk and cornstarch in a large bowl until smooth. Add pumpkin, sugar, salt and spices. Pour into a custard dish and bake for 45 minutes, or until firm. If using small individual dishes, bake for a shorter time. Cool before serving.

This is an egg-less crust-less version of traditional Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. Bake in an unbaked pie crust if you prefer.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission (www.Lockman.org). All rights reserved.

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Thursday, November 26, 2020

Praise and Give Thanks

Meditate.

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! 1 Chronicles 29:11-13

Do you see God working in your life? He is great, powerful, glorious, victorious and majestic. This scripture tells us that everything…yes,,,, Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom.

On this day of Thanksgiving…give thanks to the one who owns everything and provides everything for us. God. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His mercy is new every morning. Seek Him this morning…and all throughout the day.

The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. And it is good for people to submit at an early age to the yoke of his discipline: Let them sit alone in silence beneath the LORD's demands. Lamentations 3:22-28

Find a few quiet moments today and seek the Lord with all your heart. Meditate on His words and give Him thanks. Praise Him!

Prayer ~ A psalm of praise of David. I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness. Psalm 145:1-7

Verse of Salvation ~ Cry out, "Save us, O God of our salvation! Gather and rescue us from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you." 1 Chronicles 16:35

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Thankful Praise

Meditate.

All of your works will thank you, LORD, and your faithful followers will praise you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign. For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The LORD always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. Psalm 145:10-13

Be Grateful...no matter what house He provides.

Thankful praise. That about sums up the response of those faithful to our Lord and Savior. We certainly do talk about what we think Heaven, the Kingdom of God, will be like, although of course we know that we are part of God’s Kingdom as soon as we accepted Jesus as our Savior. One of the things that is important for Christians to do is to tell others about what Jesus has done for everyone…dying on the cross for our sins…and what He is doing today—saving us from the anxieties of the world and providing love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control in our lives. He also graciously provides us with a bounty of food, a roof over our heads, clothes, transportation, family, friends, jobs, opportunities for recreation, worship and countless other things. For all that, we give Him thanks—with a grateful heart. Our God is an awesome, generous and loving God. He allows us to make our own choices…and although things may not go the way we expect or want God is still with us. He keeps His promises…even the one that says He will not leave us or forsake us. He loves us no matter what.

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. "There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. John 3:16-18

Prayer ~ Lord God, as one of Your faithful followers, I praise You. May all who know You give You glory and honor for all that You have done…and will do in Your kingdom forever. Thank You for keeping Your promises…through all the generations.

Verse of Salvation ~ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:8-10

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Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Grateful for Fellowship

Meditate.

And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. Those who obey God's commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us. - 1 John 3:23-24

Is the Holy Spirit living in you?
Are you grateful for His presence?

We are getting close to Thanksgiving. Don’t get so busy with dinner preparations that you forget what the holiday is all about. Being Grateful…Thankful for what God has done for us…for what He has provided for us. The greatest gift of all is Jesus Christ, His Son. Are you Thankful for knowing and believing in Jesus Christ? Are you Thankful for the Holy Spirit living in you?

Do you love one another, just as he commanded us? Are you in fellowship with God and with Jesus? Fellowship…what does that mean to you?

But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

Do you have a relationship to God…or do you just believe that He exists? I’ve found that reading the Bible every day and taking time to pray…not just a one-way prayer where I ask for things…but one in which I truly listen to the Lord and search His Word for answers is the way to develop and grow my relationship with Jesus…with God. That “relationship” is one thing I am deeply thankful for this year. Knowing that God has chosen me to be part of His family and that He cares about me is so encouraging during times of anxiety from enforced isolation due to the COVID situation. I think that daily I claim the promise that He will never leave me or forsake me. It is a good promise to lean on…and for which to be deeply grateful.

Prayer ~ Dear God, You want us to love one another. Thank You for first showing us how to love…by giving up what was most important to You…sacrificing it for our benefit. There is no greater love than that. I give thanks to You, LORD, for You are good! Your faithful love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

Verse of Salvation ~ For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4:11-12

Happy Birthday, Marv.

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Monday, November 23, 2020

Heartfelt Thanks

Meditate.

Grapes - no thorns on these vines

A good tree can't produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can't produce good fruit. A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:43-45

What is flowing from your heart? Is it good fruit from a good tree? You know that good fruit doesn’t come from a bad tree. I live in an area where there are lots of fruit trees…as well as vineyards. If the trees are old and worn-out not producing enough fruit to make them economical, then they are chopped down. I’ve seen whole orchards removed—usually because it is more economical to grow grapes than apples. The trees were seen as useless. Are we useless if we are not producing fruit? What can you do to “produce fruit” again? Remember that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Are those evident in your life?

What you say flows from what is in your heart. What’s in your heart today? Are you giving thanks for what flows from your heart?

Prayer ~ I give you thanks, O LORD, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength. Psalm 138:1-3

Verse of Salvation ~ For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2

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Sunday, November 22, 2020

Worship in Spirit and Truth

Meditate.

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12:28

Ruins of the Synagogue at Capernaum
Wherever you worship...
Worship in Spirit and in Truth.

Is this your Sabbath…or do you recognize the Sabbath on Saturday? Whichever…worship Him with holy fear and awe. Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well that a day was coming when people would worship in Spirit and in truth.

But the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24

Are you worshiping in spirit and in truth? Do you go through the motions…or are you spiritually involved in the worship experience? Consider the spiritual Kingdom with which you are desiring to connect…is it God’s Kingdom? A kingdom that is unshakable? Be thankful that God knows you and desires to have you worship Him…in spirit and in truth.

Be thankful and please God worshiping him with holy fear and awe. Holy fear is reverence. He is an awesome God. Do you recognize the encompassing power, unlimited creativity and boundless love that He has? As you worship today…meditate on the greatness of God…and be thankful to know and love Him.

Prayer ~ Lord God, Jesus Christ was revealed as God's Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross--not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony. From 1 John 5:6.

Verses of Salvation ~ I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 1Timothy 2:1-4

Happy Birthday, Brother Barry!

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Saturday, November 21, 2020

Answered Prayers

Meditate.

I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory! Psalm 118:21

Think of prayers that God has answered for you…and give thanks.

Praying Hands
Give Thanks for answered prayers.

Prayer ~ A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. I took my troubles to the LORD; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer. Psalm 120:1. Thank you for answering those pilgrims prayers…and for answering my prayers. You are an awesome God.

Verse of Salvation ~ This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11

Life doesn't have to be complicated. Keep it simple. Seek God while there is still time...and thank HIm.

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Friday, November 20, 2020

T is for Thanksgiving

Meditate…with an alert mind.

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2

When you are trying to totally devote some time to prayer do you find it hard to stay away, to keep an alert mind? What are you praying about? Your own problems, the past or the future? Interceding for others? Salvation for a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbor? Here are some tips for praying:

· Make your list—but keep it short. God knows what you need and want even before you ask.

· Keep the ACTS in mind. A is for Adoration—let God know how you feel about Him—that you love and adore Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. C is for Confession—get your burdens off your chest. Forgive others and yourself…and let God know you’ve sinned—we all have—and then ask Him to forgive you. T is for Thanksgiving. Give God the thanks that is due Him. And that means thanking Him for more than just the food you eat. He gives us everything…everything originally belongs to Him—He just shares it with us—even our kids…all of our family. S is for Supplication. Go ahead and ask Him to supply any needs or wants that are on your mind. That includes the salvation of those whom you know that are still lost or have just plain rejected God. Keep on praying.

· If you are trying to spend an hour, a half-day or even a whole day in prayer, clear your mind before you start. Don’t let any worries get in your way and get you side-tracked.

· For extended prayer time be sure to take along some water or even a snack—but concentrate on prayer, not food.

· Consider scriptures, specific verses, that go along with your ACTS. God loves to hear His Word prayed back to Him. His Word comes alive when you use it. Dig in using a concordance—you can find several on-line if you don’t have a hard copy. Looking up topics will help you focus on what your prayer is really about. Find one word that is significant in your prayer.

· Take time to listen. Prayer is a two-way conversation between you and God. Let Him have time to speak to you. Listen for that still small voice.

Devote yourself to prayer. Build your relationship with the Lord. Remember to give thanks…to be thankful for all that God has done, is doing, and will do in your life. You can do this! Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I love You with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength. Give me wisdom as I seek You and devote myself to prayer. Thank you that You are always with me…that You will never leave me or forsake me.

Verse of Salvation ~ In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. Psalm 34:6 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Is Turkey on Your Menu?
Give Thanks.

Turkey Day is on the way. What or where you’ll eat maybe impacted by the COVID-19 situation—but it is still a day to give thanks to God for all He has done for you. You are blessed in probably more ways that you can imagine.

Food wise…turkey—yes or at least some other protein source will be on most dinner plates next Thursday. Next, fill half your plate with veggies. The more color the better. It is a pretty well known fact that foods with color are most nutritious—like blueberries. Although cauliflower is white—it is still a great vegetable and lower in carbohydrates than potatoes or rice—so mash some up and enjoy! Meat, veggies, and then dessert—right. I am so looking forward to pumpkin and pecan pies.

We are overwhelmingly spoiled, sitting around just thinking about all the delicious dishes we have partaken in over the years…and what we will have this Thanksgiving…and in the years to come. Most of all, I look forward to the great celebration at the Banquet table when we celebrate the greatest Thanksgiving…the one in which we celebrate our Lord as our Savior—our Bridegroom in Heaven. That will truly be the best Thanksgiving ever. I’m sure there will be meat, veggies and scrumptious desserts. Dream on…I am.

Happy Birthday, Sylvia.

Thank you for sharing your love, expressed in gentleness with a grateful heart with our group.

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Thursday, November 19, 2020

Be Thankful – God Choose You

Meditate.

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. 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. Colossians 3:12-15

Self-portrait
By Grandgirl - Amelia
In her heart—she looks like Jesus.

Are you part of the family of God? Do you know that He chose you? He chose you to be the holy people He loves. What could be more wonderful than that? Consider God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, and you are part of God’s family. You are chosen and adopted.

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." Romans 8:15

Adoption is a pretty special process. The choosing, nurturing, loving and taking into one’s heart and life another person (or even a pet). It is unique. Love is shown either way…by natural birth or adoption—but with adoption there is a known entity. I’ve known adopted children who look so much like their adoptive parents that it is uncanny—even if they were adopted from somewhere like Romania. How can that be? I’d like to think God had a plan and brought them together.

Will we look like Jesus—our adopted brother? We can have His characteristics, if we choose. God, the Father, wants us to be like His Son, Jesus. Get to know them…develop a relationship with them and become like Jesus. Kind, good, loving, trusted, knowledgeable, peace loving, joyful, patient, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. I’d say that He exhibits the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Do you exhibit those qualities?

Prayer ~ Abba Father, Help me to be like Your Son, Jesus, and to filled with the Spirit, always thankful…for all that You all have done for me. I am eternally grateful to be part of Your family.

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, November 18, 2020

Thankful in All Circumstances

Meditate

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

What gives you hope?
The Empty Tomb - Jerusalem

Are you thankful for the eternal comfort and hope that God gives? Thankful? That is a humbling word in itself. Just a few sentences before this Paul was expressing thanks to God for the salvation of his Christian friends there in Thessalonica. It is encouraging to have Christian friends…to pray for them and know that they are praying for you. Prayer is powerful. It connects us to God. He is always listening—in all circumstances. He is there to give us hope…a wonderful hope…to comfort and strengthen us in everything—especially the good things—that we do and say.

Is it your intention today to say and do good things? Things that will please the Lord and encourage others? Ways that will express your thankfulness to others and to God no matter what your circumstances?

Prayer ~ Lord God, I am… thankful in all circumstances, for this is Your will for me since I belong to Christ Jesus. From 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Verse of Salvation ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14