Banquet With The King

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Saved by Grace

Memory Verse of the Week ~

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9

Saved by God’s undeserved favor—by grace—not as a reward for the good things we’ve done. How often do you ask someone if they are going to heaven one day and they reply that they will be in heaven because they’ve been a good person…treated others well and been generous. Good works. Will that get them into heaven? According to this verse in Ephesians: No. Good works won’t get someone into heaven.

Do you need a plan to follow? Some people just do better when they have steps to follow…a daily “To Do” list. In this passage from Paul to the church at Ephesus we are given a hint that we must believe first. …when you believed. So that is the first step. Believe. After belief has been established then there is an element of trust. Trusting God to do as He has said…saving us by His grace—unmerited favor. We cannot earn salvation. NOTHING that we do can save us. Only believing in Jesus who was sacrificed for our sins can “give” us salvation. It is a gift from God.

Hoping for Spring to come soon!
Hoping for Heaven--by God's Grace.

So once we “believe” we are saved. Saved from an eternity in hell…saved to an eternity in heaven with God. Saved from our old wicked ways…saved to a life filled with the Holy Spirit that results in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as in Galatians 5:22-23. Salvation is a gift—not a reward for a good life.

This good life doesn’t begin when we go to heaven…it begins when we begin believing in Jesus as our Savior and repent of our sins. Do you believe? Or what is stopping you from believing?

Prayer ~ God, I rejoice that You have covered me with Your grace and given me the gift of salvation. Thank you. You have provided such a good life here, but I look forward to the day of Jesus return for His church. Come quickly, Jesus.

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 35-36

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

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Review of Scripture Memory for 2019

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

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

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6

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. Then God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light "day" and the darkness "night." And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day. Then God said, "Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth." And that is what happened. God made this space to separate the waters of the earth from the waters of the heavens. God called the space "sky." And evening passed and morning came, marking the second day. Genesis 1:1-8

Then God said, "Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear." And that is what happened. God called the dry ground "land" and the waters "seas." And God saw that it was good. Then God said, "Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came." And that is what happened. The land produced vegetation--all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. And evening passed and morning came, marking the third day. Then God said, "Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years. Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth." And that is what happened. God made two great lights—the larger one to govern the day, and the smaller one to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set these lights in the sky to light the earth, to govern the day and night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And evening passed and morning came, marking the fourth day. Genesis 1:9-19

Then God said, "Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind." So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that scurries and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird--each producing offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply. Let the fish fill the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth." And evening passed and morning came, marking the fifth day. Then God said, "Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind--livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals." And that is what happened. God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, "Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground." So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:20-27

You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. ...You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. ... Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you. You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely against your neighbor. You must not covet your neighbor's house. You must not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor. Exodus 20:3-5, 7-8, 12-17

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

Saturday, March 9, 2019

Are You Awake and Watching?

Memory Scripture of the Week ~

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

What sign will signal Christ's return?

Jesus Christ is the Messiah because He is the Son of God who died for us and miraculously rose from the grave. Before He died some of His followers recognized Him as Messiah and they asked Him about the end times.

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, "Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?" Jesus told them, "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 famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Matthew 24:3-14 (underlined for emphasis)

Be ready. Don’t panic. Endure. Everyone who has repented of their sins…and endures to the end will be saved. Saved in the Rapture? Yes, I think that is what Jesus meant. Not just saved to go to Heaven, but taken with His church. Snatched up.

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. Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. 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 24:37-44 (underlined for emphasis)

Paul explained the Rapture in his letter to the church at Thessalonica.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 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 4:13-18

Encourage one another. Foremost we need to share the Gospel with non-believers. How do you present the Gospel to those around you who are not Christian? Do you ask clerks in stores and workers at your gym or health center if they know Jesus as their Savior? Do they know that they need a Savior?

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

Keep watch. Be encouraged. Don't be misled.

Prayer ~ Lord God…Thank you that You showed Your great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. I will be first to admit that I am a sinner. I repent. Jesus Christ is my Messiah—my Savior and as He had advised…I am keeping watch for His imminent return. May more and more people have their eyes and hearts open to receiving Christ as their Savior.

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 33-34

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

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Friday, March 8, 2019

Food for Thought…Deception or Truth?

Memory Scripture of the Week ~

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

Don’t be deceived into thinking that you haven’t sinned… For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23. Consider what King David wrote about sin. He was a good example for us all—although he definitely sinned, he repented and lived to please God.

For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. I have followed all His regulations; I have never abandoned His decrees. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The LORD rewarded me for doing right. He has seen my innocence. 2 Samuel 22:22-25

Looking at Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives

Evil is from Satan. He’s an enemy of Jesus and an enemy of ours—but Jesus will defeat him. He actually already has defeated him. After His baptism, Jesus went into the desert for forty days. There Satan tempted Him—but didn’t deceive Him. Be careful…don’t be misled or misinformed—deceived. Whether it is serving an idol…or being taught something that is not Biblical—don’t be taken in by false doctrine.

But be careful. Don't let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the LORD and serve and worship other gods. Deuteronomy 11:16.

Jesus spoke to His disciples about conditions in the end times warning them…and us… not to be deceived.

When someone is talking about End Times, Rapture and the Day of the Lord—be sure to read your Bible carefully and don’t be deceived. Jesus journey to the Cross took Him to the Cross for your sin and for mine. We are blameless only because of Jesus. His return for His church will be a glorious day for believers.

Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him. Don't be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don't believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us. Don't be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction. He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4.

Any day now can be the day of Jesus’ return for His church. Are you ready? Is your house in order? Just as Jesus warned, don’t be deceived. Don’t be misled. There are wars and rumors of wars throughout history just as we hear of them today. The really exciting thing is that the nation of Israel is in their land…and has been for seventy years. How much rebellion against God needs to occur before Jesus returns for His church? Remember…God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8. Don’t be part of the problem…look for Jesus as the answer.

Prayer ~ Lord God, may we seek Your heart, Your ways and living to please You. Open our eyes that we would not be deceived.

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 31-32

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

As usual every Friday is Feast Day—Feasting at the King’s Table. We can’t live on just spiritual food …nor can we live on bread alone.

Are you giving up a tempting food for Lent? Don’t be deceived by food choices. Seek the truth in labeling—see the number of carbohydrates, vitamins or proteins that are available in the foods you are choosing.

If the Rapture does not happen soon you may want to have some emergency supplies on hand if the economy around the world suffers from the current wars and rumors of wars or we are impacted by earthquakes or tornados. Remember how the grocery shelves were almost bare when there was a winter storm warning? Here’s a good starting point for a short 72-hour disaster preparedness list to have on hand for each person in your family. For a more extensive list go to https://www.asecurelife.com/72-hour-kit/

· Water – one gallon per person per day or a Life-straw water filter system

· Non-perishable food

· Fixed-blade knife

· Flashlight

· Waterproof lighter or matches

· Sleeping bag or blankets

· First aid kit

· Medication

· Cash

· Change of clothes

· Cards, small games or books to help pass the time of boredom that is sure to come.

Food items—although they may not seem like a feast it is important to be able to have food that doesn’t have to be cooked. For convenience there are prepacked foods available for purchase. Check the internet, as well as your local grocery stores.

§ Crackers/cereal

§ Trail mix/dried fruit

§ Granola bars

§ Canned beans, meat, tuna, Chef Boyardee

§ Freeze dried foods that can be reconstituted

§ Have a few hard candy or quality chocolate bars for energy and special treats

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. Proverbs 3:5-6

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

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Thursday, March 7, 2019

Christ Died for Us

Memory Scripture of the Week ~

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

Brass Crucifix from Korea
Christ Died for Us

Christ died for us. He died. Do you realize how terrible crucifixion was…or is? The Romans used crucifixion as a method of capital punishment—although they were not the first to do so. You can read about crucifixion on line at Wikipedia or any other of a multitude of sites. Note that according to that site crucifixion is still occurring today is such places as Sudan, Iran, Iraq, Syria and the United Arab Emirates, where it is considered a legal punishment.

Needless to say, crucifixion is a horrible and humiliating way to die. It begins with a scourging—and that is just what happened to Jesus. The beating He received could have killed Him—but He was to die on the cross.

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 15:15

If you have not seen the movie The Passion by Mel Gibson, starring Jim Caviezel as Jesus, it is an intense graphic depiction of Jesus’ crucifixion. Oh my, what our Savior endured! I am humbled to even consider what Jesus went through for me—a sinner who should have died for even just my thoughts alone. But Jesus paid for my sins on the cross…like a Passover lamb roasted on a spit. That sacrificial lamb at the first Passover, whose blood was placed on the doorposts so that the angel of death would go past—passover the homes of the Hebrew families. I am not Jewish…but I do believe that Jesus died for my sins and more importantly, He rose from the dead and lives, seated at the right hand of God the Father. His death was not in vain. It served an overwhelming purpose—to provide salvation to all who believe so that one day they can stand before the Heavenly Father in purity, as only those who are holy will be able to do. For now…what does God require of you?

And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. Deuteronomy 10:12

God loves us so much that He… showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Death. Death on a cross. That is love.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I imagine You hanging on that cross—weighed down by the sins of all mankind. What a heavy burden. It is no wonder that You cried out…"Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" Mark 15:34. You paid for my sins. Thank You.

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 28-30

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

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Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Lent Begins

Memory Scripture of the Week ~

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

Stained glass window
Lord of Life Lutheran Church - Kennewick

Lent begins today. For the next forty days it is time to focus on Christ, to turn to Him and repent. Time to live the way that God wants you to live. Are you doing what God wants you to do? You might just ask…what is it that God wants me to do? How can I love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength?

Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him. Deuteronomy 13:4

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 NASB

[From the story of the Good Samaritan] And he (the lawyer) said, "He (the Good Samaritan) who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." Luke 10:37 NKJV

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9 NASB

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

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

It is time…for the time is near. There is no better time than right now…to listen and obey. Repent. Repentance and returning to the Lord is what Lent is about. Focus on Jesus and what He has done for you—that will bring you to turn to Him. Which part are you having trouble doing…listening… obeying…or repenting? I think the key is found in Micah 6:8…walk humbly. If we walk with God…putting Him first and doing things His way then all these other things will fall into place…listen, obey, repent…and we’ll make disciples—bring others to the Lord—that none would perish. I hope that is your heart’s desire…that no one would perish. That is what I want…for heaven to be full…and no more people be headed for hell—that lake of fire created for Satan. God had such a great love for us…sending His son to die for our sins. The least we can do is love others…for Him.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I choose to walk humbly with You…beside You. With Your help I will be strong and courageous! I will not be afraid or panic before any adversaries. I know that You, my LORD God, will personally go ahead of me. You have promised that will You will neither fail nor abandon me. Deuteronomy 31:6

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 26-27

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

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Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Choose Your Actions

Memory Scripture of the Week ~

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

Christ died for the sins of mankind—for everyone who has sinned…or will sin.

That is why he (Jesus Christ) is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant. Hebrews 9:15

Don't get sidetracked by sin.
Steam engine - Ely, Nevada.

Be careful. Don’t get sidetracked or duped. Sin is sin. True, Jesus died for our sins—but that doesn’t prevent us from sinning. We are just forgiven and do escape from wickeness when we repent of our sins.

Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy. Proverbs 29:6

And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. 2 Peter 2:20

We have choices to make every day. Flee from sin or embrace it? God’s Word tells us to get away from sin.

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:22

Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17 NASB

So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols. 1 Corinthians 10:14

Jesus paid for our sin…but we still have choices to make. Choose to accept God’s gift of freedom from that sin…and to not allow sin to influence our lives on a daily basis. What is your choice today?

Prayer ~ Lord God, You so loved the world that you gave us Your Only Son—that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. Jesus took away the sins of the world. I praise You for Your plan, Your love and Your mercy. I humbly look forward to seeing You in Heaven one day. Send Jesus soon for the church—for all those who believe in Jesus as their Messiah.

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 23-25

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

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Monday, March 4, 2019

Death for Sinners

Memory Scripture of the Week ~

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

Christ died for us. All have sinned.
He will raise the dead in the rapture.

Jesus Christ died for sinful man. But who among us is not sinful? Remember…all have sinned. You and me.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18

Christ died for us…to take away our sins so that we can one day stand in God’s presence pure and holy. The exciting thing is that Jesus not only took away our sins…but He will come and take us away to be with Him….forever. He may come anytime now for the rapture of His church.

Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 1 Thessalonians 5:10

This isn’t something new. God has cared about mankind forever. He wants people to live to please Him…to live righteous lives. He spoke to the people of Israel through the prophet Ezekiel about just that way of living.

Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign LORD. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. However, if righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things and act like other sinners, should they be allowed to live? No, of course not! All their righteous acts will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins. "Yet you say, 'The Lord isn't doing what's right!' Listen to me, O people of Israel. Am I the one not doing what's right, or is it you? When righteous people turn from their righteous behavior and start doing sinful things, they will die for it. Yes, they will die because of their sinful deeds. And if wicked people turn from their wickedness, obey the law, and do what is just and right, they will save their lives. They will live because they thought it over and decided to turn from their sins. Such people will not die. Ezekiel 18:23-28

We make choices about our lives. How can we live to honor God?

Prayer ~ Lord God, help us to focus on You and to think. To think good thoughts, things that are…true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable, so that we can live to honor You. As a man thinks in his heart…so he is.

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 21-22

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

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See you in the air...or up there.

Sunday, March 3, 2019

Greatest Love

Memory Scripture of the Week ~

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

What is it that you value most in life? Is it your home, car, spouse, kids, dog, bank account or retirement fund, sports team? What do you really love? Do you think that your values influence all your decisions day by day…moment by moment? I think so.

Cross from Israel made from olive wood.

God created mankind and valued His relationship with us. When Adam and Eve chose to disobey God they broke that relationship and couldn’t come into God’s presence. God is so pure that no sin can be in His presence. God sacrificed an animal to make Adam and Eve garments to cloth their nakedness—to cover up their sin. But that was only temporary, so God in His infinite love made a plan—a plan that involved sacrificing what He loved most. His Son, Jesus. The purifying act of that sacrifice allows people who believe in the value of what Jesus did to come into the holy presence of God—eternally. What a great gift…what a generous love. The Greatest Love. What more could He give?

Prayer ~ Father God, Thank You for loving me so much that You were willing to let Your Son be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins…my mistakes…my rebellious attitude. Guide my heart, thoughts, mind and words that whatever I think, say and do is honorable in Your sight—continually pleasing to You, my God, my Lord, my Savior.

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 18-20

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

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Saturday, March 2, 2019

What Really Matters

Memory Scripture of the Week ~

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

God doesn’t like sin and the result of sin is death. We can’t escape it. Adam and Eve chose poorly…sinned and were punished. An animal had to be sacrificed and die—shed its blood—for their nakedness, their sin, to be covered. All mankind is equally in bondage to sin and it still results in death, both physically and spiritually. But the great thing is that God has made a way for us to be reconciled to Him, so that means that we really can escape death. That “plan” involved one death for all mankind’s sin. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice. On a cross just outside of Jerusalem, Jesus was crucified. A horrible painful death—but it was a “once for all” sacrifice by God of His own son that literally “washed away” the sin of mankind. To receive the benefit of this sacrifice a person must admit that they do have sin in their life…and then ask God to forgive them. Easy…but difficult.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

We cannot earn or buy forgiveness for our sin. It is a gift from God—but to receive it a person has to accept that gift. That is what SALVATION is all about. It is what really matters in life.

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation--the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ--for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians 1:9-11

Each day it is important to be doing what really matters. Doing the things that matter to God should make a difference in our lives…if we care about pleasing God. I do. I want to live to please Him. Over a lifetime what does it really matter how many movies I’ve watched, sporting events I’ve attended, or how many designer clothes for which I’ve shopped. Does it matter? Not really. Those aren’t things I’ll be taking to heaven…or even sharing with others here. Jesus told us to…Seek first His righteousness…. Initially when He sent out His disciples He gave them the commission…

Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: "Don't go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! " Matthew 10:5-8

So we too are to “go to the lost sheep” and encourage them with the hope of Jesus. That is what really matters. The Kingdom of Heaven is near.

Sheep grazing in Israel

The Old Testament gives a prophetic scripture in Ezekiel.

For thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day. I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and bring them to their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the streams, and in all the inhabited places of the land. I will feed them in a good pasture, and their grazing ground will be on the mountain heights of Israel. There they will lie down on good grazing ground and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest," declares the Lord GOD. "I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and strengthen the sick; but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with judgment.” Ezekiel 34:11-16 NASB

What really matters to you? Salvation and caring for lost?

Prayer ~ Lord, I recognize that the wages of sin is death. Forgive me for my sin—help me to live to please you. May I always seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness. That is what really matters to me.

Daily Bible Reading: March 2 – Numbers 16-17

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

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Friday, March 1, 2019

Waiting…Hopefully

Memory Scripture of the Week ~

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

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

Hope. We long for the day when Christ returns…calls us home. Hopefully that will be in the Rapture…soon. But the key in waiting is to continue to have HOPE…and patience. God’s timing is not our timing. I remember reading The Late Great Planet Earth in the early 1970’s and I was so sure that Christ would return in my lifetime. Funny thing is…lots of people have had that same hope for centuries. But with the nation of Israel back in the land of Palestine …the Promised Land…things are prophetically coming together for Christ’s return. I hopefully wait and watch the sky…listening for that call of the shofar horn. The salvation is for the Jews…but God has blessed the Gentiles, too. I give glory to God for that…for His love and the hope that He provides. Be encouraged and encourage others is the message that we read in the New Testament.

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled. ... Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote: "For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing praises to your name." Romans 15:4, 7-9

Hope is part of the Old Testament as well.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. Psalm 62:5

And so we wait…patiently and quietly for our Savior to call us home. Are you feeling hopeful? Is Jesus your Messiah? Trust in Him. He is the one that takes away the sin of the world. Remember… For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23. Beyond that…there is a result for sin. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23. Christ provides eternal life. Would you like to live with Him forever?

Prayer ~ I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13. Thank You, Jesus, that we can live forever with You.

Daily Bible Reading: March 1 – Numbers 14-15; Psalm 90

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Honey Throat Soothing Syrup

As usual every Friday is Feast Day—Feasting at the King’s Table. We can’t live on just spiritual food …nor can we live on bread alone. If we are sick…like my hubby is right now with a cold…it is good to feed that cold…and starve a fever. Here’s a sore throat remedy that my daughter sent to me. It does help miraculously by reduced coughs and throat irritations.

All Natural Throat Soothing Syrup

To one teaspoon of honey add one drop each of Orange, Lemon, Frankincense and Peppermint Essential Oils. I stirred it up with a toothpick and initially divided it between my husband and me. Take as needed.

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

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

www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading