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.

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

The Word of God is True

Meditate.

Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6

Every word…not just some, but every word of God proves true. Every word of the Bible is God’s word. He is the author.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Do you trust God’s Word…the Bible? Do you believe that God’s Word is the truth and that He inspired the authors that wrote it? Is it alive to you? I find that no matter how many times I read the Bible—or passages I’ve read before—I see new things and new applications to my life. It is never boring—just keep reading until you find something that God is trying to teach you. It will happen.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:12-13

We are accountable to God—but if you have a relationship with anyone, you are accountable to them. Seek to know God, obey Him and build your relationship. David gave his son, Solomon, good advice about seeking the Lord.

So now, with God as our witness, and in the sight of all Israel--the LORD's assembly--I give you this charge. Be careful to obey all the commands of the LORD your God, so that you may continue to possess this good land and leave it to your children as a permanent inheritance. And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. - 1 Chronicles 28:8-9 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Are you teachable? Are you seeking the Lord…open to building your relationship with Him?

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth's foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the LORD's blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Psalm 24:1-5 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Prayer ~ Lord God, I am seeking You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Inspire me today with Your word…that I may apply new truths to my life…and share those with my family, friends and neighbors. As November comes to an end…may we all continue to be thankful for Your love and presence in our lives.

Verse of Salvation ~ 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 3:15

Happy Heavenly Birthday – Vicki.

Blessing on you as you sleep and wait for our Lord’s return.

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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Only 31 more days in 2021.

Are you ready for 2022?

Finish this year ....and start the new year with a new devotional.

God want you to be like His Son, Jesus.

How will you do that?

Monday, November 29, 2021

Don't Wander Away from Love

Meditate. Watch out…don’t wander away from love.

I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning. I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward. Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:5-9

God wants to have a relationship with you…based on love. His love for you, your love for Him and your love for others. Seems pretty simple doesn’t it—but…and there always is a but…our own selfish desires get in the way of that love. Do selfish desires say or show that we love ourselves? Not necessarily. Think about it. If we are to love others as ourselves, we have to love ourselves. If someone has low self-esteem, then they won’t be fully loving themselves even if they are fulfilling their own selfish desires. Love things…or love God? Love things…or show some respect for yourself and others? A couple of times Jesus was asked what is the most important commandment.

"Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?" Jesus replied, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40

Over and over we are taught to love God, ourselves and others. Love is an action verb. Just saying it is important, but showing it by spending time with others…getting to know what is important to them…is essential to any relationship. Find out what their 'love language" is by reading Gary Chapman's book "The 5 Love Languages." I'm sure the Lord treasures all five types of love languages. Certainly "time." What kind of time are you spending with the Lord…Father and Son…today? Have you learned anything new about them…about yourself…and your relationship with them? Don't be deceived or wander away from their love.

Mount Zion - Temple Mount
Jerusalem, Israel
Note the Eastern Gate

Prayer ~ Lord God…Who may climb the Your mountain, LORD? Who may stand in Your holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the LORD's blessing and have a right relationship with You, God, since You are their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. From Psalm 24:3-6

Verse of Salvation ~ But LORD, be merciful to us, for we have waited for you. Be our strong arm each day and our salvation in times of trouble. Isaiah 33:2

Think friendship, not hostility

Today is the First Sunday of Advent. What will you do to prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth...of God's gift to mankind...the opportunity for Salvation?

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.

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Sunday, November 28, 2021

Wars and Rumors of Wars

Meditate on the Truth so that you are not led astray.

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, "Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?" Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Matthew 24:3-8

Look at Biblical history and you’ll see conflicts between individuals and between groups or nations. It began with Cain and Able. Jealousy and rivalry. Death. The Ten Commandments, including thou shall not kill, hadn’t been written yet…but Cain knew that killing Able was wrong. He didn’t win any points, favors or prize when he murdered his own brother—in fact God cast him away from his community—banished him.

You must not murder. Exodus 20:13

Wars and rumors of wars
...continue in the Middle East.
Those who live or travel in Israel
are plagued by danger.

Was it “murder” when God wanted the Israelites to conquer the people living in the Promised Land? Purge the land of all wickedness and idol worship. When they didn’t do as they were told by God, they suffered the consequences and wars still continue in the Middle East.

Killing is still wrong—but it happens around our community, across our nation and throughout the world today—every day. What can we do? Stay safe…don’t intentionally go where crowds have guns or other weapons. Deal with your own anger in a positive way—don’t slander or threaten another individual. Jesus taught that…as a person thinks in their heart, so they are. If you are thinking cruel thoughts towards someone then it is as if you murdered them. I am preaching to myself here—and shaking my head, “Schande, Schande ”as my German Grandma would say, “ Shame, shame.” Don’t create a war…or a rumor of one.

Love God…love others.

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, it is a shame that people are led astray…that they deliberately reject You and Your teaching…and then murder each other. Life is tough…but You never promised that life would be easy…just that You would never leave us or forsake us. Thank you for that.

Verse of Salvation and Thanksgiving ~ 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

Honor God on this First Sunday of Advent

Love God...Love Others

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, November 27, 2021

How’s Your Relationship with God?

Meditate.

So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:11

Put on your glasses and look for God...in His word.
Seek God and you will find Him.
Open the Bible and feast on it.

This past week did you look for God—really seek Him? Did you find Him? This isn’t a game of Hide and Seek—this is real life—and your choices will determine eternity for you. Choose God, follow Him, developing a true relationship and you’ll one day find yourself in Heaven eternally—forever. If you reject God—your eternity will be without God in a tormenting Lake of Fire. Read Revelation to confirm that hypothesis. I choose God—to live to please Him—and am so looking forward to an eternity of serving Him in Heaven! I hear it is a wonderful place—I want to go there. How about you? Choose God…or reject Him? So how is your relationship with God?

He was a friend of Abraham and Moses.

- And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." He was even called the friend of God. James 2:23

- Inside the Tent of Meeting, the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend…. Exodus 33:11

Do you consider Him to be your friend? Are you His friend?

Prayer ~ Lord God, I love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength—and that is the best anyone can offer a friend…love from the heart. You are worthy of all admiration, praise, honor and thanksgiving.

Verses of Salvation ~ Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19

Bible Trivia Answer to the Question: What two Old Testament men met with Jesus during His Transfiguration? Moses and Elijah. Moses was the law-giver. Elijah was a great prophet of God.

"Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the LORD arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse." Malachi 4:5-6

Could they possibly be the two witnesses that we see in the book of Revelation?

And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will be clothed in burlap and will prophesy during those 1,260 days." Revelation 11:3

Bible Trivia Question for next week: When as a baby, Jesus was taken to the Temple for His dedication, who recognized Him as the Messiah?

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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Friday, November 26, 2021

Don’t Get Tired of Doing Good

Meditate. Consider others.

So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone--especially to those in the family of faith. Galatians 6:9-10

Don’t give up. When you have an opportunity—be good to others. Don’t help them out just at Thanksgiving or Christmas time—be willing to generously provide for others needs. I’m preaching to myself here. I know I can do more to help those in need in my community…even in my own church and neighborhood. God has given me resources…how about you? God will surely bless us…if we are a blessing to others.

Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:9-15

Keep on praying. Such good advice. Don’t give up. Keep on praying…for others and for yourself. Don't give up being thankkful.

Prayer ~ Lord God—give me strength and hope to never give up helping and encouraging others.

Verse of Salvation ~ 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 11:12

Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table

We can’t live on bread alone. It is a pumpkin time of the year…pies, breads, custards. How about some big pumpkin cookies? These are something fun for which to be thankful. Enormous, soft cookies that are fun to share with others.

Big Pumpkin Cookies

4 cups flour
2 cups rolled oats
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1½ cups butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg (or egg substitute)
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups (16 oz) pumpkin, canned or cooked fresh
1 cup chocolate chips or raisins

Preheat oven 350 degrees. Combine flour, oats, soda, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.

Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla, mixing well. Alternate adding dry ingredients and pumpkin, mixing well. Stir in choc chips or raisins. On a parchment lined cookie sheet place ¼ cup of batter for each cookie—spreading out into a nice round shape. Bake 20-25 minutes until cookies are firm and lightly browned. Remove from cookie sheet and colon rack. Can be iced if desired. Makes 32 cookies.

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, November 25, 2021

Happy Thanksgiving

Meditate on thankfulness and what God has done for you.

Then I will praise God's name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving. For this will please the LORD more than sacrificing cattle, more than presenting a bull with its horns and hooves. The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged. For the LORD hears the cries of the needy; he does not despise his imprisoned people. Praise him, O heaven and earth, the seas and all that move in them. For God will save Jerusalem and rebuild the towns of Judah. His people will live there and settle in their own land. The descendants of those who obey him will inherit the land, and those who love him will live there in safety. Psalm 69:30-36 (Underlined for emphasis—for encouragement and thanksgiving,)

God made this day…. He created it…just as it is…with sunshine…or not…with rain…or not. No matter what happens today…rejoice and give thanks to the Lord. We have so much for which to be thankful—most of all for Jesus and our relationship with Him.

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. ... Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 118:24, 29

Prayer ~ Lord God, I am thankful for You…and for all You provide for me and for my family and friends. Most of all I am grateful that You love us…and Your faithful love endures forever. Forever.

Verse of Salvation, Trust and Thanksgiving ~ The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

Give Thanks to the Lord!
What's for dinner?
Beef?

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Happy Birthday - Andrew!

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

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

God’s Own Child

Meditate on adoption.

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:4-7

God loves you so much…that He gave His Son to die on a cross—as a sacrificial lamb. That is love. In return we love Him. I personally am overcome by His love…when I meditate on it…I get all choked up. Overwhelmed by His overwhelming love. Abba, Father. Yes. He is my Abba. I am God’s child. What a tremendous concept—the God of the universe is my Father. Overwhelmed that He would consider me to be part of His family—that He would adopt me.

How do you feel about being…or becoming…part of His family? Totally thankful.

Prayer ~ Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. You are my Lord and my God…and my Abba Father. As you said…. For I hold you by your right hand—I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don't be afraid. I am here to help you.’ Isaiah 41:13

Verse of Salvation ~ And he (David) will call out to me (God), 'You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.' I will make him my firstborn son, the mightiest king on earth. I will love him and be kind to him forever; my covenant with him will never end. Psalm 89:26-28

Verses of Thanksgiving ~ A psalm of thanksgiving. Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. Psalm 100:1-5

© 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.

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Keep Praying

Meditate. Consider for whom you are praying.

This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God's wonderful grace. You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ's faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf. He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you. So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. Colossians 1:6-10

Paul wrote that we have not stopped praying…because you have shown love to others. That is just what God wants us to do…good job. We are to love God and others as we love ourselves. Are you treating yourself well these days…or are you hurrying about getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas and not eating…or eating too much? Are you sleeping well…or so anxious that your sleep is disrupted? When was the last time you exercised? I know it is getting colder and it has been raining so I haven’t walked like I should…how about you? We need to take care of ourselves…so we can take care of others…and spread the message of salvation that God has provided for us through His Son, Jesus.

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. John 3:16-17

You’ve likely heard that verse at least a hundred times. Do you believe it? Do believe that Jesus came to save you—and give you eternal life?

Prayer ~ Lord God, grant my family and friends the complete knowledge of Your will as Paul wrote about to the church at Colossi. Please give me, as well as them spiritual wisdom and understanding that we would produce the Fruit of the Spirit…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Open our hearts and eyes to know and understand You better each day for we love You will all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.

Verses of Salvation and Thanksgiving ~ Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. ... Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation. Psalm 79:9, 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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Monday, November 22, 2021

God’s Amazing Grace

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

So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

God’s grace is amazing—we don’t deserve it…or His love, but He still showers it on us. Even if we try to be really, really good—it is useless. We can’t be good enough, pure enough to be deserving of God’s love, attention—His unmerited favor that is grace. One group of the verses that points us to salvation says…

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:6-11

The light of Jesus shines into our lives.
Rejoice!

While we were still sinners…. Christ died for us. That is salvation. We couldn’t escape sin…but Christ gave His own life so that we could be in a relationship with God the Father…and with Him. At the end of that passage it reminds us to be joyful…to rejoice in our new relationship with God. That is what love is all about here. God’s love for us and our love for Him. Rejoicing seems more associated with Christmas than with Thanksgiving…but rejoice and be glad that God had a plan to save you…to save mankind. Be thankful…very thankful for that!

Prayer ~ Dear God, I am thankful that from the beginning You had a plan…and it included us lowly Gentiles becoming part of Your family. I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God. I am rejoicing in Your grace and love.

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

Happy Birthday – Brother Barry!

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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Sunday, November 21, 2021

God is Not Far Away

Meditate. How far is far…How close is near?

He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in man-made temples, and human hands can't serve his needs--for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him--though he is not far from any one of us. Acts 17:24-27

Do you have to ride a camel...
through the Judean desert to find God?

Paul spoke these words to people in Athens who had a tribute to an “unknown” god. That god is our God, as Paul preached. God wanted those people in Athens to find Him…just like He wants each of us to find Him. He is not far from any one of us. Seek God and find Him for yourself.

Prayer ~ Lord, help us to remember that You promised that you will never leave us or forsake us. You are not far from us…because You are always with us. Thank you. Guide us and help us to choose the path…make the right decisions that would bring You glory and honor.

Verse of Salvation and Thanksgiving ~ But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God." Psalm 50:23

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, November 20, 2021

Are You Too Proud to Seek God?

Meditate. Where will you seek God...will you seek Him?

The wicked are too proud to seek God. They seem to think that God is dead. Yet they succeed in everything they do. They do not see your punishment awaiting them. They sneer at all their enemies. They think, "Nothing bad will ever happen to us! We will be free of trouble forever!" Psalm 10:4-6

The wicked are too proud to seek God. Are you too proud to seek God? As David ordered the Israeli leaders to help Solomon build the Temple.

"The LORD your God is with you," he declared. "He has given you peace with the surrounding nations. He has handed them over to me, and they are now subject to the LORD and his people. Now seek the LORD your God with all your heart and soul. Build the sanctuary of the LORD God so that you can bring the Ark of the LORD's Covenant and the holy vessels of God into the Temple built to honor the LORD's name." 1 Chronicles 22:18-19 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Whether you seek God at the Wailing Wall...
or in your Bible at home...
you will find Him.

We should not only seek the Lord, but love Him as directed by the Lord Himself to the children of Israel through Moses and written in the Shema.

"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. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (Underlined for emphasis.)

God wants us to not only seek Him, but love Him. It is my joy every day to do that—He makes my life worth living. Without Him, my days would be less joyful…dare I say miserable? I am amazed to find the way He touches my life, through sunshine, rain, smiles with my grandchildren, chats with friends, smooth rivers, and intriguing stories in the Bible and other books. I’m not too proud to seek God every day—to try to find new revelations about Him in His word. God is not dead. Seek Him and you will find Him.

How about you? Are you too proud to seek God?

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, You give me grace to stand against evil desires. As Your Scriptures say, "God opposes the proud but favors the humble (Proverbs 3:34)." From James 4:6. Thank you, Lord, for Your grace in my life—and for humbling me so that I am not prideful, but blessed to seek to know You more each day.

Verse of Salvation ~ And Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." Luke 7:50

Verse of Thanksgiving ~ Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:26

Bible Trivia Answer to the Question: What empire ruled most of the known world, including the area where Jesus ministered during the time of the New Testament? Correct answer – Rome.

A. Egypt B. Rome C. Greece D. Israel

Bible Trivia Question for next week: What two Old Testament men met with Jesus during His Transfiguration?

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, November 19, 2021

What Are You Eating?

Meditate.

Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. "All of you listen," he said, "and try to understand. It's not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart." ... Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd, and his disciples asked him what he meant by the parable he had just used. "Don't you understand either?" he asked. "Can't you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? Food doesn't go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer." (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God's eyes.) And then he added, "It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you." Mark 7:14-15, 17-23

Any kind of food is acceptable to eat. Still there are some foods that you want to be sure to pray over…to consecrate…before you eat them. By this scripture it is all right to eat foods that you wouldn’t normally eat…like my young grandson suggested…fried tarantulas, gator kabobs, silkworms or even grilled chicken feet. When a friend of mine found a chicken foot in the tasty soup she was enjoying in Portugal, that was the end of the meal for her. Even some people in the old days flavored their chicken soup with chicken feet. I discovered that you can buy them in some stores, like a local Mexican grocery.

Does your diet honor the Lord? How many candy bars have you eaten this month…that you didn’t hand out at Halloween? Do you give thanks before chomping down those chocolates? What foods do you refuse to eat? Brussels sprouts? Try cooking them in chicken broth (without chicken feet!). It is amazing how they are not bitter when cooked that way.

Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. Romans 14:6

It is interesting to note that in the Old Testament people were encouraged to give thanks…a blessing…after the meal and it was actually for the land, not actually for the food.

So obey the commands of the LORD your God by walking in his ways and fearing him. For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land of flowing streams and pools of water, with fountains and springs that gush out in the valleys and hills. It is a land of wheat and barley; of grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates; of olive oil and honey. It is a land where food is plentiful and nothing is lacking. It is a land where iron is as common as stone, and copper is abundant in the hills. When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. Deuteronomy 8:6-11

Now the Jewish ritual is not just a simple prayer, but depends specifically on the foods that were consumed. There is a long list of foods and blessings available in Jewish resources and on-line. Google it.

Loaves and fishes.
Can you feed 5,000 today?

Jesus gave thanks…a blessing to the Lord God, before the meal, like when He fed the five thousand men and their families. Jesus seems to have initiate the pre-meal blessing routine that most Christians follow today. This type of blessing consecrates, makes holy, the food before we it is consumed.

Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. John 6:11

Jews today have a traditional blessing before their meal that is dependent on the food that is to be served. Likewise, after the meal a specific grace is offered for the particular foods eaten, particularly in accordance with the seven food groups listed in Deuteronomy 8.

No matter whether you give thanks before, after, or both, and no matter what you eat or drink…

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Prayer ~ Lord God, Thank You for the bounty of the wonderful meals You have provided. May You be glorified—for You are worthy of glory and praise.

Verse of Salvation and Thanksgiving ~ But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23

Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table

We can’t live on bread alone—but here’s a variety of cornbread that my family enjoys especially for Thanksgiving dinner.

Corn Casserole
1 regular can whole kernel corn, drained
1 can creamed corn – not drained
1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix
1 stick butter, melted
1 cup sour cream

Mix all of the ingredients above together. Bake at 350 degrees in a 9X13 pan for 50 minutes.
For additional zing—especially if serving as part of a Mexican meal, add a can of chopped green chilies or a teaspoon of chili powder. Top with grated cheese, if desired.

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, November 18, 2021

Examine Your Heart

Meditate. Examine your heart.

I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously. 1 Chronicles 29:17

This scripture passage was one that David prayed to God near the end of his life just before his son, Solomon, became king. David had such a close relationship with the Lord God—one that we should strive to have in our own lives. He wasn’t sinless, but he was obedient to the Lord. He opened his life—heart, soul and mind to God and allowed God to work in his life. By studying the scriptures David knew what God’s commandment were.

For David had done what was pleasing in the LORD's sight and had obeyed the LORD's commands throughout his life, except in the affair concerning Uriah the Hittite. 1 Kings 15:5

Ezra, author of First and Second Chronicles, tells us that David knew that God examines our hearts and likes it when He finds we have integrity—honesty. That is a pretty important attribute. I see it as what a person does when no one is looking. God sees everything—so He knows each person level of integrity.

I did a word search for “integrity” on Banquet With The King blog and was amazed at the number of times I’ve written about integrity. Try it for yourself. Lots of discussion over almost ten years of blogging. God addresses “integrity” in numerous Old Testament scripture passages, mainly in the Psalms associated with David.

How many times have you considered the integrity of your life…of your heart in the last ten years? Most importantly, how is your relationship with the Lord? Can you be perfectly honest with the Lord…and with yourself?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, people recognized You as a man of honesty…and high integrity…as well as a good teacher. Whether it was a Pharisee or a common man, if they asked You what they must do to inherit eternal life You said…“But to answer your question, you know the commandments: 'You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.'" "Teacher," the man replied, "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was young." Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. "There is still one thing you haven't done," he told him. "Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this the man's face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Mark 10:19-22. We know that to have eternal life we must repent of our sins and follow You—live a life pleasing to You—and telling others about the Good News of the salvation that You provide to those who believe.

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. Romans 10:9-10

Verse of Thanksgiving ~ A psalm of David. I give you thanks, O LORD, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. Psalm 138:1-2

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Give Thanks to the Lord

Meditate.

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. 1 Chronicles 16:8

This is a golden opportunity during the year to proclaim to others what for which you are Thankful. We all have lots for which to be thankful this year… just to be still having power to run our computers…and access to the internet…an abundance of food and water…our homes, health, friends and family—even if we only see them via Zoom or FaceTime. We are blessed. Let others know about that…and share those blessing with them. Were you involved with Operation Shoebox? How many meals have you donated this year to the local food bank or through your church? How about essential items for homeless or money for water wells overseas? There are countless opportunities to give…to donate…even to be involved personally.

Near my computer I keep a sign that I made a number of years that says:

· What has God been doing in your life this week?

· How do you see Him working?

Share those answers with someone…with anyone.

By telling others what God is doing in YOUR life,

you are sharing good news! Let your light shine.

Give Thanks to the Lord.

This week I’ve had amazing answers to prayers about two of my granddaughters’ health issues. One had a touch of healing to an abscess in the sinus behind her eye. That is an astounding miracle! The other is a long-awaited diagnosis dealing with migraines, dizziness and GI issues. There is hope and good doctors to provide guidance, wisdom and a treatment plan. Hope. Health. Healing. God is good. The best thing is that God has a plan…and as believers, we are part of His eternal plan. Just keep on watching and waiting for Him. Keep Him first in your life. Keep sharing Him and what He has done in your life.

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are great and greatly to be praised. Thank you-Thank you-Thank you for the healing touches You have provided…and the love that You so graciously shower on us.

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

Verse of Thanksgiving ~ Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

Happy Birthday - Lindsey J. Blessings!

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