Banquet With The King

Thursday, August 13, 2020

A Glimpse of Heaven

Meditate as you walk.

I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Revelation 21:22-27

John is giving us a glimpse of Heaven—and it is glorious. No sun or moon because the light IS the glory of God…and it is from Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. The precious Lamb of God. Does that mean there is no night…only day? Maybe so.

No Moon in Heaven. No night?
We will just have to wait and see.

Imagine people from every nation walking in that illumination. Purity is at the very heart of the city—the New Jerusalem. No evil. No idolatry. No dishonesty. Everything just as God had originally created it. Pure and undefiled. Look into that Lamb’s Book of Life. I’m trusting the Lord that my name is there. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Is your name there?

Prayer ~ Lord, it is exciting that You have given us a glimpse of Heaven, just to whet our appetites. I ask that as people read this passage that if they don’t know You as their personal savior, that they would seek You with all of their heart and find that relationship that You and they desire. Thank You.

Verse of Salvation ~ Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Revelation 21:27

What a great promise of salvation. Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life…will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. That’s where I want to be someday. Are you going to be there?

Happy International Left-Handers Day!

Two of my seven grandchildren are lefties—so I’m often aware of the things like using right-handed scissors and golf clubs, that they must endure. Go lefties. Lefties are frequently are smarter in math and music. I hope so.

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.

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Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Who Are Your Friends?

Meditate as you walk.

Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16

Imagine God living and walking among His people?! He led the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land guiding them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The quote in this passage is associated with the consecration of the Tabernacle while they were wandering in the wilderness on their way to their new home in that Promised Land.

Paul gave such wise advice to the Christians at the church at Corinth at the beginning of this passage…Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. Choose your friends and ultimately your spouse from those you meet who are Christian—God’s people. Choose righteousness, harmony, light and to be God’s temple. Did you know that you are the temple of God?

Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

God commanded His people not to worship idols. It is one of the Ten Commandments. He is definitely a powerful and a jealous God. We are to have no other gods before Him. He is the one true, holy God. I claim the promise that Jesus gave His disciples that He would be with them always…even to the end of the age. See Matthew 28:20. Jesus also promised that God would send the Holy Spirit to His followers. This Spirit of truth, the Advocate, Helper, or Counselor is the Holy Spirit.

But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. John 15:26

But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Advocate won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. John 16:7

Holy Spirit is often pictured as a dove.
The Spirit of Truth

So God, in the form of the Holy Spirit, is with me even now…walking and living with me. How about you? Are you a follower of Jesus—is He your Messiah? Is your heart the temple for the living God? Is the Holy Spirit walking and living with you even now? If not, seek Jesus today while there is still time. Our lives have no guarantee that we will live here on earth for any number of weeks, months, or years. If we accept Jesus as our Savior, we do have a guarantee that we will live eternally with Him in Heaven one day and that we will become part of the Kingdom of God the minute we believe. The Kingdom of God is at hand (Mark 1:15).

Prayer ~ Lord God, we don't live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it's to honor You. And if we die, it's to honor You. So whether we live or die, we belong to You, Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose--to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. From Romans 14:7-9. I am honored to walk and live with You, Lord, whether it is here or eternally in Heaven. I adore You.

Verses of Salvation ~ Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death. Psalm 86:11-13 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Salvation is rescue from the depths of death—eternal death—separation forever from God.

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Tuesday, August 11, 2020

What about the Israelites today?

Meditate as you walk.

You have declared today that the LORD is your God. And you have promised to walk in his ways, and to obey his decrees, commands, and regulations, and to do everything he tells you. The LORD has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands. And if you do, he will set you high above all the other nations he has made. Then you will receive praise, honor, and renown. You will be a nation that is holy to the LORD your God, just as he promised." Deuteronomy 26:17-19

This was God’s promise through Moses to the nation of Israel. Great promise. As adopted children of God—that is what believers since Christ are considered—we can claim the same promises. You are His people, His own special treasure. We still need to respond as Moses told the Israelites—obey His decrees, command and regulations—not because we HAVE to, but because as God’s chosen children, we WANT to be obedient and His holy people. What about the Israelites?

It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God's grace--his undeserved kindness in choosing them. And since it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it really is--free and undeserved. So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have--the ones God has chosen--but the hearts of the rest were hardened. Romans 11:5-7

And what of the non-Jew?

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced." Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." Romans 10:9-13

What about you? Have you called on the name of the Lord and been saved?

Pray for Israel...for Jerusalem.
Pray for each Israelite to know Jesus as their own Messiah.

Prayer ~ Lord God…But I ask, have the people of Israel actually heard the message? Yes, they have: "The message has gone throughout the earth, and the words to all the world." But I ask, did the people of Israel really understand? Yes, they did, for even in the time of Moses, You said, "I will rouse your jealousy through people who are not even a nation. I will provoke your anger through the foolish Gentiles." From Romans 10:18-19. Help more Israelites hear and understand daily, that they would choose Jesus as their personal Messiah, while there is still time.

Verses of Salvation ~ But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15

Where are your feet walking to spread the Good News about Jesus? How will you apply this scripture to your life today?

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Monday, August 10, 2020

Walk with Integrity

Meditate as you walk.

For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Proverbs 2:6-8

Do you want wisdom? This passage tells us that God is the one who gives wisdom—He has knowledge and understanding…and gives common sense! How great is that?! How many people do you know that could use a dose of common sense? Do you need some? Sometimes I could use a bit more.

God is powerful, shielding the people who have integrity. Integrity is a really good thing in this world today. It is might be something that politicians and car dealers brag about…but do they really have it? Do you? Integrity is when people do the right thing when no one is looking. You have to judge for yourself—and consider your own options. It is such a great promise to know that God protects those with integrity and those who are faithful to Him. Actually, I think those are pretty much the same people. If a person has high integrity you can be sure they are fair to others and faithful to God.

Do you still think you need more wisdom? Ask for it. James wrote about asking for wisdom.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

God is good. He may seem like He is pretty busy right now with all that is going on in the world—but He still has time to hear our prayers…and if we ask, give us wisdom.

Now, what is your Kingdom response to the Word? How can you apply this passage to your life? How can you use it to encourage others?

Can you take your prayers to the Wailing Wall?
Ask for wisdom?
Jerusalem

Prayer ~ Lord, we have not stopped praying for other followers since we first heard about them. We ask You, Lord God, to give us all complete knowledge of Your will and to give us spiritual wisdom and understanding. From Colossians 1:9

Verse of Salvation ~ You have declared today that the LORD is your God. And you have promised to walk in his ways, and to obey his decrees, commands and regulations, and to do everything he tells you. The LORD has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands. And if you do, he will set you high above all the other nations he has made. Then you will receive praise, honor, and renown. You will be a nation that is holy to the LORD your God, just as he promised." Deuteronomy 26:17-19

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Sunday, August 9, 2020

Smile in the Light

Meditate as you walk.

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7

Don’t settle for stumbling around in the dark for the rest of your life. Get right with God. Allow Jesus, who is the light of the world, to clean you up, spiritually. He has already taken your sin to the cross—so accept what He has done and rejoice in the light of His love. Simple thing to do…but humbling as well. Who are you to not embrace the truth and live, or walk, in a way that honors God? Practice the truth—seek God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. God gives us a choice. Choose Jesus and choose life in the light forever. Reject Jesus and you will continue to walk in the darkness forever. Your choice. Personally, I choose Jesus as my own Savior.

Fellowship is a wonderful thing…when you can get it during this time of social distancing and isolation. Fellowshipping via Zoom is OK—but it still is not the same as sitting down with a cup of coffee or tea and Christian friends. Hugs would be appreciated—but let’s keep our distance. Let others know that you are smiling at them behind your mask. A smile can be very encouraging—and remember how your own smile elicited a smile from others…and to then others. That ripple effect that could just light up a room full of smiling faces. Keep smiling—as you remember what Jesus has done for you, your family, friends and neighbors.

Jesus is My Rock - guiding my way.
Chimney Rock, Nebraska
Guiding the travelers on the Oregon Trail.

Prayer ~ Dear God, The blood of Jesus cleanses me from all unrighteousness. Thank you, Jesus for Your sacrificial obedience on the cross. Please send me someone to be accountable to and to hold accountable that we would live in Your light, practicing the truth.

Verse of Salvation ~ The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted! 2 Samuel 22:47

The Word is the Rock of our Salvation. Jesus is the Word.

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Saturday, August 8, 2020

Are You Walking in the Darkness? You Won’t Have To If You Follow Jesus.

Meditate as you walk.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12

Jesus called His first disciples, who were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. Follow me and I will make you fishers of men. Soon after they became His followers He spoke to them and others saying that they didn’t have to walk in darkness…in the valley of the shadow of death…anymore. He was giving them life if they followed Him. We have the same promise today. If we follow Jesus, we won’t have to walk in darkness…in that valley of the shadow of death. We will die physically, but we’ll never die spiritually. God is a spiritual being. Jesus, as God, is a spiritual being. We have a spiritual aspect to our own being that will live forever with Jesus…if we follow Him…if we believe in Him as our Messiah, our Savior.

Jewish Museum depicting crucifixion on an old tree.
Israel

A Savior. Saving us from what you might ask? From darkness, spiritual death, our own selfish desires and sin. Jesus, as our Savior, took our sins upon Himself, died on the cross as the sacrifice for our sin. Everyone sins. We cannot escape it without a sacrifice. Since the beginning of mankind’s sin—with the rebellion of Adam and Eve—God has required a sacrifice for sin. Jesus fulfilled that sacrifice once for all people throughout all of history. Past, present and future. Just as He declared with His last breath. It is finished. Sin is forgiven.

Is Jesus your Messiah? Talk to Him today while there is still time to establish a relationship with Him.

Prayer ~ God, Thank you for forgiving my sin. Let no one experiencing brokenness—walking in the darkness—walk past me without my response in keeping with what the Holy Spirit wants me to do. Give me compassion towards others, as well as the humility and boldness to practice…to do…what You want me to do, to walk as You want me to live.

Verses of Salvation ~ Look up to the skies above, and gaze down on the earth below. For the skies will disappear like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing. The people of the earth will die like flies, but my salvation lasts forever. My righteous rule will never end! Isaiah 51:6

Salvation from God lasts forever. We only have to ask for forgiveness for a particular sin and repent once. Jesus has provided that forgiveness, once and for all.

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Friday, August 7, 2020

Did You See The Great Light?

Meditate as you walk.

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. Isaiah 9:2

Do you see a bright light? When I think of a bright light, I remember hearing stories of people who have had a trip to heaven—and returned to life. They experienced a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Those people may not have been walking in darkness, but they just had a near death or death experience and as they were dying they saw a bright light. That was definitely a bright light shining for them.

This passage in Isaiah predicted the Messiah coming to the land of Israel. The darkness, the shadow of death in which the Israelites were living, was life without the Messiah. The Messiah, Jesus Christ, brought them light, knowledge, and hope due to that light, just as Isaiah predicted. Jesus is the light of the world. His message of love and hope brought light when He first came to Israel, and now continues even today throughout the world. Hope to those living in darkness.

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. Isaiah 9:1-3

Will you rejoice as you see the light and develop a relationship with Jesus the Messiah?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, we see the great light that You shine for us. The light of truth, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control, joy, peace and above all, love. Thank you for the hope You provide for us.

Verse of Salvation ~ And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) Romans 8:23-25

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

There are recipes for food and then there are recipes for other things, like this one that a friend gave me a couple years ago to combat weeds.

Weed Killer

1 gallon vinegar

2 cups Epson salts

¼ cup Dawn dish soap (the original blue)

Mix it up and use in a spray bottle. It will kill anything you spray it on in the morning after the dew has evaporated. Go back after dinner and the weeds will be gone.

For a smaller amount mix:

3 cups vinegar

3 oz Epson salts

0.375 oz Dawn

Weeds were a problem for Adam and Eve after the fall, and weeds continue to be a problem. Here’s something that will be cheaper and safer than Round-up. Obviously, don’t eat or drink this.

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Thursday, August 6, 2020

Walk While You Can

Meditate as you walk.

Jesus replied, "My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light." After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them. John 12:35-36

These shoes were made for walking.

Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Darkness. Distress. Gloominess. Despondency. Depression. Dreariness. Obscurity. Corruption. Hate. These are the things that Jesus is saying…don’t let these things associated with darkness overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Blinded by the darkness. Faltering in their decisions. Unable to see clearly. Or rebelliously refusing to choose to walk in the light?

So opposite of that darkness is light. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-Control. Just to walk in the light is love. God is love. Jesus is the light of the world. Put your trust in the light while there is still time. Walk in the light while you can. While there is still time…while you can. Consider those time limits in your life. Judgment is inevitable. Enjoy life…and enjoy everlasting life—only if you seek the Lord while there is time—while you can.

Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. Psalm 32:6

Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life. Ecclesiastes 7:14

Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Isaiah 55:6

Prayer ~ Lord, as people look for You—seek You, I ask as that they would find You as I have. Shine Your light for us all—don’t let darkness impinge on our lives. No walking in darkness…only in Your light.

Verses of Salvation ~ I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty--but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Revelation 21:22-27

Salvation to those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. They will walk in God’s light. There will be no darkness.

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Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Turn on the Light and Shine

Meditate as you walk.

Who among you fears the LORD and obeys his servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the LORD and rely on your God. Isaiah 50:10

To “fear” the Lord is to respect Him. If you are walking in darkness, turn on the light! No need to fumble around in the dark when we have the power to switch on a light in an instant. Can you switch on the light that Jesus provides in just an instant? No need to walk around in spiritual darkness…without a ray of light…when we have Jesus and His promises at our disposal. You can trust in the Lord. There are at least thirty-eight verses in the Bible that tell us to…trust in the Lord. Here are a few:

· Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing. Psalm 34:10

· He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3

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

· But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7

· So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Hebrews 10:35

You can rely on your God because He is faithful, eternal, trustworthy, all powerful and all knowing. Additionally, He has promised to be with us always…even to the end of the earth. No need to walk in darkness. Jesus is the light of the world—and He wants your light to shine, too. Jesus taught:

You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16

Even as you sit six feet away from others…behind a mask…find a way to help others and be the hands and feet of the Lord in service those around you.

Prayer ~ Jesus, help me to walk and live in the light of Your teachings that I would totally trust in You and serve others for You.

Verses of Salvation ~ God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. - Matthew 5:11-12

That reward in heaven is the salvation that you seek here on earth. Seek to know Jesus as your Savior and establish a relationship with Him while there is still time.

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Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Walking in the Light

Meditate as you walk.

Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, LORD. Psalm 89:15

This is the beginning of some meditations on walking.

Are you happy? There are a lot of reasons to be happy…but for those who are Christians—followers of Jesus Christ—they are happy when they are called to worship. That doesn’t have to be just on Sunday morning…or even with a group of other Christians. You can worship the Lord anywhere…anytime! Any time one feels the presence of the Lord, or just wants to praise and adore Him. That is a worship time and a time to walk in the light. Jesus is the light of the world and gives light and spiritual inspiration to any who seek Him. We don’t have to walk in darkness…to walk or run in fear. No. When we have Jesus, we may be afraid of something—but He gives us light and hope. Hope for a new tomorrow…a brighter day.

I write this after having had some day that were a bit gloomy. It was discouraging to have anxiety and know that Jesus said not to be anxious. He said to cast all our cares, our worries on Him. Paul wrote to the church in Philippi about anxiety and worry.

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. Philippians 4:4-7

Was I failing as a Christian because I had anxiety? Was I disappointing the Lord because a I couldn’t just “get over it” instantaneously? I don’t think so. Anxiety is part of life…especially when we’re going through a world-wide pandemic like this COVID-19 epidemic. How are you feeling these days? Have you had your share of anxiety…or more than your share? Spend some time in worship…just you and the Lord. He is with you always, just as He promised.

… And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20

He is coming soon. Walk in the light…the light of His love. Thank Him for being part of your life…for His love, and joy and peace…for everything.

Prayer ~ Thank You Jesus for Your love and the salvation that You have provided. It is awesome to know You and to joyfully worship You.

Verses of Salvation ~ Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:1-3

Come quickly, Lord. You are the light of my salvation and I joyfully look forward to living eternally in our Father’s home.

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Monday, August 3, 2020

Is Your Heart Dulled by the Worries of this Life?

Meditate,

"Watch out! Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21:34-36

Jesus was speaking to His disciples in the Temple with many people listening as they had come to hear Him teach. They had asked Him about signs to look for in the coming destruction and end times. He told them to watch for wars, earthquakes, plagues, famines and persecution. He continues with the words of warning as we read above. Watch out! Don't let that day catch you unaware…. Keep alert at all times. Pray… He told them over and over…

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

When do you “expect” the Lord to return? Jesus Himself doesn’t even know…how can we be so bold as to assume we’ve got it figured out?

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

So all we can do is wait patiently and be ready. Be ready all the time…and continually share the truth about Jesus as the Messiah with others so that they have the opportunity to know Him personally as their Savior. Then they can tell others…so that soon the whole world will know that Jesus is the Messiah.

Jesus also told His disciples not to worry. Can you not worry about what tomorrow will bring…the hardships, persecution, wars, famines, pestilence (like COVID-19)? Trust in the Lord. He is with you no matter what the circumstances are. You can trust Him. I do.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I trust You to provide for the needs of my family, friends, and neighbors as we wait patiently for Your return. You are my Savior and I praise Your Holy Name and am grateful for all that You have done for me…more than I know or deserve. I deserve nothing…and yet I am richly blessed with a wonderful home, family,

Verse of Salvation ~ But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. Psalm 13:5

Jesus rescued me from the coming horrors and an eternity in hell. I trust in Jesus’ love and the salvation only He can provide.

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Sunday, August 2, 2020

What Are You Searching For?

Think. Meditate.

I am tired of living among people who hate peace. I search for peace; but when I speak of peace, they want war! Psalm 120:6-7

What are people looking or searching for on the Internet or YouTube today?

Peace – within themselves or the world

Happiness

Love and Acceptance

Job / Employment / Career Opportunities

Release from anger

End to social unrest

End to the COVID virus pandemic

Pornography

Travel

Education or videos of rare finds

Survival

Political information

Entertainment

Jesus

There is so much chaos in our world right now! You can’t tell me that those people rioting and “protesting” for more than 60 days in Portland, Oregon are seeking peace. It is best to just stay away from major metropolitan cities if at all possible right now—just too much trouble. The peacefulness of smaller towns is just that…peaceful. That is what people in my community of nearly 300,000 are seeking…and finding. Peace. Although there have been demonstrations that were noted in the local paper and the usual knifing and drive-by shootings that our police departments have appropriately handled. We have good police protection here that generally provides a peaceful environment and just what the people of our community are searching for. Peace. Happiness. Secure employment opportunities. Good Education, K-12 plus college. Entertainment and recreation. Religious freedom. We have it all here. No rioting necessary. We don’t want any more COVID-19 virus…so wear your mask. Survival at some level is what we all desire…right after love and acceptance. God has promised to give you your heart’s desires if you trust and obey Him.

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

Seek the Lord while there is time. We never know how many days we have left on this earth…so put your trust in the Lord Jesus today and tell others about Him. Can you do that?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You said…”Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." John 14:21. I love You, Lord. Please continue to reveal more of Your character and love to me and help me to share You with others.

Verses of Salvation ~ Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. We know we love God's children if we love God and obey his commandments. Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. - 1 John 5:1-3

Are you a child of God? If not, what are you looking for?

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Saturday, August 1, 2020

Praise the Lord

Meditate on God’s Word…and Praise Him.

Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! Psalm 103:1-5

Let all that I am praise the Lord—with my whole heart. What a wonderful expression of love to God. Praise Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. That is just what He wants us, in fact commanded us, to do. Here’s Moses’ message to the Israelites. He reviewed for them the Ten Commandments and provided details on how to apply those commandments to their lives as they were about to enter the Promised Land. This is also known as the Shema.

Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Deuteronomy 6:4-7

The Shema is recited in Hebrew by Jews for their morning and evening prayers. It is really beautiful in Hebrew. Check it out at the website www.thewordinhebrew.com and YouTube video. May I challenge you to memorize it in Hebrew?

God has so much for us to learn…about Him and about life. Read on in Psalm 103 about praising the Lord. When I was in High School our school choir sang a song that included Psalm 103. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me bless His holy name/For He is gracious and plenteous in mercy. Those were the days when we could at least sing and praise God in a public setting. Today, I am singing that song in my heart and mind. He is a gracious God…and He is my God. Is He your God? Do you claim His promises and mercy in your life?

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are awesome and worthy of praise. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone--as though we had never been here. But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. Your salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to Your covenant, of those who obey Your commandments! Psalm 103:15-18. Bless You, O my soul—all that is within me praises Your Holy Name.

Verses of Salvation ~ The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6

How can a person live in the house of the Lord forever without having Jesus as their Lord and Savior? They can't. Believe in Jesus as your Savior today…while there is still time.

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