Banquet With The King

Monday, April 12, 2021

Go With Healing Hands

Meditate. Are you listening to Jesus’ command?

These snakes are ready to be eaten.
Handle with care.

And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed." Mark 16:15-18

Go and preach. Everyone can “go” but can we all “preach” as Jesus commanded? We are assured by Jesus as He sent out His disciples that the Holy spirit will give us the words. But note that the passage below says “when” we are arrested. But going to preach is not the same as being arrested… or is it? At any rate, whatever we ask for in Jesus name, we will be granted—Jesus promised.

When you are arrested, don't worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking--it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:19-20

I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! John 14:12-14

So—go preach. Tell the world… beginning with those nearest you… about Jesus. What can you say? Tell them what Jesus has done in your own life. A personal testimony has so much power. Also tell them about the Savior. Everyone has stress in their lives… troubles. Jesus can be trusted with those troubles. Give them to Him. Believing in Jesus ensures a place in God’s Heavenly home. Trust Him.

"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. ... Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:1-3, 6

Jesus promised His disciples, and us, power when we believe in Him. I have seen and personally experienced healing when Christians laid their hands on others and prayed. Prayer is powerful. Try it. I’m not going to go around picking up snakes, as Jesus mentioned—but in the case of a snake bite… trust Him to take care of it. Remember that Jesus said He will do what we ask for in His name that the Father would be glorified. Glory be to the Father!

Prayer ~ Lord God—Through this blog I’m praying for those who read it to know You more… and to go and tell others about You, too. Heavenly Father, may You be glorified by all that we think, say and do. May the rooms in Your Heavenly home fill up with those who know and love You.

Verse of Salvation ~ 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

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

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Sunday, April 11, 2021

Teach By Example

Meditate. Jesus promised to be with you always.

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! 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 28:16-20

Faithful to the word.

Go. Teach. So often we teach by example. Other see the way we live, the way we act, even the way we speak and think. Those thoughts, words and actions speak louder than any planned lesson that we could “teach” to others. Sure… Bible lessons in Sunday school and home devotions have a great value in guiding others to know Jesus… and to know God. God gave us so many examples of people who were obedient to Him, like Abraham and Joseph, and those who were disobedient, beginning with Adam and Eve and continuing to Judas. So often we see examples of obedience and disobedience in the same person—like Moses, but aren’t we just like him? Sometimes we are obedient and sometimes we are rebellious. We just need to be repentant. God cares. Even in those disobedient actions we are likely to be teaching others what God expects of us—especially if we discuss our actions and the consequences with them. So… as you teach by example make sure that you are making disciples of others… not teaching them to rebel against God and His commands. Being obedient to the Lord will strengthen your relationship with Him. You are not alone… Jesus promised to be with you always—even to the end of the age.

Prayer ~ Thank You, Jesus, for Your promise to be with me always… even to the end of the age. You are awesome and it feels good to know that I am not alone. Even as I attempt to obediently “make disciples” I know that You are with me.

Verse of Salvation ~ [Consider that someone “taught” you to know Jesus Christ—Creator, Lord and Savior.] But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

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

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Saturday, April 10, 2021

What Are You Talking About At Dinner?

Meditate. Think about the Holy Spirit.

In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Acts 1:1-5

Baptized with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has always been present from the beginning of eternity.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2

But now the Holy Spirit would become an indwelling part of those who believed. Luke wrote about Peter speaking about Gentile believers relationship to the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts.Then I thought of the Lord's words when he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God's way? Acts 11:16-17

God puts the Holy Spirit in our hearts—baptizing us with the Holy Spirit—guaranteeing our eternal life.

It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us. 2 Corinthians 1:21-2

Let us break bread...together.

Jesus was having a meal with the disciples when He told them about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Food was important to Jesus before and after His resurrection. I love this…Jesus was once again eating with His disciples, also called the apostles. Once again eating. Do you suppose that they were eating fish and bread again? Maybe along with some olives, pomegranates, figs, hummus, fresh vegetables? What would Jesus eat? Will we be eating the same foods in Heaven at a banquet with Him someday?

How important is food to you? Is food, Christ or yourself most important in your life? Choose for yourself whom you will serve today. Joshua challenged the Israelites with that statement before he died there in the Promised Land that God had given them (Joshua 24). His response was…As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). Who will you serve?

Prayer ~ Lord, we are blessed to have been baptized by the Holy Spirit. Now…as for me and my family, we will serve You—our Lord and Savior. By the way…what’s on Your menu today? How may we serve you?

Verses of Salvation ~ When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life." Titus 3:4-7

Bible Trivia Question of the Week: Did Jesus eat anything after His resurrection? If so, what was it?

Jesus ate some fish on the evening of His resurrection when He went to the Upper Room where the disciples were gathered together (Luke 24:36-43). After showing them the crucifixion scars of His hands and side, He asked if they had anything to eat. Later by the Sea of Galilee Jesus prepared, served and ate breakfast of fish and bread with the disciples (John 21:3-14). It is recorded in Acts 1:1-5, in some translations, that He ate with His disciples, but it does not note what they had to eat during their meals together.

Bible Trivia for next week ~ How long was Jesus on earth before He ascended into Heaven?

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

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Friday, April 9, 2021

Come Have Breakfast

Meditate. Are you hungry?

Simon Peter said, "I'm going fishing." "We'll come, too," they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn't see who he was. He called out, "Fellows, have you caught any fish?" "No," they replied. Then he said, "Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you'll get some!" So they did, and they couldn't haul in the net because there were so many fish in it. Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. "Bring some of the fish you've just caught," Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn't torn. "Now come and have some breakfast!" Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead. John 21:3-14

I’ve been told…and have told others…that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Time to break your fast. As I’ve gotten older I’ve discovered that my body actually does well when I have at least eighteen hours between my supper and my next meal…breakfast. For children, active teen and younger adults only twelve hours between supper and breakfast are probably sufficient. They need the calories and energy provided early in the day. I’ve got plenty of stored energy, i.e. fat, for use until I actually break my fast.

Jesus called His disciples who were fishing again…"Now come and have some breakfast!" Time to eat. It had been a long night and He knew they were hungry. Just like when He fed the feeding of the 5,000 men, Jesus offered them fish and bread. Good protein and carbohydrate source for energy. Fish and bread are staples for fishermen…and these are the very fishermen that Jesus taught to be “fishers of men” at the beginning of His ministry.

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" And they left their nets at once and followed him. A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind. Matthew 4:18-22

Now after His resurrection, He was again serving them. The servant pastor as He showed by example when He washed their feet before their Last Supper. Jesus expected His disciples to become servants to those around them. After their breakfast together Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep. He was calling these fishermen into action again.

What is the significance of the 153 fish? Your guess is as good as mine, but I think that is a good question for to ask Jesus when we get to Heaven. For now…build your relationship with Jesus and trust Him that He has all the answers for all our questions…someday.

Prayer ~ Jesus, I hear You calling…follow Me and I will make you fishers of men. I can see the need to serve You by telling others about You—as my Creator, my Lord, and my Savior. You are an awesome God. Thank you for all that You have done by obediently going to the cross at the request of our Heavenly Father. Life would be nothing without the salvation that You so generously offer us. Like Your disciples, I look forward to breakfast on a beach with You someday!

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

Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table

Jesus roasted His fish over a fire by the Sea of Galilee. I’m sure it was tasty!

Have some fish and bread for your supper. I fixed a couple of fillets of Mahi Mahi last night cooked in a little olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice, grated lemon rind and grated fresh ginger with a sprinkle of dill weed. Simple and simply great served with a tossed salad, fresh veggies and of course some fresh crusty bread.

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

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Thursday, April 8, 2021

What Crime Has He Committed?

Meditate. Continue to consider why Jesus was crucified.

Now it was the governor's custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner--anyone the people requested. One of the prisoners at that time was Barabbas, a revolutionary who had committed murder in an uprising. The crowd went to Pilate and asked him to release a prisoner as usual. "Would you like me to release to you this 'King of the Jews'?" Pilate asked. (For he realized by now that the leading priests had arrested Jesus out of envy.) But at this point the leading priests stirred up the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. Pilate asked them, "Then what should I do with this man you call the king of the Jews?" They shouted back, "Crucify him!" "Why?" Pilate demanded. "What crime has he committed?" But the mob roared even louder, "Crucify him!" So to pacify the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified. Mark 15:6-15

Looking back at the trial of Jesus we hear Pilate, the Roman governor of the regions of Samaria and Judea, who didn’t want to crucify Jesus, ask, “What crime has he committed?” It was the Jewish priests who wanted Jesus put to death (Matthew 27:1) and only the Roman government had the authority to do that. Their method of corporal punishment at that time was crucifixion. Thus it was…Jesus was headed for death on the cross just as predicted in Psalm 22.

“What crime has he committed?” No crime. Jesus was sinless, but all the sins of mankind hung on that cross with Him. Envy was the sin that the Jewish priests portrayed. The proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. The final sin that led Jesus to the cross. Have you ever envied someone? Wanted what they had…a car, nice hair, clothes, friend, home, boat, grades, talent, job, future? That envy is covetousness. Jesus, as well as Moses and Paul, taught about the evils of coveting.

For the commandments say, "You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet." These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Romans 13:9

It is only through the sacrificial blood of Jesus shed there on the cross that our sins—including covetousness—were removed from our souls…washed away. Can you get your head around that fact? Jesus took our sins to the cross—where He died…otherwise we would have to have died for those sins. Even our own death would not have cleansed us from the sin in our lives. Jesus paid for our sin with His blood…with His body. Blood shed for us…body broken for us. “What crime has he committed?” No crime—only love. What can we do in return? "Love your neighbor as yourself." Begin by loving God—by loving Jesus—with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. He is worthy of our love and a deep, abiding relationship with Him. How’s that going for you today?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, draw me close to You. Your love is overwhelming and I feel undeserving—but I accept You love and grace in my life, today and always. Just as You promised…I will never leave you or forsake you…I promise You that I will never leave You or forsake You.

Verses of Salvation ~ This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. Romans 13:11-14

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

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Wednesday, April 7, 2021

It Is Finished!

Meditate. Consider Jesus’ mission…His job assignment.

Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, "I am thirsty." A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. John 19:28-30

When was the last time you “finished” some long-time task or project? We have a great example right at the beginning of the Bible about a completed task. God finished what He started.

So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. Genesis 2:1-2

God not only started a good work of creating the earth and finished it, He has started a good work in each of us…and will finish it.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6

Here are a few verses that indicate what Jesus came to earth to do.

· Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. Matthew 5:17

· Don't imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34

· But Jesus replied, "We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came." Mark 1:38

· I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.... I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me. John 17:4, 6-8

· 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. Luke 7:22

Cross from Medjugorje
Depicts the Life of Jesus

His job on Earth was being the sacrifice for mankind’s sin so that we could be reconciled to God…as well as teaching people how to live to please God, healing the sick, lame and blind, and preaching the Good News…the Gospel that there is eternal life available to those who believe.

I heard a profound statement recently. Everyone is going to hell. Only those who accept Jesus as their Savior will be rescued from that fiery pit. Where are you headed…that fiery pit or heaven where Jesus takes those He rescues?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I look forward to seeing You face to face one day. Thank You for rescuing me from that eternal lake of the fiery pit. Thank You for finishing Your task on earth.

Verses of Salvation ~ [We cannot work for salvation, it is a gift. After we are saved, we desire to serve the Lord.] Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:12-15

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

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Tuesday, April 6, 2021

He Trusted God

Meditate. Did Jesus want God to rescue Him from the cross?

The leading priests, the teachers of religious law, and the elders also mocked Jesus. "He saved others," they scoffed, "but he can't save himself! So he is the King of Israel, is he? Let him come down from the cross right now, and we will believe in him! He trusted God, so let God rescue him now if he wants him! For he said, 'I am the Son of God.'" Even the revolutionaries who were crucified with him ridiculed him in the same way. Matthew 27:41-44

Prophesy fulfilled! These same words were written by King David a thousand years before Christ was born, as recorded in Psalm 22.

"Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!" Psalm 22:8

Brass cross from Korea.
Jesus crucifixion.

Those who spoke those words may have heard them…or even read them for themselves…but they did not connect those words from the Psalms to Jesus. The Lord is the mighty God…Jehovah. Did those priests, teachers and elders who mocked Jesus on the cross have any relationship with the Lord God?

Jesus trusted His Heavenly Father and was obedient to Him…obedient to the point of death. Amazing love…for the Son to have such overwhelming devotion to His Father…and for the Father to love the world He created so much that He would be willing to sacrifice His Son. That is love. Jesus trusted His Father to have a plan, a purpose, and a reward. There may have seemed a uselessness for Jesus’ death on the cross…but if ever there was a sacrifice worth making—that was it. There was a purpose…salvation for mankind. The greatest reward in life…for Jesus and for us. Resurrection from the dead. Resurrection. Rebirth. Renewal. Reconciliation.

I replied, "But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the LORD's hand; I will trust God for my reward." Isaiah 49:4

Like Jesus, I trust in the Lord God.

I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:4

I trust in the Lord, with all my heart….

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
    Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
    your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
    give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
    your wine vats will brim over.
But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
    don’t sulk under his loving correction.
It’s the child he loves that God corrects;
    a father’s delight is behind all this.

The Message – Proverbs 3:5-12

Trust God. Honor Him…not just on Sunday, but every day. I like the way Peterson paraphrased this portion of Proverbs. Listen for God’s voice. It is so important to Listen. How can you have a relationship with someone…even God…if you don’t LISTEN to them?

Prayer ~ Lord God, I trust You from the bottom of my heart with my whole life…with my very being. I am listening for Your guidance in my life. I know that You love me and have promised to never leave me or forsake me. Speak to me...I am listening.

Verses of Salvation ~ But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation. 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 5:8-11

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

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Monday, April 5, 2021

Has Your Mind Been Opened to the Scriptures?

Meditate. What would it be like to have your mind opened to understanding the Scriptures?

Then he said, "When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said, "Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: 'There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.' You are witnesses of all these things. "And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven." Luke 24:44-49

I love that Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. So often they would ask Him to explain parables and scripture to them…now He gave them minds to comprehend just what He said…as the Holy Spirit inspired even the Old Testament which was the only Scripture they had at that point. The New Testament had not been written yet—they were living it!

Sculpture at Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Jerusalemd

The Messiah on the cross is described in Psalm 22—suffering. Suffering in place of you and me. Suffering, although He was sinless. Our Heavenly Father’s plan was fulfilled—Jesus died on the cross for the sins of mankind. Now what? His death was a once for all occurrence. It had never happened before, and it will never happen again. Once for all….

He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. He has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place of honor in heaven. Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people's sins. The law appointed high priests who were limited by human weakness. But after the law was given, God appointed his Son with an oath, and his Son has been made the perfect High Priest forever. Hebrews 7:26-28 (Underlined for emphasis.)

It is finished. Jesus will never again have to sacrifice Himself. He did it once for all. Will you accept what He has done for you? Will you ask Him to open your mind to understanding the Scriptures?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, just as You opened the minds of Your disciples, open our minds to understand the Scriptures. We want to understand You more and more…and by understanding the Scriptures, especially the Old Testament.

Verses of Salvation ~ Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Timothy 2:8-10

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

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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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