Banquet With The King

Daily Devotional focusing on spiritual "food" at the King's Banquet Table. In 2024 this blog will explore verses to meditate on as we examine our "choices" daily, pursuing a deeper relationship with God as we grow in Christian maturity. This web page has had over 230,000 page views by people in over 135 different countries who are seeking God through His Word. God has promised if you seek Him, you will find Him. May you be blessed reading Banquet With The King.

Friday, April 30, 2021

The Lord is My Shepherd

Meditate. Memorize.

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6

The Lord is my shepherd. Our shepherd…our Jehovah Rohi. The shepherd who takes care of, tends his flock and feeds them. Is this how you see Jesus or Our Father God? They are shepherding and caring for Christians—those who believe in Jesus as their Savior. The Lord is my shepherd. I don’t have to depend on anyone else…God will take care of me and I can rely on Him to keep His promise that He will never leave me or forsake me. Like the most reliable shepherd He will be there for me…providing nourishment—the green pastures—both physically and spiritually. Then He keeps me on the right path…if I look to Him to guide me. That if is dependent on me. There has to be a relationship with this shepherd in my life. Seeking Jesus first in my life is key. The key to being guided down the right path.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

Likely you have memorized Psalm 23. I thought that the first verse…The Lord is my shepherd…is probably the most well-known verse in the Bible…although when I Googled it, another verse in Psalm 23 made number four of the top twelve verses: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me" Psalm 23:4. The top verse at the Christian Quotes website was: “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged.” For the LORD your God is with you wherever you. Joshua 1:9. All these verses weave together into a tight message. God will take care of His sheep…of those He loves and for whom He cares. Don’t be afraid. No fear. The shepherd will lay down his life for his sheep. Just as Jesus said…

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. John 10:11

Jesus is that Good Shepherd. We can count on Him to take care of us…His sheep. Build your relationship with Him. As you serve Him…He will care for you. As He cares for you…you will want to serve Him.

Prayer ~ Now may the God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21

Verses of Salvation ~ God will save His people—providing salvation…as predicted by Zechariah.

The LORD will appear above his people; his arrows will fly like lightning! The Sovereign LORD will sound the ram's horn and attack like a whirlwind from the southern desert. The LORD of Heaven's Armies will protect his people, and they will defeat their enemies by hurling great stones. They will shout in battle as though drunk with wine. They will be filled with blood like a bowl, drenched with blood like the corners of the altar. On that day the LORD their God will rescue his people, just as a shepherd rescues his sheep. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. Zechariah 9:14-16

Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table

Goat Cheese

We can’t live on bread alone. What does a shepherd eat? Cheese…either goat or sheep cheese made with the milk from the animals they tend. Think of David, the youngest son of Jesse…who tended his family’s sheep. He took some cheese, as well as bread and grains, to his brothers and other Israeli soldiers who were fighting the Philistines. You’ll find the account of the story of David and the Philistine, Goliath, in 1 Samuel 17.

One day Jesse said to David, "Take this basket of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread, and carry them quickly to your brothers. And give these ten cuts of cheese to their captain. See how your brothers are getting along, and bring back a report on how they are doing." 1 Samuel 17:17-18

We buy most of our goat cheese from the grocery store, or occasionally from a vendor at Farmers’ Market in the summertime. How is goat or Chevre cheese made? I once watched a demonstration of making goat’s cheese at a Bible Conference in North Carolina. It was a great Saturday afternoon activity. We watched the whole process from milking the goats to wrapping the processed cheese in cheesecloth for it to age. The key ingredients in the cheese, other than the goat’s milk, are rennin, mesophilic culture and salt. Not all goat cheeses need to be aged since some are ready to eat right when they are prepared. On-line you can find an abundance of descriptions of “How to Make Goat Cheese” as well as recipes for those who are into “Do It Yourself” although I think that a trip to a local grocery, Costco or Farmers’ Market is probably the best choice for me now. Cultivate a taste for goat cheese. It has a distinctively different taste—which I personally enjoy!

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

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Thursday, April 29, 2021

What a Glorious Day

Meditate. Focus on Jesus as the immortal God who has promised to return for His church.

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 1 Timothy 6:11-15

Jesus is immortal. He was in the beginning. He lived on earth for over thirty years. He died, rose from the grave, and ascended into Heaven. He will be coming back to earth…to gather and bring His church to heaven. He told His disciples…and us that He will return…when everything is ready .

Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:1-3

Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica about this event that is now called “The Rapture” because of the Greek word harpazo meaning to catch up or catch away.

We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

Jesus is immortal and sacrificially died so that we could have eternal life…obtain immortality, too. At just the right time…unknown and unpredictable as to a specific date and time…Jesus Christ will be revealed as the King of kings and Lord of lords from Heaven. Listen for that trumpet sound. It will be an impressive sight—the dead in Christ bodily rising from their graves all over the earth. How could anyone miss that sight? It will be glorious. Those alive will be able to see all those Christian rising from their graves…and then it will be our turn…we will be caught up in the clouds to be with the Lord forever. Immortal. Just like Jesus Christ.

We are also told about when Christ will return, commonly known as The Second Coming, with His army to fight the enemy. When that will occur…only the Father knows.

At that time, after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world--from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. ...However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don't know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert! Mark 13:24-27, 32-33

Be ready. Be on guard. If you don’t know when something is going to happen…you must always be prepared, according to Jesus. Spiritually, don’t let your guard down. God is within a spiritual realm, and along with Him, we fight a spiritual battle. It will be a glorious day when Christ snatches up His church…and an equally glorious day when Jesus Christ comes with His army to fight a final battle for the earth and all its people. We are in a battlefield…even now. A spiritual battle.

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:10-18

Stay alert. Be persistent. Are you relying on this warning? Will these encouraging words draw you deeper into your relationship with Jesus?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus…Now I have every spiritual gift I need as I eagerly wait for Your return, You, my Lord Jesus Christ. You will keep me strong to the end so that I will be free from all blame on the day when You, my Lord Jesus Christ, returns. From 1 Corinthians 1:7-8

Verses of Salvation ~ But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. Philippians 3:20

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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Wednesday, April 28, 2021

God is the Source of Hope

Meditate. Relax knowing that God gives us hope.

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

New Life in the butterfly.
Hope in the Lord.

Do things look a little grim…and hopeless for you lately? Are you experiencing discouragement or anxiety? Look no further than the Lord God for hope…hope for today and hope for tomorrow.

Paul starts out his letter to Timothy with a statement that Jesus Christ gives us hope.

This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope. 1 Timothy 1:1

Paul continues instructing Timothy with additional words of the source of our hope.

"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 1 Timothy 4:8-11 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Paul also wrote to the church at Rome about hope. God gives us not just a little hope…but enough hope that it will overflow out of us to others.

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Be ready to tell others about the hope that is in your life…the source of that hope…and how it can be part of their life.

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 1 Peter 3:14-16 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Your relationship with the Lord will be stronger when you acknowledge to Him that your hope is in Him.

Prayer ~ Lord God…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.

You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath." Interlude We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Psalm 39:5-7

Verses of Salvation ~ For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God's people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News. Colossians 1:4-5

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

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Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Do You Need a Mediator?

Meditate on mediating. What does that mean to you and for you?

For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6

The Blue Letter Bible Outline of Biblical Usage notes that a mediator is one who intervenes, makes peace or restores it, or makes a covenant. It can also be applied to restoring friendships or any type of an intercessor.

That is Jesus—our intercessor. He goes before the Father, pleading our case and showing that we are pure and holy because of His own blood shed on the cross for our sins…our transgressions. Yes. We do need a mediator. We cannot possibly become pure and sinless on our own. Jesus did that for us when He took our sins to the cross. God is holy. In order for us stand before God one day, we must be pure and holy.

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 3:12-13

So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. With his own blood--not the blood of goats and calves--he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever. Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow could cleanse people's bodies from ceremonial impurity. Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. Hebrews 9:11-14

Jesus is our Morning Glory.
Flowers in Israel.
Glory be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We are indebted to Jesus Christ—our sacrificing Savior and Lord. But there is nothing we can do to pay Christ back—He alone was the sacrifice that God the Heavenly Father chose to purify us.

Let all the people of the world praise Jesus Christ—He is worthy of our praise as He sits beside God the Father in Heaven and mediates for us—declaring to His Father that we are pure and holy—worthy to stand before them. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Do you feel closer in your relationship to Jesus knowing what He sacrificed for you…and that He is mediating your case before our Heavenly Father?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus—how can my “Thank You” be enough for the forgiveness of my sin and the gift of eternal life? I praise You…and will praise You…forever.

Verse of Salvation ~ So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Timothy 2:10

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

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Monday, April 26, 2021

Light of the World

Meditate. Think about the contrast of darkness and light.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12

Light. It is an extremely subtle bright quality that is only from God. It is not the light we associate with sunshine, electric lights or even candlelight. It is a pure form of spiritual energy that comes from truth and knowledge. John tells us here that Jesus was talking to people, not just His disciples, explaining that His light leads to life—eternal life. No darkness.

In the Old Testament, probably more than 600 years before Christ was born, Jeremiah was sent to prophesy to Judah about among other things, pride. Darkness is associated with pride. Even now those who pridefully don’t listen to the Lord may stumble and fall in the darkness.

Listen and pay attention! Do not be arrogant, for the LORD has spoken. Give glory to the LORD your God before it is too late. Acknowledge him before he brings darkness upon you, causing you to stumble and fall on the darkening mountains. For then, when you look for light, you will find only terrible darkness and gloom. Jeremiah 13:15-16

Listen and pay attention. Does that sound familiar? Those who have ears…listen. That instruction is given several times in the Old and New testaments.

O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying…. Psalm 78:1

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. Mark 4:23

Jesus said if we follow Him we won’t have to walk in darkness. Which would you rather do…walk in the light or in the dark? You have a choice. We also have a choice in how we spend our time. Walking through our day with the Lord…or ignoring our relationship with Him. What on your schedule today?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I’m walking with You today…in the brilliance of Your light. Illumine my life and cast out any darkness in my heart that I would be pure and holy, as You are Holy.

Verses of Salvation ~ For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. Titus 2:11-14 (Underlined for emphasis.)

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

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Sunday, April 25, 2021

Are You a Servant?

Meditate. To serve or be served?

So Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. Mark 10:42-44

Mosaic of loaves and fishes.
Near the Sea of Galilee, Israel.

Jesus was such a good example of a servant. He fed 5,000 men and their families at one time, and then another 4,000 men and their families another time. That is a lot of people to serve. He didn’t personally hand out the food to them, but He did host those groups and provide the food in a servant manner. He didn’t expect them to wait on Him. They were His guests.

Whenever He healed someone, whether it was a blind man, a lame man lowered through the roof, a leper, a demon possessed person, Peter’s mother-in-law with a fever, or a dying little girl, He did it humbly—as a servant, not boastful or arrogantly showing off. He was unassuming.

Picture Jesus washing His disciples’ feet before their last supper together. He humbly took off His outer garment and with a bowl of water went from disciple to disciple washing their dirty feet and using a towel to dry them. And their feet were probably really dirty since they wore sandals and tromped around on dusty trails all day. Yes, very dirty feet. Jesus’ feet were probably dirty too—so maybe He washed His own after He washed everyone else. None of the Gospels record that. I’m sure He at least washed His hands again before He began serving them food. Remember He blessed the bread—broke the loaf and passed it around the table, as well as a cup of wine. Continued service.

Jesus was an example of a good servant to His disciples—expecting them to follow in His footsteps. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. Can you humble yourself to be a servant—a slave, too?

Service is the rent we pay for our room on earth.

Old quote from a scrap of paper stuck in my Bible. Do you agree?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I am willing to be a servant for You. Show me opportunities to humbly serve You by helping others. I don’t really see myself as a “leader”—but I guess in some areas, I am. So as I “lead” help me to be like You…a willing, devoted and unassuming servant.

Verses of Salvation ~ The LORD cares deeply when his loved ones die. O LORD, I am your servant; yes, I am your servant, born into your household; you have freed me from my chains. Psalm 116:15-16

Freed and saved. Salvation provided...by our Lord--our servant.

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

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Saturday, April 24, 2021

The Word

Meditate. Think about the words of God…the Word of God.

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. ... So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son. John 1:1-4, 14

Jesus is the Word of God—and here John tells us that The Word is the Creator—giving life to everything and everyone. He is God. Glory be to the Father…and to the Son…and to the Holy Spirit. It is beyond our comprehension to even consider God before the beginning of time…before creation. Awesome.

Jesus is also proclaimed as the “Word of God” in the book of Revelation when it describes His second coming. Note the other names for Jesus used in this passage below. Faith and True, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There is no doubt that this is describing Jesus Christ.

Watch for the Heavens to Open
Christ-The Word of God-will Return
Victorious

Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Revelation 19:11-16 (Underlined for emphasis.)

We have the assurance of eternal life through Jesus—the Word of God—as recorded by Peter.

For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 1 Peter 1:23

It is one thing to know God…and another to have a relationship with Him.

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are the Word of God—and it is only through You that we know the Father. You are the Way, The Truth and the Life. We are called to be holy—but we can only do that with the power of the Holy Spirit. Cleanse our hearts and fill us again with Your love and grace that we can live holy lives before You—to honor and serve You.

Verses of Salvation ~ This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ's suffering and his great glory afterward. They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:10-16

Bible Trivia Answer of the Week: Where is Jesus now? In Heaven, seated at the right hand of the Father.

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. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. Ephesians 1:19-22

Bible Trivia Question for next week ~ What is the Sabbath?

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

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Friday, April 23, 2021

Who is Your Friend?

Meditate. Consider who your closest friends are and how you treat each other.

There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. John 15:13-16

Do you intentionally choose your friends? I think that friendships develop…and we do intentionally choose with whom we spend time. We get to know people…and they become friends. As we get to know Jesus, He becomes our friend…but here in the focus scripture today John tells us that Jesus choose us. He wants us to be His friends, if we do what He has commanded…if we do what His Father has told Him. All things exist, were created and continue because of God the Father…and through His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ…and of course, the Holy Spirit, too.

…yet for us there is [only] one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we [exist] for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we [exist] through Him. 1 Corinthians 8:6 NASB

Are you choosing to have Jesus for your friend…as He has chosen you? What are you doing to develop that friendship? Spend time with Him today…and get to know your best friend.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I am so pleased that You choose me to be Your friend. Help me, dear friend, to see clearly all that I need to do to honor You…and the Father.

Verse of Salvation ~ We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5

Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table

Blueberry blossoms
giving hope for the summer harvest.

It is Friday again already!

We can’t live on bread alone. What is it your heart craves to eat? How about some fresh produce? The best place to choose food is the outside perimeter of the grocery store. Fresh is best—not in those isles where processed food it stocked. Read the labels. Is it something you want to have in your body? Will it honor God? Would you serve it to your best friend?

I’m having some fresh blueberries from the store today…as I watch the bushes in my yard start to get their blossoms and give me hope for some fresh berries of our own this summer.

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

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Thursday, April 22, 2021

No Fear…Trust Him

Meditate. Am I trusting in Jesus?

And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. 1 John 4:13-17

Jesus is our Savior. He is the Savior of the world. Trust Him. God is love. Seems simple. If you believe, how deep does your trust go? … as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. There is no fear in perfect love. Trust Him.

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 1 John 4:18

Do you feel like you need or want a Savior? Is life going good for you right now? What about last week, last month, and of course, last year? You needed a Savior then…you needed Jesus! When there is fear or worry in our lives—we need Jesus. He told His followers…and us…to give our worries to Him. Cast them on Him. Peter continues this teaching as he addressed Christians scattered around the world. We will experience hardships—that is part of life, but God hasn’t forgotten us and He cares about us. Pay attention to what is going on around you…and don’t give up. Be strong.

Beware of a roaring lion.
He's looking for someone to devour.

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11

Wise advice during these days of uncertain trials. Be strong…stand firm. Jesus will give you more strength, if you need it. Just ask.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You renew my strength. You guide me along right paths, bringing honor to Your name. - From Psalm 23:3. You are an awesome God. I confess that You are the Son of God and my Lord and Savior. I praise You and I trust You with all my heart, soul and strength.

Verse of Salvation ~ Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6

Salvation is freedom from sin…and living with Jesus forever!

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

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Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Do You Know Jesus…or Just His Name?

Meditate. How do relate or respond to the name of Jesus?

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. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:6-11

Jesus was God. Jesus is still God. Coming down from Heaven must have been a humbling experience for Him. He came as a weak little baby into a world that was confusing and oppressed by strict Roman rulers. Then, there were the domineering Jewish leaders that were not accepting of Him. His world was not a pretty one—no flowers to welcome Him into the world in a sterile hospital room. No loving grandparents that were there to cuddle and coo Him in the dark and dingy stable. It was a humble beginning for Him on earth—the very place that He had created was now His workplace—for Him to minister to the people He created who had made at some point made poor decisions or been born with handicaps that prevented them from a productive life that could possibly glorify God. Is yours a productive life? Do you honor God in all that you think, say and do? Are you seeking and loving God with all your heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Mark 12:30)?

And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. 1 John 5:20

When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: "The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD's favor has come." He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. "The Scripture you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day!" Luke 4:16-21

How are you building your relationship with Jesus today?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, to know You is to love You…with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. You are an awesome God—creator, sustainer, great physician, healer of our bodies, minds and spirits. Thank You.

Verses of Salvation ~ I have heard all about you, LORD. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy. ... Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Habakkuk 3:2, 17-18

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

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Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Who is Jesus to You?

Meditate. Who is Jesus to you? Baby in the manger, healer, teacher, sacrificing Savior, risen Lord, King of Kings in Heaven?

And she (Mary) will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet: "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" Matthew 1:21-23

Immanuel—God is with us. What an awesome plan God the Father had…to send His Son from heaven to earth…and then offer Him as a sacrifice for our sins…for all the sins of mankind since Adam and Eve. Jesus is God with us. He is fully God and fully man.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven's Armies will make this happen! Isaiah 9:6-7

But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life. 1 Corinthians 8:6

Immanuel—God is with us. This is the title given to the Messiah because Jesus was God united with man—God dwelling in man. He was a man baby there in the stable with Mary. He was a man as He lived in Israel ministering to the people of that region. Even after He was resurrected…He was still a man. People recognized Him, touched Him and He ate with them. Jesus was a man—and yet He is the Lord God. Amazing that Jesus became a man…just like the one He created.

Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man's nostrils, and the man became a living person. Genesis 2:7

Immanuel- God is with us. He doesn’t change…. Who is Jesus to you?

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Prayer ~ Lord God, You don’t change…but my understanding of You is constantly evolving as I learn more about You. I know I have to communicate with You for our relationship to grow, so open my eyes, my heart and my mind to understand You more…and guide me into a deeper relationship with You.

The Spirit - Who is Truth - Testifies.

Verses of Salvation ~ And 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. So we have these three witnesses—the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and all three agree. Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son. All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don't believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don't believe what God has testified about his Son. And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God's Son does not have life. 1 John 5:6-12

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

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Monday, April 19, 2021

Who is this Melchizedek?

Meditate and pray as you read God’s word today.

This Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem and also a priest of God Most High. When Abraham was returning home after winning a great battle against the kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him. Hebrews 7:1

Jerusalem - City on a hill.

Who is this Melchizedek? Melchizedek means “king of justice” and “king of peace” and he resembles the Son of God as noted in Hebrews 7:2-3. He was a timeless person who was priest—but not the High Priest, and he was the king of Salem—also called Jerusalem. Read Genesis 14:17-20 to see the record of his visit to Abraham.

Within the book of Hebrews we are offered some challenging concepts and theology. Consider once again Jesus as High Priest as you read and study the book for yourself. The passages below contemplate Jesus as a priest, His lineage, and His appointment to priesthood.

So if the priesthood of Levi, on which the law was based, could have achieved the perfection God intended, why did God need to establish a different priesthood, with a priest in the order of Melchizedek instead of the order of Levi and Aaron? Hebrews 7:11

This change has been made very clear since a different priest, who is like Melchizedek, has appeared. Jesus became a priest, not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. And the psalmist pointed this out when he prophesied, "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek." (Psalm 110:4)... There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven. Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people's sins. The law appointed high priests who were limited by human weakness. But after the law was given, God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made the perfect High Priest forever. Hebrews 7:15-17, 23-28

Do these verses bring questions to your mind? They should. We should question what we read. Did you discover something new? Did you learn something? What impressed you the most? Is there some attribute of Jesus that you noted here? Do these verses inspire you to want to dig deeper into God’s word? Do these verses draw you closer into relationship to the Lord? Pray about understanding this scripture…or other verses you may have read today. Ask Jesus to give you insight into the word, applying it to your life and to your relationship with Him.

Prayer ~ Open my eyes, Lord, to understand Your word, Your life, and the hope I have in You. Thank you for Your sacrifice and for the opportunity to serve You day by day.

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. 1 Peter 1:3-5

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

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Sunday, April 18, 2021

High Priest in Heaven

Meditate. Consider Jesus as High Priest.

Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. And God designated him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:8-10

Jesus is our Priest—and our intercessor before God the Father. Obedient to the Father, He took our sins upon Himself on the cross. The book of Hebrews in the Bible gives us several chapters that clarify Jesus as High Priest. This is an important concept. Think carefully about Jesus as High Priest in Heaven. One day as believers we will serve Him there.

And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God's messenger and High Priest. Hebrews 3:1

Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven. Hebrews 8:1

So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. Hebrews 9:11

And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. Hebrews 9:25

Jesus paid our debt of sin with His sacrifice…and then God made Him High Priest of the Tabernacle of Heaven. Who will be the other priests in Heaven? That is a good question for each of us to study. It is possible that is those Christians who are faithful…and mature. Will you be among those serving as priests? Is that part of your inheritance?

What is the Right Time?
Only God the Father knows.
It is His plan!

God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ--everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. Ephesians 1:9-11

Prayer ~ Lord God, I pray for my fellow Christians…as Paul prayed for the people in the church at Ephesus. I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. 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. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. Ephesians 1:16-23

Verses of Salvation ~ For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

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

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