Banquet With The King

Monday, October 21, 2019

Renewed Spirit and Body

Meditate on this:

Dear friends, we are already God's children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.

1 John 3:2

Friends—Christian friends. John was addressing those who love God and are called His children. One day all God’s children will be like Jesus. Renewed. Does that mean our bodies will be renewed at the end of time? Remember Jesus after His resurrection. He wasn’t recognized by the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Was His physical body changed? The disciples in the Upper Room and at the Sea of Galilee recognized Him. Will our physical bodies change? Will we be our younger selves in Heaven? Some people have suggested that from stories and visions of loved ones in Heaven.

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Colossians 3:10

The Fruit of the Spirit...
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness,and self-control.

Become like Christ.

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things [put on] love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

Colossians 3:12-14 NASB

Paul also talks about spiritual renewal. We don’t have to wait until Christ returns for spiritual renew…it happens now every day. I think it is by choice. We are only open to spiritual growth and renewal if we study God’s word…and are willing to applying it to our lives.

We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 2 Corinthians 4:14-16

As a child of God are you seeking spiritual growth?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NASB. I look forward to a new body…as well as a renewed spirit.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 17; Mark 9

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 20, 2019

End of Feast of Tabernacles

Meditate on this:

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" (When he said "living water," he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) John 7:37-39

This Festival, the Feast of Tabernacles, is eight days long. At the end of the Festival, Jesus announced to the crowd that He would provide living water to anyone who is thirsty. It was the custom to carry water daily from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple alter for the first seven days of the festival. On the eighth day, no water was carried—only empty jars were carried, assuming that the Messiah would miraculously one day fill those vessels with water. It was startling for the Jews there to hear Jesus pronounce "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" He was going to provide water? How could that be? That must have raised a lot of questions in their hearts and minds. Who was this Jesus?

For you (God) are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. Psalm 36:9

Had they been in Samaria with Jesus they would heard Him talk to the woman at the well about the living water after He asked her for a drink of water.

The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, "You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?" Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water."

"But sir, you don't have a rope or a bucket," she said, "and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? And besides, do you think you're greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?"

Jesus replied, "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." John 4:9-14 NLT

Fountain in Charleston, SC
Are you thirsty?

Are you thirsty yet? Similar Scripture considering the water of life is found in Revelation:

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." Let anyone who hears this say, "Come." Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. Revelation 22:17

Who is Jesus to you? Do you believe that He can provide you with living water?

Prayer ~ 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. Psalm 25:4-6

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 16; Mark 8

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 19, 2019

The Best of the Best

Meditate on Friendship with the Lord:

Don't envy violent people or copy their ways. Such wicked people are detestable to the LORD, but he offers his friendship to the godly. Proverbs 3:31-32

Jesus offers his friendship to the godly. Can you hear that song in the back of your mind…What a Friend We Have in Jesus? He’s the bestest friend anyone could have! That may not be the best grammar, but the message is the best! We who live to please Him…who want to walk in His ways…those who are godly—seeking God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength may be considered His friends. He is our best friend. The best of the best.

Solomon offered such wise advice to not envy violent people or copy their ways. We become like those we hang out with. That’s why we tell our children and grandchildren to be careful who they choose as friends. Violent people, whether it is physical violence or an abusive tongue,

Hang out and do fun things with good friends and family.

are not good role models or “friends”. Consider more of Solomon’s wisdom…

The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; the words of the wicked conceal violent intentions. Proverbs 10:11

Violent people mislead their companions, leading them down a harmful path. Proverbs 16:29

Here’s another promise from God to claim day by day. Claim it and feel the love of God protecting you. What a friend we have to rescue and protect us.

You who love the LORD, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked. Psalm 97:10

Do you treat your friends like Jesus treats you?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. You direct the steps of the godly. You delight in every detail of our lives. Psalm 37:23. Thank you.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 15; Mark 7

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 18, 2019

Two or More Friends Together

Meditate on this:

Jesus said…"I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." Matthew 18:19-20

Jesus promised. He is with us when two or more are gathered together. Friends together. Gather together…and pray. He has promised to not abandon us. He is with us…ahead of us, with us, behind us…always.

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:8 (& Hebrews 13:5)

Don’t be afraid. Fear is a powerful emotion.

Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

The soul is the important thing. It is forever. For everyone. As the Hebrew people were taught by Moses after God gave them the Ten Commandments:

These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the LORD your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you. 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. Deuteronomy 6:1-7

Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning. 2 John 1:6

Love God…love others. Give God the respect and love He deserves. Fear is respect.

Sound the alarm in Jerusalem! Raise the battle cry on my holy mountain! Let everyone tremble in fear because the day of the LORD is upon us. Joel 2:1

Prayer ~ Lord God, I love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Help me to follow Your commandments and to love those around me…as I love You and myself.

Daily Bible Reading: John 6

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is soup weather again—and time for a combination of my favorites…fish tacos and soup. This soup blends friends like avocados and chilis.

Mick’s Taco Fish Soup 8 servings

8 corn tortillas, cut into 1/2 inch strips

Vegetable oil for frying

Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper and chili powder

2 pounds fish fillets, rockfish, red snapper or cod is a good choice

¼ tsp cumin powder, or more if desired

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 limes, juiced, plus lime wedges for garnish

1 pablano chili (mild) or serrano chili (if you prefer-hot), chopped

3 cups vegetable broth with ½ tsp thyme, 2 bay leaves, and two cloves chopped garlic

6 cups boiling water

1 green onion, sliced, for garnish

4 ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks, for garnish

2 ripe avocados, peeled and cut into chunks, for garnish

Cilantro leaves, for garnish

Grated cheddar cheese, if desired, for garnish.

Cut up the fish into pieces about 1” by 2”, sprinkle with cumin, cover with chopped chili pepper, drizzle with the lime juice and olive oil and set aside in the refrigerator to marinate about 15 minutes while you chop the green onion, tomato, and avocado.

For the tortillas: Heat about 1/4-inch vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cut the tortillas into 1/2-inch wide strips. Fry the tortilla strips in batches and drain them on paper towels; season with salt, pepper and chili powder while they are still hot.

For the soup: Heat the broth, water and seasonings to boil and simmer until the meat and vegetable are in the bowls. Saute the marinated fish over medium heat for a few minutes, using the lime-oil marinate. Cook just until the fish are no longer raw, but not falling apart.

Divide the fish equally into eight servings and place each in the bottom of a large soup bowl. Top with some onion, tomato, avocado, and cilantro leaves. Ladle in the hot broth and squeeze in a lime wedge. Top with tortilla strips and add cheddar cheese, just like a taco. Serve and enjoy.

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 17, 2019

To What or to Whom are You a Slave?

Meditate on this:

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. John 15:15

Slavery. It has always existed and always will—in one form or another. Right now there is a problem with sex trafficking and slavery associated with that. Pray for the victims of that slavery.

Other forms of slavery are spiritual or emotional. We can’t escape it…but sometimes we can choose to whom we’ll be enslaved.

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 6:16

Paul had such wisdom in that whole chapter in Romans. Read it and see what else you can learn from it. God really blessed him…and us through him if we just follow that teaching. Be careful to whom or to what you become enslaved. It is like becoming addicted to something…like cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, brand name clothes, a sports team, or a particular TV show. It’s all the same…addiction… bondage. Jesus isn’t holding us as slaves, but is considering us as friends. I would rather be a slave to Jesus—or His friend—than to be in bondage to sin. He gives us the “key” to that freedom from enslavement by telling us everything that God the Father wants us to know. Once again the best of that is…

Which key will open your heart?

…'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.' Matthew 22:37-39

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Will you take that “key” and open your heart to the freedom that God offers; the friendship that Jesus has promised?

Prayer ~ Lord, give us wisdom to make good choices about our loyalties, the things to which we become enslaved. In addition, please protect women and children who are being persecuted and enslaved in sex trafficking. Hide them for those who would want to use their bodies for financial gain. Give them the gift not only of knowing You and eternal life, but freedom from oppression. Provide a new life and hope for them.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 14; Mark 6; Luke 9

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 16, 2019

What Does It Take To Be A Friend?

Meditate on this…

O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? 2 Chronicles 20:7

Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, spoke to the people of Judah before the Temple in Jerusalem and prayed this prayer…this scripture…to God. He called Abraham a friend of God. Other places in the Bible note that same thing.

But as for you, Israel my servant, Jacob my chosen one, descended from Abraham my friend…. Isaiah 41:8

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

God and Abraham didn’t start out to be “friends” but their relationship developed into a friendship. What does it take to be a friend of God? Obedience. That was what Abraham offered to his friendship with God. God offered the Promised Land…here on earth and in heaven.

Then the LORD took Abram outside and said to him, "Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That's how many descendants you will have!" Genesis 15:5 NLT

God showed Abraham the night sky filled with stars and said that Abraham would have that many descendants someday. Without any children at that point in his life, Abraham just had to trust God for His promise. Do you think that he may have doubted God? His wife Sarai, later Sarah, certainly did. She laughed. She was an old woman—and who’d thought that she could have a child? God did. Never doubt. Anything is possible with God. That takes faith to believe. "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." So faith was part of their relationship…and their friendship.

Let the camels rest...we have arrived in the Promised Land.
Israel

What does it take to be a friend? Trust and faith in each other. A willingness to spend time together.

God and Abraham spent time together. Imagine all that time that Abraham spent riding his camel along the rivers and across the desert from Harran to the Promised Land (see Genesis 11 and 12) as he obediently went where God told him to go. Do you think Abraham talked to God along the way? We are told to pray constantly. That is “talking” to God.

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

You have to talk…and listen to those around you to become friends. The same thing applies to become a friend of God.

What does it take to become a friend of God? Spend time with Him. Listen. Be obedient to His Word and faithful to living the way He wants you to live. Like Abraham, you’ll become known as a friend of God.

Prayer ~ Lord God, continue to fill my heart, soul, mind and give me strength as I seek to know You more…and become Your friend.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 10

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 15, 2019

Be Careful With Whom You Worship

Meditate on this…

Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, 'Come, let us worship other gods'—gods you have not known before—do not listen to them. The LORD your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul. Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him. ... Suppose someone secretly entices you—even your brother, your son or daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend—and says, 'Let us go worship other gods'—gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known. They might suggest that you worship the gods of peoples who live nearby or who come from the ends of the earth. But do not give in or listen. Have no pity, and do not spare or protect them. Deuteronomy 13:1-4, 6-8

What does this scripture remind you of? Someone coming to your door or chatting with you at work about “their church” which seems to mimic Christianity and looks like a lot of other churches you know about…except for some of their “leaders” and customs. Who can you trust for the truth? Look at God’s word is what I’ve always been taught. Compare what others say with what the Bible says—and that is a lot easier today with searchable Bible text on-line like Blue Letter Bible or Bible Gateway.

Who is trying to teach you or entice you to follow other gods? Is it, as Moses asked… Your sister,…your brother, your son or daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend? Even your closest friend. Don’t be led astray. Know what you know…or search out what you know is right, true and good. When you have an uneasy feeling…it is probably wrong. God gives peace.

The Lord will show you which path to take.
Focus on the true, honorable, right, pure. lovely
and admirable.

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

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. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

So, be careful with whom you worship…and who you worship. My hope for you is peace…the peace of the true God. Clear and unmistakable.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, come close to each of us today…filling us with Your love, power, knowledge and understanding—keeping evil, discouragement and fear far from us. Help us to be discerning.

Daily Bible Reading: Mark 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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Monday, October 14, 2019

Friends…IF

Meditate on this…if:

You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:14

A tree standing guard over the Land of Israel.
Be strong and courageous.

Jesus claimed that His friends had to follow His commandments. That instruction to keep the commandments goes way back in the Old Testament. Jesus was obedient to the Father…we should follow His example of obedience in our lives.

For I command you this day to love the LORD your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.

Deuteronomy 30:16

The Lord gave instructions to Joshua when he took over the leadership of the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land.

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:7-9

Obedience and faithfulness are keys to following Jesus’ commands.

But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! Psalm 103:17-18

You might ask…What were Jesus’ commands? In this scripture below Jesus was in a discussion with Sad was Jesus response when asked which was the greatest commandment.

Jesus replied, "Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don't know the power of God. For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven. But now, as to whether the dead will be raised--haven't you ever read about this in the writings of Moses, in the story of the burning bush? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said to Moses, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' So he is the God of the living, not the dead. You have made a serious error." One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" 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." The teacher of religious law replied, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law." Mark 12:24-33

Are you listening to Jesus’ instructions and following His commands? Do you consider yourself a friend of Jesus?

Prayer ~ Lord, open our eyes and ears to hear what you are saying and help us to not only understand the deep meaning of Your teachings but to apply them to our lives. As You taught Your disciples from Isaiah 6, I ask that…our hearts not be hardened, and please let our ears hear, and our eyes be opened—so that we can understand, and turn to You and You can heal us. In Your mercy Lord—may we be attentive to Your every word.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 13; Luke 8

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 13, 2019

Meditate on This

Feast of Tabernacles

After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters, and Jesus' brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! ... Jesus replied, "Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime. ... You go on. I'm not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come." After saying these things, Jesus remained in Galilee. But after his brothers left for the festival, Jesus also went, though secretly, staying out of public view. ... Then, midway through the festival, Jesus went up to the Temple and began to teach. The people were surprised when they heard him. "How does he know so much when he hasn't been trained?" they asked. So Jesus told them, "My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. ... On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" (When he said "living water," he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) When the crowds heard him say this, some of them declared, "Surely this man is the Prophet we've been expecting." Others said, "He is the Messiah." Still others said, "But he can't be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee? For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born." So the crowd was divided about him. Some even wanted him arrested, but no one laid a hand on him. John 7:1-3, 6, 8-10, 14-17, 37-44

Prayer request in Jerusalem, Israel

The next Jewish feast is the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles. Jesus celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot. I can imagine that He was invited to share meals with various Jews in Jerusalem as they had built their family sukkot shelter and ate their meals there. This Festival was one that Jewish men were required to go to the Temple in Jerusalem—so there Jesus was even though this scripture passage tells us that He didn’t want to go there. He obediently went to the Temple and used that as an opportunity to teach.

He could certainly teach us a few things about Jewish holidays and customs. The instructions for this particular Feast were given to Moses by God, as recorded in Leviticus.

"Remember that this seven-day festival to the LORD--the Festival of Shelters--begins on the fifteenth day of the appointed month, after you have harvested all the produce of the land. The first day and the eighth day of the festival will be days of complete rest. On the first day gather branches from magnificent trees--palm fronds, boughs from leafy trees, and willows that grow by the streams. Then celebrate with joy before the LORD your God for seven days. You must observe this festival to the LORD for seven days every year. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed in the appointed month from generation to generation. For seven days you must live outside in little shelters. All native-born Israelites must live in shelters. This will remind each new generation of Israelites that I made their ancestors live in shelters when I rescued them from the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God." –

Leviticus 23:39-43

The Israelites then and now needed to be reminded of God’s rescue of them from slavery. It’s a good reminder for Christians, too. We are rescued from the slavery of sin just as much as the Jews were saved from oppression in Egypt. God continues to rescue them and us. It is a little chilly here now, with the low temperatures the last couple of days below freezing, so it wouldn’t be much fun camping out in the yard or on the deck with tree branches covering us. The idea is not to just live outside in little shelters, but to remember what the Lord has done for us. Celebrate with joy.

Prayer ~ Lord, I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness. Psalm 119:40

Daily Bible Reading: Luke 11

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 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

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.

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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