Banquet With The King

Sunday, April 4, 2021

Risen from the Dead

Meditate. He is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!

Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. "Peace be with you," he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! "Why are you frightened?" he asked. "Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it's really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don't have bodies, as you see that I do." As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet. Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched. Luke 24:35-43

The Empty Tomb
Jerusalem, Israel

Everyone vanished while Jesus was on the cross, except for John, and of course His mother, Mary, and a couple of other women. When Jesus rose from the dead, the tomb was empty…but where was Jesus? A great controversy started with the Jewish officials and Roman guards. But an angel speaking to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (the mother of James, according to the books of Mark and Luke) told them that Jesus was risen, just as He said. They were to go and tell His disciples and Jesus would meet them in Galilee. Jesus traveled to Emmaus and talked to two followers along the way. They invited Him to stay with them and eat dinner—but as He gave thanks for the bread and broke it, they realized it was Jesus. He disappeared from their sight. They ran back to Jerusalem. Jesus appeared in the Upper Room with those people from Emmaus and ten of His disciples. That is where He asked them if they had anything to eat. He was hungry. The last meal He had eaten was that Passover, Last Supper, on Thursday night. Now it was Sunday evening and He was hungry.

Broiled Peter's Fish
by the Sea of Galilee, Israel

Have you ever gone about seventy-two hours without food? That is about what it must have been for Jesus. That is a long fasting time and I’m sure that broiled fish was tasty to Him! Notice that everyone watched Him eat…they didn’t join Him. They were still in awe that Jesus was standing there before them. He had just showed them His hands and His side, where He had been pierced with a sword to see if He was really dead. He was dead. But He was risen. He was risen indeed! Just like He had told them before His crucifixion.

They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear. Taking the twelve disciples aside, Jesus once more began to describe everything that was about to happen to him. "Listen," he said, "we're going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again." Mark 10:32-34

The disciples were amazed—from the beginning of His ministry when He healed people and taught large crowds—to this time of resurrection. Jesus, the Son of Man, continued to astonish them all—His disciples and followers. What would He do next?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus—we praise You for Your obedience going to the cross for our sins. You were sinless—yet You took on our sins so that we could be forgiven—so that we could be pure and holy, presentable to our Heavenly Father. Thank You! You paid it all—Your job on earth was done on the cross. It is finished. Now, as we believe in You—our sins are forgiven and we have the hope of eternal life with You…forever in Heaven. May we be worthy to serve as kings and priests alongside of You one day.

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. Hebrews 5:7-9

Joyous Resurrection Sunday!

He is Risen – He is Risen Indeed!

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

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Saturday, April 3, 2021

And They Waited….

Meditate…as you wait. Wait for…whatever.

As his body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where his body was placed. Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But by the time they were finished the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law. Luke 23:55-56

Waiting. These ladies…women from Galilee…were following the Jewish rules and traditions. No work on the Sabbath, so they could not minister to the body of Jesus. They could not anoint His body for burial until after the Sabbath. They waited.

Replica of Noah's Ark - Netherlands

We are waiting now…for the return of Jesus Christ. For Him to call His church home to Heaven in the Rapture. A little controversy on who will be raptured and when. But still we wait. So many Bible scholars and teachers say that the Rapture could happen anytime, but like the women from Galilee…we wait. And thus we wait also for the end of the age and Jesus’ Second Coming. Those women prepared spices and ointments. Jesus told His followers that they should be prepared.

When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn't realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. ...So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:37-39, 42-4 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Are you ready? Are you still waiting…patiently?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus-I am ready. What more can I do? Help me to share You…and the Gospel… with others that they would be ready, too.

Verses of Salvation ~ Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. 1 John 4:14-17

Bible Trivia Question of the Week ~ Where was the first Passover celebrated and why?

The first Passover was celebrated in Egypt as God was preparing the Hebrew people to escape from the Egyptian slave masters when the Angel of Death, the tenth plague, was pronounced for the land of Egypt. Blood on the doorposts and lintels of the Hebrews homes spared them from death of the firstborn. They were God’s chosen people, His firstborn, but they had to be obedient in putting the blood of the sacrificial lamb on their doorposts and get ready for their exodus from Egypt. The Passover is celebrated in remembrance of that first Passover…as the Angel of Death passed over the Hebrew homes.

Bible Trivia for next week ~ Did Jesus eat anything after His resurrection? If so, what was it?

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

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Friday, April 2, 2021

Denial

Meditate.

Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, "You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth." But Peter denied it. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed. When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, "This man is definitely one of them!" But Peter denied it again. A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, "You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean." Peter swore, "A curse on me if I'm lying--I don't know this man you're talking about!" And immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Suddenly, Jesus' words flashed through Peter's mind: "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me." And he broke down and wept. Mark 14:66-72

I don’t know what you’re talking about. That’s what Peter said. But if he wasn’t there to see what was going on…what was happening with Jesus, why would he have been there? It was logical for someone to ask him if he was a follower of Jesus. But Peter denied it. He denied Jesus a second time…and then a third time. Then the rooster crowed. Jesus knew just what was going to happen. He had told Peter that he would deny His Lord three times before the rooster crowed.

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, Peter--this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me." Matthew 26:34

The wonderful thing is that Jesus, after His resurrection, forgave Peter three times as He told him to feed His sheep. He didn’t use the words, “I forgive you” but I think the interaction between the two men shows the intention of repentance and forgiveness.

A third time he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep. John 21:17

Have you ever denied that you are a follower of Jesus Christ? Beware.

Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33

Denial is a serious issue. Did Peter already know what Jesus had said about denying Him? Yes. He should have been aware of this since this was part of Jesus teaching of His disciples right before He sent them out to minister the nation of Israel. Read it for yourself in Matthew 10.

Beware of denial. Instead be prepared to give an account to others about the hope you have in Jesus.

Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 1 Peter 3:13-17

Is your relationship with the Lord is growing? Are you suffering…are you denying Christ…or are you being bold and offering hope to others?

Prayer ~ Lord, on this day that You faced death for me…fill me anew with the Holy Spirit that I would speak boldly for You.

Verses of Salvation ~ For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 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 8:22-25

Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table

Jesus was offered vinegar on the cross as it was known to relieve pain. He refused it and continued to suffer for you and me. We can use vinegar to flavor foods and by infusing them with herbs it not only adds nutrients but more flavor.

Herbal Infused Vinegar

2 cups vinegar – Red or white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar

1 cup fresh herbs or ½ cup dried herbs – dill, basil, sage, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, tarragon, lemon balm, rosemary or even lavender. Experiment to find the ones you like best.

Rinse the herbs. Place in a sterile jar and crush with the back of a spoon. Pour the vinegar over the herbs. Cover with a non-metallic lid or plastic wrap. Place jar in a dark place for at least a week. Taste it to see if it is to your liking. If so, strain and bottle the vinegar. Cap tightly and label the jar. If not flavorful enough, let it steep another week or two. If you want a stronger herb flavor, add more herbs. Use as a marinade or in salad dressing. Drizzle over roasted vegetables or meat as you are cooking it.

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

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Thursday, April 1, 2021

Remember…Jesus Gave it All

Meditate on this Passover dinner and what Jesus said to His disciples.

As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "Take this and eat it, for this is my body." And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, "Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father's Kingdom." Matthew 26:26-29

The body of Christ. The blood of Christ. Shed for many—for everyone. The blood confirms the covenant of the sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of the people since the time of Adam and Eve.

You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel. Hebrews 12:24

The Lamb sacrificed for all.

Jesus gave it all. His body…and His blood. He was the sacrificial lamb. Remember the first Passover. God had chosen the Hebrew people, the nation of Israel, the descendants of Jacob, grandson of Abraham, to be His chosen people. They had become slaves in Egypt and Moses was sent by God to set them free. Not just the firstborn sons…but all of the Hebrew people. They were His Firstborn. There had been nine plagues sent by God to change the Egyptians hearts—specifically their ruler Pharoah’s heart—so that the Hebrew people would be set free. Free to worship their God. The tenth plague was the Death of the First Born. That firstborn would have included all of the Hebrew people, but God spared them by having them sacrifice a lamb and sprinkle the blood of that lamb on the doorposts of their homes. The angel of death passed over those homes. In all other unmarked homes throughout Egypt, the firstborn sons died that night. Read it for yourselves in Exodus 1-15, specifically Exodus 11-12. The Passover meal that was first eaten that night was the sacrificed lamb and unleavened bread. Over a thousand years later, this was the meal that Jesus and His disciples were celebrating in remembrance of the first Passover. Now Jesus was going to be the Passover Lamb—so take away the sins of the world. He was initiating the remembrance of Himself in the bread and wine of the meal—representing His body and His blood, shed for mankind’s sins. We remember that same sacrifice each time we take communion at church. Actually, we don’t even have to be taking communion to remember what Jesus Christ did for us. Moment by moment we can remember. Jesus gave it all.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Thank You seems hardly enough to say for what You did for me…for my family, friends and neighbors…the whole world throughout all of time. You gave it all…all Your life. Such obedience. Obedience. That is all I have to give. Help me to be obedient to You and to our Heavenly Father.

Verse of Salvation ~ [One day we will hear this in Heaven.] And they were shouting with a great roar, "Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!" Revelation 7:10

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

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Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Anointed with Perfume

Meditate. Think about how Jesus must have smelled wonderful after He was anointed with perfume.

Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head. Some of those at the table were indignant. "Why waste such expensive perfume?" they asked. "It could have been sold for a year's wages and the money given to the poor!" So they scolded her harshly. But Jesus replied, "Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman's deed will be remembered and discussed." Mark 14:3-9

Jesus went to the home of a man whom He had healed from leprosy—a dreaded unclean disease of that day. He must have regained some standing in the community after his healing because it wasn’t just Jesus who was at this dinner party. Others were there to observe and criticize that this lady, assumed to be Mary, who poured expensive perfume oil over Jesus’s head. I think the scolding she was given enforces what we’ve been told about the low level of respect that women received in Biblical times. It would have been appropriate to have praised her…she was anointing our shepherd’s head with oil, just like He does for us so many times. Israel is a dry and dusty country and to have His head…and even His feet…anointed would be such a wonderful compassionate gesture. In another account of what might have been this same event the woman is said to have anointed Jesus’ feet.

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She's a sinner!" ... Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn't offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn't greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume. "I tell you, her sins--and they are many--have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love." Luke 7:36-39, 44-47

Jesus stood up for her…“Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me?” I am sure He was honored to be pampered and why not? He was likely the guest of honor. Additionally, although no one was probably aware of it…He was the creator and the Savior of world. He deserved to have His head anointed—with a precious oil. He was about to be offered as a sacrificial lamb. Sheep were anointed with oil to keep flies and other insects from bothering them. Phillip Keller vividly describes this in his book, “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” as sheep will stop grazing and bash their heads into things so they can to get relief from the pesty flies that invade their nasal passages. We need God’s anointing with the oil of the Holy Spirit to relive the pesky thing of our lives. Was Jesus needing an anointing of oil to subdue the pesky things in His life? You can be sure that the Pharisees could be viewed as “pests” in Jesus’ life as they continually attacked Him and sought to have Him killed. Yes. Jesus needed that anointing—spiritually and physically. It was effective as Jesus said it would be. This woman is remembered for her act of mercy in pouring that precious perfume oil on her precious Savior’s head.

Perfume as fragrant as apple blossoms.

Do you think you could pour an expensive oil over your Lord’s head or feet? Would that action make your relationship with Him any deeper? Consider what you are willing to give up or share that would honor Him today.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, may my life honor You, as if pouring fragrant perfume over Your head. You are worthy of all honor, praise and glory.

Verse of Salvation ~ Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:15

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

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Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Tell Us What Will Happen

Meditate. Are you looking for a sign? Don’t be mislead.

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives across the valley from the Temple. Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to him privately and asked him, "Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to be fulfilled?" Jesus replied, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. For the Good News must first be preached to all nations. But when you are arrested and stand trial, don't worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit. A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Mark 13:3-13

Red Sky...Morning or Night?

Earlier the Pharisees had asked for a sign…and Jesus just said to them to look at the red sky morning and evening and to look at Jonah. Only an adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign (see Matthew 16:1-4). Then when His closest disciples ask about signs at the end of the age, Jesus talked about deception and persecution that they would have to endure. But He assured them that the Holy Spirit will give them the right words to say and that if they endure to the end, they will be saved. No doubt about that. Endure. He spoke that to the disciples there on the Mount of Olives…but those words should be encouraging to any followers even today. Endure. He didn’t promise that life would be easy…but that we would have trials and there will be wars. Can you bare to be hated by everyone? Endure.

Just like the Pharisees and Jesus’ disciples wanted to have a sign, people today want signs. They want to know what is going to happen and when it is going to happen. Concerning the timing, Jesus told His disciples that no one—not even Himself—knows when His Second Coming will occur. Only God the Father knows. It is His plan.

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

If you read this in context, it appears that Jesus is referring to His Second Coming, not the Rapture of the church. Read the passage in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. There is so much for us to look forward to…and to endure.

How is your relationship with the Lord today? Can you wait for Him…can you endure to the end? Are you sharing Him with others?

Prayer ~ O LORD, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid! Psalm 22:19.

Verse of Salvation ~ Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. Isaiah 58:8

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

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Monday, March 29, 2021

What Words Are You Hanging Onto?

Meditate. Think about your favorite words that Jesus spoke.

Then Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people selling animals for sacrifices. He said to them, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves." After that, he taught daily in the Temple, but the leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the other leaders of the people began planning how to kill him. But they could think of nothing, because all the people hung on every word he said. Luke 19:45-48

When Jesus spoke, people listened. They hung on His every word. They listened intently. They were the everyday, common folk—not the Jewish leaders and teachers. Those Jewish leaders were plotting to kill Jesus. What was it…jealousy…blasphemy…distrust? Why would they want to kill such an honest, humble, wise man who was a great teacher, healer, and provider? He claimed to be the Son of God. They could not believe that He was their Messiah. So, they wanted to kill Him. Little did they know that they were following the plan of God Himself that Jesus would be the sacrificial lamb for all of mankind.

Jesus wanted The Temple to be a House of Prayer, a place to honor God. With the selling of animals and exchanging of coins for Temple coins the people were not honoring God. Jesus cleansed the Temple grounds. Read it for yourself in Mark 11:15-19. It was an example of the righteous anger of Jesus as He through the moneychangers out of the Temple.

The question for us is in our relationship with Jesus, do we hang onto His every word and do we honor God by creating a House of Prayer within us as we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit.

Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Prayer ~ Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalm 51:10. A loyal spirit that honors God in all that I think, say and do. I am hanging onto Your words with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

Verse of Salvation ~ But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the LORD alone. Jonah 2:9

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

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Sunday, March 28, 2021

Who is That Riding a Donkey?

Meditate.

As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. "Go into the village over there," he said. "As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, 'The Lord needs them,' and he will immediately let you take them." This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, "Tell the people of Jerusalem, 'Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey's colt.'" The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, "Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Praise God in highest heaven!" The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. "Who is this?" they asked. And the crowds replied, "It's Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." Matthew 21:1-11

Riding on a donkey? That is pretty humbling even today. You would think most wanna be rulers would want to ride into town on a great white horse. But Jesus was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 62:11. He was humble and obedient. He was a humble man. He did not want to be a political leader and have great power over the land of Israel. He was only wanting to follow His Father’s plan for Him…to do His Father’s will. That is so different from political leaders today!

“Praise God” was the chant…Hosanna. Hosanna to the Son of David. God had promised that a descendent of David would be the Messiah—the savior of the world. That crowd of people was looking for a savior as a political ruler—not a spiritual savior. What are we looking for today? If Jesus came walking into town today would people recognize Him? Would they shout Hosanna and throw palm branches and their coats on the ground for Him to walk on? Do people today search for a political leader or a spiritual leader? Peace. Peace. Everyone wants peace and prosperity, but at what cost?

Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Is that the Jesus with whom you are growing a relationship today?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, help us to see You as our Savior, our Priest, and our King and to show other people not only what You have done, but what You are going to do. Hosanna! Blessed are You—King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Come quickly, Jesus.

Verse of Salvation ~ But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The LORD is great!" Psalm 40:16

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

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Saturday, March 27, 2021

Death—You Can’t Escape It—Unless…

Meditate on God’s instructions to the Israelites just before the last plague that God brought on Pharaoh and Egypt. The plague of death.

The sacrificial lamb for Passover

"These are your instructions for eating this meal: Be fully dressed, wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand. Eat the meal with urgency, for this is the LORD's Passover. On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the LORD! But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt. This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the LORD. This is a law for all time." Exodus 12:11-14

Death. You can’t escape it—unless it is the Angel of Death in Egypt…and you put lamb’s blood on your doorposts. That is just what God told the Israelites to do on that Passover. Sacrifice a lamb sprinkle it’s blood on your doorposts. Then eat the lamb roasted and be ready to leave Egypt. The Angel of Death passed over those homes with blood on the doorposts. Imagine the rejoicing of those of whom their first born were spared the death plague…and the heart wrenching sadness of those who were not chosen to be passed over.

Tonight at sunset Passover begins for this year. In Jewish homes there will be a great Passover or Seder Meal and service commemorating that first Passover. Typical foods include roasted lamb or chicken and vegetables, served with unleavened bread or matzoh; roasted eggs; bitter herbs like parsley served with salt water; maror or horseradish root, and charoset, which is a dish of apples, walnuts, cinnamon, honey and wine. They have traditional blessings, songs and scripture and liturgical Haggadah readings by family members and guests during the worship portion of the Seder. Worship—that is what the Seder is all about. Honoring God and recognizing what He did for them over three thousand years ago. That is a long time of remembering—but that is just what the Jewish people have done. Remember. There has been a history of rebellion and then coming back to the Lord for the Israelites over the centuries as recorded frequently in the Bible, and a rejection by some Jews of Jesus as their Messiah, but the Jews and many Christians still celebrate the Passover. Remember. That is just what God wanted His people to do. Remember. They are His chosen people and He rescued them from slavery in Egypt. He gave them the Promised Land…just as He had promised Abraham several hundred years before that Exodus. The promises of God are unending and unfailing. We can count on Him.

How is your relationship with God today? Do you see Him rescuing you from slavery to sin, temptation, death…or your own attitudes and ambitions, if they are rebellious to Him? Trust in the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and read more about the plagues and exodus from Egypt in the book of Exodus today.

Prayer ~ Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for rescuing Your chosen people from slavery in Egypt…and for being the sacrificial lamb to take away my sins…and the sins of the world…on the cross. Your obedience is amazing and I am eternally grateful.

Verse of Salvation ~ But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The LORD is great!" Psalm 40:16

Bible Trivia Question of the week: What does “Hosanna” mean? Used in Matthew 21:9 and John 12:13. Hosanna means “save now” and it was shouted by people as Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They were looking for a political leader to save them from Roman oppression—but Jesus was not to be their political savior, but their spiritual savior.

Bible Trivia for next week ~ Where was the first Passover celebrated and why?

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

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Friday, March 26, 2021

I Once Was Blind....

Meditate.

Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and his disciples left town, a large crowd followed him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" "Be quiet!" many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" When Jesus heard him, he stopped and said, "Tell him to come here." So they called the blind man. "Cheer up," they said. "Come on, he's calling you!" Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked. "My rabbi (Rabboni)," the blind man said, "I want to see!" And Jesus said to him, "Go, for your faith has healed you." Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road. Mark 10:46-52 (Underline word added as Hebrew translation.)

Rabboni. An enduring term for rabbi. My great Master. Bartimaeus also used another of Jesus titles as he called out to Him. Son of David.

Later, as Jesus was teaching the people in the Temple, he asked, "Why do the teachers of religious law claim that the Messiah is the son of David? For David himself, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said, 'The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.' Since David himself called the Messiah 'my Lord,' how can the Messiah be his son?" The large crowd listened to him with great delight. Mark 12:35-37

This blind man Bartimaeus had great faith that Jesus could heal him. Likely he had heard of Jesus healing other blind men as well as those with leprosy, crippled limbs and demon possession. Jesus had the power to heal him…and Bartimaeus had the faith. He believed in what he obviously could not see. Do we believe without actually seeing Jesus? We aren’t blind…physically…but who among us is blind spiritually? Read the account of another blind man that Jesus healed as recorded in John 9.

"I don't know whether he is a sinner," the man replied. "But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!" John 9:25

That line was used in the song “Amazing Grace.” Think about the words.

Are you seeing your relationship with Jesus clearly? Maybe you need to ask Him to help your vision of Him.

Prayer ~ Dear Lord…Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:18. Help me to apply Your truths to my life and to help others see You more clearly, too.

Verse of Salvation ~ And then all people will see the salvation sent from God. Luke 3:6

May God open your eyes to see His salvation.

Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table

We can’t live on bread alone. As you get ready for your Passover Meal, with some lamb, include some Mint Jelly. Mint is just coming up…but you can use dried mint to make the tea.

Pectin Mint Jelly

1½ cups chopped fresh peppermint leaves or about 1/2 cup dried leaves, stepped for at least 10 minutes in 4 ½ cups boiling water

Use 1¾ cups mint tea

2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

3½ cups sugar

1 3 ounce pouch liquid pectin (CERTO)

Bring 1¾ cups peppermint tea and lemon juice to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in sugar and pectin. Return pan to heat. Bring back to a rolling boil. Stir constantly for exactly 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Ladle into sterile jelly jars, filling to within ¼ inch of top. Wipe jar rim and threads. Seal with hot two-piece metal lids, screwing bands on tightly.

Process for 10 minutes on a metal rack in a boiling water bath, covering jars with 1 to 2 inches of water. Remove jars and place upright on a towel. Cool completely. If jar does not seal, it must be refrigerated.

Enjoy the mint jelly with lamb, pork, pancakes, muffins or biscuits.

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

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Thursday, March 25, 2021

God Sends Angels Like the Wind

Meditate.

For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus: "You are my Son. Today I have become your Father." God also said, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son." And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said, "Let all of God's angels worship him." Regarding the angels, he says, "He sends his angels like the winds, his servants like flames of fire." But to the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. Hebrews 1:5-8

God acknowledged His Son as God. Our God is three parts—one God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Angels aren’t God. They, like us, worship Him. One day we will all stand around God’s throne in Heaven.

After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, "Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!" And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. Revelation 7:9-11

When you look at this passage in context, you will see that this crowd…this vast crowd…is made up of those who died in the great tribulation. That, hopefully, will not include us. Depending on how Revelation and other end time prophesy is understood, most believers will be raptured or resurrected before the tribulation. Still, this is an example of people and angels worshipping God together in Heaven.

God sends His angels…but it is His Son who reigns, rules and is worshiped. Glory be to God. It is awesome to think that we can have a relationship with God the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. Humbling to consider that the very creator of the universe and of mankind and the one who judges us is interested in what we think, feel and do. He wants to have a relationship with each of us.

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth's foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths. Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the LORD's blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Psalm 24:1-5

How devoted are you to spending time with God? He always has time for you. Make time for fellowship with Him today.

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

Prayer ~ Dear God—as it was written in Psalms…"Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment." Psalm 32:5-6. Thank You for forgiving my sins and for wanting a relationship with me. You are an awesome God.

Verse of Salvation ~ For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:10-11

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

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.

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Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Prayer for Jewish People

Meditate. Pray.

My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them. They are the people of Israel, chosen to be God's adopted children. God revealed his glory to them. He made covenants with them and gave them his law. He gave them the privilege of worshiping him and receiving his wonderful promises. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are their ancestors, and Christ himself was an Israelite as far as his human nature is concerned. And he is God, the one who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. Romans 9:2-5

Christ Jesus is God. Paul tells us that again here in Romans. Can it be stated any clearer? Is there any doubt? Jesus Christ is God. Jesus came to the Jews first, but generally the religious Jews during Jesus’ time did not believe in Him as their Messiah. Even during Paul’s missionary journeys, he encountered Jews who rejected Jesus.

Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, "It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles." Acts 13:46

Although there are about 20,000 Messianic Jews in Israel today and more around the world, generally Jews today are still waiting for their Messiah. He has come…and they missed His arrival and departure. But good news…He is coming again. The Jews are being given another chance…all humanity will have a second chance. Isaiah prophetically wrote about Christ’s return.

This is what the LORD says: "Be just and fair to all. Do what is right and good, for I am coming soon to rescue you and to display my righteousness among you." Isaiah 56:1

Paul wrote to the church at Philippi and Thessalonica about Christ’s return and how we should live our lives as citizens of Heaven already, waiting His return. With great joy Paul also shares how Christ will return.

Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. Philippians 3:17-21

Angels or Clouds?
We'll see them in the air when Jesus calls us Home.

And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God's Son from heaven--Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment. 1 Thessalonians 1:10

We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18

Believers have an awesome trip ahead of them. Up. Up. And Away! Keep your relationship with God…Father, Son and Holy Spirit…in good order so that you are ready when He comes to call the Christians home. Jew or Gentile believers hearing that trumpet call will have an exciting flight to Heaven.

Prayer ~ Lord God, open the hearts and eyes of Jews in Israel and around the world that they would see You, Jesus, as their Messiah—even today. Time is growing short. We so look forward to hearing Your call from Heaven for us to come home. I praise You and Thank You for revealing Yourself to me.

Verse of Salvation ~ For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (Underlined for emphasis.)

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

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Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Keep Away From Anything That Takes God’s Place in Your Heart

Meditate. Where is God in your life?

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. Titus 2:11-14

Tulip Time
Flowers with a Heart

Does God have a place in your heart...with tulips?

Does God have a place in your heart? If you are a Christian…a believer and follower of Jesus Christ…they there should be a place already where the Holy Spirit lives in your heart. That is a promise from God. We are also given instruction from John about letting other things take presentence in our hearts and lives.

Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts. 1 John 5:21

If we are trying to improve or deepen our relationship with God, we don’t want to put anything above Him.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

That pretty much sums it up. Seek God first in your life. Don’t let anything—TV, sports, video games, music, clothes, cars, even food—be more important to you than God and your relationship with Him.

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are more important to me than virtually anything else but sometimes I get swept away with everyday things and entertainment. Help me to keep focused on You…and Thank You again for providing everything I need, especially salvation, wisdom, righteousness, and opportunities to serve You.

Verses of Salvation ~ Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. Romans 2:4-8

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

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