Banquet With The King

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Shalom

Meditate.

The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 1 Peter 4:7

Look at the scripture in context. Peter was writing to Christians.

So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won't spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead. That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead--so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit. The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:1-10

Do you believe that the end of the world is coming soon? So many people have been predicting the Rapture to happen this fall. Just search for Bible Prophesy on YouTube and you’ll have hours of videos to watch. The thing is Jesus told us to be ready…we don’t know when the Son of Man will return. That means all of our lives, we need to be ready. Just remember that all through history people have been watching and waiting for Christ’s return. Things may be happening now that are fulfilling prophesy, but we still have to watch and wait. Can you do that…watch and wait? And earnestly pray?

Prayer ~ Lord, I am patiently watching and waiting for Your return. With people praising the Abraham Peace Accord between Israel, Bahrain and the UAE things seem to be looking for a more peaceful situation in the Middle East. Is this a true peace? Lord, give us wisdom and understanding for the coming days and situations in the world. May more and more people seek You…and the true peace that only You give. Shalom.

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

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Are You Like a Tree Planted by a Riverbank?

Meditate.

A Tree Planted Along a Riverbank
Near a Kibbutz - Northern Israel

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. Psalm 1:1-6

Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly [are] not so: but [are] like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 1:1-6 KJV

When I was in seventh grade I memorized this scripture passage in the King James Version as part of my church confirmation class. Sometime memorizing may seem like it is beyond your ability—so just meditate on His word. Focus. Repeat the verse over and over. Ask yourself: how does the verse apply to your life? Think on it. Part of meditating on God’s word is to spend time quietly listening to God’s guidance. What is He telling you from this scripture passage?

Anyone who walks the way Jesus walks…not in the counsel of the wicked; stands with the righteous—not with the sinners; and sits in the seat alongside those who are positive and encouraging—not the scoffers, is blessed. How does one learn about walking with Jesus, being righteous or encouraging others? The best way is to know God’s word. Knowing it in your heart, not just your mind.

Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. Psalm 119:27

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on me! ...I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. I cling to your laws. LORD, don't let me be put to shame! Psalm 119:1-8, 25-31

Meditate. Think on these things. Are you meditating on God’s word today?

Consider the ways of the wicked. This focus passage today tells us that the wicked will face judgment. Along with the wicked, will you face condemnation at judgment?

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for You in this parched and weary land where there is no water. ... I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You and on Your Word through the night. Psalm 63:1, 6

Verse of Salvation ~ So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. 2 Peter 2:9

That “rescue” from the path of the wicked that leads to destruction gives you salvation from your sins and is what our sinless Savior, Jesus Christ, provided for us when He took our sins to the cross.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Public domain.

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Tuesday, September 22, 2020

What is Your Destiny?

Meditate. Think about your future.

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 9:27-28

Tombs at the Mt. of Olives
Jerusalem

Think about your future. Where will you be in eternity? Everyone is going to die. We all know that…whether we want to acknowledge it or not. God has created eternity…for everyone. Those who love Him will spend eternity in Heaven with Him. Those who reject God will spend eternity without Him…in continual fires of hell (see Matthew 5:22). God is in control. We choose where we want to spend eternity, but once we choose Him, no one can take us away from His love…His hand. To me, that is a comforting thought. There is security in just knowing God’s love. My destiny is in His hands.

"From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done." Isaiah 43:13

Prayer ~ Thank you, Christ Jesus for dying once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of all people. I trust Your promise to come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for You. From Hebrews 9:28. I am among those who eagerly and patiently wait for Your return…and I praise You continually. You are an awesome God.

Verses of Salvation ~ For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 1 Peter 2:21-24

Jesus’ death on the cross provided salvation for us. Will you accept what He has done for you?

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Monday, September 21, 2020

Do You Feel Rested?

Meditate and rest in God’s Word.

Focus on the Lord.
Be Ready.
Will you get judgment or rest?

And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don't know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. When he comes on that day, he will receive glory from his holy people—praise from all who believe. And this includes you, for you believed what we told you about him. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10

Ahhh. Rest for the persecuted…and also for us. Rest is such a wonderful thing. I love to wake up from sleep or a nap rested. So when the Lord Jesus appears from Heaven, we will get rest. Is this “rest” associated with peace? It seems that so many people are seeking “peace” lately. Rest is good. Jesus spoke about rest…

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

I associate “rest” with being refreshed, with renewing one’s strength. That is just what the Lexicon in the Blue Letter Bible website indicates. Do you feel rested and refreshed?

Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God's people. Philemon 1:7

Rest is good—so much better than the judgment and eternal destruction that those who reject Jesus will face! Once again, where do you stand with your relationship with Lord Jesus? Do you have a relationship with Him? If not, seek Him today, while there is still time.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I come before You seeking Your rest, Your peace and refreshment in my heart and life. Thank You for Your obedience to take my sin to the cross. I certainly could not have done that myself! I praise You and honor You with every breath I take. Please continue to guide me, my family, friends and neighbors that we would make good choices and that You would continue to give us rest.

Verses of Salvation ~ Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens. By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky. My child, don't lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Proverbs 3:18-26

Wisdom will refresh your soul and keep you safe. The Lord will provide security—salvation. Trust Him.

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Sunday, September 20, 2020

Judging Others—Judging You

Meditate.

You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God's judgment when you do the same things? Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. Romans 2:1-7

Whoa! Words can be powerful. Words can encourage or destroy. We must choose carefully what we say…and as equally careful about what we do. In our words and actions, we may be judging others. Jesus taught about judging others during His Sermon on the Mount as recorded in Matthew and Luke.

"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." Luke 6:37-38

"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. " Matthew 7:1-2

Such wisdom. We should observe it even today—because God’s word hasn’t changed. Are you seeking God’s will for your life—an eternal life with Him?

Prayer ~ Today, Lord God, during this last day of Rosh Hashanah I turn from my sins and plead with You for forgiveness. Thank You for being wonderfully kind, tolerant and patient with me. Please continue to guide and direct my thoughts, words, and actions that all I think, say and do would be pleasing to You.

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

Our salvation is in Jesus who rescued us.

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Saturday, September 19, 2020

HAPPY NEW YEAR – JEWISH ROSH HASHANAH

Meditate.

The LORD said to Moses, "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 23:23-25

Begin the New Year in joyful contemplation.
The Bird of Paradise
Like Man in the Garden of Eden

Happy Jewish New Year! This is the day that commemorates the beginning of the world, or more specifically the creation of man. Rosh Hashanah, which literally means the head of the year, is also called Feast of the Trumpets. As the Lord instructed Moses to tell the Israelites it is a day of complete rest—no work. This makes it a high holy day. No work. Take it easy today and reflect on what God has done for you in this past year. That is a good thing on which to Meditate. God is good.

This holy day is followed by the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, in ten days. During the next ten days all devout Jews will be considering their spiritual lives, their relationship to God, and this opportunity to reshape their lives in this New Year. These days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are a time of repentance. Yom Kippur is seen as the Day of Judgment and the Jews will pray ceaselessly for forgiveness and renewal. That would be good for everyone.

Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the LORD, people avoid evil. Proverbs 16:6

Celebrate this New Year and seek God’s forgiveness. That would be a special gift to Him.

Prayer ~ Lord, I long to hear Your trumpet sound from Heaven someday. For today I will rest and praise Your name—for You are worthy of praise and glory.

Verse of Salvation ~ "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Matthew 3:2

Happy Birthday, Little Naomi.

You’re a big girl now! Bless You!

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Friday, September 18, 2020

Every Knee Will Bow and Every Tongue Will Confess

Meditate.

Do you have a new life in Christ?
In Judgment will Jesus claim you as His own...
when you bend your knee and praise God?
Is there still time to live to please God?

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

Ultimately we only have one chance…one opportunity to choose. Choose who you will serve. God or satan. Choose heaven and life with God…forever. Or choose to reject God, to reject Jesus and end up with eternity in hell. Don’t believe it? Look at what the scripture says: every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God. If you don’t have faith in God, and in His holy scriptures, then from this point of view, you are doomed. Consider: if God is not true then it doesn’t matter. If God is true and you are wrong, then it is a forever lifetime of misery. What will you be willing to risk? God loves us all. For God so loved the world…think about that.

For God does not show favoritism. When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God's written law. And the Jews, who do have God's law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. For merely listening to the law doesn't make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. Romans 2:11-13

Every knee will bow. Will you be bowing to your Lord and King…or will you merely be bowing to the Creator that you have just discovered is the Truth? Then it will be too late. Decide today whom you will serve.

It is likely that by the time you read this the Trumpet—Shofar Horn—will have sounded the beginning of the Feast of Trumpets at sunset in Israel. Sunset is at 6:41 PM in Jerusalem. If indeed this accomplishes God’s fulfillment of the Feast of Trumpets, then where will you be? Raptured with God’s church or left behind because you have rejected Jesus as your Savior? The choice is yours. Is there still time? That depends of if the last trumpet has sounded and the scripture below has happened.

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

I hope to see you…in the air or up there. But then again, we don’t know the hour or the day as Jesus told His disciples.

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. ... So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. ... You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:36, 42, 44

Are you ready?

Prayer ~ Lord God…even now I praise You—for You are worthy of all praise, honor and glory. One day we will sing, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen." Revelation 7:12 .

Verses of Salvation ~ You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

Jesus provided salvation for us through His humble obedience to die as the sacrifice for our sin.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Tonight at sunset is the beginning of the Feast of Trumpets—and the Jewish New Year. They like to start off the New Year with sweet foods. Challah bread, often in different shapes, served with sweet fresh sliced apples and honey. There are already fresh apples from this year’s crop in the markets and grocery stores. Good time to try out a new variety—although our favorites are the Honey Crisp, Gala, Pink Lady and Fugi. I’ll be serving some up for Breakfast, Lunch and Supper with some fresh local honey.

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Thursday, September 17, 2020

Is Anything Worth More Than Your Soul?

Meditate on Jesus' words.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. And I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom." Matthew 16:24-28

Take up your cross.

If any of you wants to be my follower… not when, but if. The choice is yours. Turn from your selfish ways, repent…agree with God that you have been selfish. It is the truth. We all have selfish ways. Take up your cross…being willing to bear your burden…but also give up your sins on the cross. Follow me…follow Jesus. The benefit…is eternal life…if you give up your life for Jesus. Everyone will be judged by Jesus, the Son of Man, according to their deeds, but only their choice of Jesus as Savior really counts. Is anything worth more than your soul? Your soul is your very being…it will last a lifetime either in heaven or hell. Is your soul worth a little fun here on earth or a lifetime in hell? What a great question! Today is as good a time as any to consider what is important in your life.

Is anything worth more than your soul?

Prayer ~ Lord, You are worth more than anything.

Verse of Salvation ~ But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Acts 20:24

Salvation for others. It is as important as my own salvation.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Be Ready ALL the Time!

Meditate—and get ready.

Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. 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 12:35-40

Do you need to refill your lamp?
Replica lamp from Israel.

So, what are you wearing? Are you dressed and ready for service? Is your lamp burning? Are you like the foolish or wise bridesmaids?

Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn't take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight they were roused by the shout, 'Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!' All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, 'Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.' But the others replied, 'We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.' But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, 'Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!' But he called back, 'Believe me, I don't know you!' So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. Matthew 25:1-13

The ready servants will be rewarded. Are you ready? Are you a good servant? Will you be served by the Master, the Lord Himself? Can you imagine not only having dinner with Him, but Jesus Christ Himself serving you at the Banquet with the King!?

,,,be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Are you ready? What are you doing today to get ready? Any sins you need to repent? Do you need to share the Good News about Jesus with anyone in particular? Are you ready? Do you think you know the hour or the day? Think again. Keep watch…be ready.

Prayer ~ Lord God, Look down and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant; save me, the son of your servant. Psalm 86:16. I’m watching and waiting, Lord. Open my eyes to anything I need to do to be ready for Your return. OK. Come quickly.

Verse 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. Romans 13:11

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Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Be Ready…For What?

Meditate.

"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 24:42-44

When do you expect the Son of Man to return? When is the time that is least expected? Is it the next Jewish Festival that has not been fulfilled? That would be the Feast of Trumpets or Rash HaShanah, also known as the Jewish New Year and Day of Judgment, which occurs this year beginning at sunset on Friday, September 18^ththrough sunset on Sunday, September 20^th.

Peace for Jerusalem
Sign posted in Jerusalem, Israel.
Is Peace coming to Israel?
Keep Watch. Be Ready.

Sound the alarm in Jerusalem! Raise the battle cry on my holy mountain! Let everyone tremble in fear because the day of the LORD is upon us. Joel 2:1

That terrible day of the LORD is near. Swiftly it comes—a day of bitter tears, a day when even strong men will cry out. It will be a day when the LORD's anger is poured out—a day of terrible distress and anguish, a day of ruin and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, a day of trumpet calls and battle cries. Down go the walled cities and the strongest battlements! Zephaniah 1:14-16

The idea is to be ready ALL the time—because that is just what Jesus said to do. Keep watch…and be ready. The rapture is coming…someday. Will you be ready?

First things first. You must accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. He died on the cross for all our sins. What is keeping you from accepting what Christ did for you? Can you humble yourself to admit that just like everyone else in the world, you are a sinner? Read Romans 3:23. All have sinned. Can you believe…have a little faith to see the big picture? God has a plan and He loved you so much that He gave up His one and only Son so that you could have eternal life. Be part of that plan...believe. Then call on the name of the Lord. That’s right. Call out to Jesus—tell Him you want Him to be part of your life…and that you want to be part of His family.

Are you ready…for whatever happens…whenever it happens? Be Ready.

Prayer ~ Lord God, Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I'm in trouble, and you will answer me. Psalm 86:3-7

Verse of Salvation ~ What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? James 2:14

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Monday, September 14, 2020

Have You Rejected Jesus?

Meditate.

I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. I will not judge those who hear me but don't obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. John 12:46-48

Have you rejected Jesus? What would it take for you to put your trust in Jesus? Are you stumbling around in the darkness…making bumbling mistakes because you don’t make wise enlightened decisions? Do your choices seem great at night, but in the morning light that wasn’t such a good choice. Do you choose to rebel against your parents, spouse, teachers, boss or supervisor? Can you obey…God, your superiors, others in your life or even yourself? Have you rejected Jesus?

What did Jesus say about those who reject Him? He will judge them. We cannot do enough “good” in this life to make up for all the sins we commit. Being “good” won’t get you through judgment and into Heaven…if that is where you want to go someday…or assume you will go because you have been “good.” Jesus taught His followers…

Narrow Gate
Leading into the Garden of Gethsemane
Israel

You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. Matthew 7:13

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

So, I think this scripture is saying…choose Jesus, choose eternal life. Reject Jesus, choose judgment that results in the wide path to hell. Which will you choose?

Prayer ~ Lord God, Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?... No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35, 39 Thank You, Lord, that nothing can separate us from Your love.

Verse of Salvation ~ And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. Romans 8:38

The “us” in this verse is those who love the Lord…who believe in Jesus as the Son of God, as their Savior. Are you in the “us” group? Are you part of God’s family?

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org

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Parenting Day By Day

Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Sunday, September 13, 2020

Blind?

Meditate on Jesus declaration after He healed a blind man.

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

Are you blind? Can you believe without seeing Jesus…and being touched or touching Him?

At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. Then he told John's disciples, "Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor." Luke 7:21-22

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. John 3:17-19

Give me your tired ,
Your poor.
Your huddled masses
Yearning to Breath Free.

Free from Judgment.
Have Faith in Jesus.

Judgment is for those who reject Jesus; refuse to believe in Jesus as God’s Son. If you saw Jesus heal a blind person…or if you were that blind person, would you believe in Jesus as your Savior? Would you have to touch the scars in Jesus’ hands to believe that He actually hung on the cross, died, was buried and rose from the dead? Can you believe without seeing? That is faith.

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1

Prayer ~ Lord God, I have faith in You. You, Jesus, are the Son of the living God. I once was spiritually blind, but now I see and I believe. You are my Savior and I eagerly await the time that You call Your church to come home to Heaven.

Verse of Salvation ~ So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. Romans 10:17

The Good News – The Gospel—Jesus was born a man, He grew up, taught and healed people, He was crucified, died and was buried. He rose from the dead, ascended to Heaven and is coming again as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He is the Son of God. Are you ready for His return?

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org

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Parenting Day By Day

Daily Devotional for Building Character

Available as an e-book or paperback at Amazon.com