Banquet With The King

Monday, March 22, 2021

Fellowship and Caring

Meditate.

And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. 1 John 5:20

Our goal is to know the Lord more each day…to understand Him…and with His wisdom and understand, serve Him.

When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God's blessing. But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it. Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don't believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and endurance. Hebrews 6:7-12

Jesus fed 5,000 men and families with a couple of fish.
What are you doing to feed the hungry?

We live in fellowship with God and with Christ Jesus. This God of ours is the true God—just, loving and caring. He has promised us blessings—greatest of all to me is the one that “He will never leave us or forsake us.” We know God cares for us. Are we showing His love to others? Do you do as the writer of Hebrews noted: He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do…? Are you caring for other believers? Make it a goal for today to share and show your caring love for those you know who serve our risen Lord and Savior. I know I need to be better at this.

Prayer ~ Lord, help me seek to know You more each day in our fellowship and to serve others for You. Please continue bless Isaac with Your wisdom and understanding.

Verses of Salvation ~ I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity--the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:1-5 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Happy Birthday Isaac.

May God Continue to Bless You as You Mature in Christ.

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

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Sunday, March 21, 2021

Who is Lord of Your Life?

Meditate. Who is God to you?

"My Lord and my God!" Thomas exclaimed. John 20:28

So you are saved, but consider who is God to you? He was the Lord to Thomas. Who is really Lord of your life? Do you spend more time on YouTube or reading and studying your Bible and meditating on God’s Word? Do you consider yourself a “mature” Christian? How do you become a “mature” Christian? Spiritual growth is important. Consider what the writer of Hebrews said.

There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don't seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God's word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn't know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. Hebrews 5:11-14

So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don't need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don't need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on --of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. Hebrews 6:1-3

Move forward. You’ve got the basic fundamentals of knowledge about Christianity—about God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ who gave His life for us and then was resurrected, and the precious Holy Spirit who guides us daily as we strive to grow in Christ.

Become mature. We are continually going through the process of sanctification as we live to follow Christ’s teachings and become holy—but not on our own—only through the power of the Holy Spirit. Then what is left of our lives? We can serve Him…just as He served others. Jesus left us with the Great Commission. The book of Matthew was originally written to Jews, but Jesus did not mean for only the Jews to spread the Gospel.

Baptism in the Jordan River
Israel

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

As you build your relationship with the Lord today consider who can you reach for Him?

Prayer ~ Lord God, open my eyes to see who You want me to reach for You…and how I can make them to know You as their Savior. Thank You that You have promised to be with us always. Your presence in our lives is precious.

Verse of Salvation ~ My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. James 5:19-20

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

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Saturday, March 20, 2021

Is Seeing Believing?

Meditate. Is seeing believing?

No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father's heart. He has revealed God to us. John 1:18

Do you have to see something to believe in it? This passage tells us that the unique One, Jesus, who is himself God, shows us who God the Father is. Believing in Jesus allows us to not only see Him, but to see the Father. Jesus had some interesting discussions with His disciples, particularly with Thomas, who was called Doubting Thomas.

Jesus told him (Thomas), "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!" John 14:6-7

Then Jesus told him (Thomas, after His resurrection), "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me." John 20:29

Jesus compassionately came to earth to heal, teach, and help people know God the Father and establish relationships with them. Do you think that you need to see to believe?

At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. Then he told John's disciples, "Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him, 'God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.'" Luke 7:21-23

Then Jesus told him (a blind man he had healed), "I entered this world to render judgment—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind." John 9:39

We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. 1 John 1:1-4

Listen. Learn and apply what Jesus is teaching us. The relationship we each have with Christ Jesus and with our Heavenly Father is the most important relationship we can ever know. Know God by knowing Jesus. Share the joy! This joy goes beyond salvation…and it will continue in our relationship with God into our eternal life with Him.

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! Matthew 11:15

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are unique…and You created each of us to be like You…in Your image…unique. Open our eyes and ears to know You more deeply and thank you for the opportunity to spiritually see the Father—whom no one has ever seen.

Verse of Salvation ~ See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory." With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! Isaiah 12:2-3

Holy Family Shrine
Gretna, Nebraska

Bible Trivia ~ Question: What did Jesus say to the thief on the cross?

Answer: And Jesus replied, "I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:43 NLT

Original Greek: καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς, Ἀμήν λέγω σοι σήμερον μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ ἔσῃ ἐν τῷ παραδείσῳ Luke 23:43 TR

The underlined word is the word translated for “today.” Note that there is no punctuation, i.e. a comma, depicting whether it means…today you will be with me in paradise, or I assure you today, you will be with me in paradise. All common English translations put the comma before the “today” indicating that they would be in paradise that day, but this is something about which to think about for yourself. When do we go to heaven? At death…or do we sleep until the Rapture? Search for the answer for yourself and comment on this blog.

Bible Trivia Question for the week: What does “Hosanna” mean? Used in Matthew 21:9 and John 12:13.

"KATA LOUKAN (Luke) 23 (TR) -." Blue Letter Bible. Web. 19 Mar, 2021. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/tr/luk/23/43/s_996043>.
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Friday, March 19, 2021

The Word

Meditate.

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:1-5

The Word of God
The Torah at a Synagogue in Israel

The Word. The Word was God. Jesus is the Word. He gave life to everything that was created and He is the light shining in the darkness…even today. Jesus is the Word of God. He is God. How is your relationship with Him today?

Prayer ~ Lord, shine Your light shine in and through me.

Verse of Salvation ~ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17

The armor of God is essential in spiritual warfare. Read Ephesian 6:10-20

Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table

We can’t live on bread alone. Jesus said…"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. " Matthew 5:13.

Consider all the different salts on the market today. Not just table salt, pickling salt, Kosher salt, ionized salt, and the pink Himalayan salt. There are Celtic salts, Hawaiian black salt and Hawaiian red salt, Fleur de Sel, Smoked Salt, Flaked Salt and black Himalayan salt to name a few. Over the past few years I’ve wanted to learn more about different salts. So here’s just a little of what I’ve gleaned.

· Not all salt is created equal. Table salt is so processed that only sodium chloride, additional anti-caking agents and sometimes iodine are found in that finely ground salt that is commonly used in baking and at the table. Table salt is not particularly healthy.

· Salt comes from mining earth deposits (old sea) and from evaporation of the sea.

· Salts can be fine, coarse, or flaked. Each has a distinctive use such as for the table, baking, roasting meats, or finishing vegetables and salads.

· Kosher salt is a coarse salt that is additive free. Once used in the production of kosher foods, it is now the most used salt. It may seem to taste less salty than sea salt but that is due to the size of the crystals of salt.

· Sea salt is the strongest tasting salt and has many natural trace elements that are good for our bodies. It can be either fine or coarse.

· Pink salt is Himalayan salt that is considered to be the very purist, hand-mined salt. It is a salt that was crystallized millions of years ago and is now found naturally, deep within the pristine Himalayan Mountains, protected from modern-day pollution.

· Dead Sea Salt is harvested at the southern end of the Dead Sea in Israel where the mineral content is the highest.

· Other Sea Salts are from Spain, France, Italy, Hawaii, Bali, Bolivia, El Salvador (Mayan) and New Zealand. They are named for their characteristics, like Sel Gris – a French mineral rich gray salt; and Gros Sel—a large salt used in a grinder or to create a salt crust on meat or fish. Fleur de sel, which means "flower of salt" in French, is actually scraped from the salt crystals on salt evaporation ponds.

· Seasoned salts from many parts of the world contains other spices and additives to create additional flavors. Your imagination is the limiting factor when it comes to flavored salts.

So as you gather around the Lord’s Table, add some tasty sea salt to any of your dishes and reap the benefits of trace elements.

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

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Thursday, March 18, 2021

Don't Waste Time Arguing--Have Hope

Meditate.

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. 1 Timothy 4:7-10

Our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people. Hope in our Savior…in our God. He is alive—Jesus was raised from the dead. He is living—eternally—now seated in Heaven. I like the thought that He is seated…not pacing about worrying. We can count on Him.

No worries here.
Like the butterfly, God provides everything we need.
We have hope in our Savior...our God.

The godly training that Paul was telling Timothy about is important, but we can’t do it alone. We need God guidance. He gives us that strength as we struggle. In that prayer that Jesus taught, we ask Him to lead us not into temptation.

Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13

Our training and our struggles are spiritual. We must face it. There is an unseen world that we can’t ignore—although we just go through our days looking for good weather, good food and good times. There is so much more.

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12

Be strong in the Lord. That has been a message from God throughout the Old Testament and even into New Testament teachings.

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous! If you don’t feel strong…ask God. He will give you strength. If you don’t feel courageous…ask God. He will enable you with bravery and guts to do what you need to do. He has promised that He will never leave you. You can count on Him. Can He count on you to do the same—to be there for Him? That reliability that you have for each other will strengthen your relationship with God. Be strong in the Lord.

Prayer ~ Just as You told Joshua when he led the Israelites into the Promised Land, Lord, I claim Your promise in my life. “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 1:9. With Your help, I will not be afraid or discouraged—knowing that You are always with me. My hope is in You, Lord. Thank You.

Verses of Salvation ~ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 1 Peter 1:3-5

It is National Arthritis Day.

Consider supporting those with arthritis...hope for a cure!

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

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Wednesday, March 17, 2021

God is Our Savior

Meditate. Think about a peaceful and quiet life marked by godliness and dignity--along the right path.

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 1 Timothy 2:2-6 (Underlined for emphasis.)

This was Paul’s instruction to Timothy. Live a dignified, godly, peaceful and quiet life to please God. After all, He is our Savior. Jesus is God. Perfect instruction to us today, too. Live a dignified, godly, peaceful and quiet life.

The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness. Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die. Proverbs 15:9-10

Don't abandon the right path.
It leads you to the Lord God.
Cross from Peru.

Jesus is our Savior…our deliverer. He is God. He is an awesome God—willing to give His life for us. Yes. He is our God. He gives us hope…and the promise of eternal life. Without Him we could not live a dignified, godly, peaceful and quiet life.

Dignified – respectfully honoring God.

Godly – holy and sanctified

Peaceful – without stress or conflict

Quiet – tranquil

Can you live without Jesus? I don’t want to.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You are an awesome God. You are my God and I want to live a dignified, godly, peaceful and quiet life to please You.

Verse of Salvation ~ How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! Isaiah 52:7

It's Saint Patrick's Day. Have you got your green?

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

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Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Choose Life

Meditate on God’s love…and light…and life.

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. And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants." John 3:16-21

This is such a well-known verse…For God so loved the world that He have His only begotten Son, so whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. It is almost beyond our human comprehension that God—the ultimate Deity of the universe—would love us—the backbiting, carousing, self-centered, and bickering mankind—enough to sacrifice His own Son to pay for our sins. That is amazing love.

Jesus is the Light of the World

Everyone is going to die sometime…that is life. Even Jesus knew when He became human, He would die. Death. Consider the sadness you’ve experienced when someone you love died. Is that what God experienced when Jesus died on the cross? Imagine watching your own child die an agonizing death…like that on the cross. Excruciating pain. Pain for Jesus…Pain for the Heavenly Father. When Adam and Eve ate that fruit of the Tree of Good and Evil…death came into the world. Death. No one can escape…not even Jesus. But Jesus is the Light of the World.

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 is also the ultimate Judge, or at least He is the one who separates the righteous believers and the unbelievers. This passage tells us that Jesus came to save, not judge the world. Salvation is through Jesus—as the sacrificial lamb. Blood has to be shed for sin…just like in the Garden of Eden when God sacrificed animals to cloth the nakedness of Adam and Eve. It all goes back to the Garden. Back to death. Life is in Jesus. His death allows us to live. To live eternally beginning today…not when we die.

So the question is “What are you doing with your life?” How is your relationship with God today? Are you living as God wants you to live…believing in Jesus? The choice is yours.

Prayer ~ Jesus—You are amazing. As I meditate on Your word and Your life I am humbled that I can seek to know You more each day…and that the love of our Heavenly Father gives life…not Death. He raised You from the dead so that I can live, too. No eternal death. Only eternal life. Glory be to the Father.

Verses of Salvation ~ While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. And God designated him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:7-10 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Jesus is the source of eternal salvation. Choose Jesus. Choose life.

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

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Monday, March 15, 2021

God Gives Us Hope

Meditate. Think about HOPE—and your relationship with God.

This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope. 1 Timothy 1:1

Hope is the anticipation of a good thing. It usually makes us feel good…even if it is something we can’t see or touch. Hope can be a feeling that someone has for someone else. “Hope you have a great birthday!” or Hope all is going well for you. Spiritually speaking we have a hope of Rapture, Christ’s Return and Eternity in Heaven. Hope. We don’t know when those things will happen…but we are hopeful. God gives us hope—just as Paul writing to Timothy begins this letter in our scripture today.

Hope. Without hope we feel discouraged, lost and disconnected. This is the root cause of suicides—like the ones that are occurring due to this COVID pandemic. What can we do? Talk to your friend or loved one. Find out if they are serious…and have a plan. This is not a joking matter—take it seriously. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Do not leave them alone. Here are the Suicide Warning Signs from the National Institute of Mental Health website. See that website for additional information on suicide awareness.

The behaviors listed below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide.

· Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

· Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live

· Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun

· Talking about great guilt or shame

· Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions

· Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)

· Talking about being a burden to others

· Using alcohol or drugs more often

· Acting anxious or agitated

· Withdrawing from family and friends

· Changing eating and/or sleeping habits

· Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

· Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast

· Talking or thinking about death often

· Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy

· Giving away important possessions

· Saying goodbye to friends and family

· Putting affairs in order, making a will

If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently. If in doubt, call the Hotline, 1-800-273-8255.

Suicides are not just something that happens to veterans, to unemployed, to someone who has a crisis in their life…it can happen to children and teenagers, too. The best thing to do…in addition to helping them get immediate help is just listening to them, letting them know that you care. Everyone needs to feel that someone cares about them…to feel that someone loves them. You might be their only connection to Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate person to give them hope…a hope for a brighter future…a hope of eternal security—but most people need to feel that caring, love and security from another human being. If you are the one needing help—seek it on the Hotline, from a trusted friend or family member or Pastor. You are not alone.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Thank You for the hope you give us. Help us to help others that they would truly feel the love and caring of the Holy Spirit…as well that of Christians in their lives. May your love flow through us as we love our neighbors as ourselves.

Verse of Salvation ~ We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5

Happy Birthday, Kim!

May God Continue to bless you because we are blessed.

You are the best Son-In-Law ever.

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

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God wants you, your children and grandchildren to be like His Son, Jesus.

How can you learn about Jesus characteristics...and apply them to your life?

This devotional gives some practical guidance and suggestion.

Sunday, March 14, 2021

God Does Not Need Anything

Meditate. Consider how God has met your needs.

He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in man-made temples, and human hands can't serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. Acts 17:24-25

The cross is empty.
The tomb is empty.
Believe.
Like the butterfly, you can begin your new life.

In this scripture passage Paul was speaking to non-believers in Athens on his second missionary journey. They were a group of philosophers who were interested in hearing more about his god since they worshipped many gods. He noticed they had an altar to an UNKNOWN GOD, which he described as his God, our God. God is self-sufficient. He doesn’t need anything. Although some might argue that He needs man…to worship Him. He is the creator of everything. He explained about the judgment that would be done by a man (Jesus) who had been raised from the dead. That resurrection concept intrigued some who wanted to hear more and a few even believed at that point. Others sneered. Sneered. That is the same reactions some have today. Some who either have heard for about Jesus the first time or now have an understanding of Jesus’ resurrection, believe. Others still scoff…or sneer.

Where do you stand with the Lord God? How is your relationship with Him? Do you believe; seek more information; or sneer? Each person has to make their own choice, but the time is growing short day by day.

Prayer ~ Lord God, as we see the end approaching…or hear of others prediction that the end is near, give us wisdom to understand Your will and help us to wait patiently for Your return…or for Your call on our lives whether it be to serve You here…or in Heaven. You have certainly supplied every need for us here on Earth. Thank You.

Verse of Salvation ~ And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30

You will be saved on the day of redemption! What an awesome promise.

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Saturday, March 13, 2021

Judgment is Coming

Meditate. Think about judgment and the goodness of God.

And I heard a voice from the altar, saying, "Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, your judgments are true and just." Revelation 16:7

One of the most well known verses in the Bible is followed by a couple of verses that introduce the truth about judgment for believers.

It seems pretty clear. If you believe in Jesus as the Son of God…then you won’t be judged. There will be a Judgment Day and judgment will fall on those who do not believe. I think we have to be careful to follow what Jesus taught… and the advice given to us through Paul, as written to the church at Rome.

So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, "'As surely as I live,' says the LORD, 'every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.'" Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let's stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. Romans 14:10-13

Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's laws.' Matthew 7:21-23

We should be encouraging each other…as the time is growing short. This is certainly not the time to condemn others—as if that were ever an acceptable action. Yet our actions should not just be in fear of judgment…but out of love for God and others.

The day of His return is drawing near.
Are you spiritually prepared?

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God's judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. Hebrews 10:23-27

Consider what your actions say about you…to God and your relationship to Him…and to others.

Prayer ~ Lord… May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14. Additionally, may my actions, the things I do to serve You be pleasing to You and encouraging to others.

Verses of Salvation ~ For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. Revelation 1:3

Time is short. Don’t wait to make a decision for salvation in Jesus Christ.

Bible Trivia ~ Can you place these words in the proper order for a familiar verse?

are for see heart they in blessed shall the pure God

Answer: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

This week’s Trivia: What did Jesus say to the thief on the cross?

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