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 195,000 page views by people in over 133 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.

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Are You Fit for the Kingdom of God?

Meditate. Think about God’s plan.

He said to another person, "Come, follow me." The man agreed, but he said, "Lord, first let me return home and bury my father." But Jesus told him, "Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God." Another said, "Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family." But Jesus told him, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God." Luke 9:59-62

This is one of my favorite passages of scripture since I’ve repeated many times to my grandchildren about my own experience “plowing…and looking back” as my family farmed irrigated row-crop acreage in Eastern Washington State when I was growing up. One day Dad wasn’t plowing but was actually corrugating a field, putting in little ditches or trenches between the rows of planted beans. I was about eight years old and kept pestering Dad to let me drive the tractor in the field. After driving the tractor with me several times, he finally let me help him in the field—driving alone. He gave me specific instructions—keep my eyes on a marker at the end of the row—and don’t look back. If I looked back the rows would be crooked and the water wouldn’t flow down the corrugates to water the plants evenly. It was an extremely dry area with less than ten inches of rain a year so water was very important. I assured him, “I can do this!” So, he hopped off the tractor while it was still moving slowly up the field. I hung onto that steering wheel and just knew my rows were going to be straight and my Dad would be so proud of me. Before I got to the end of the row, I turned my head…and looked back. Sure enough—nice straight rows. But when I turned my head…I turned the wheel and the rows were jagged. Water cannot flow through jagged ridges. I yelled for Dad and he came running. He hopped back onto the tractor and shut it off. Then he handed me the shovel he was carrying. I had to straighten out those rows, by hand. That was hard work. We finished working that field that day, but he didn’t have me “help” him drive the tractor again. I learned a big lesson that day…Don’t look back. You make more work for yourself and others. Keep your eyes on your goal. I felt bad about disappointing Dad. Now if I look back and am dissatisfied with my life…especially spiritually…then I’m not fit for the Kingdom of God. I need to keep my eyes on God…on pleasing Him…on being obedient.

Paul wrote in Philippians about the importance of having a goal.

Not that I have already grasped [it all] or have already become perfect, but I press on if I may also take hold of that for which I was even taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers [and sisters,] I do not regard myself as having taken hold of [it yet;] but one thing [I do:] forgetting what [lies] behind and reaching forward to what [lies] ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, all who are mature, let's have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that to you as well; however, let's keep living by that same [standard] to which we have attained. Philippians 3:12-16 NASB20

It is said that without a goal, we fail. Or…if we fail to plan, we plan to fail. What is your goal?

· Heaven…and taking as many people with you as possible?

· Pleasing God—being obedient to Him?

So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Good goals. God has a plan and He consistently works towards that end.

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

Trust in the Lord…and seek to know Him more each day, because the time may be growing short before He puts everything into place. Only those who know Jesus as their Savior will receive the inheritance about which Paul wrote to the Ephesians. Those who don’t believe in Jesus will have an eternal inheritance also—in a great fiery pit. Everyone makes their own choice. Heaven or Hell.

When the seventh angel blows his trumpet, God's mysterious plan will be fulfilled. It will happen just as he announced it to his servants the prophets." Revelation 10:7

Are you ready? Are you fit for the Kingdom of God?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I choose You. I acknowledge that like everyone who has ever lived since Adam and Eve, I am a sinner—but believing in You, I am forgiven. Thank You. It feels amazingly, extraordinarily wonderful to be chosen to receive an inheritance of eternal life from our Heavenly Father.

Your salvation is a beautiful gift from God.
New life.

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

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

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Monday, August 30, 2021

What Motivates You?

Meditate. Consider what motivates you...spiritually and physically.

A psalm of David. Declare me innocent, O LORD, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth. I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites. I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked. I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come to your altar, O LORD, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders. I love your sanctuary, LORD, the place where your glorious presence dwells. Don't let me suffer the fate of sinners. Don't condemn me along with murderers. Their hands are dirty with evil schemes, and they constantly take bribes. But I am not like that; I live with integrity. So redeem me and show me mercy. Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the LORD. Psalm 26:1-12

When David wrote this Psalm it is likely that he was be chased by Saul. David was not a perfect man…only Jesus is perfect—but here David declares himself innocent and living by God’s truths. In another translation that phrase lived according to your truth is translated as “motivates me.” Living to please God motivated David.

What motivates you to seek God?
Following God's Will led Jesus
...to the Garden of Gethsemane near Jerusalem.
What path will you follow as you seek God's Will?

What motivates you in life—is it pressure from your peer…friends? Is it encouragement from your family? Or is it your faith—what you have learned from the Lord and intentionally want to apply to your life? If you have Christian friends and family that have walked alongside of you as you developed a plan and purposeful direction to go—to follow God’s path and His will—then you are likely feeling secure and loved by the Lord. Do you have a plan? It is said that without a plan…we plan to fail.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Prayer ~ Lord, I am seeking to please You with all that I am—all that I think, say and do. I certainly don’t want to be left behind when You return. Please guide me in Your paths of righteousness now. I sing praises to You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.

Verses 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

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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What characteristics of Jesus do you see in your life...in the lives of your children and grandkids?

Sunday, August 29, 2021

Holding onto the Hope

Meditate.

If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. Proverbs 15:32-33

A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash. Proverbs 15:14

During this COVID pandemic many of us are staying close to home…and getting fat. Are we getting “fat” spiritually…or just putting on a few pounds and inches physically? What are you feeding on these days? Are you watching lots of YouTube and Netflix…and is that worthwhile “food” or is it trash? Solomon tells us that the fool feeds on trash in contrast to the wise person who is looking—searching for knowledge. We can assume it is knowledge of the Lord—but there is a lot of knowledge out in YouTube land…as well as Pinterest…that is worthwhile. There are lots of teaching videos that focus on scripture made by internationally known Bible scholars. What a great opportunity! Those Bible lessons may teach you wisdom and understanding as you focus on God’s word via a media that even twenty years ago we wouldn’t have dreamed of having at our fingertips. Respecting the Lord teaches wisdom. In that wisdom we can use the resources He has provided and gain more understanding—which could possibly even discipline and correct us, if we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our minds…renewing us with God’s precious word. Let the Lord teach you in any way that is possible. I’m finding some great teachers on YouTube—as well as gathering together with my own church. Is YouTube or Zoom considered “gathering together” as was taught in the book of Hebrews.

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25

That is one of the wedges that Satan is using to drive apart churches today as some are accusing others of neglecting meeting together to avoid exposure to the COVID virus. How do you feel about that? Is that action…or inactivity…causing distress in your with relationship with the Lord or with fellowship of other Christians?

Prayer ~ Lord, we are holding onto the hope that You have promised us. Please give us wisdom as we meet together using other media and give us safety and protection as we gather together in person.

Jesus will call the believers to come up...
...into the clouds.
Be faithful...be saved.
Hold onto that Hope.

Verses leading to Salvation ~ So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. "For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away." But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved. Hebrews 10:35-39

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

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Saturday, August 28, 2021

Be Fruitful

Meditate. How are you growing?

Grapes in my yard.
It's about time for the harvest.
Have you remained in God's word?
Have you been fruitful?

I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. John 15:1-8

Be fruitful. God commanded Adam and Eve and then Noah and his family to be fruitful and fill the earth. He wants us to do the same…spiritually. Be fruitful. Fill the earth with those who love Him…and are willing to serve Him eternally. Give God more than He asks for. Give Him your best. Be fruitful. In notes from a trip to Israel I wrote…God wants to grow you.

Jesus is the vine that keeps the nourishment going out to the branches—to the place where the fruit is hanging. If we “remain” in Him by reading His word and living by it, then we will produce fruit for Him. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. No word in our life. No healthy branches. No fruit. The choice is ours. Choose Jesus. Choose life, health and fruitfulness. Be willing to be pruned—to be disciplined—so that you can be fruitful.

Prayer ~ Lord God, just as Jesus explained…"My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. You know the saying, 'Four months between planting and harvest.' But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, 'One plants and another harvests.' And it's true. I sent you to harvest where you didn't plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest." John 4:34-38. I am looking around and there’s an opportunity for harvest here. Help each of us who knows You to have the courage to be fruitful as we are nourished by doing Your will.

Verses of Salvation ~ Jeremiah wrote to the people of Judah… Listen to the weeping of my people; it can be heard all across the land. "Has the LORD abandoned Jerusalem?" the people ask. "Is her King no longer there?" "Oh, why have they provoked my anger with their carved idols and their worthless foreign gods?" says the LORD. "The harvest is finished, and the summer is gone," the people cry, "yet we are not saved!" I hurt with the hurt of my people. I mourn and am overcome with grief. Is there no medicine in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why is there no healing for the wounds of my people? Jeremiah 8:19-22

When will the people of Israel seek Jesus as their Messiah…and receive the healing Jesus offers?

Bible Trivia Answer to the Question: What are the seven fruits of Israel?

Better known as the seven agricultural products in the Promised Land…the land flowing with milk and honey. These are still important in Israel today.

It is a land of wheat and barley; of grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates; of olive oil and honey (from dates). Deuteronomy 8:8.

Bible Trivia Question for next week: What are the Seven Feasts of Israel?

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

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Friday, August 27, 2021

Wedding Feast of the Lamb

Meditate. Are you ready for the greatest wedding feast of all time?

And from the throne came a voice that said, "Praise our God, all his servants, all who fear him, from the least to the greatest." Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder: "Praise the LORD! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear." For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God's holy people. And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb." And he added, "These are true words that come from God." Revelation 19:5-9 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Are you part of the bride of Christ—His church? This passage tells us that the bride of Christ has prepared herself. How have you “prepared” yourself?

Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb. Invited to the greatest wedding party ever. Invited. Jesus told a parable about the Great Feast.

The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come! So he sent other servants to tell them, 'The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!' But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business. Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them. The king was furious, and he sent out his army to destroy the murderers and burn their town. And he said to his servants, 'The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren't worthy of the honor. Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.' So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests. Matthew 22:2-10

This is not a story about the bride or the groom…just about those who were invited to the wedding feast. Consider another parable that Jesus told about ten bridesmaids or virgins. Again, they were not the bride…but they were waiting with the bride for the arrival of the bridegroom. They were to be guests at the wedding…but only five of them were wise and were actually prepared. They got to go to the wedding banquet.

Is there oil in your lamp today?

Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn't take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight they were roused by the shout, 'Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!' All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, 'Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.' But the others replied, 'We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.' But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, 'Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!' But he called back, 'Believe me, I don't know you!' So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. Matthew 25:1-13

The Holy Spirit is often represented by oil. In this parable Jesus is not only telling His disciples, but us as well, that we need to keep our lamps filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit. That lamplight emanating from us, from the center of our lives, is that light which comes from the Light of the World…Jesus Himself. Be wise. Keep yourself filled with the Holy Spirit…and let your light shine. Praying daily for a refilling of the Holy Spirit is essential. Listening is important.

Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7

That phrase “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit” is repeated several times in the discussion of the churches at the beginning of the book of Revelation. That should remind us to listen up—to pay close attention. Spiritually we have a great opportunity. Listen and obey. Understand. But just like when the bridegroom shuts the door in Jesus’ parable, the door to Heaven will one day ultimately be shut…and those left outside will be lost forever. Forever is a long time. You don’t want to be locked out. I don’t want to be locked out…left behind.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—come and fill my heart to overflowing with the light and love of Jesus. Give me wisdom to listen closely and to understand what I need to do to be ready for Christ’s return. May Your light shine through me to guide those around me…family, friends and neighbors…to salvation in Jesus.

Verse of Salvation ~ For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!" (Isaiah 52:7) But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, "LORD, who has believed our message?" (Isaiah 53:1) So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. Romans 10:13-17

Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table

What kind of oil do you have in your lamp today? As you “feast” on God’s word…light your lamp using olive oil just like they did to light the menorah in the Temple in Jerusalem.

I’ve discovered that you can actually burn olive oil in a lamp…or even make your lamp with a jar and some fabric for a wick. The olive oil doesn’t have to be expensive first pressed extra virgin oil. It can be pomace—a lower grade of olive oil—but use pure olive oil as it burns clean and smokeless. Do not use a mixture with canola or other vegetable oil. Check out some ideas on Google or Pinterest. If you happen to have a clay lamp…add some olive oil. Let it soak into the wick and light it up. Let your light shine for the Lord. Like the five wise young ladies in the parable of the Ten Virgins—keep some extra oil on hand and keep your wick trimmed.

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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Thursday, August 26, 2021

Will Your Thoughts Keep You From Inheriting the Kingdom of God?

Meditate. Think about your thoughts.

Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

This is so controversial and I am not one to protest or stir the pot. I feel that to break one of the Ten Commandments is to break them all—and I am not perfect. I cannot condemn someone else’s lifestyle or actions. Because Jesus taught that to think it (a sinful action) is to do it…I am not sinless, just forgiven. Jesus addressed sinfulness in a couple of ways. In His teaching that we know as “The Sermon on the Mount,” He explained how people were to live…and that included avoiding adultery.

You have heard the commandment that says, 'You must not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28

Much earlier in my life I thought about a guy who was not my husband (same as looking)…and considered how great it would have been to have him as my husband. Wrong! I didn’t marry the wrong guy. God gave me just the right man to be my husband…until death do us part. We’ve made that commitment to each other and stuck by it for over forty-nine years. I asked the Lord to forgive me for my inappropriate thoughts—that sin…and thankfully He has.

Will this soap wash away your sin?
Lavender Soap

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. 1 John 1:8-10

Cleansing is a good thing. Without that assurance, we’d be carrying around a truckload of guilt and shame, making a fool of ourselves to God and others. I am grateful for the scripture today…you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

In another instance Jesus taught His disciples that words…not food can make us unclean.

Then Peter said to Jesus, "Explain to us the parable that says people aren't defiled by what they eat." "Don't you understand yet?" Jesus asked. "Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. But the words you speak come from the heart—that's what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you." Matthew 15:15-20

A right relationship with the Lord for you today may need to include a time of confessing sin—whether it is in thoughts, words or actions. Sin is sin. It separates us from the Lord and remember that the punishment for sin is death (Romans 6:23). Jesus already died for our sins…so we don’t have to die…just humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness. Can you call on the name of the Lord?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, forgive me for the improper thoughts I had today…and the unkind words that came out of my mouth as I was frustrated with traffic…or…. My actions even speak louder than words to those around me…so please guide not only my thoughts and words, but also my actions that others would see the reflection of You…of Your light in my life…and be drawn to the security and love that only You can provide.

Verses of Salvation ~ 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. As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced." Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." Romans 10:9-13

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

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Wednesday, August 25, 2021

Living…not just Talking

Meditate.

For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power. 1 Corinthians 4:20

The Kingdom of God is not a lot of talk. It is action. It begins with believing. Believing in Jesus as the Son of God, and as our Lord and Savior. Step right up—believe—enter into the Kingdom of God. It was created just for all believers…only they become God’s adopted children.

What do most people talk about today? COVID?! That’s no surprise. The topics of COVID vaccination, exposure and health issues are dividing homes, families and friends. Isn’t that just what Satan wants—to divide us—to bring hostility into our lives where there should be unity and love?

Be careful. Don’t be deceived, just as Paul wrote to his young friend Timothy who was a pastor.

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. 1 Timothy 4:1-2

Don't be deceived.
Even a small alligator can have a vicious bite.

Times haven’t changed. We need to follow the Holy Spirit and not be deceived by false and demonic teachings. The world is crazy…then and now. Don’t be deluded and duped by weird ideas and philosophies. I’m such a gullible person…but I have learned to look at ideas to see if they match up with what I’ve learned from reading the Bible. Studying with trusted Christian friends is important so as not to be misled. It is a good way to assure that we are living by God’s power—in a way that is pleasing to Him. That is clearly the way I want to live…to please God in all that I think, say and do. That is the best way to have a good relationship with the Lord. I challenge and encourage you to keep God at the center of your conversations…and don’t just talk about Him. Live by God’s power.

Prayer ~ Lord God…just as Paul taught the church at Thessalonica…I will always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is Your will for those who belong to Christ Jesus. I will not stifle the Holy Spirit, or scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. I will hold on to what is good and stay away from every kind of evil. From 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22. I praise You and thank you for the wisdom that You give us when we listen…and not talk.

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 (Underlined for emphasis.)

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

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Don’t Be Deceived

Meditate.

Have you been listening to the news lately? It is almost like the Bible is coming alive—it is happening right before our eyes. Wars. Rumors of wars. Earthquakes. Floods. Pestilence. It is time us all to listen closely to the word of God. Although this passage below was written to Israel, it is worthwhile message to which everyone should note. Return to the Lord…while there is still time.

"Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces; now he will heal us. He has injured us; now he will bandage our wounds. In just a short time he will restore us, so that we may live in his presence. Oh, that we might know the LORD! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring."

Are you listening to the Holy Spirit? Paul was writing to Timothy that the Holy Spirit was speaking about the end times…the last times. The times that we may very likely be in NOW. He is foretelling that some people are going to be deceived and thus reject Jesus and their Christian faith. Are you secure in your faith? Don’t be deceived. Don’t let your guard down. Don’t let anyone lead you astray with teachings that are not in keeping with God’s word. How do you know? Know God’s word. Know the Truth.

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32

The Truth will set you free. Jesus IS the Truth. He assured His disciples of that. Actually, He was giving them some last teaching right before He was arrested, tried and crucified.

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

Going to the Father? Jesus was reminding them that they should know the Father, because they know Him. Read…and reread John 14-17 for yourself to get more insight into Jesus’ teaching. He begins this section of His last teaching telling them that there will be a place for them in His Father’s house—all Christians—all believers are assured of that, too.

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

Jewish families at the time of Jesus had a great custom of the groom adding an additional room to his parents’ home when he was getting married. So this “enough room” that Jesus was referring to is the “room” that He is preparing for us—His bride…the believers—when He calls us home to Heaven. Haven’t you always wanted a mansion—or at least a fancy or totally comfortable space of your own. A peaceful place. Jesus closed His teaching time with His disciples that evening…

Sit and rest--find peace in the Lord...
as you wait for His return.

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Jesus knows we will have trials…but He offers His peace and an assurance that He’s got our backs. He is greater than anything that the world can throw at us. I’d say that is love. Love is greater than anything…and God, the Heavenly Father of Jesus, loves the world so much….

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

The penalty for sin is death. God gave His Son as a sacrifice for our sins…we merely have to accept what was done for us. We can’t take care of—pay for our sins—ourselves. What do you think about that? Don’t be deceived that there is any other way to deal with sin. There is more to consider…while there is still time. Believing in Jesus. Confession of sin. Forgiveness.

Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Psalm 32:5-7 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Prayer ~ Lord God, I sing praise to You—for You are my hiding place, protecting me from trials and troubles. Open my eyes to Your Truth—that I would grow in my faith and never be deceived.

Verses 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. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:5-7 (Underlined for emphasis.)

He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon!" Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20

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

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Are you striving to be more like Jesus, day by day?

Monday, August 23, 2021

God is Mine Forever

Meditate. What is forever?

Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do. Psalm 73:25-28

Mount Rainier
The majesty of His creation.
Looking to the Heavens.

What a wonderful thought and truth—God is mine forever. Mine. He belongs to me. I belong to Him. Forever…and that is a long, long time. Eternity. With each day, I have more for which to praise our wonderful Lord.

I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD. I will tell everyone that you alone are just. O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with you, O God? You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. Psalm 71:15-20

God is waiting in Heaven for us. Time may be growing short before the Lord returns—glorifies the believers and takes them away from earth. Read the focus scripture for today again. Those who desert God will perish. Be ready. Despite the hardships you may have had to endure, who can you tell today about our Lord God’s righteousness—the wonderful things He has done?

Prayer ~ God, You saved us and called us to live a holy life. You did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was Your plan from before the beginning of time—to show us Your grace through Christ Jesus. From 2 Timothy 1:9

Verse of Salvation ~ But as for me, I am poor and needy; please hurry to my aid, O God. You are my helper and my savior; O LORD, do not delay. Psalm 70:5 (Underlined for emphasis.)

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

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Sunday, August 22, 2021

Blessed With Spiritual Blessings

Meditate. How has God blessed you?

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. Matthew 24:36

What things will happen? Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, or Luke 17 for yourself. They give an account of Jesus’ response to His disciples asking Him about the End Times and His return. He doesn’t even know exactly when He will return at His Second Coming. He warns us not to be deceived…but to be ready. In the mean time we may want to count our blessings…and express our gratefulness to the Lord. He has given us an abundant life—overflowing His grace and mercy. Count your blessings—to know God personally, to be known by God, to have His blessing, and to have the opportunity to serve Him. Blessings—spiritual blessing, since God is of a spiritual realm.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Ephesians 1:3

When I was in High School choir….and we could still sing religious songs in public school, we sang a song from Psalm 103—Bless the Lord, O My Soul.

Bless the LORD, my soul, And all that is within me, [bless] His holy name. Bless the LORD, my soul, And do not forget any of His benefits…. Psalm 103:1-2 NASB20

Count Your Blessings...
Before it is too Late.

Good advice…count your blessings. All our blessings—our benefits—come from the Lord, whether we realize it or not. It is good to not only recognize that, but to routinely acknowledge it.

Ray Vander Laan is a great Bible teacher and historian who has frequently traveled with groups to Israel and the Middle East to make Focus on the Family videos. Recently in his short “That the World May Know” weekly series he told a story about counting our blessing. Here’s my adaptation of that. In order to count or account for the time you have left to serve the Lord…supposing that you’ll live to be 90, place one pebble in a jar for each day until you reach that ripe old age of 90—which really isn’t so old considering I have a couple of relatives that are already older than that. For me, that won’t be as many pebbles as many as those of you who are younger, but it is still well over 6,000. It’s going to have to be a big jar.

Each morning, take one pebble out and say, “God, how can I be used in your service to honor You today?”

In the evening…“How did I do, Lord?” Apologize for where I failed…give praise for blessings.

When I remember that each day is a gift of the Lord to be used wisely and well, it becomes precious. Account for your time and efforts…ask His blessing on how you serve Him.

Give praise for His blessings. Show gratitude.

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

Prayer ~ Lord God…I will always be joyful. Never stop praying. And be thankful in all circumstances, for this is Your will for those who belong to Christ Jesus—including me. From 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. I praise You and am eternally grateful, Lord Jesus, for Your sacrifice and obedience to our Heavenly Father.

Verses of Salvation (attention to Jews and Gentiles) ~ Did God's people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God's offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it. Romans 11:11-12

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

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®

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Saturday, August 21, 2021

Blessing of the Children

Meditate.

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16

Are you like a child still in some ways? Innocent and believing…eager to learn everything about Jesus that you can? Do you remember your parents taking you to Sunday School, church or Vacation Bible School when you were small? It was like they were taking you to Jesus Himself. One of my earliest memories was being dropped off at Sunday School when I was five. As an adult, I recall visiting with my younger brother when his son was about four and attending church with them. When each family went to the front of the church for communion, the adult believers received the elements of bread and juice as the pastor laid his hands on the children’s heads and blessed them. What a wonderful tradition. That nephew is now a pastor. The church I attended didn’t have that tradition, although in more recent years one of our pastors instituted that same ritual. Blessing of the children. Just what Jesus did—and it is a good introduction to the Kingdom of God. Jesus was showing them love, acceptance and compassion. They didn’t need to be healed, just loved. They didn’t have to be adults…old folks…to be part of the Kingdom of God. He welcomed them, just as they were, giving them a spiritual blessing.

Jesus spoke about teaching about the Good News…salvation.

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him…. Luke 8:1

Are you open to learning more about Jesus and the Kingdom of God—that spiritual realm that you enter the moment you believe in Jesus as your Savior? The Kingdom of God is with us and within us…in a spiritual realm that we don’t see. Trust Jesus with all of your life joys and sorrows. I look forward to His return one day. Are you ready for that? He reminded His disciples…and us…to be prepared for His return, because we don’t know the hour or the day…only the Heavenly Father knows that. Be blessed…just like a child…and believe.

Children - innocent, carefree, loving to explore

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, just as You said…"Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children." Matthew 19:14, may the children in our families be blessed by You…and may even my grown children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors come to You humbly believing and faithfully trusting You with their lives.

Verses of Salvation ~ Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved. I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal. For they don't understand God's way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God's way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law. For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God. Romans 10:1-4

Bible Trivia Answer to the Question: What tree to we see at the beginning and end of the Bible?

The Tree of Life.

- The LORD God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground--trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:9

- It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. Revelation 22:2

Bible Trivia Question for next week: What are the seven fruits of Israel?

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

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Friday, August 20, 2021

Just a Little Yeast

Meditate. Think about yeast, bread and heaven—God’s Kingdom which begins in your heart now.

He also asked, "What else is the Kingdom of God like? It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough." Luke 13:20-21

Yeast in the Bible is a symbol for sin or moral corruption that infects others …but it is necessary ingredient in most breads. There are some non-yeast breads—like those that use baking powder and or baking soda. Then there are non-yeast breads like crackers and unleavened bread used in the Passover Meal with no leavening. Remember when God told the Israelites to prepare and eat their meal quickly—not to wait around for their bread to rise (Exodus 12). In this parable the yeast is a good thing…multiplying and permeating the world with the Gospel message. That message should go around the world—to ALL nations—just like Jesus told His disciples “…go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

Will you let “yeast” be like sin to you…or like the bubbles of joyful sharing of the Good News about our Savior and Messiah? The choice is yours. For myself, I choose to let the truth that Jesus is the Son of God bubbles like yeast and go into all areas my life…and into yours and everyone around me.

Prayer ~ Jesus…continue to fill me with Your love, knowledge and wisdom that would bubble over from my life into others.

Pray for Jerusalem...and all Israel.
As seen in a flowerbed in Jerusalem.

Verse of Salvation ~ Because I love Zion, I will not keep still. Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch. Isaiah 62:1

Messiah. One who brings salvation to each of them, not just a Messianic ruler. Go and make disciples of all the nations…including Israel.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

60 Minute Wheat Rolls

2 pkgs. Active quick-rise dry yeast
3 Tbsp. sugar or honey
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. powdered milk (optional)
1 1/2 c. hot tap water

2 Tbsp softened butter or olive oil, at room temperature
4 to 4 1/2 c. unsifted flour (half wheat and half white)

Thoroughly mix 1 cup flour and dry ingredients. Gradually add water and butter to dry ingredients and beat 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Add remaining flour and beat to make soft dough. Place in greased bowl, cover and rise 15 minutes. Turn out onto floured board. Knead about 5 minutes, until not sticky. Shape dough and place on greased baking sheet Cover and let rise again for about 15 minutes. Bake 400 degree oven about 12 minutes (depends on the size of the rolls). Makes 16-20 rolls.

[Quantities adjusted from an original recipe baked by the chef at a Larry Burkett Financial Planning Workshop, in Georgia, 1988.]

[Repeat from August 2017, Banquet With The King blog]

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

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