Banquet With The King

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Celebrate Life and Joy with Friends

Meditate on this again:

LORD, you are mine! I promise to obey your words! With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands. Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations. I am a friend to anyone who fears you—anyone who obeys your commandments. Psalm 119:57-63

I am a friend to anyone who fears you—anyone who obeys your commandments. That is a good thing to be a friend to those who respect the Lord and are obedient to His commandments. I was recently reminded that we are saved by grace. That doesn’t mean that we don’t have to keep the commandments—but we are forgiven. That doesn’t mean that we can go on sinning. Paul wrote the same thing in Romans.

Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God's grace. Well then, since God's grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Romans 6:14-16

Friends...walking from the Mt. of Olives...
to the Garden of Gethsemane.
Israel

Forgiven. To be friends with like-minded people, those who are also forgiven and seeking to live a righteous life, is a privilege and honor. I count it all joy to spend time with my Christian friends.

Prayer ~ Lord…Thank you for Christian friends. Help us to intentionally create time to be together and build memories that include You. You bring joy to our lives as we celebrate life, moment by moment.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 11

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Friday, October 11, 2019

Are You Firmly Anchored?

Meditate on This:

Fishing anchors at the Sea of Galilee
Israel

Are you firmly anchored?

Obey. That is the keyword. Jesus was obedient…and I need to be the same. What a great prayer these verses from Psalm 119 are to Jesus… I promise to obey your words…to obey your commands! I am firmly anchored to your instructions or commandments.

Do you think about the direction of your life…as this psalmist did? Consider and ponder where life is leading you…or the path that you are taking? I’ve been thinking about where I’ve been…where I am and where I’m going. Sometimes life seems like Solomon was right…all is vanity.

Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 2:11 NASB

Other times I know that life is worth living…it is not in vain. There is such importance in following God’s path and trusting Him…and not looking back—just as Jesus taught.

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. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7

But Jesus told him, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God." Luke 9:62

Taking some time for reflection is good. Be still, feel the presence of the Lord, and listen.

Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7

Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. Psalm 46:10

Listen to me, all who hope for deliverance—all who seek the LORD! Consider the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were mined. Isaiah 51:1

After you think a bit about where you are and the influence of Jesus on your life…then you might want to do as the psalmist did…tell Him that you will obey His commandments and say that those who do the same are your friends.

Prayer ~ LORD, you are mine! I promise to obey your words! With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands. Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations. I am a friend to anyone who fears you—anyone who obeys your commandments. Psalm 119:57-63

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 9; Luke 7

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is pumpkin time of the year. One of my favorite pumpkin “foods” is Pumpkin Cookies.

Pumpkin Cookies

4 cups flour

2 cups rolled oats

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

1½ c unsalted butter softened

2 cups brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

1 egg or 1 Tbsp chia seeds in ½ cup water

1 tsp vanilla

16 oz canned pumpkin (or 2 cups fresh puree)

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – prefer mini

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine flour, oats, soda, cinnamon, and salt – set aside.

Cream butter and add sugars, beating until light and fluffy.

Add egg and vanilla. Mix well. Alternate adding flour mixture and pumpkin.

Mix well. Add chocolate chips.

Drop dough onto parchment-lined or lightly greased cookie sheet.

Use ¼ cup per cookie for 32 large cookies or a smaller amount for smaller cookies.

Bake 15-25 minutes depending on the size of the cookie.

For variation add raisins instead of chips. Add chopped walnuts.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Thursday, October 10, 2019

A Friend Loves…At All Times

Meditate on this:

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17 NASB

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Proverbs 17:17 NLT

From days gone by....
Friends.

A friend loves at all times…. Really!?! I have some friends that that verse describes—one, especially who has been a nearly lifelong friend and was like a part of my family growing up. We’ve been through some tough times together…mostly she has been there for me. She epitomizes the example of…A friend loves at all times.

Consider…a brother is born for adversity. Is that the same to you as… a brother is born to help in time of need? I always thought that this “brother” part of the verse meant that brothers created adversity…but that is not what it says. The brother is there to share the adversity…or help during that time. My brothers are like that…helpful. I can always count on them—but mostly I am just glad that they are part of my family and I appreciate opportunities to share time together with them. We have a Family Gathering once a year that originally was right after Thanksgiving to “celebrate” Christmas since we couldn’t always be together in December. In the last few years, we’ve held our “Gathering” in the summer or fall. That gives us time to celebrate with more family who has traveled from across the country during kiddo’s summer vacation time or a chance for snowbirds to fly away before the snow flies. Celebrating family is important for maintaining and building relationships. Creating memories—good memories—is fun. I for one want to have special memories with family that are centered on happy times…not just memorial services. As we get older it seems that is a more common connection with extended family.

How do you see your relationships with your friends and family (brothers and/or sisters)? What is the “glue” that holds you together? Is there “love at all times” and a sense of reliability for the inevitable “time of need” from those you hold most dear? Do you all have a relationship with Jesus that provides an everlasting bond—giving you an eternal hope for a home together in Heaven?

Prayer ~ Lord, You are such an example to us…loving at all times and accepting us unconditionally. Thank You.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 5-7

Happy Birthday, Mary!

May God Continue to Bless You, Dear Friend

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Day of Atonement

Meditate on God’s Word, Rest, and Repent on Yom Kippur

"Be careful to celebrate the Day of Atonement on the tenth day of that same month—nine days after the Festival of Trumpets. You must observe it as an official day for holy assembly, a day to deny yourselves and present special gifts to the LORD. Do no work during that entire day because it is the Day of Atonement, when offerings of purification are made for you, making you right with the LORD your God. All who do not deny themselves that day will be cut off from God's people. And I will destroy anyone among you who does any work on that day. You must not do any work at all! This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed from generation to generation wherever you live. This will be a Sabbath day of complete rest for you, and on that day you must deny yourselves. This day of rest will begin at sundown on the ninth day of the month and extend until sundown on the tenth day." Leviticus 23:27-32

Son of man, give your people this message: The righteous behavior of righteous people will not save them if they turn to sin, nor will the wicked behavior of wicked people destroy them if they repent and turn from their sins. Ezekiel 33:12

How many times must we hear the word “repent” before we actually do it? The time of preparation before Yom Kippur is actually meant to give people time to set things right with other people and with God. The previous Pastor at the church I attend has been telling everyone for the last couple of years that they need to set aside past differences, forgive each other, make amends and start fresh. Why are people so hard-hearted that they can’t humble themselves and ask for forgiveness or offer forgiveness?

Yom Kippur is a high holy day, literally the Day of Atonement.” It is a day of forgiveness and purity. It happens on October 8-9, 2019, so now is a time to repent and set things right.

On the tenth day of the appointed month in early autumn, you must deny yourselves. Neither native-born Israelites nor foreigners living among you may do any kind of work. This is a permanent law for you. On that day offerings of purification will be made for you, and you will be purified in the LORD's presence from all your sins. Leviticus 16:29-30

Are you ready; are your ducks in a row? Are you prepared for anything that happens? Are all the details taken care of?

There are lots of predictions that the rapture will happen soon. The planets and stars are nearing the proper projected alignment. But we’ve already had the Feast of the Trumpets, which is the next prophetic feast to be fulfilled. God’s time is His own—so we cannot set a time or a day for the rapture. How can we prepare? What’s going to happen? When will Christ return? No one knows when that will happen except God…God the Father. When His disciples asked when the end of the age and His return would happen, Jesus responded:

However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. Matthew 24:36

Jesus also said…You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:44

Are you ready…have you got your ducks in a row?

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 12; Mark 3; Luke 6

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Yom Kippur begins at Sunset

Meditate on the Offerings of Purification

Yom Kippur starts at sundown today and continues until sunset tomorrow. It is a Day of Atonement, especially to God for individuals and for their nation. The Jews are still looking for their Messiah—but as our tour guide, Amir, explained when we visited Israel—it is a Messiah for their nation, not for each individual. It was an epiphany moment for me as I thought about these two concepts. Jews are looking for a national Messiah and they seek repentance as a nation during Yom Kippur. Our western culture seeks individual salvation, while the countries of eastern cultures seek national salvation. God does not want anyone to be destroyed; not any nation or any individual. He wants them to repent.

The Jewish day begins at sunset...and ends at sunset.
Illuminating the clouds we see the light of the world.
Is the Light of the World, Jesus, in your heart?

That is what Yom Kippur is all about. Repentance.

A permanent law or statute. Can’t change it. God decreed it. That’s the way it is. Don’t work—just worship and honor God—atone for your sins for the year. That is what this Holy Day of Yom Kippur is all about—purification from sin. Note that it says “you will be purified in the LORD’s presence from all your sins.” This isn’t something that people can do for themselves. The Lord God purifies us—He removes the sin. That is atonement. But we have to come to Him, admitting our mistakes and humbly seeking forgiveness. Prepare your heart daily—continually praying to the Lord. Paul wrote such advice to the church at Thessalonica.

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 NASB

Pray continually and stay away from anything evil. Good advice then…and today. Are you seeking atonement? The Day of Atonement is tomorrow, actually beginning at sundown today. On that day offerings of purification will be made for you, and you will be purified in the LORD's presence from all your sins. An offering of purification will be offered for you. Your sins will be forgiven...just ask.

The shofar is sounded at the end of the final service in the synagogue on Yom Kippur, some say to represent the closing of heaven gates or the temple’s gates. It is significant of the reconciliation with God and with others that has taken place…or should have…in the last ten or more days.

Do you feel that during this time of Yom Kippur you have sought repentance and received renewal?

Prayer – Lord God, strengthen us to continually be in conversation with You that we would be in Your presence and in that we would stay away from evil. I praise You for Your plan for our lives that we can stand before You one day, holy and pure. Atoned of our sin.

Daily Bible Reading: John 5

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Monday, October 7, 2019

No Greater Love

Meditate or Memorize?

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:12-17

Small brass cross from Korea.
Jesus laid down His life for His friends.

Jesus spoke about friends and friendship often. He considered the disciples His friends…as well as His followers. He commanded them to love each other…like He loved them. He loved them with His life. He loves us in the same way. He gave His life for us. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. He chose them and He has chosen each of us and taught us what the Father wanted us to know; what He commanded. Love. Love each other. That is what life is all about. Love.

Produce lasting fruit. That fruit is listed in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. …the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23. I see again that one of the qualities of the fruit of the Spirit is love. That is the same love that Jesus was talking about… no greater love. God’s love. It is lasting fruit. Forever. Everlasting. Eternal.

How do you show that fruit…that love? Love for each other?

Prayer ~ Jesus, Thank You. You are the greatest friend to everyone…and my friend. I praise You. Help me—as well as my family, friends, and neighbors to love each other…as You would love each of us.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 8; Mark 2

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Sunday, October 6, 2019

Friend of the World or God?

Meditate on this:

Don't you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. What do you think the Scriptures mean when they say that the spirit God has placed within us is filled with envy? But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, "God opposes the proud but favors the humble." So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:4-7

Friend of the world or friend of God? A person can’t be both.

The Greek word for friend, φίλος, is transliterated as phílos. The word friendship has the same Greek root…philos. The disciples knew Greek as well as Hebrew or Aramaic.

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. James 4:8

How can a person want to please the anything evil and then think that they can please God? Whether it is seeking the attention and acceptance of the drinkers, smokers and partygoers in the high school crowd or the bar hoppers, fast drivers, cursers, fornicators or satan worshippers in the adult group that deliberately reject God there can be no doubt that they are not friends of God. Where do you stand with God? Do you humble yourself before God and seek to please Him…or do you want to please someone or something in the world that ultimately rejects God? Choose today whom you will serve.

Don't worship the cross.
Worship God...the Creator, Savior, Friend.

Cross from Medjugorje

Like Joshua in the Old Testament, I choose to serve the Lord.

But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

Who do you serve?

Prayer ~ I trust You with my life and I hope that the decisions…the choices…I make are pleasing to You and bring You glory and honor.

Daily Bible Reading: John 2-4

Happy Birthday, Evelyn!

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Saturday, October 5, 2019

Friend?

Meditate on this:

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

I’ve been thinking for a couple of months about the word “friend” and friendship. What does it mean Biblically or spiritually? What did Jesus teach about being a friend? This next month or so I want to focus on what it means to be a friend…and what it takes to develop a friendship. I’ve asked some people where they find their friends…and I’m contemplating why friendships last…or don’t. What are the qualities of a friend? What does it take to be a good friend…or to have a good friend? There are books and books about this…but I still want to see what God has to say to me…and to each person who is reading this blog. Let me know what you think about the topic of friends.

Desert Crossing
Abraham's friend as they traveled to the Promised Land
Israel

Who is a friend of God? One of the first people mentioned in the Bible associated with the word friend is Abraham. He was even called the friend of God. Why was he considered a friend of God? Was it due to his obedience? Remember Abram (Abraham’s pre-God experience name) and Sarai (Sarah), his wife, left the region of Ur of the Chaldeans along with Abram’s father, Terah, and nephew, Lot, and headed for Canaan—the land promised by God. (See Genesis 11-12.) After Terah died, Abram received God’s promise. “I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you.” Genesis 12:2. God hadn’t given any of Abram’s ancestors…Adam and Eve or Noah any such promise. But He looked into Abram’s heart and saw a righteous man—a man of integrity. A man who could be trusted to listen and obey; one who trusted God for the future.

Consider the challenges that Abram faced traveling to a new country, famines and unknown situations like a Pharaoh who thought Sarai was Abram’s sister. Abram was not very forthright about his relationship to Sarai a couple of times—but God protected them…and thus protected the future Hebrew people. That is one of the things friends do for each other—protect each other. God kept His promise to Abram that He would make him a great nation—but Abram and Sarai did not have any children at that time. Still God promised to bless them. He had a plan. Abram and Sarai were part of that plan.

Do you trust God to provide for you…to be your God? Is He your friend…are you His friend?

Prayer ~ Lord God…Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you. Psalm 9:10. May You fill my heart and life with confidence in You…like that of Abram…as I search for You with all my heart, mind, and soul.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 4; Luke 4-5

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Friday, October 4, 2019

Covenant for Friends

Meditate on this:

The LORD is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. Psalm 25:14

The promise in this verse we started yesterday is that the Lord will teach them (His friends) his covenant. So what is His covenant? There are several covenants, which are agreements or promises, that God made with man…with people, beginning with Adam and Eve. God also established covenants of promise with Noah, Abraham, Moses and David. The most significant maybe the one that Jesus gives Last Supper, describing the promise of the sacrifice He was about to make.

This is my Body broken for you.
God's covenant with you.

As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "Take this and eat it, for this is my body." And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, "Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many." Matthew 26:26-28.

The Ten Commandments were part of the promises God gave to Moses…and that Jesus continued to teach to His followers as guidelines by which to live.

Usually when a covenant was made two people gave something as a pledge to the other person, but when God made His covenants with men He did all the “giving” and the people did the receiving. With Jesus it was the same…He gave His life…and we received salvation. During His ministry He spent a considerable amount of time and energy teaching. Consider His Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapters five through seven. He gives specific directions like…treat others the way you want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). He also taught His disciples and followers, including us, on how to pray by the example He provided in what we know as the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Jesus’ covenant is His promise of salvation to all who believe in Him which was given to us in a discussion with the Pharisee Nicodemus.

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

So Jesus was teaching His covenant to Nicodemus…and to everyone in the world. God gave His Son as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind…the whole world. That is about the greatest covenant—the greatest promise—that has ever or could ever be given. Is it one that you have accepted…or would you like to?

Prayer ~ Lord God, Thank You for the great covenant You have made with us. I am honored that You would provide such an enduring promise for me. Please continue to teach me, giving me a deeper understanding of You and the way You want me to live.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

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, fruit and tasty cakes. Try this one with all those recently harvested apples or pears.

Simple Apple or Pear Cake

½ cup oil

2 eggs

2 cups flour

2 tsp vanilla

4 cups chopped apples or pears

1¾ cups sugar

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp salt

½ cup chopped pecans, optional – can sprinkle on top of cake before baking

Combine all ingredients. Pour into a greased and floured 9 X 13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. This will store and keep fresh for a week or more. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped topping.

This is an apple birthday cake for you, Lisa!

Happy Birthday, Dear Lisa!

Blessings

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Thursday, October 3, 2019

The Lord is a Friend

Meditate on this:

The LORD is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. Psalm 25:14

The Lord teaches. What a gracious God we have. He cares enough about us—about mankind—that He teaches us—how to live...what it means to please Him. Wasn't that one of the purposes for Jesus to come to earth, to teach us? A Pharisee named Nicodemus who became a follower of Jesus spoke to Him one evening.

After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. "Rabbi," he said, "we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you." John 3:2

Show us the right path.
Take our hand and lead us along Your way.
Hiking on the Badger Mt trail.
Richland, WA.

The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. Psalm 25:8-9.

The Lord is a friend to those who show respect...fear...towards Him. What does it mean to be a friend...of God, of the Lord...and of others—fellow believers or non-believers? We occasionally sing an old hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" that stresses His devotion to us...to care for us, bearing our sins and griefs. It is our privilege to take all our cares to Jesus in prayer. That's what friends do for each other...they care. We know that Jesus will take our requests to His Father. He will be our mediator.

Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. Hebrews 7:25

The Lord is our friend—we just have to trust Him...and fear Him. To "fear" is to respect. Do you respect Jesus Christ...is He your Lord and Savior? He is mine. My Lord, my Savior, my teacher. My friend.

Prayer ~ LORD, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remembers me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O LORD. Psalm 25:1-7

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 2

Happy Okinawan Birthday – Lisa Chan

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Wednesday, October 2, 2019

The Lord Bless You

Meditate on this:

The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 NASB

During the Rosh Hashanah worshipers gathered for a group meal and together in unison recite this blessing above from Numbers. What a wonderful blessing…the Lord’s face shine on you. That is what Moses experienced.

It came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the testimony were in Moses' hand as he was coming down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him. So when Aaron and all the sons of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. Exodus 34:29-30 NASB

Are you experiencing God's peace.?
Prosser, WA Balloon Festival.

Peace…God’s peace. Seek it with all your heart.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 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 4:4-8

Did you thank God today for all He has done for you?

Are you thinking about what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable? May the Lord bless you—and let His face shine on you and give you His peace.

Prayer ~ Bless You LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless Your holy name. Bless You LORD, O my soul, and I will not forget Your benefits…. Psalm 103:1-2 NASB

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 1; Luke 2

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Are You Listening?

Meditate on this:

What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:50-53

Time to Rest.

God values rest. The Feast of Trumpet is a resting holiday that helps commemorate Creation. God created the heavens and the earth, plants, animals and people in six days and then He rested. He expects us to do the same. Rest. That is even one of His Ten Commandments.

Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. Exodus 20:8-11

God is pretty serious about keeping this day sacred, holy and restful. No work. He decreed that He… will destroy anyone among you who does any work on that day (Leviticus 23:30). That is very specific and since He gave that as a warning—if someone disobeyed they could expect to have their life ended. Would that make you not work on Rosh Hashanah? Great deterrent for any workaholic.

This scripture from Psalm 27 is traditionally read in the synagogues on the Jewish New Year.

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life…to behold the beauty of the Lord…and to meditate in His temple. Vs. 1, 4.

That is what I’m looking forward to…to live forever in the house of the Lord…in Heaven. But to be there…along with family and friends…we must be pure…have repentant hearts as Jesus required. We wait patiently for the Lord’s return—in God’s time. Is that soon? Repent. Be ready and listen for the sound of the trumpet. The shofar is blown 100 times each day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, also known as the Feast of Trumpets. This Feast ends at sunset today. Listen for that last sounding of the trumpet.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus… Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the right path (Psalm 27:11). You are worthy of all praise and glory. I am listening for the sound of Your trumpet. Lord, may we rest in Your presence today—humbly seeking Your mercy in our lives. Thank you for hearing our prayers.

Daily Bible Reading: Luke 1; John 1

If you are following this daily Bible reading plan, you will note that we have finished reading the entire Old Testament and beginning today we are starting the New Testament. Congratulate yourself if you are up to date on this reading plan! Well done! If not, just read and rejoice in what the Lord is teaching you.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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