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.

Sunday, February 28, 2021

God is the Supreme Authority

Meditate. This is God’s day…every day is God’s Day. He is the Supreme Authority.

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, "Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!" Luke 2:25-32

God created everything. In the beginning it was Jesus, as God, who created everything. Then the Word…became flesh. Jesus became a human being. What an amazing thing for Him—for us.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8

He gave up His deity and found Himself being human. He still is in a human form…glorified in Heaven. One day we will see Him face to face…and we’ll be in gloried bodies just like His. In the meantime…attitude is the key. Paul and Timothy writing to the church at Philippi said that we need to have the same attitude as Christ. Will that build our relationship with God and with Christ? I’m sure it would certainly help. Christ’s attitude was one of obedience to His Father—our Heavenly Father. Obedience is probably even a cornerstone for attitude. Without obedience, attitude is weak and poor. That is not the attitude of Christ. Considering that God is the Supreme Authority—the Master of all—we need to humble ourselves, like Christ did and take on any task or responsibility just as Jesus Christ would. Humbly committed to honoring God.

"You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased." Revelation 4:11

Prayer ~ Lord God, may all that I think, say and do bring honor and glory to You, for You are the Sovereign Lord and Master of us all.

Verse of Salvation ~ May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation--the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ--for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians 1:11

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Saturday, February 27, 2021

What Seeds Are You Planting?

Meditate on all that God has so richly provided for you.

Remember this--a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, "They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever." For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Three times a day as my husband and I pause and pray before we eat we are overwhelmed by all that God has provided for us. During this pandemic time…God has protected us from the virus—although we continually mask up, social distance and mostly just stay at home. We’ve been limiting our shopping trips, but we have a bounty of food to eat. It makes me feel a little guilty knowing that there are many going without food—without jobs they just don’t have the resources. Our home is warm and cozy—with a fire going most days to provide us with extra warmth. I think of the homeless—out there without a secure shelter. Some of them maybe there by choice…but others struggle with mental illness that obscures their decision making and then their lives spiral downhill into an existence that is sad, lonely, insecure and deprived by our standards. No hot and cold running water. No power. Is that the life that God wants for them? Does God want anything less that the best for any of His creation? God is the one who provides….

Are you being the hands and feet of God in providing for those in need in your community? This is personally convicting for me. I can certainly do more. What seeds are you planting?

Prayer ~ Jesus, please give us eyes to see, ears to hear and hands to help those we can that they would seek to know you as their Savior. Time is growing shorter each day…for reaching others before Your return or the end of our lives. Thank You, Lord God, for all that You provide for us. Your resources are unlimited and bountiful.

Verse of Salvation ~ Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me [by Your] generous Spirit. [Then] I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. - Psalm 51:10-13 NKJV

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Thursday, February 25, 2021

Restful Peace And Safety with God - Friday February 26, 2021

I If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands ...I will give you peace in the land, and you will be able to sleep with no cause for fear. I will rid the land of wild animals and keep your enemies out of your land. Leviticus 26:3, 6

Peace, peace wonderful peace. A peace that allows me to rest, just as David expressed in a Psalm that he wrote about trusting God.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8

Trusting God is really what it is all about. He has promised to keep the enemies and scary wild animals away. There was a cougar spotted only a few miles from my home during a recent winter when it was unusually cold and snowy. The animal didn’t harm anyone…but it was likely very hungry as all the rabbits it customarily ate were hiding from the blustery weather. I’ve personally seen coyotes nearby three times in the last twenty years, but I’m not losing any sleep over having these animals in our vicinity. I worry more that they will get hit by a car and killed. Then how will the mouse population be controlled? There is an ecological balance when we have natural predators. Balance gives peace—no fear—but does it give you restful sleep? Trusting in the Lord gives peace and fearless sleep. Ezekiel commented about living and sleeping securely when he wrote about a new covenant, the millennial kingdom and the Messiah.

I will make a covenant of peace with my people and drive away the dangerous animals from the land. Then they will be able to camp safely in the wildest places and sleep in the woods without fear. Ezekiel 34:25

I’m not sure how many people really like to “sleep in the woods” but that is a favorite of mine. There is nothing like sleeping and waking under tall pine or fir trees, hearing the wind through their branches, and smelling the fresh mountain air. Add in a babbling brook and you have a recipe for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Mt. Rainier - somewhere behind the clouds.

When my hubby and I took a road trip up to the mountains last summer all the way to Mt. Rainier. It was fogged in—wrapped itself in a cloud. A mountain of that size, 14,411 feet high, creates its own weather. A friend of mine used to say that fog made her feel like Jesus was wrapping His arms around her. We certainly felt that presence of Jesus today. Being out in the wilderness reminds me of another depth of God’s creation. You can see God’s creation in the produce at the market, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, in newborn babies and in the stars in the night sky. But the quietness of a vast wilderness experience whether it is in the mountains, desert, or seashore provides another dimension of God’s creativity. Can you find His peace there? Can you find His peace in your heart no matter where you are? Do you have His peace to give you a restful night’s sleep?

Prayer ~ Lord God, provide me with a new revelation of your peace in my life so that I will lie down and sleep well, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.

Verse of Salvation ~

Lead me by your truth and teach me,

for you are the God who saves me.

All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:5

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Healthy Foods Menu

Since February is National Heart Month, it is a good time to consider eating good foods and exercising. Exercise at least 20 minutes every day and then feast—within reason—on the bounty God has provided for us.

Here are some healthy heart foods to consider in your menu planning:

Chick peas – hummus, minestrone soup

Sardines and salmon – high in omega 3’s

Leafy greens – contain magnesium essential to a healthy heart – includes spinach, kale, Swiss chard, broccoli, romaine lettuce

Milk – even nut, almond or coconut milk – high in calcium and Vitamin D

Almonds

Oats and barley

Fresh vegetables and fruits – in the colors of the rainbow

What can you do with these food items? How about a spinach salad with salmon, almonds, chick peas and a wine and olive oil dressing? A little oatmeal with fresh blueberries, cinnamon, honey, and milk for dessert rounds out the food list. And you thought there couldn’t be just one dish/meal that would have all these foods!

So choose some healthy foods and feast on them, not just today or during February, but include good fresh foods at every meal all year around. Of course, you can eat some other foods--a moderate amounts red meat, as well as chicken. Shop the outside aisles of your supermarket—that’s where the fresh foods are located. Enjoy a Banquet at the King’s Table.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Power of God

Prayer ~ God, reveal more of Yourself to me today. Meditate on the power of God over death.

In fact, it says, "The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart." And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:8-10

The Empty Tomb
Israel

Jesus laid there in that tomb for three days, at least parts of three days—Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Three days proves death. But God the Father, Our Father, had a plan and the power to put that plan into action. He raised Jesus from the dead and Jesus would not die again. That God used that power over death shows us how great His authority and sovereignty are.

We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. Romans 6:9

Of course, there were other people raised from the dead. Elijah raised the widow’s son and Jesus brought Lazarus, a little girl and a young man all back from death, but each of them died again. Everyone has to face death someday…unless we are alive when Jesus comes to rapture His church. One day we will have spiritual bodies—resurrected just as Jesus was.

It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

We all have a spiritual aspect to our lives when we accept Jesus as our Savior, just as Jesus said to Nicodemus, you must be born again (John 3:1-21). That is the spiritual beginning of our lives. Have you experienced a spiritual birth? If not…read John 3 and ask Jesus for the forgiveness of your sin. We have all sinned (Romans 3:23). Jesus provided a way out of that sinful nature. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Seek Him with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength.

Prayer ~ Jesus, Thank You that You paid it all…that You died as the sacrifice for our sins. I praise our Heavenly Father that He raised You from the dead…never to die again. All glory and honor be to Him forever. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death. Psalm 86:12-13

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

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Are you encouraging your children to make good choices today?

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Jesus was Released from the Horrors of Death – Raised to Life

Pray before you read and study God’s Word…then pray again when you are done. Meditate on God’s Word as it inspires you.

People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip. Acts 2:22-24

The Empty Tomb
Israel

Amazing love that the Father, our Heavenly Father, had for His Son Jesus Christ…and for us. God’s knowledge and love are beyond comprehension…His plan. Death could not keep Jesus in the grave…and we will one day experience the same thing. Resurrection. Now that will be an amazing thing!

We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. Romans 6:9

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

Horrors of death. Agony of death. Is that how you view death? Are you afraid to die? Paul wrote this amazing statement of his value life and death in relationship to Christ and the people in Philippi.

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don't know which is better. I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Philippians 1:20-24

I agree with Paul. There is such value in death—to going to be with Jesus Christ, but I don’t want it to happen until necessary because I want to reach more people for Christ…to see more people saved by Him. Consider this Psalm of David.

"What will you gain if I die, if I sink into the grave? Can my dust praise you? Can it tell of your faithfulness? Hear me, LORD, and have mercy on me. Help me, O LORD. You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!" Psalm 30:9-12

Yes. I want to be clothed with joy…and sing praises to the Lord. Forever. Whether here on earth or in Heaven. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, You are amazing. Thank You for the plan You had and carried out through Jesus. Your magnificent power over life and death was displayed in Jesus’ resurrection. Death did not keep Jesus in the tomb…nor will have any hold on those of us who believe in Jesus as our Messiah. May You be glorified in the revelation of Jesus’ obedience to You and His love for mankind.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

Happy Birthday, Debbie!

May God continue to bless you with amazing talents and creativity!

Love you much!

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Tuesday, February 23, 2021

See? Believe?

Prayer ~ Lord, show us more of You today. Meditate on believing without seeing.

"My Lord and my God!" Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me." John 20:28-29

Do you have to see something to believe it is real…or going to happen? It used to be that parents didn’t know the gender of their baby until it was born. Even an educated guess by a trusted and wise doctor was still a guess. When my parents were expecting me, Mom’s doctor told her that I was going to be a boy. Perfect they thought since they already had a precious, sweet little girl. Well, I surprised them by being a girl. That was probably a little humbling for that doctor. Now with ultrasound being so common, the gender of the baby is almost routinely known long before the delivery date. Of course, there are still occasional surprises, but generally, seeing is believing.

Can you think of other occasions where seeing has been believing for you? Only in the book of John we have a record of a Gentile government official who believed Jesus could do a miracle.

As he (Jesus) traveled through Galilee, he came to Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was a government official in nearby Capernaum whose son was very sick. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his son, who was about to die. Jesus asked, "Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?" The official pleaded, "Lord, please come now before my little boy dies." Then Jesus told him, "Go back home. Your son will live!" And the man believed what Jesus said and started home. While the man was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well. John 4:46-51

Another time Jesus was confronted by Pharisees who wouldn’t believe in Him without seeing Him perform an extraordinary sign, a miracle. But they didn’t really believe that He could do that.

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had arrived, they came and started to argue with him. Testing him, they demanded that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority. When he heard this, he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, "Why do these people keep demanding a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, I will not give this generation any such sign." Mark 8:11-12

Even His brothers didn’t believe in Him.

After this (teaching in Capernaum), Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters, and Jesus' brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! You can't become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!" For even his brothers didn't believe in him. John 7:1-5

Can you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior without seeing Him face to face? When every eye sees Him…it will be too late to decide if He really is the Messiah or not. Don’t wait for that day to make your decision or to trust Him to do a miracle in your life.

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, I repented and now trust that You have forgiven me for my sin. I believe in You as my Lord and Savior. I look forward to the day that I will see You face to face...just as You have promised.

As the sun rises...will this be 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 6:40

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

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Monday, February 22, 2021

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies

Prayer- Lord, show me more of Yourself today. Meditate—Nothing is too hard for Him.

"O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! You show unfailing love to thousands, but you also bring the consequences of one generation's sin upon the next. You are the great and powerful God, the LORD of Heaven's Armies. You have all wisdom and do great and mighty miracles. You see the conduct of all people, and you give them what they deserve. You performed miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt—things still remembered to this day! And you have continued to do great miracles in Israel and all around the world. You have made your name famous to this day." Jeremiah 32:17-20

Recently someone pointed out to me that the Lord has ARMIES…not just one army in Heaven. That would be an army of resurrected, glorified humans and an army of angels. Glory be to the God of Heaven…the Lord of the Armies of Heaven. There is going to be a battle someday…probably several—on earth and in Heaven. The wars on the earth will likely come about quickly. That is just how things are happening these days. Changes in political standings and transformations of alliances between nations transpire more rapidly than we can keep track of in this ever evolving world. With COVID keeping us isolated we may have more information at our fingertips…but at least some of us are becoming less interested in international politics—dulled by the obligation of seclusion. Jesus told everyone to be ready. But are we ready for what may take place in our lifetime? God is all powerful and we have seen His miracles—like Israel returning as a nation to the land of Palestine. God’s name is famous…and nothing is too hard for Him! Let Heaven and earth rejoice! The Lord and His Armies will be victorious.

Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, "It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night. And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time." Revelation 12:10-12

Be ready…

Light your lamp.
This one depicts those used in Jesus' time.

"Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready." Luke 12:35-38

Are you ready? Will He gather you up with His chosen people to one day be part of the Armies of the Lord?

Prayer ~ Dear Lord God, All praise to You, God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by Your great mercy that we have been born again, because You 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 us, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through our faith, You, God, are protecting us by Your power until we receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. From 1 Peter 1:3-5. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Verse of Salvation ~ "When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life." Titus 3:4-7

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Sunday, February 21, 2021

Greatest Power of All Time

Meditate.

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. Ephesians 1:19-21

There have been a lot of gods over time…Buddha, Allah, Confucius, Apollo, Aphrodite, Ra and Vishnu, to name a few. But our God, Yahweh, is above all Gods and is so powerful that though other gods died like Jesus, only Jesus has been raised from the dead. God the Father is so powerful that He not only raised Jesus from the dead, Jesus will live forever in eternity. That is pretty powerful. Another beautiful promise that we have to look forward to is that this powerful God of ours will also raise up into eternal life all those who believe in Jesus as their Savior and the Son of God. That is an extraordinary promise. Paul was praying that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. Understand. That is deep. We can only hope that in His mercy that God will allow us to understand…to fathom…even a part of Him.

Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. Romans 11:33-36

As you strive to know more about God…and to have a deeper relationship with Him, pray that He will give you understanding. He is the greatest power of all time.

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

Filled with Joy
Jerusalem

Verse of Salvation ~ But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "God is great!" Psalm 70:4

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Saturday, February 20, 2021

God is Adonai – Master or Lord - Our Sovereign Lord

Meditate.

Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and prayed, "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? And now, Sovereign LORD, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! Do you deal with everyone this way, O Sovereign LORD? What more can I say to you? You know what your servant is really like, Sovereign LORD. Because of your promise and according to your will, you have done all these great things and have made them known to your servant. How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you!" 2 Samuel 7:18-22

King David had fine homes for himself…but he pitched a tent to house the Ark of the Covenant. A tent for God?! Doesn’t seem quite right does it? But right before this focus passage of scripture today God instructs His prophet Nathan to tell David that his son will build a temple for My name (2 Samuel 7:13). A home for the Sovereign Lord God, the God above all other gods.

During this time the Ark, the seat of God, sits in a tent. It was not the Tabernacle that had been built during the Exodus. Just a tent for the Ark. David goes into that tent and sits down before the Lord and talks to Him. Prays to Him right there in His presence. He doesn’t have to go through a priest. He just talks to God. That’s the way it is for us now…but we are on the other side of the cross. The Temple of God was built by David’s son, Solomon and then rebuilt by Zerubbabel and embellished by Herod. The curtain that separated the Holy of Holies was thought to be about four inches thick. When Christ was crucified, that curtain or veil was ripped in two from the top down, opening up the Holy of Holies, giving us access to God Himself. We no longer need to offer animal sacrifices or go through a priest to talk to God. No purification rituals needed.

David went right to God humbly in prayer. He didn’t go through a priest or even the prophet Nathan, through whom God sent His messages. David acknowledged God as great, supreme and matchless. He was above all other gods. Do we do the same? Have you given God thanks and praise today? It will build your relationship closer to Him to honor and praise Him.

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father—Sovereign Lord God…Great are You, LORD! You are most worthy of praise! No one can measure Your greatness. From Psalm 145:3.

Verse of Salvation ~ May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians 1:11

Bible Trivia:

Last Week:[This was an easy one!] What name did Jesus use for God? Abba which is Aramaic for “Father.” See Mark 14:36.

This week’s Bible Trivia Question: Why didn’t King David build the Temple for God in Jerusalem?

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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...Older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children.... Titus 2:4

The old woman who wrote this book wants to share her knowledge and experience to encourage parents as they train up their children in the way they should go.

Take an old lady's advice as you parent, day by day.

Blessings~

Friday, February 19, 2021

A Pure Heart

Meditate.

May God our Father and our Lord Jesus bring us to you very soon. And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows. May he, as a result, make your hearts strong, blameless, and holy as you stand before God our Father when our Lord Jesus comes again with all his holy people. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

God our Father. Our Father. One day you…and I…will stand before Him with all the other Christians. Paul was giving the church at Thessalonica encouragement to show love for each other in hopes that that love would make them strong, blameless and holy. You have to be holy…pure and blameless…to stand before Our God…Our Heavenly Father. Paul knew that. He was teaching it to those in Thessalonica, as well as those in Corinth and Philippi and to his student Timothy. James, Peter and John also wrote about purity in the New Testament, but the greatest teacher, Jesus, said…

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8.

Are you seeking to have a pure heart? Like David are you willing to ask God to purify your heart?

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. ... Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me--now let me rejoice. Don't keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Look with favor on Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Psalm 51:1-4, 7-18

Prayer ~ Dear God…purify my heart.

Verse of Salvation ~ Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:12

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

We’ve had a lot of snow here lately. Have you ever made snow ice cream? My grandkids in South Carolina reminded me that with lots of snow…snow ice cream is a winner of a winter idea!

Snow Ice Cream
1 gallon freshly caught snow (or 8-12 cups) [Do NOT use snow that is already on the ground.]
1 tsp vanilla
10 oz can of sweetened condensed milk

When it starts to snow, place a large, clean bowl that holds at least one gallon outside to collect the flakes. When full, measure out the snow into another bowl. Stir in vanilla, then stir in just enough condensed milk for the desired consistency. Add more snow, if needed. Serve at once. It tastes like French vanilla ice cream. Yum! Freeze any leftovers. You won’t want to waste it.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Thursday, February 18, 2021

Rooted in God’s Love

Meditate.

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:14-19 (Underlined for emphasis.)

What concept in this scripture passage speaks to you? The sentence that reached out to me…Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. Roots grow down. Down as deep as they can after the seed germinates and life begins. So it is with God’s love…it grows into your heart and soul—making you strong, spiritually. That is a good thing. It is the love of the Father…the Heavenly Father…your Father if you believe in Jesus as your Savior. Love is such a basic need—without it we are miserable…and even babies die if unloved, untouched. But comprehending the full love is Christ—that He was willing to give up His very life for us…that is beyond our total understanding. Maybe the day will come when we get to Heaven that God will give us that understanding, but for now we can only trust God and then look around us to see God’s love in action. Even watching new plants sprouting—have you started your garden seeds inside or are you growing sprouts to eat—will remind us that we are rooted in God’s love. Feed yourself with His Word daily…and then as Paul taught…

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Never stop praying. God likes to communicate with you constantly…but it is up to you to take part in that dialog. He is listening…speak up…and then listen for His response, in His word and in other messages from pastors or Christian books. I am amazed the way the Lord shows me over and over the same message. I know He is telling me to LISTEN to Him and do as He says.

Are you listening to your Heavenly Father?

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, Thank You for listening to my prayers, Just as was written in this Psalm, You listened….But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Psalm 66:19.

The Holy Spirit
Listen to the Words of the Father

Verse of Salvation ~ So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul's lodging. He explained and testified about the Kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus from the Scriptures. Using the law of Moses and the books of the prophets, he spoke to them from morning until evening. Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe. And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: "The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet, 'Go and say to this people: When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.' So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it." Acts 28:23-28

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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As we look at the characteristics of Jesus--qualities that we are called to have in our own lives and put into our relationships--we can ask ourselves several questions:

1. Is my attitude the same as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5)

2. Do I have this quality in me?

3. How do I show this characteristic in my daily life?

4. What is keeping me from obtaining more of this character trait?

5. Considering the Scriptures, what can I do to put this attitude or characteristic into action to improve it in my life?

6. Am I teaching this character trait to my children, intentionally and by my example?

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Lent Begins

Meditate.

He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. Ephesians 2:17-18

The Father has a plan. Jesus is the Good News for everyone—Jews and Gentiles.

Lent is the forty days prior to Resurrection Sunday…Easter. Lent is a time of reflection, repentance, and preparation for the greatest day of the year…the day we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.

Cross from Portugal
Jesus died on a cross for our sin.
A precious gift to us.

Lent is a time of reflection. It is a time to recall what Jesus has done or each of us. We are sinful people...since the time of Adam and Eve. The sacrifice of blood is the only way to find forgiveness...and justification from our sins. Jesus was that ultimate sacrifice—a sinless man—the Son of God—who died on a cross that we might be forgiven and ultimately have eternal life. Sounds simple. It is. Simple, yet complicated. This sacrifice of Jesus life for our sins is a gift.

Lent is a time of repentance. We must admit our sins and confess them to God to receive that "gift" of eternal life. It is a humbling action on our part—but so much easier than what Jesus went through hanging on a cross for us. We don't deserve His mercy—but He freely gives it to us. We cannot perform any task...or do anything to earn eternal life. Just acknowledge and receive The Gift. Do you accept it? Can you acknowledge Him as your Savior?

Today is Ash Wednesday, a day that typically marking the beginning of Lent for forty days before Resurrection Sunday—Easter. Some churches solemnly have a service in which ashes are placed on people's foreheads to remind us...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

God desires a humble and broken spirit from us. Are you willing to put God first in your life? I am.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...Have mercy on me, Lord, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion—it is sometimes overwhelming. (Psalm 51). I humbly come before You--confessing that I am a sinner--You are my Lord and Savior. Thank You for sacrificing Your life for mine.

Verse of Salvation ~ "Son of man, give your people this message: The righteous behavior of righus people will not save them if they turn to sin, nor will the wicked behavior of wicked people destroy them if they repent and turn from their sins. When I tell righteous people that they will live, but then they sin, expecting their past righteousness to save them, then none of their righteous acts will be remembered. I will destroy them for their sins." Ezekiel 33:12-13

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Discipline is for Adults Too

Meditate.

And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, "My child, don't make light of the LORD's discipline, and don't give up when he corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child." As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. Hebrews 12:5-11

God is our Father. That is if we believe in Him and in His Son, Jesus Christ. The only way to the Father is through Jesus, His Son. As Jesus told Thomas, the other disciples, and us…

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

Parents discipline their children…or should. The author of Hebrews tells us here why Christians are disciplined by our Heavenly Father. It is part of an educational process…for our good, so that we can share God’s holiness. We’ll never get to stand before Him in Heaven unless we are disciplined into holiness…a purity that is the standard of God’s requirements. Obedience to God and His word is essential in this learning process. We need to obediently apply what we’ve learned to show that we have learned.

This discipline also shows us that God loves us, as written in Proverbs 3:11-12. It could be disheartening to some to realize that God only disciplines those He loves, but God does offer the opportunity to everyone to love Him. Remember this promise…

Crucifixion Sculpture
Holy Family Shrine, Nebraska

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

How do we show God that we love Him? One way is to respond to Jesus request that He made to His disciples on the last night before His crucifixion.

If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15

Show your love for God the Father…and accept the discipline He gives you.

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, I love You and just as Jesus said, I accept and obey Your commandments. "Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." John 14:21

Verse of Salvation ~ God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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