Banquet With The King

Monday, June 19, 2017

King Forever

The LORD will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the LORD! Psalm 146:10

What does “forever” look like to you? I don’t think that we mere humans can really get our minds around “forever.” It is a long, long time! Eternity. He has promised to be our God—to be the God of Jerusalem—forever. Literally throughout the generations—that is forever.

According to the great Bible commentator Matthew Henry, David is assumed to have written Psalm 146. It is a great psalm of praise—beginning and ending with “Praise the Lord!” Hallelujah! Praising Jehovah…shortened as with a contraction to Jah. Praising Jah. We don’t have to be Jewish or in Jerusalem to praise the Lord. David was devoted to God. As king he could have stepped back and let the priests and his people honor God…but instead he was an example to them—praising God from the depths of his soul.

Praise the LORD! Let all that I am praise the LORD. I will praise the LORD as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath. ... But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. Psalm 146:1-2, 5-6

Hope...for fresh wild strawberries.

Just looking at creation around me, gives me an awesome respect for the Lord, as well as joy and hope. The variety of plants and animals that God created is amazing…and the night sky with just the naked eye is astounding. Yet with a microscope or a telescope we can see even more miraculous things. God is infinitely incredible. Words can’t really describe Him or the glories of His creation. I will praise Him forever. Yes…forever. He gives me hope that there is a forever…an eternity of love, joy, and peace with His grace and mercy. Is God’s forever part of your future…part of your today? We each have a choice. I pray that you will choose to seek God and let Him reign in your heart. Praise the Lord!

Prayer ~ Lord, just as the Israelites declared with Joshua before they entered into the Promised Land…"We will serve the LORD our God. We will obey Him alone." Joshua 24:24. Let all the people praise You, Lord God—King of Kings, forever.

Daily Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 1-6

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Sunday, June 18, 2017

God Remembers His Promise

Sing a new song to the LORD, for He has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; His holy arm has shown His saving power! The LORD has announced His victory and has revealed His righteousness to every nation! He has remembered His promise to love and be faithful to Israel. The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and the sound of the ram's horn. Make a joyful symphony before the LORD, the King! Let the sea and everything in it shout His praise! Let the earth and all living things join in. Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the LORD. For the LORD is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with fairness. Psalm 98:1-9

The Lord has remembered His promise to love and be faithful to Israel. His promise was first to Abram when He called him to go to Canaan.

Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father's house, To the land which I will show you; And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing; And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed." Genesis 12:1-3 NASB

In Abram, all the world will be blessed. Israel and the whole world. Abram is the father of Issac, the father of Jacob, who was later renamed, Israel. The father of all the nation of Israel. God promised over and over that He would be their God and give them the Land. He made a covenant with Abram as recorded in Genesis 15.

And He (God) took him (Abram) outside and said, "Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. And He said to him, "I am the LORD who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess it." Genesis 15:5-7 NASB

The Lord promises. At just the right time. That time is still to come…just the right time. God’s time.

This is what the LORD says: "At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you. I will protect you and give you to the people as my covenant with them. Through you I will reestablish the land of Israel and assign it to its own people again. Isaiah 49:8 NLT

We wait on the Lord for His right time…and trust that He will keep His promise to Israel. In the meantime…sing to the Lord and pray for Jerusalem and all of Israel.

Prayer ~ Lord, we trust you to keep Your promises for You are holy, powerful, righteous, and worthy of our praise. You are our Creator, our Savior, our Deliverer and our almighty Judge. Worthy is the Lamb. Let the whole world and everything in it sing out in joy before You.

Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 27-29

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

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Saturday, June 17, 2017

God Will Judge

Worship the LORD in all His holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before Him. Tell all the nations, "The LORD reigns!" The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly. Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout His praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the LORD, for He is coming! He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with His truth. Psalm 96:9-13

This Psalm parallels 1 Chronicles 16:23-33.

Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! 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. The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the LORD made the heavens! Honor and majesty surround Him; strength and joy fill His dwelling. O nations of the world, recognize the LORD, recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong. Give to the LORD the glory He deserves! Bring your offering and come into His presence. Worship the LORD in all His holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him. The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Tell all the nations, "The LORD reigns!" Let the sea and everything in it shout His praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise, for the LORD is coming to judge the earth.

Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise.

1 Chronicles 16:23-33.

David had placed the Ark of the Covenant in a special tent he had prepared just for it. He was telling the Israelites to praise the Lord—to worship Him in all His glory. The heavens, earth and all of creation will praise Him. He was also warning them that God will come to judge the earth—proclaiming His justice and truth. That is God’s promise. He is coming and will judge the people of the whole world.

And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of Him during your time as "foreigners in the land." 1 Peter 1:17

All people of all times and all places will one day be judged. But the cool thing is that Jesus will be the advocate for those who believe in Him…they won’t receive the punishment they deserve. He took those sins, mistakes, errors in choices—whatever you want to call them—on Himself when He went to the cross. Punishment paid in full. Where do you stand with Jesus? Forgiven?

Prayer ~ Jesus, Thank You for taking my sins upon Yourself when You died on the cross. No judgment for me—and I am so grateful to You. Forever grateful. I praise You—above all. I worship You—in all of Your glory. You are my God, my Savior.

Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 25-26

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

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Friday, June 16, 2017

Promise of Promises

For Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The LORD always keeps His promises; He is gracious in all He does. Psalm 145:13

Everlasting. We can trust God to keep His promises…forever. Our God is a gracious God. He doesn’t force Himself on us…He is not condescending. Grace…unmerited favor. Think of a time that God was good to you…showing you some undeserved kindness. Maybe it was just a parking place, healing some disease or injury, providing finances at the right time, or giving you some scriptural insight. Whatever it was, can you see that God was in it? Maybe you didn’t see that He was in it when it was happening, but He was working in YOU. Does that help you to trust Him more…to know that He keeps His promises?

Blooming Promise

Prayer ~ Lord, may we be like the father from whose child You cast out an evil spirit… The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24. Let us see You working in our lives. Show us Your promises.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Getting ready for the hot summer days ahead of us? Brew up some chai tea and make an iced chai latte. Most of us don’t have whole spices sitting around in our cupboards but I’ve included those as an alternative. Either way…enjoy! Refreshing!

Chai Tea Latte

3 c. milk (can be half-n-half, whole, low fat or coconut)

3 c. boiling water

6-8 black tea bags (or 6 tsp loose black tea)

¼ c. honey (or to taste)

1 tsp ground cinnamon (or 1 stick cinnamon)

1 tsp ground cardamom (or 19 cardamom pods)

½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tsp ground cloves (or 8 whole cloves)

½ tsp grated or mashed fresh ginger (1/4 tsp powdered ginger)

Pour boiling water over tea and spices. Let steep 5-10 minutes. Filter through a fine mesh strainer.

Hot Chai

Warm milk to almost boiling, add to warm tea and serve.

Iced Chai

Cool tea, add milk and serve in a tall glass over ice. Top it with some whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Refrigerate unused beverage for a couple of days.

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

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Thursday, June 15, 2017

Can You Feel God’s Unfailing Love?

The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him. Psalm 103:8-13

Holy Family Shrine - Nebraska

Visible as God's Love

Sometimes we feel loved…and sometimes we don’t feel loved. Maybe I should rephrase that as “Sometimes I feel loved…and sometimes I don’t feel loved.” Really I think it is just that sometimes I just don’t love myself. I mess up and then put myself down before I get right again with God. Jesus noted that one of the greatest commandments was about loving ourselves…Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18. This tells me that I must love myself …to love others around me.

Consider the foundation of love. God is the source of all love…He is love.

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:16.

Doesn't your reverence for God give you confidence? Doesn't your life of integrity give you hope? Job 4:6.

Because I have great respect or reverence for God, I have confidence in Him…and in His love. He gives us examples of love.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NASB.

David writes in Psalm 103 that God’s love is unfailing. He will never leave us or forsake us…so His love is not only unfailing…it is ever present. What a great reminder that God loves us. There are times I need that reminder. How about you? Do you feel God’s compassion and mercy in His unfailing love?

Prayer ~ Lord, shower Your love on us. May it flow through us to others.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 134, 146-150

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

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Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Delight in the Lord

Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart's desires. Psalm 37:4

One of my greatest prayers for my grandchildren is that God will give them their hearts desire—but even more so that they will have wisdom to make good choices. Having a plan—a direction—is so important. Benjamin Franklin once said… “If you fail to plan…you plan to fail.”

Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Proverbs 2:11

May He grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4

Plans succeed through good counsel; don't go to war without wise advice. Proverbs 20:18

That verse could even include spiritual war…the warfare that we face every day…whether we realize it or not. So along with a “plan” for the day…trusting in the Lord to guide and direct your path, put on your spiritual armor.

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.

Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:10-18

Tea Time Delight

Delight is a joyous emotion! May you find joy in the Lord...and in pleasing Him. In that joy you may just find that God is giving you your heart's desire. Be careful what you wish for.

Prayer ~ Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart's desire is to glorify your name. Isaiah 26:8

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalm 136

Happy Birthday, sweet grandgirl Lydia!

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

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Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Are You Slow to Get Angry?

The LORD is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. Psalm 145:8

I’ve Irish heritage—so there is nothing slow about the angry side of my temperament. God has worked on me for many years—taming my hot head. I am grateful that I don’t get angry and blow up like I did when I was younger. Poof! Was I a fire-breathing dragon? God has been merciful to me, molding me to be a more compassionate person. His love never fails. Never fails to amaze me.

God must not be Irish since He is slow to anger. When He renewed His covenant with Moses He told Moses that He was slow to anger…

The LORD passed in front of Moses, calling out, "Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness." Exodus 34:6. It takes compassion and mercy to not get angry…and the Lord had plenty of reason to be angry with those Israelites as Moses was leading them from Egypt to the Promised Land. Later in Numbers 14 it is recorded that God was ready to wipe out the Israelites for being such a disobedient, rebellious bunch of people, but Moses took their defense, asking God to pardon them. Moses repeats God’s declaration that He is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness. God is awesome and certainly treated the Israelites and us far better than we deserve. He is gracious and loving beyond measure. Those qualities could be contributing factors in His slow to anger temperament. When there is deep love, compassion and mercy, anger doesn’t happen so quickly.

I perceive anger as a basic human emotion that often occurs when personal boundaries are crossed or expectations are not met. The degree to which a person experiences the anger may be dependent on their past experiences, level of irritation, or even current health issues. God is our best example in how to deal with anger. Be slow—think things through. Listen to council of wise people—of course you have to choose to associate with wise people, not jerks. Have compassion and mercy for others—not insisting on your own way. Your idea may seem best to you—but that doesn’t mean that it is right for everyone. Humbling thought.

Prayer ~ Thank You, Lord for being merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are the best. Change me from a prickly pear cactus into a beautiful rose…with only a few protective thorns.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5

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

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Monday, June 12, 2017

Guide Me Along the Best Pathway

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8

Which Pathway?

Hiking in Utah.

God’s promise…for today…I will guide—I will advise—I will watch over. He’s our Abba Father doing the things we expect of a father. Guiding, advising, guarding. We never really “grow up” entirely—we still need that Father figure in our lives to help us. At least, I do. That is unless we’re a rebellious person who wants to do everything on our own—like my two year old grandgirl. She’s wants dress, feed and even read to herself! But she will ask me to build Legos with her—her way of course. What a great thinker and planner! Hopefully she will still let the Lord guide her pathway as she grows up. He knows what is good for each of us. We just have to trust Him. David continued writing in Psalm 38…

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

Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD. So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! Psalm 32:10-11.

Look to God to guide, advise and show you the right things to do—the right pathway. Submit your life…even your very thoughts—to His direction.

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

Prayer ~ Lord God, please continue to guide and direct my thoughts, words and actions that I would see You working and directing my life in ways that are pleasing to You.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 7; 2 Chronicles 4

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

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Sunday, June 11, 2017

Promise of New Covenant

But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the LORD: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Hebrews 8:10

A new covenant from God. The first covenant was a promise from God was the Mosaic Law. We see God’s promise to claim the Hebrew people as His own people, a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. God spoke to His people through Moses, in the verses below, at Mt. Saini.

"Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.' This is the message you must give to the people of Israel." Exodus 19:5-6.

Paul reminds us, as he wrote to the church at Corinth, about Jesus’ promise.

He has enabled us to be ministers of His new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life. 2 Corinthians 3:6.

What an important promise God gives—to be our God. He doesn’t turn His back on the Israelites or on us and expect some puny idol of a god to take care of us. No. He promises to treasure His people and take care of us…if we obey Him. That if is important. No one, except a parent, wants to take care of a whiny, obnoxious little kid. It’s about the same with us…we need to listen and decisively obey God’s commands—His word. Is that too much for God to expect of us? No whining, rebellion or doubting. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am a people pleaser…and I want to live to please God, too. This verse in Second Corinthians promises that the Holy Spirit will give us life. That is a new spiritual life--guaranteed by the shedding of Jesus' blood.

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, I come to You, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to Your sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel. Hebrews 12:24. Write Your word on my heart. Thank You for being the mediator between God, the Father, and me.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 5-6; 2 Chronicles 2-3

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

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Saturday, June 10, 2017

Ask in Confidence

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14

He will hear us. That promise is repeated over and over. Seek. Ask. Knock. Have confidence that He will hear your prayers and answer them. Of course whatever you ask for needs to be in God’s will. He won’t give you a million dollars to be tossed around like play money. He will give you peace, joy, love, strength, courage…and other things like confidence. As many people know He provides for our everyday needs and some of our wants…sometimes beyond our expectations. Have confidence—He does hear our prayers.

God Provides Loaves and Fish

His Word Promises

Ask - Seek - Knock

His Kingdom Come - His Will Be Done

Teach your children the song, Seek Ye First.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness;
And all these things shall be added unto you.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!

Ask, and it shall be given unto you;
Seek, and you shall find.
Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!

Man shall not live by bread alone,
But by every word
That proceeds out from the mouth of God.
Hallelu, Hallelujah!
Source: http://www.hymnal.net

Explain the scripture to your kiddos.

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33.

What things? The previous verses tell us about those things. Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33. Seek God’s kingdom—which is a spiritual kingdom…and can be right within your very heart and soul, if you ask God. Righteousness—right living before God—is only available through God’s gift of grace. We can’t be righteous on our own.

Prayer ~ Lord God, Your kingdom is above all things and I long to worship You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength first. May the joy of the Lord fill us all as we seek and serve You.

(Repeated from June 10, 2013)

Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 22-24

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

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Friday, June 9, 2017

Everything We Need

By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence. And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. 2 Peter 1:3-4

God has given us EVERYTHING we need for living a godly life—because we know Him. This is the best present ever! It’s my birthday and this really is a great present. His promises—being invited to be part of His family—and the ability to “escape” the world’s corruption. Wow! Why would anyone want anything more? Do they not see what God is so willing to provide? Are they really so selfish and self-centered or do they think life is “all about them?” Life isn’t about us…it’s not about me. Life is about God…about our relationship with Him…and with His Son, Jesus…and with the Holy Spirit.

Prayer ~ Thank You, Lord, for the best present You could ever give me. You. Salvation in and through You. Everything I need for a godly life—for a life centered around You. I accept Your gift and eagerly open it…anticipating hope for today…and tomorrow. Love for a lifetime. Joy in all circumstances.

Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 19-21

Gyros on the hoof? Hmmm.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Time to Feast! What do I want for my birthday celebration? One of my favorite meals is Greek Gyros.

Gyro Meat with Tzatziki Sauce

Gyro Ingredients

1 medium onion, finely chopped or shredded

2 pounds ground lamb

1 tablespoon finely minced garlic

1 tablespoon dried marjoram

1 tablespoon dried ground rosemary

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Tzatziki Sauce, recipe follows

Greek pita bread

Process the onion in a food processor for 10 to 15 seconds and turn out into the center of a tea towel or cheesecloth. Gather up the ends of the towel and squeeze until almost all of the juice is removed. Discard juice. Return the onion to the food processor and add the lamb, garlic, marjoram, rosemary, salt, and pepper and process until it is a fine paste, approximately 1 minute. Stop the processor as needed to scrape down sides of bowl.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Place the mixture into a loaf pan, making sure to press into the sides of the pan. Place the loaf pan into a water bath and bake for 60 to 75 minutes or until the mixture reaches 165 to 170 degrees F. Remove from the oven and drain off any fat. Place the loaf pan on a cooling rack and place a brick wrapped in aluminum foil directly on the surface of the meat and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees F. Slice and serve on pita bread with tzatziki sauce, chopped onion, tomatoes and feta cheese. For a large group we wrap each gyro in parchment paper and place in a tall glass; then serve buffet style. This will serve about 6-8 people, or 10 if served with extra side dishes.

Tzatziki Sauce

16 ounces plain Greek yogurt

1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped

Pinch kosher salt

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

5 to 6 mint leaves, finely minced

Place the chopped cucumber in a tea towel and squeeze to remove the liquid; discard liquid. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, cucumber, salt, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and mint. Serve as a sauce for gyros. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. Yield: 1 1/2 cups

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

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Thursday, June 8, 2017

Salvation is a Gift From God

I will …give them my salvation. Psalm 91:16

God’s promise…I will…. God’s gift of salvation originated in the Garden of Eden when that wily serpent snake deceived Eve…and then Adam. At that point God promised us the sacrifice of His Son—His blood would be shed for mankind’s sin initiated by the disobedience of Eve and Adam. God is loving and merciful. He provided a way of salvation so that one day we can approach His throne pure and holy. Without that salvation—we would corrupt, unclean and immoral and thus never be able to stand before Him. God is holy. "Who is able to stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God?" ….1 Samuel 6:20. God provides the way…we can choose to follow it…to follow Him or not. I choose to repent of my sin and to follow God…to receive His salvation. How about you?

Prayer ~ Lord God, I praise You for the wisdom that You have that provides salvation for those who love and seek You. Open the eyes and hearts of those reading this…that they would choose You…and your path of salvation.

Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 16-18

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

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Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Do You Want a Long Life?

I will reward them with a long life …. Psalm 91:16

God’s promise…a reward of a long life. Life in Strong’s Lexicon is actually related to a root word for “hot” as in days, not nights. So this is a long number of days…or years. I’ve known some fine Christian people who have lived a long life…over 90 years—and they’ve been or are still mentally and spiritually sharp right to the end of their lives. Others I’ve known didn’t always get a long life or else dementia robbed them of their senses. God’s reward for those He chooses is especially precious when it is not only a long life but a healthy, vigorous one that allows service to Him right to the end of their life here on earth. What an honor.

We don’t get to choose if we get a long life or not. God choses. It happens. Paul wrote about life and death to the Philippians…

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don't know which is better. I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. Philippians 1:20-25.

Is God rewarding you with a long life so far? Are you making the most of your life?

Prayer ~ God, reward us with not only long life…but one that honors and glories You in all that we think, say and do.

Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 13-15

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

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

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Rescue Me

….I will rescue and honor them. Psalm 91:15

Rescue Me....from this creature...from these teeth.

Rescue. God continues His promise….

When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. - Psalm 91:15 NLT

We all want to be rescued at some point in our lives. Think of a time when you were in trouble or had some burdensome problem that you just couldn’t solve by yourself—you needed to be rescued. How about some movie…even Jason Bourne needed to be rescued by Marie. Life is a series of problems and solutions. Stubbornly we often rely on ourselves…rather than God, a family member or friend to rescue us. But for those who love the Lord—He is there for them. Sometimes that just means that God sends someone to help us…He doesn’t actually reach down from heaven…or speak in an audible voice to solve our problem. Here are a couple of verses about being rescued because God’s word is there for us—encouraging and renewing us as often as we seek Him. Ask and look for answers, rewards and rescues from the Lord.

Because you trusted me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the LORD, have spoken!'" Jeremiah 39:18.

Return, O LORD, and rescue me. Save me because of your unfailing love. Psalm 6:4.

Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people; come near and rescue me. Psalm 106:4.It is an honor to be honored by the Lord.

Prayer ~ Lord, I trust You to hear my prayers and know that I depend on You to encourage, sustain and rescue me. Thank you for Your love...for revealing Yourself to me…and for being so important in my life. You are my all in all. I honor You with all that I am…and am honored that You have chosen me to be part of Your family…Your eternal life.

Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 10-12

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

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

Monday, June 5, 2017

Love is Two Way

…I will be with them in trouble. …. Psalm 91:15

Have you ever heard more comforting words? I will be with them in trouble. There isn’t anyone on earth who hasn’t had some kind of trouble and to know that the great Creator cares enough about you to “be” with you during some crisis, concern, problem or dire distress is so reassuring and encouraging. True comfort. But be sure to look at this scripture in context. God is speaking to those who love and trust Him. Do you love and trust the Lord?

A verse I continually rely on…and wear inscribed on a ring on my right hand is…I will never leave you or forsake you…from Hebrews 13:5. To know that God loves me so much that He will not abandon me…or turn His back on me…makes me feel special. Special enough that I want to listen and obey. Obedience is the key to having a relationship with the Lord. Ya gotta wanna be obedient—radically obedient. Jesus reminded us that to follow the commandments meant loving the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength…and loving our neighbor as ourselves. Love. Obedience is love in action. Love is a two way action. God shows His love in that promise to be with those who love Him when they are in distress. Troubles and distress may forever plague us…but be assured, if you love the Lord—He is there with you.

Prayer ~ Dear Lord…on this Lord’s Day, it is time for a rest. Rest from the weekly stresses, tasks and work. It is so reassuring to know that You are at work in those of us who love You and are called according to Your purpose. Romans 8:28 NASB

Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 7-9

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

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

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Answer My Prayers

When they call on me, I will answer…. Psalm 91:15

How often do you “call on the Lord”? Do you consider anytime you pray “calling”? When you are praising the Lord—or telling Him how much you adore Him, is that “calling”? When you are confessing…is that “calling”? When you are thanking Him… is that “calling”? Or is “calling” only when you are asking for something. “Help me”…that would be “calling.” These four things…adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication (asking) are four basic components of prayer.

Have you taught your children or grandchildren to pray? Have they memorized the great model prayer: the Lord’s Prayer? Have you taught them that they need to pray from their heart? Use the ACTS acrostic:

A – Adoration – Praise God for who He is.

C – Confession – It is necessary to humble ourselves and admit our mistakes, our errors in life.

T – Thanksgiving – Give God the thanks that He is due—not just at Thanksgiving time.

S – Supplication – With all the other things out of the way—go ahead and ask for whatever is on your heart---salvation for others, needs and wants for yourself and others.

These basic parts of prayer are simple enough that even a four year old can talk to God using those pointers. If you are having problems with prayer, ask God for wisdom in that area. See James 1:5… But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Don’t doubt, just ask.

Prayer ~ Lord, I am calling on You and asking You for more wisdom and understanding—that my prayers would be powerfully answered and bring You glory and honor. I am relying on You to answer my humble prayer.

Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 4-6

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

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

Saturday, June 3, 2017

God Protects

The LORD says.... I will protect those who trust in my name. Psalm 91:14b

God protects those who trust Him. Those who love Him…trust Him. TRUST. I checked the Strong’s Lexicon in the Blue Letter Bible and it indicated that trust means to believe, to be morally true or to stand firm. It can also mean to take the right hand, turn right, or go to the right.

Pathway near Ely, NV

One of my favorite verses deals with “trusting” the Lord—depending on Him.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

David wrote…I trust in the LORD for protection. Psalm 11:1. There are many verses in the Bible that provide us with the assurance and security of God’s protection.

· God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. 2 Samuel 22:31

· God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. Psalm 18:30 NLT

· Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Psalm 37:3

· Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever. Psalm 125:1 NLT

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Hebrews 10:35. What a reward…safety and protection. How much do you trust the Lord to protect you?

Prayer~ Lord…I trust You. With all of my heart, soul, mind and strength, I trust You with all of my life. I recognize that Your way is perfect—You are all wise, all knowing, all protecting and above all—totally loving.

Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 1-3

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

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

Friday, June 2, 2017

God Was Disappointed in Lack of Obedience

But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22 NLT

Saul was chosen by God to be King of Israel, but Saul disappointed God. Over and over he did things his own way and was not obedient. Finally, Saul was told to eliminate the Amalekites—all the people and their animals. But Saul and his soldiers captured Agag, the Amalekite king, and kept for themselves the choice animals. After this final act of disobedience God sent the prophet Samuel to confront Saul. Saul claimed to have followed God’s orders—even offering a burnt sacrifice offering. But that wasn’t what God wanted. There was no repenting from this action—God removed him as king of Israel. Samuel explained that Obedience is better than sacrifice.

How often do we do something good, expecting it to please God…where what He wants is just obedience to His commands? Can we really keep all of the Ten Commandments? In a conversation with a religious expert Jesus pointed out… Jesus replied, "The most important commandment is this: 'Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." Mark 12:29-31. Love God and love those around you. If you can do that, totally, then you are fulfilling all the Ten Commandments. Seems pretty easy…but in reality, I’ve found that can only be done in obedience to God…not just in trying. Do you agree?

Prayer ~ Lord God, I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength…help me to love myself so I can love those around me.

Daily Bible Reading: Song of Solomon

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

The remains of my "burnt offering."

As usual every Friday is Feast Day—Feasting at the King’s Table. We can’t live on just spiritual food …nor can we live on bread alone. We’ve got to have some meat, veggies and fruit. And that meat shouldn’t be a burnt offering. Maybe God likes burnt offerings…but burnt food is not healthy and not enjoyed by most people…including my husband. Watch the temperature. Heating cookware to too high of a heat is not good for the pans. It can release dangerous chemicals from Teflon and can even warp cast iron pans. Oil in frying pans can also catch fire quickly. Ask my niece Michelle about that. As a teenager her home caught on fire when she was cooking French fries in oil on the stove and left the stove unattended to answer the phone. Safety first. I blame my “burnt offerings” on my range top. It has a couple of burners that are superhot…even on low. What is your excuse?

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

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

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Do You Need to be Rescued?

The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me." Psalm 91:14a

Niagara Falls

Do you ever feel overwhelmed…like you are drowning in a sea of stress, obligations, commitments, or regrets? Is your enemy your own clock…ticking away just too fast for you to get everything done that you have to or need to do? Who can rescue you? Who can help you breathe? Reach out…reach up to the Lord. He promises to rescue those who love Him. Can you trust Him to do that?

I think it is a humbling thing to ask for help. Whether it is help with directions to someplace…or needing assistance with car problems. It is difficult to admit…I can’t do this alone. Yesterday our car wouldn’t start when we were out doing errands—so my husband asked me to call my brother. He came to our rescue. He knows more about cars than Jerry and I combined…and sure enough he got it started and we were able to get to the repair shop without it quitting along the way. It will probably cost us a bit to have a new ignition switch installed…but that is what needs to be done. Just hoping that is all—besides an oil change which we had scheduled.

From what do you need to be rescued? Spiritually, it might be a bad attitude. I’ve been there a lot lately. God in His mercy and grace has helped me yet again when I’ve humbly asked for forgiveness—and an attitude adjustment. God can do that. He did it for me…ask Him. He’ll do it for you, too.

Prayer ~ Thank You Lord for coming to my rescue and giving me an attitude adjustment.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Chronic1es 1; Psalm 72

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

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