Banquet With The King

Saturday, September 11, 2021

Take It All In

Meditate.

This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am writing to God's holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:1-8

Take it all in. The love. The wisdom. The understanding. The spiritual blessings.

Cross from Peru.
Do you believe?

Do you believe? Believe in God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit? If so, you are adopted into God’s family and blessed with His grace and all the spiritual gifts He has promised. It is a spiritual realm that God inhabits—but He created all that we see and have here on earth. He is an awesome God. My favorite of His great promises is that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5). That may become even more important in times of trials that we may have to face in the future. The Rapture hasn’t happened…so as pressures and persecutions may get worse in the coming days, hang onto God’s promises. Take in all that He has to offer. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) These are the fruit of the Spirit and the blessings that result from following a faithful spiritual life.

Prayer ~ Lord God, please forgive me for my bad attitude earlier today…and bless me with Your spiritual blessings. Give me strength to endure any trials, tribulations and persecution that I may have to face in the coming days. Only You know the future…but I look forward to Jesus calling the believers home to Heaven anytime soon. Is that Heavenly home about finished? How many rooms still need to be completed?

Verse of Salvation ~ Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. I long for your rescue (salvation), LORD, so I have obeyed your commands. Psalm 119:165-166

Bible Trivia Answer to the Question: What are the levels of Heaven?

Sandhill Cranes migrating
Birds flying through the heavens...near us.

First level – where the birds fly (Genesis 1:20)
Second level – the starry sky (Exodus 32:13)
Third level – Home of God – 2 Corinthians 12:2 – It is paradise.

Bible Trivia Question for next week: Who knows when Christ will return?

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

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Friday, September 10, 2021

Don’t Scoff…or Believe the Scoffers

Meditate.

Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God's marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. So I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later he destroyed those who did not remain faithful. Jude 1:3-5

Jude continues to write about the scoffers who are creating division in churches.

Be merciful...
...and rescue those who are headed for hell.

But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God's Spirit in them. But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude 1:17-23

God asks for everything…all of you. What are you giving? He wants those who believe Him to be faithful.

But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved. Hebrews 10:39

Prayer ~ Thank You, Lord God, for all that You have provided for me—especially my Savior Jesus Christ.

Verse of Salvation ~ 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 2:10

Can you say that…from your heart…and mean it?

Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 1 Timothy 4:1-4

For what food are you most thankful? Just having the basic fruit, veggies, eggs, meats, nuts, breads and cereal, milk or yogurt. We are blessed to have enough food…an abundance…and more if we want or need it. Homeless don’t have the same options that most of the rest of us have. Without refrigeration or a cooking device like a stove or oven, they have to live day to day…eating whatever is available to them in prepackaged foods. Is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich a comfort food? On a beautiful fall day, it might be. On a cold wintery day with wind and snow blowing in your face a hot meal would be not only more nourishing…but certainly more comforting.

Think about how you can help others…and how Jesus talked about the final judgment…and expected His followers to feed others.

Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' Matthew 25:34-36

What’s on your plate today? Can you give thanks and share some of that with others?

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

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Thursday, September 9, 2021

Are You Adopted?

Meditate.

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. Romans 8:23

Family.

Are you part of God’s family? Do you know that if you are not already part of His family that you can be “adopted” by Him? Can you imagine calling the great, awesome and almighty God…Abba…just like Jesus did? Being adopted would make Jesus your brother! How totally terrific would that be? Tremendous!? Fantastic!? There are hardly words to describe how wonderful it is to be part of God’s family. Sometimes when I really focus on that fact…I am a child of God—the Heavenly Father is my Father—my heart just overflows with joy. So—are you a child of God’s—a child of the King? It is easy to become one—just ask God. Well, there is one step that is important to Him—-we are all sinners. Only God is pure, sinless and holy. To be part of His family we have to ask for forgiveness for our sins.

If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. Matthew 6:14

Our Heavenly Father. Is there someone you know who doesn’t know Jesus—but could call on the name of God? Offer them the opportunity today to become part of God’s family, too.

One of the benefits of being part of God’s family is that He is having a big house in Heaven—the New Heaven (Revelation 21:1)—just for His family to live forever.

Apartment House in Tel Aviv
Will My Father's House look like this?
It has many rooms!
One for you!

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

· Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.” Revelation 21:1-3

Will you choose to have a room there? The choice is yours. Ask God to adopt you today.

Prayer ~ I love You, Lord. I’m so glad to be part of your family.

Verse of Salvation ~ For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' (Psalm 118:22) There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." Acts 4:11-12 NLT

Happy Anniversary, Kim & Lisa

Blessings and Much Love today…and Always

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

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Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Second Day – Feast of Trumpets

Meditate. Are you really seeking forgiveness?

Then he (Jesus) said (to His disciples after His resurrection), "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.'….” Luke 24:44-47

Feast of Trumpets is known as Rosh Hashanah or the Day of Judgment. Jesus is the one who has the authority, given by the Heavenly Father, to judge.

In addition, the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him. "I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. John 5:22-24

The Feast of Trumpets is the first of the High Holy Days marking the beginning of 10 Days of Repentance, or 'Days of Awe' in which Jewish people reflect on the year before and repent for any wrongdoings and then reflect on the year ahead to start afresh. These Days of Awe culminate with the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) at sundown on Sept. 15th when there will be 25 hours of fasting before the LORD, in supplication and acceptance of His forgiveness.

God has promised to forgive our sins…if we ask for forgiveness.

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9

Are you really seeking His forgiveness? Are you seeking the forgiveness of those you have offended?

Prayer ~ Thank You, Heavenly Father, that You forgive me for my sins. I am listening for the final blast from the shofar horn and waiting to be transformed.

But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: "Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-54

Come quickly, Jesus.

Verses of Salvation ~ Then let the heavens proclaim his justice, for God himself will be the judge. ... Repent, all of you who forget me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you. But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God." Psalm 50:6, 22-23

Happy Anniversary, Joe & Debbie

Blessings

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

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Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Feast of Trumpets

Meditate.

"Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. On the first day of the appointed month in early autumn, you are to observe a day of complete rest. It will be an official day for holy assembly, a day commemorated with loud blasts of a trumpet. You must do no ordinary work on that day. Instead, you are to present special gifts to the LORD." Leviticus 23:24-25

The Feast of Trumpets actually started at sundown yesterday. As the first feast or festival in the fall it marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. This two-day celebration commemorates the creation of humanity and the Jews close relationship with God. The Lord gave Moses specific instructions for the people of Israel on how they were to celebrate this festival. No work. Particular offerings and sacrifices. God likes a fragrant aroma—even or maybe especially burnt gifts are pleasing to the Lord.

Celebrate the Festival of Trumpets each year on the first day of the appointed month in early autumn. You must call an official day for holy assembly, and you may do no ordinary work. On that day you must present a burnt offering as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. It will consist of one young bull, one ram, and seven one-year-old male lambs, all with no defects. These must be accompanied by grain offerings of choice flour moistened with olive oil--six quarts with the bull, four quarts with the ram, and two quarts with each of the seven lambs. In addition, you must sacrifice a male goat as a sin offering to purify yourselves and make yourselves right with the LORD. These special sacrifices are in addition to your regular monthly and daily burnt offerings, and they must be given with their prescribed grain offerings and liquid offerings. These offerings are given as a special gift to the LORD, a pleasing aroma to him. Numbers 29:1-6

The ram’s horn (shofar) is sounded 100 times during the service each day. The symbolism here is to turn inward in retrospect, repent, and to then be able to contribute to the world in the coming new year.

Apples dipped in honey are often eaten on the first night with round challah bread that symbolizes God, the cycle of the year and nourishment for the New Year. Hoping for a sweet year ahead.

Prayer ~ Lord God, we praise You for Your creation of the world…and each of us. Guide us though these days ahead as we consider our past sins, repent and listen for the shofar horn trumpet call.

Verse of Salvation ~ Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for me. If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to tell them to change their ways, then they will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. But if you warn them to repent and they don't repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself. Ezekiel 33:7-9

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

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Are you watching your children or grandchild growup or are you intentially guiding their footsteps and molding their character so that they are more like Jesus everyday?

Monday, September 6, 2021

Do You Like Who You Are?

Meditate.

The man answered, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Luke 10:27

Look at yourself in the mirror…or just think about yourself as God would see you…
What one quality do you see?
   Loving
Joyful
   Peaceful
   Patient
   Kindness
   Goodness
   Faithfulness
   Gentleness
   Self-controlled / Spirit controlled
   Honesty
   Wisdom
   Understanding
   Compassion
   Generosity
Other qualities as reflections of our Lord

Do you like who you are? I would hope so…God made you in His image. He formed you in your mother’s womb.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:13-16

For a lot of people at some point in our lives we have a low image of ourselves or low self-esteem. If we don’t love ourselves it is hard to love others. It is so very important to God that we love others—they are His creation, too—that Jesus mentioned that as one of two important commandments He wants us to follow.

Love God. Love others as we love ourselves.

How can we love ourselves? Find one quality that God loves about you. Look at the list above. Are any of those qualities part of your character?

Not how pretty you are, but how kind you are.

Not that you wear nice clothes…or drive a fancy car, but that you are compassionate towards those with handicaps, in poverty, or in a disaster like a flood or fire.

God loves you just the way you are—but as Jesus saves you…you change beginning with the renewing of your mind. Renewal is continual—not just a one-time event, but the best time to start is now.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God--truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:21-24

Don't be a turkey.
Let the Holy Spirit renew your mind.

Let the Holy Spirit renew your mind—that you would think, say and do things that would honor the Lord Jesus Christ, the Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit. There may only be a short time before Christ calls His followers home. Be ready…by loving God, loving yourself and loving others. That is just what God expects you to do.

Prayer ~ We’re ready. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Verse of Salvation ~ Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:16

Happy Labor Day

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

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Selected Bible readings for each day...for you or for your whole family. Get into God's word...and consider the character of Jesus.

Sunday, September 5, 2021

Are You Ready?

Meditate.

Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would 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. Luke 12:39-40

Are you ready? Even some Christians may not “be ready” because they just don’t see the signs of Christ’s imminent return. Ready or not…here He comes. We’re not playing Hide and Seek here…this may be the real thing soon. Jesus said that when He returns it will be just like in Noah’s day—there was widespread evil and yet generally people were living, day by day, normal lives with celebrations. That’s just how we are today. Look at all the evil in the world, yet people are still partying.

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. 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. Matthew 24:36-39

Peter wrote about the scoffers who don’t either take the Bible literally or just don’t want to understand. They are more concerned about their own desires than Bible prophesy.

Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, "What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created." They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed. 2 Peter 3:3-7

Consider also that God has said that He will give up on people—this translation (NLT) says that God abandoned them to do their hearts desires. Those people have or will give up on God—no respect or love.

God made the earth, the sky...
and even this sunflower.

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. Romans 1:20-25

Don’t say you haven’t been warned…it is all right there in your Bible. You can read it for yourself. Beware of the scoffers. Don’t trade truth for a lie. Seek God and know Him.

Prayer ~ Come quickly, Jesus. You are the faithful witness to all the things that will happen. Just as You wrote in Revelation: He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon!" Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20

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

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

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Saturday, September 4, 2021

I AM…With You

Meditate. Think about who God is.

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

When God asked Moses to rescue His chosen people, who were enslaved in Egypt, God declared to Moses who He was…His personal name.

But Moses protested, "If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, 'The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' they will ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what should I tell them?" God replied to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you." God also said to Moses, "Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you. This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations. Exodus 3:13-15

I AM WHO I AM. Yahweh. He was God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob…and of Moses and the Israelites who were saved from slavery in Egypt. He is our God. God never changes…He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. God tells His chosen people and those who love Him…including us…over and over to not be afraid…have no fear. Encourage others…do not fear.

· Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you." Isaiah 35:4

· Some time later, the LORD spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, "Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great." Genesis 15:1

· This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Likewise, God assures us that He is with us. I am with you. One of my favorite verses is found in Deuteronomy and repeated in Hebrews promising that He will never leave alone, abandoned.

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

· Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you." Hebrews 13:5

God is with me - no fear.

It is so good to know that God is with me…with us…and He has promised to never abandon me…and I don’t need to be afraid. In this day and age that is so comforting, encouraging and destressing! That is de-stressing, not distressing! God takes away fear instead of making us afraid, whereas life around us just tries to create fear and abandonment. Society wants us to “abandon” our normal life, jobs, friends…future. But God says…Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
An eternal life
in the Lake of Fire
It is Hell.
The great and mighty I AM is right here with each of us. No fear. No discouragement. We are at God’s strong right hand. Secure, strong and successful. God is with us and for us…and will never leave us. Are you on His side, believing in Him and trusting Jesus Christ as your Savior? Now is the time to choose to ask for forgiveness from your sins—for we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. He is a loving and merciful God who will forgive you if you ask for forgiveness. Then you’ll be part of God’s adopted family—and have the security of an eternal life with Him in Heaven. The alternative? It is an eternal life without Him—in the Lake of Fire. The choice is yours. No one else can choose for you…and you cannot earn your way into Heaven with good deeds or money. Choose today where you will spend eternity.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus Christ, I praise You for You are an awesome God—along with the Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit. Thank You for the promise that You will never leave me or forsake me. I feel secure and loved—even in the middle of trials and temptations. Discouragement happens—but You are with me and remind me to “breathe” and have no fear.

Verse of Salvation ~ Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you." Isaiah 35:4 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Bible Trivia Answer to the Question: What are the Seven Feasts (also known as Festivals) of Israel?

Leviticus 23:4-6, 10, 15-16, 24, 27, 34-35

In addition to the Sabbath, these are the LORD's appointed festivals, the official days for holy assembly that are to be celebrated at their proper times each year. The LORD's Passover begins at sundown on the fourteenth day of the first month. On the next day, the fifteenth day of the month, you must begin celebrating the Festival of Unleavened Bread. This festival to the LORD continues for seven days, and during that time the bread you eat must be made without yeast. ... Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. When you enter the land I am giving you and you harvest its first crops (Feast of Firstfruits), bring the priest a bundle of grain from the first cutting of your grain harvest. ... "From the day after the Sabbath--the day you bring the bundle of grain to be lifted up as a special offering--count off seven full weeks. Keep counting until the day after the seventh Sabbath, fifty days later. (Pentecost.) Then present an offering of new grain to the LORD. Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. On the first day of the appointed month in early autumn, you are to observe a day of complete rest. It will be an official day for holy assembly, a day commemorated with loud blasts of a trumpet. (Feast of Trumpets) ... Be careful to celebrate the Day of Atonement on the tenth day of that same month--nine days after the Festival of Trumpets. You must observe it as an official day for holy assembly, a day to deny yourselves and present special gifts to the LORD. ... "Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. Begin celebrating the Festival of Shelters (also known as the Festival of Booths or Tabernacles) on the fifteenth day of the appointed month--five days after the Day of Atonement. This festival to the LORD will last for seven days. On the first day of the festival you must proclaim an official day for holy assembly, when you do no ordinary work. Leviticus 23:4-6, 10, 15-16, 24, 27, 34-35 (Underlined to specify feasts.)

Bible Trivia Question for next week: What are the levels of Heaven?

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

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Friday, September 3, 2021

The Sabbath Day is Approaching

Meditate.

Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don't pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD's holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don't follow your own desires or talk idly. Isaiah 58:13

Shabbat shalom. Sabbath of Peace. When do you celebrate the Sabbath day…or as it is known in Israel, Shabbat? Most Christians, other than those affiliated with the Seventh Day Advent church, celebrate their sabbath on Sunday in commemoration of the day that their Savior, Jesus Christ, was raised from the dead.

As part of the Ten Commandments and other directives, God commanded Moses to instruct the Israelites to keep the Sabbath day.

· Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. Exodus 20:8-11

· You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of complete rest, an official day for holy assembly. It is the LORD's Sabbath day, and it must be observed wherever you live. Leviticus 23:3d

So what do you do to observe the Sabbath Day? Isaiah notes that we are to “enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD’s holy day.” By observing the Sabbath on Sunday and attending a church service—whether on-line or in person—is a way to focus on the Lord and honoring Him in a holy worship. Some people use the Sabbath to spend the day just reading Scripture and other religious books. No work. No entertainment, like TV or movies. To some people one day is like any other—they work, play and enjoy leisure activities on any days of the week. Others enjoy the Sabbath, after a time of worshipping the Lord, they spend time with family and friends—and that may include watching TV and movies, playing games like baseball, basketball or tennis, swimming or boating in the summertime, or skiing in the winter, and eating good food. Life is so often focused on food. Jesus enjoyed good food. Look at all the dinners and banquets He went to…including a wedding where He turned into wine.

As you observe the Sabbath, are you honoring God—the Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and your relationship with Him?

Prayer ~ Lord, as the Sabbath Day approaches inspire me—along with my family, friends and neighbors—to see ways that will honor You. The Ten Commandments indicate that no one should do any work—but Jesus Himself healed a man on the Sabbath. What is considered work? How do I explain that to non-believers and new believers?

Verse 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. Titus 3:4-5

Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table

The Fruit of the Vine

We can’t live on bread alone. Consider the health benefits of grape juice, the basis of red wine like Jesus created.

Studies have shown that drinking Concord grape juice is just as beneficial as drinking red wine for lowering the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), reducing blood clots, lowering blood pressure and preventing heart blood vessel damage. The red juice which is loaded with antioxidants also has the ability to improve brain function along with anti-aging benefits for those drinking one to two glasses each day. Those antioxidants have been found to improve reflexes and memory as well as slow the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Miraculously, it also can reduce the incidence of colon and other cancers. Jesus did a miracle turning water into wine…but for all of us who appreciate good grape juice another miracle is the exceptional health benefits that this fruit of the vine provides. Enjoy some today—maybe even squeeze some fresh grapes.

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Thursday, September 2, 2021

How Does a Verse Speak to You?

Meditate.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 NLT

Therefore I urge you, brothers [and sisters,] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, [which is] your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 NASB20

Let God's light shine into your life...
and renew your mind.
Love the Lord your God.
Trust Him.

Compare these two translations. Which one “speaks” to you? They say the same thing…just with a different emphasis. At any rate, give yourself to God and let Him transform you…like those old “transformer” toys. As you are “transformed” you will think differently. Personally, I found that as I wanted to please the Lord and give up an old habit…like an old thought pattern of looking back…I would have a scripture memory verse on which to concentrate. This effort focused my mind on the Lord, what He has done for me, and something to do. A couple of verses I depend on are simple ones that most Christians memorize early in the walk with the Lord.

- And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

- Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7

Transformation is a good thing. Trust God. He is into good things.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I come before You offering myself as a living sacrifice—which I hope is acceptable to You. I want to live up to Your standards…not the world’s standards. Renew my mind, refresh my heart and lead me along Your path of righteousness.

Verses of Salvation ~ For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice. And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:24-28 (Underlined for emphasis.)

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

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Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Gift of a New Life

Meditate. Consider your new life…every day.

…Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, "Come back to God!" For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

You are a new person. Not the same ole, same old—new revitalized, renewed with a new life. It’s a gift from God. God gave us His Son and a new life. Best gift ever.

Have you accepted God’s gift…and thanked Him for it? My grandmother taught me that you can never start using or wearing a gift until you’ve thanked the person who gave it to you.

Prayer ~ Lord, I am listening to You…and to Your Word. I am thankful for all You provide…and for my life…as I hear You saying:

See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:15-22 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Verse of Salvation ~ So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it." Acts 28:28

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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