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.

Thursday, September 30, 2021

What is the Desire of Your Heart?

Meditate. What is the desire of your heart?

So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won't spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2

I’ve always liked the scripture that wishes for someone to get the desires of their heart. What makes life worth living but getting something that we want. In this passage written by Peter he speaks about not chasing after our own desires because we have suffered for Christ and are done with sin. Done with sin! That is a wonderful goal—a longed for desire. No sin. Check out this scripture passage below from Psalms that tells us about the Lord giving us our heart’s desire. Of course, it is important not to take verses out of context and to note the quantifiers—like trust, delight and commit.

Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:3-5

Getting one’s desires of the heart. Is that like a four year-old getting their way? No, I don’t think so. Four year-olds aren’t motivated by wanting to please and take joy the Lord. As adult believers in the Lord, we can certainly want to live to please the Lord God and do His will. Part of God’s will is for us to show love for others. Love God and love others. Consider these verses below.

The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:7-8

Are you daily seeking God and a deeper relationship with Him? Do you want to do His will and please Him?

Prayer ~ Lord God, I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength—and I want to do Your will and whatever pleases You. Help me to show Your love to others—that they would seek a relationship with You, too. Love, joy, peace and relationships are what life is all about. You are what makes life worth living.

Pray for salvation of the people of Israel.
Peace, joy, love and hope.
Recognition of Jesus as Messiah!

Verse 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. Romans 10:1

Salvation of others is the greatest desire of my heart.

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, September 29, 2021

What Really Matters?

Meditate.

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians 1:9-11

What really matters? Paul says to the church at Philippi…for I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. Understand what really matters. What matters to God? What matters to you? Are they the same things?

God expects purity; for us to live pure and blameless lives. He wants us to live lives of integrity, doing what is right. As Jesus explained to the Pharisee Nicodemus, God wants us to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.

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. And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants." John 3:17-21 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Is this what matters to you? Personally, I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and I want to live to please God. It isn’t easy. Paul wrote about this to the church at Rome. Read that entire book…and focus on Chapter Seven for some insight into doing what is right. I sometimes feel the same way that Paul felt.

I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. Romans 7:22-25

Pure and spotless flowers.
Viburnum plicatum - Summer Snowflake

Don’t feel bad if this is your experience, too. We are just human. As Paul wrote…the answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. He saves us from our sin. As believers one day we will stand before God Almighty and He will see us a pure and spotless, because of the sacrifice that Jesus made. His blood covers our sin—washing us white as snow. That is what really matters.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I humbly praise You…for You--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--are an awesome God, worthy of praise and honor and glory. Please continue to work in my life and the lives of my family, friends and neighbors that we would live lives that please you.

Verses of Salvation ~ Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don't be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. Philippians 1:27-29

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

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Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Endure Anything

Meditate.

So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God's presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. 2 Timothy 2:10-14

Can you say what Paul said to Timothy? “I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.” Endure anything? Here in the United States we don’t see much persecution—but we hear of it happening against Christian in other parts of the world. Not just name blasting—but brutal murders. May the Lord have mercy on them—those who die for Christ…and those who are the murderers. Salvation is the most important thing in the world. To accept or to reject Jesus Christ as one’s savior determines where one will spend eternity—Heaven or Hell. A person may think that because they are “good” that they will go to heaven, but that is not true. Goodness is good…but it is not the avenue to salvation. Going to a particular church, denomination or even a specific religion won’t get you to heaven either. You may feel like it is taking you down the right path…but it is not the road to salvation. Jesus very plainly and briefly stated that He is the Way—to the Father and Heaven.

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

Is this the path to Eternal Life?
Candy Mountain, near Richland, WA.

Jesus, as the Way, will show you the right path…the path that leads to eternal life. His path. Seek and follow the path directed by God’s will in your life.

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

Salvation is a gift…we can’t earn it or buy it…just receive it. One thing we do have to do is repent. We are all sinners and the wages of sin is death, but the gift of eternal life is just that…a gift. If you haven’t already asked God to forgive you of your sins, then ask Him today. You may have to endure persecution from those who reject Christ as their savior, but trust God and He will direct your path. That path will lead you to an eternity with Him in Heaven. Then endure anything to bring salvation—the Good News of Jesus Christ—to others around you—for eternal glory.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. The path You offer is the path I am willing to take knowing…If we die with You, we will also live with You. If we endure hardship, we will reign with You. If we deny You, You will deny us. If we are unfaithful, You remain faithful, for You cannot deny who You are. Please give me strength to endure. To endure anything.

Verses of Salvation ~ I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation--the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ--for this will bring much glory and praise to God. - Philippians 1:9-11

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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Monday, September 27, 2021

Are You Seeking Freedom?

Meditate.

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

Jesus was speaking to believers. Are you in that category? Disciples are those who follow someone—learn from them—in this case, Jesus. We know that he had twelve disciples…and many followers. In fact if you consider all those He fed and healed as “followers” then He had thousands of followers. But as Jesus addressed them, "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." He challenged them…if they remain faithful to His teaching, then He would consider them as His disciples. Knowing Him…knowing His teachings and living by them is what Jesus want for us. Jesus taught that His disciples, when He was speaking to Thomas, that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

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

Knowing the Truth…knowing Jesus will give us freedom. Freedom from what? Freedom from sin and the hold it has on our life…eternally. Eternal freedom. Are you seeking it? Jesus offers us freedom from our sins when He submitted to His Father’s will…and He died on the cross. It was a custom according to the God’s Law for the Jews to sacrifice a lamb in their Temple for the sins of the people. Jesus became the lamb that was sacrificed for the sin of the people—once for all. For the sins of mankind throughout all time. Freedom for everyone who believes in Him…as their Savior…as their God. Do you know the truth that will set you free? Are you seeking freedom?

Prayer ~ Lord…the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive Your promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:22. Thank You, Jesus, for your gift of salvation and freedom. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I love that by knowing You, I have eternal life with You.

Verses of Salvation ~ But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

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Start a new day...and soon a new month...
with a devotional that guides you as you build your character...
to be like Jesus.

Sunday, September 26, 2021

What Do You Want Me to Do for You?

Meditate. What do you want Jesus to do?

When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, "What do you want me to do for you?" Matthew 20:32

What Do You Want Me to Do for You? That is what Jesus asked some blind men…and others…before He healed them. What do you want Jesus to do for you? Are you expecting a healing, some relief from tribulations…or anxiety? What will you do for Jesus Christ? He told us to be prepared, on guard or alert so that we are ready for His return at any time. Are you ready?

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 13:32-33

What has Jesus done for you already? Have you not heard? Jesus died on a cross—as a sacrificial lamb—for the sins of all mankind. He didn’t die just for the Jews—He died for the people of all times all around the world. Jesus gave the ultimate gift—His very life. The greatest miracle was that Jesus didn’t remain dead…He was raised from the dead by our loving Heavenly Father…God Almighty. Jesus is God. No other god has been resurrected. He is now in Heaven preparing a place for us (see John 14). What do you want Him to do?

Paul wrote advising other Christians to encourage others. That is what we can do for Jesus…encourage others.

Morning Glory
Near Jerusalem, Israel
Encourage others.

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

What do I want Jesus to do for me? I look forward to Jesus return for the believers--to take us to our new home in Heaven that He is preparing for us. Come quickly, Jesus.

Prayer ~ O LORD, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them. Isaiah 25:1

Verses of Salvation ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

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

Available as an e-book or paperback at Amazon.com

Saturday, September 25, 2021

Have You Heard the Good News? Have You Shared the Good News?

Meditate.

For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ's blood on the cross. This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don't drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God's servant to proclaim it. Colossians 1:19-23

Don't drift away.
Stay the course. Paddle hard.
Don't let Satan deceive you.
Family kayaking on the Columbia River.

Don't drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. Don’t drift away—don’t be deceived. Nothing would make Satan happier than to deceive a Christian—one who loves the Lord.

The Good News has been preached all over the world…the known world at the time of Paul. Now there are areas of the world which still have not heard the gospel. Mostly these are within an area known as the 10/40 window that covers the Middle East, part of Africa and Asia at the 10 degrees North to 40 degrees North Latitude. Even if you don’t live in the 10/40 Window, have you heard the Good News? If so, have you shared the Good News with others? Does your life reflect the love, joy and peace that is yours in Christ? Are you compassionate, as Jesus was? Do you realize that God lived in Jesus Christ—as a true human being. Yet God the Father allowed His Son Jesus to die for the sins of mankind. He died and was resurrected from death—to live again forever. That fact allows you to do exactly what Paul was writing about in the focus scripture today…to stand blameless—totally faultless—before God. Believe it! Stand firm in your faith—don’t be deceived—don’t drift away. Keep focused on the Lord and what He has done for you. Then share the Good News—you are saved by Jesus’ sacrifice.

Prayer ~ Lord God, help us to share Your Good News with others—that they might believe and be saved. We praise You—it is so good to be reconciled to You.

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

Bible Trivia Answer to the Question: How are the books of the Old Testament divided up and who did the work of organizing them?

Of the 66 books of the Bible, 39 of them make up the Old Testament with 27 books in the New Testament. The first five of these books, written by Moses, provide the Law and commandments of God in a historical context of God’s creation and chosen people. Those Law books are: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Other books noted as Historical are: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. Another group is Poetic: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. The last group is Prophetic books: Isaiah, Jerimiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

Ezra, a priest and scribe, who had lived in exile in Babylon and returned to Jerusalem, was possibly the one who organized the scriptures into groupings during the fifth century BC. He is known to be the author of First and Second Chronicles and the book of Ezra.

Bible Trivia Question for next week: Who will be standing on the Mount of Olives when it splits?

Happy Birthday, Liberty!💓

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, September 24, 2021

Each Day Proclaim the Good News

Meditate.

Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. Psalm 96:1-4

Another translation of this Psalm says to “bless His name” rather than “praise his name.” Blessing is more than just praising—it is a higher level of honor. We don’t ask God to praise other people—we ask Him to bless them. Give them the desires of their heart—answer their prayers and ours.

When the Jews returned from Babylon to Jerusalem after their exile they rebuilt the Temple and then years later rebuilt the walls that surrounded the city. The people stood in one of the city squares in front of the Water Gate while Ezra the priest read from the book of the law. They hadn’t heard God’s word before. When they learned what God expected of them they fasted, mourned, and prayed confessing their sins as they worshipped the Lord.

Then the leaders of the Levites—Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah—called out to the people: "Stand up and praise the LORD your God, for he lives from everlasting to everlasting!" Then they prayed: "May your glorious name be praised! May it be exalted above all blessing and praise! You alone are the LORD. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you." Nehemiah 9:5-6 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Stand up and bless the Lord! Praise and exalt His name. He is worthy of praise. Just as David wrote… Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Proclaim that news with those who are Christians…and with those who don’t know Him. It is an honor to proclaim the Good News about Jesus—his death and resurrection…and that He is coming back one day. Jesus gave His life as a sacrifice to save mankind from their sin. He saves…you and me…and everyone who believes in Him as the Savior and the Son of God.

Sing a new song to the Lord. Proclaim the Good News.

Prayer ~ I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. Psalm 34:1. David said it all…I will praise You Lord—all the time.

Verses of Salvation ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation--a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table

We can’t live on bread alone. What would you like to eat today? How about God’s food?

MANNA COOKIES
½ cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons guava (or honey)
¾ cup cane sugar
1½ teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs
2 cups flour
dash salt
½ teaspoon of ground coriander

Cream butter, adding sugar gradually, until light and pale. Add eggs and beat thoroughly. Add guava, salt and vanilla. Combine baking powder, flour and coriander, add to butter mixture. Drop by ½ teaspoon onto a greased or parchment lined cookie sheet. Flatten. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 8 minutes or until done. Cool on wire racks. (If using honey…lower temp by 25 degrees—note that heating honey makes it toxic, so you may want to think twice before using honey.)

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

Adapted from https://raesbooksandrecipes.wordpress.com/2017/03/26/recipe-manna-cookies-2/

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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Thursday, September 23, 2021

Song in My Heart and Head

Meditate. What song is in your heart and in your head?

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good [things; so that] thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. ... The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. ... For as the heaven is high above the earth, [so] great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us. ... But the mercy of the LORD [is] from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Psalm 103:1-5, 8, 11-12, 17-19 KJV

Songs stick with you. What song is going through your head today?

When I was in high school choir we sang “Bless the Lord, O My Soul” and more than fifty years later—I’m still singing that song among others. Mostly in my head…but also in my heart. Today that song wouldn’t be allowed in a public school where no mention of God is generally permitted. The song we sang was based on the King James Version of Psalm 103. Bless the Lord/O my soul/and all that is within me bless His Holy Name/for He is righteous and plenteous in mercy/Bless the Lord/O my soul/O my soul/and worship His Holy Name.

Bless the Lord. Frequently we ask the Lord to bless us…or to bless a family member, friend or neighbor—but how often do you “bless” the Lord? Bless as in adoration, praise or thanksgiving. This blessing is usually done on one’s knees. There are many instances in scripture concerning blessings, but mainly they talk about the Lord blessing others. Here is one example of blessing the Lord.

My cup of blessing.
My cup runs over.
Bless the Lord!

LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. Psalm 16:5-9 (Underlined for emphasis.)

As he wrote this Psalm, David focused his recognition of all that the Lord was doing in his life and how God blessed him, but he also praised and blessed the Lord.

I see “blessing” as an expression of love. We ask God to bless those we care about—even ourselves. By “blessing” the Lord we are expressing our love for Him. He wants our love just as much as we want His.

Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Even Jesus taught the importance of loving God, quoting that same scripture from Deuteronomy. Love is the most basic emotion of life. We all need love…without it we die. Love God. Love your neighbor as yourself. May the song in your heart and in your head be one of blessing the Lord…and caring about others.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

Prayer ~ Lord God, bless You—for You are worthy of all praise, glory and honor. Great are You, LORD! You are most worthy of praise! No one can measure your greatness. From Psalm 145:3

Verses of Salvation ~ For the choir director: A psalm of David, the servant of the LORD. He sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He sang: I love you, LORD; you are my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

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

The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769.

Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.

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

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Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Feast of Tabernacles - Sukkot

Meditate. How do you see God working in your life?

"Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. Begin celebrating the Festival of Shelters on the fifteenth day of the appointed month—five days after the Day of Atonement. This festival to the LORD will last for seven days. On the first day of the festival you must proclaim an official day for holy assembly, when you do no ordinary work. For seven days you must present special gifts to the LORD. The eighth day is another holy day on which you present your special gifts to the LORD. This will be a solemn occasion, and no ordinary work may be done that day. (These are the LORD's appointed festivals. Celebrate them each year as official days for holy assembly by presenting special gifts to the LORD—burnt offerings, grain offerings, sacrifices, and liquid offerings—each on its proper day. These festivals must be observed in addition to the LORD's regular Sabbath days, and the offerings are in addition to your personal gifts, the offerings you give to fulfill your vows, and the voluntary offerings you present to the LORD.) Remember that this seven-day festival to the LORD--the Festival of Shelters--begins on the fifteenth day of the appointed month, after you have harvested all the produce of the land. The first day and the eighth day of the festival will be days of complete rest. On the first day gather branches from magnificent trees--palm fronds, boughs from leafy trees, and willows that grow by the streams. Then celebrate with joy before the LORD your God for seven days. You must observe this festival to the LORD for seven days every year. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed in the appointed month from generation to generation. For seven days you must live outside in little shelters. All native-born Israelites must live in shelters. This will remind each new generation of Israelites that I made their ancestors live in shelters when I rescued them from the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 23:34-43

This is a joyous holiday for the Jews that actually began at sundown on Monday and continues through this week to Monday next week at sundown. Since the Temple was destroyed in 70 AD they no longer have to do the prescribed sacrifices or make the pilgrimage. It is a time of rejoicing. Now they make their sukkah or booth at their home and celebrate…if it doesn’t rain…by eating meals and studying the book of Ecclesiastics in their little huts. They visit each other, admire the sukkahs that their friends, neighbors and family have created, and hospitably serve a small snack. They have a wonderful custom of inviting a well-known ancestorial character to join them each day as an honorary guest—like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron and David. Some have women of the Bible: Sarah, Rachel, Rebecca, Leah, Miriam, Abigail and Esther. All of those people were at one-time wanderers or exiles so it is another way the Jewish people are celebrating the wandering and homelessness symbolized in the sukkah. God generously provided for the children of Israel as they wandered in the desert for forty years—and He provides for us all today.

Seek God while there is time.

How do you see God working in your life?

Prayer ~ The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged. Psalm 69:32. Lord God, I am encouraged to see You at work in my life…even in writing this blog—You give me inspiration and the words to say. Holy Spirit, You bring to mind verses that are perfect and guide my thoughts. Please continue to touch people’s lives and draw them closer to You. There is salvation in no one else but You, Jesus. Time may be short before You call the believers home to Heaven, so help those who are doubting to see the truth before it is too late. I believe that You are the Way, the Truth and the Life, just as You said and is recorded in John 14:6.

Verse of Salvation ~ For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--the Jew first and also the Gentile. Romans 1:16

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Who do you want your children or grandchildren to be like?

Billy Graham

Fred Rogers

Julia Rpberts

Walt Disney

Your Grandmother

God want us to be like His Son, Jesus.

How do we do that? By looking at Scriptures to determine Jesus' characteristics and then building those qualities into the personality of our children, our grandchildren, and even ourselves.

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

My Refuge

Meditate. Do you need a safe place of escape?

Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. I said to the LORD, "You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you." The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them! Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods. LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:1-11

God keeps me safe—He is my refuge and my strength.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude ... "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." Psalm 46:1-3, 10

A still and quiet place beyond the gate.
Garden of Gethsemane - Jerusalem.

“Be still, and know that I am God!” That is one of the best-known verses in the Bible…and a favorite of one of my Aunts’. In this hectic world it is good to just stop. Be still. Take refuge in God. Know Him and find your strength in Him. Knowing God is essential to life. We’re all spiritual beings and that part of us will live forever—either with God, or without Him. The ultimate choice is ours. Do you want to be with God…and take refuge in Him, eternally? Lord, You alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.

Prayer ~ Just as Moses said in a blessing of the Israelites before he died…"There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor. The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you; he cries out, 'Destroy them!'” Deuteronomy 33:26-27. Yes, Lord, there is no one like You. You are my refuge and my strength. Thank You. I am grateful for Your love, protection and the joy of your presence in my life—forever.

Verse of Salvation ~ (Just as Jacob declared to the Lord when he was blessing his sons—near the time of his death.) I trust in youd for salvation, O LORD! Genesis 49:18

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

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Monday, September 20, 2021

Trust The Lord

Meditate. Who do you trust?

Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:5

Trust. That is a big deal—especially today. Who can you trust? Put your mask on…and trust everyone who’s wearing their mask? Trust your family, friends, some neighbors and co-workers? How about your doctor and health care team…your dentist, and your hairdresser? And there are your kids or grandkids’ teachers, other school administrators and aides? What about your pastor? Then there are clerks at the grocery store, the bank and the post office? Who can you trust? Really, why is there a “trust” issue at all? If we trust the Lord, He will help us. Commit everything you do to Him--that would be every time you step outside yur house...or maybe even just dedicate your whole day to the Lord as you get out bed. That's what I intend to do...tomorrow!

I like these verses that David wrote expressing what the Lord has done—rescuing me out of despair (isolation and depression) and giving me joy.

I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD. Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. Psalm 40:1-4

I trust the Lord. I am singing a new song today—one of courage, strength, and hope. How about you? Do you trust the Lord?

Prayer ~ Lord God, I trust You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

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

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Sunday, September 19, 2021

Be Kind to One Another

Meditate. Do you like to be treated kindly?

Do to others as you would like them to do to you. Luke 6:31

For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. Matthew 7:2

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12

That’s the Golden Rule. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Kindness begets kindness—likewise anger or hatred begets anger or hatred. How do you want to be treated?

Christians are viewed by others in especially the way they treat each other. If you can’t treat your Christian brothers and sisters graciously, then will others want to become followers of Christ? Not likely. Good motivation for being kind to one another.

Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:29-32 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Live and treat others like you want to be treated.

Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. 1 Peter 3:9

Seek love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in your life. That is the fruit of the Spirit. Live and treat others with that fruit. God will bless you.

Prayer ~ Dear Lord—please bless Naomi and help her to treat others the way You want her to be treated with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

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

HAPPY 5^th BIRTHDAY, NAOMI

Sweet Blessings

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

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Saturday, September 18, 2021

Rejoice and Be Glad

Meditate. Consider how important love is to you.

Don't be afraid, my people. Be glad now and rejoice, for the LORD has done great things. Joel 2:21

This was written as prophesy for the Israelites describing deliverance from future desolation, but we can claim this promise from the Lord for us, too. Don’t be afraid….Be glad now and rejoice, for the LORD has done great things. He has done, is doing, and will do great things. Each day is a new day…with a clean slate for us. Keep your account with the Lord short—we don’t know when He will return, but it could be soon. We don’t have to be afraid even amidst the fear that the world is wanting to instill in everyone. Rejoice and be glad. God is with us. Stand firm in His love.

I see God beckoning to us to come under His wings—that He can protect and care for us. Don’t be afraid. He is a great and mighty God and we can trust Him to care for us. He loves us. What more can we want out of life than love?

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Prayer ~ Lord God, as Boaz said to Ruth, please provide safety, protection and reward as You see appropriate for me, my family and friends. “May the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done." Ruth 2:12. Your love is the greatest reward we could ever imagine. Thank You for caring for us…so much that You gave up Your Son for our very lives. That is love above all else.

Verse of Salvation ~ Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here. But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! Psalm 103:15-18

Bible Trivia Answer to the Question: Who knows when Christ will return?

No one knows the hour or the day…only the Heavenly Father. When His disciples asked Jesus about the future He told them some of the things that will happen like wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution, desolation, calamity and deception.

"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.” Mark 13:32

Bible Trivia Question for next week: How are the books of the Old Testament divided up and who did the work of organizing them?

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, September 17, 2021

When You Least Expect It

Meditate.

You are Children of the Light.
Hiking on Badger Mt.

Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don't really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord's return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, "Everything is peaceful and secure," then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman's labor pains begin. And there will be no escape. But you aren't in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won't be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don't belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

Jesus will return at an hour…a day…a time…when we aren’t expecting Him. Bible prophesy teachers tell us that He will return to fulfill one of the Jewish holidays or feasts that has not yet been fulfilled. Christ’s death and resurrection, as well as the beginning of the church have all happened at the exact time of Jewish Feasts. Jesus died at Passover, being the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. Jesus was resurrected on the Feast of First Fruits, and the church was established fifty days after Passover on the day of the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. The Feast of Trumpets or Rosh HaShanah, which was September 7-8, 2021, represents the Day of Judgment. Rapture did not occur on that day. Once again, we must remember that God isn’t telling us when the Rapture or Christ’s Second Coming will occur. We must just be prepared, stay in God’s will, and share the Good News of the fact that Jesus Christ is the long-awaited Messiah for the Jewish people…and everyone. God loves the whole world…not just the Jews.

So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:42-44

Just be ready…and live each day as if it were your last. Live to serve the Lord by serving others for Him.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, please help me to stay alert and clearheaded…not to be deceived. There are rumors of Your false return. Give me wisdom to discern the truth—for Your are the Truth, the Way and the Life. I trust in You and look forward to Your return.

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

Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table

We can’t live on bread alone. Celebrate. Another day has dawned. Our sins have been atoned for on Yom Kippur…and by our Savior Jesus Christ. Celebrate. We will one day have a Banquet With The King…because we believe in Him as our Savior. We can only imagine what foods will be provided for us at that banquet, but God has such a great imagination and it will undoubtedly be beyond our expectations. There will be bread…or rolls. Here’s a favorite recipe of a Christian saint who has gone to be with the Lord. Dear Helen baked these rolls every month for the seniors at our church.

Helen’s Rolls

1 cup Water (very warm)
½ cup Oil
½ cup Sugar
2 Eggs
1 tsp Salt
4 cups Flour (can be unbleached and whole wheat mixed)
1 pkg regular Yeast

Mix ingredients and let set overnight in mixing bowl, covered on counter.
Make into rolls and place on greased cooked sheet, cover. Allow to rise again for about 4 hours.
Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 10-15 minutes, until golden brown.

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

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