Banquet With The King

Monday, October 15, 2018

Be Careful With Whom You Worship

Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, 'Come, let us worship other gods'—gods you have not known before—do not listen to them. The LORD your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul. Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him. ... Suppose someone secretly entices you—even your brother, your son or daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend—and says, 'Let us go worship other gods'—gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known. They might suggest that you worship the gods of peoples who live nearby or who come from the ends of the earth. But do not give in or listen. Have no pity, and do not spare or protect them. Deuteronomy 13:1-4, 6-8

Who will you follow?

What does this scripture remind you of? Somone coming to your door or chatting with you at work about “their church” which seems to mimic Christianity and they look like a lot of other churches you know about…except for some of their “leaders” and customs. Who can you trust for the truth? Look at God’s word is what I’ve always been taught. Compare what others say with what the Bible says—and that is a lot easier today with searchable Bible text on-line like Blue Letter Bible or Bible Gateway. Who is trying to teach you or entice you to follow other gods? Is it, as Moses asked… Your sister,…your brother, your son or daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend? Even your closest friend. Don’t be led astray. Know what you know…or search out what you know is right, true and good. When you have an uneasy feeling…it is probably wrong. God gives peace.

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

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

So, be careful with whom you worship…and who you worship. My hope for you is peace…the peace of the true God. Clear and unmistakable.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, come close to each of us today…filling us with Your love, power, knowledge and understanding—keeping evil, discouragement and fear far from us. Help us to be discerning.

Daily Bible Reading: Mark 4-5

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

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Sunday, October 14, 2018

Friends…Not Slaves

I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. John 15:15

Slavery. It has always existed and always will—in one form or another. We can’t escape it…but sometimes we can choose to whom we’ll be enslaved.

Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Romans 6:16

Paul had such wisdom in that whole chapter in Romans. God really blessed him…and us through him if we just follow that teaching. Be careful to whom or to what you become enslaved. It is like becoming addicted to something…like cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, brand name clothes, a sports team, or a particular TV show. It’s all the same…addiction… bondage. Jesus isn’t holding us as slaves—but is considering us as friends. I would rather be a slave to Jesus—or His friend—than to be in bondage to sin. He gives us the “key” to that freedom from enslavement by telling us everything that God the Father wants us to know. Once again the best of that is…

…'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Matthew 22:37-39

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

Which key will open your heart?

Will you take that “key” and open your heart to the freedom that God offers…the friendship that Jesus has promised?

Prayer ~ Lord, open our eyes and ears to hear what you are saying and help us to not only understand the deep meaning of Your teachings, but to apply them to our lives. As You taught Your disciples from Isaiah 6, I ask that…our hearts not be hardened, and please let our ears hear, and our eyes be opened—so that we can understand, and turn to You and You can heal us. In Your mercy Lord—may we be attentive to Your every word.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 13; Luke 8

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

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Saturday, October 13, 2018

Friends…IF

You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:14

Walk in His Way.
Which way will you go?

Jesus claimed that His friends had to follow His commandments. That instruction to keep the commandments goes way back in the Old Testament. Jesus was obedient to the Father…we should follow His example of obedience in our lives.

For I command you this day to love the LORD your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy. Deuteronomy 30:16

The Lord gave instructions to Joshua when he took over the leadership of the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land.

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 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 1:7-9

Obedience and faithfulness seem to be keys to following Jesus’ commands.

But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! Psalm 103:17-18

You might ask…What were Jesus’ commands? In this scripture below Jesus was in a discussion with some Jewish leaders. This was His response when asked which was the greatest commandment.

Jesus replied, "Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don't know the power of God. For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven. "But now, as to whether the dead will be raised--haven't you ever read about this in the writings of Moses, in the story of the burning bush? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said to Moses, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' So he is the God of the living, not the dead. You have made a serious error." One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" Jesus replied, "The most important commandment is this: 'Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." The teacher of religious law replied, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law." Mark 12:24-33

Are you listening to Jesus’ instructions and following His commands? Do you consider yourself a friend of Jesus?

Prayer ~ Lord, I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness. Psalm 119:40

Daily Bible Reading: Luke 11

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

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Friday, October 12, 2018

How Do You Speak to Your Friends?

Inside the Tent of Meeting, the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting. Exodus 33:11

The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. This tells me that God considered Moses a friend. He spoke to Moses inside the Tent of Meeting, face to face. In his face—not behind his back or to someone else—but personally. That is the best way to communicate with friends…with anyone. Look them in the eye…as they speak…and as you speak. Imagine how Moses must have felt listening to God speak. He likely hung onto God’s every word. Listen intently and intentionally. Intentionally is such a popular word lately. It is important to do things and say things intentionally—with a meaning to what you are saying and doing. No haphazard, frivolous, chatty conversation or actions—but really listening, speaking and doing with compassion and concern.

What was the “Tent of Meeting” where Moses met with the Lord? It was a pre-Tabernacle structure that God had Moses construct so that they could meet together.

It was Moses' practice to take the Tent of Meeting and set it up some distance from the camp. Everyone who wanted to make a request of the LORD would go to the Tent of Meeting outside the camp. Exodus 33:7

This tent allowed for a meeting of God and Moses face to face, providing an opportunity for relationship. That is the key…relationship. I think that God created man for relationship…beginning with the Garden of Eden…and continuing throughout the life of Jesus and even today.

"Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." Luke 12:21

Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Are you talking to Jesus...and your friends face to face?

Prayer ~ Lord…You have told us in the book of James… Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19. So I am listening to You. Speak to me…as You would Your friend.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 11

Pumpkin Time for these little grands.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is pumpkin time of the year. One of my favorite pumpkin “foods” is Pumpkin Cookies.

Pumpkin Cookies

4 cups flour

2 cups rolled oats

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

1½ c unsalted butter, softened

2 cups brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

16 oz canned pumpkin (or 2 cups fresh puree)

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – prefer mini

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine flour, oats, soda, cinnamon and salt – set aside.

Cream butter and add sugars, beating until light and fluffy.

Add egg and vanilla. Mix well. Alternate adding flour mixture and pumpkin.

Mix well. Add chocolate chips.

Drop dough onto parchment lined or lightly greased cookie sheet.

Use ¼ cup per cookie for 32 large cookies, or smaller amount for smaller cookies.

Bake 15-25 minutes depending on the size of the cookie.

For variation add raisins instead of chips. Add chopped walnuts.

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

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Thursday, October 11, 2018

Are You Listening to Your Friends?

There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

How can you help?
Lost in a fog of homelessness--Looking for hope.

“Friends” who destroy each other. Destruction. I wouldn’t consider that person…or country a “friend.” We do have friends on an international level. History shows us that the United States has tried to be friends with so many countries…allies in times of war…and rescuers in times of disaster and famines. God has so richly blessed the United States so that we can help others…but now we are trillions of dollars in debt. Can we continue to help others? How can we not help others? A real friend sticks closer than a brother.

When was the last time you helped someone in need? We are coming up to the biggest helping time of the year when all the churches put together food baskets for the poor and take blankets to the homeless. What can you do to be a friend to someone in need? Maybe they don’t need food, clothes, or shelter—maybe what they need is a listening ear. Listen to your friends. What are their hearts telling you? Are you sticking closer than a brother…maybe their brother isn’t listening to their heart? Can you do that?

Wow—that was convicting for me. I wrote the above paragraph at 7:30 Wednesday morning…and then after a hike I stopped by the library to pick up some music books for a friend. While I was there I met a homeless lady…and listened to her…well I did talk some—but mostly just listened—for an hour and a half! A new friend—who is truly without a place to stay—no car to drive. Feeling hopeless and waiting for a check to arrive by mail to the homeless shelter where she stayed for a few weeks. Life is tough. What can you do…what can I do?

Prayer ~ This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Please, LORD, please save us. Please, LORD, please give Ms. L success in her efforts to establish a new life…a new job and a home. Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the house of the LORD. The LORD is God, shining upon us. Psalm 118. We are grateful, Lord, for all that You do for us. Help us to be better listeners—to You and to others.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 9; Luke 7

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

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Wednesday, October 10, 2018

A Friend Loves…At All Times

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17 NASB

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Proverbs 17:17 NLT

A friend loves at all times…. Really!?! Yes. I have some friends that that verse describes—one especially who has been a nearly lifelong friend…and was like part of my family growing up. We’ve been through some tough times together…mostly she has been there for me. She epitomizes the example of…A friend loves at all times.

Creating memories...together.
Paddling on the Delta at Yakima and Columbia Rivers.

Consider…a brother is born for adversity. Is that the same to you as… a brother is born to help in time of need? I always thought that this “brother” part of the verse meant that brothers (or sisters) created adversity…but that is not what it says. The brother is there to share the adversity…or help during that time. My brothers are like that…helpful. I can always count on them—but mostly I am just glad that they are part of my family and I appreciate opportunities to share time together with them. We have a Family Gathering once a year that originally was right after Thanksgiving to “celebrate” Christmas since we couldn’t always be together then. In the last few years we’ve held our “Gathering” in the summer or fall. That gives us time to celebrate with more family who has traveled from across the country during kiddo’s summer vacation time or a chance for snowbirds to fly away before the snow flies. Celebrating family is important to maintaining and building relationships. Creating memories—good memories—is fun. I for one want to have special memories with family that are centered on happy times…not just memorial services. As we get older it seems that is a more common connection with extended family.

How do you see your relationships with your friends and family (brothers and/or sisters)? What is the “glue” that holds you together? Is there “love at all times” and a sense of reliability for the inevitable “time of need” from those you hold most dear? Do you all have a relationship with Jesus that provides an everlasting bond—giving you an eternal hope for a home together in Heaven?

Prayer ~ Lord, You are such an example to us…loving at all times and accepting us unconditionally. Thank You.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 5-7

Happy Birthday, Mary!

May God Continue to Bless You, Dear Friend

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

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Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Find Friends in Those Who Obey

LORD, you are mine! I promise to obey your words! With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands. Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations. I am a friend to anyone who fears you—anyone who obeys your commandments. Psalm 119:57-63

Obey. That is the key word. Jesus was obedient…and I need to be the same. What a great prayer these verses from Psalm 119 are to Jesus… I promise to obey your words…to obey your commands!

Do you think about the direction of your life…as this psalmist did? Consider and ponder where life is leading you…or the path that you are taking? I’ve been thinking about where I’ve been…where I am and where I’m going. Sometimes life seems like Solomon was right…all is vanity.

Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:11 NASB

Other times I know that life is worth living…it is not in vain. There is such importance in following God’s path and trusting Him…and not looking back—just as Jesus taught.

But Jesus told him, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God." Luke 9:62

Reflecting on Life

Taking some time for reflection is good.

Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7

Listen to me, all who hope for deliverance—all who seek the LORD! Consider the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were mined. Isaiah 51:1

After you think a bit about where you are and the influence of Jesus on your life…then you might want to do as the psalmist did…tell Him that you will obey His commandments and say that those who do the same are your friends.

Prayer ~ LORD, you are mine! I promise to obey your words! With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised. I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands. Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations. I am a friend to anyone who fears you—anyone who obeys your commandments. Psalm 119:57-63

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 12; Mark 3; Luke 6

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

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Monday, October 8, 2018

Are You Holding Your Friends Accountable?

Some years later Judah's wife died. After the time of mourning was over, Judah and his friend Hirah the Adullamite went up to Timnah to supervise the shearing of his sheep. Genesis 38:12

Hirah had been Judah’s friend for a long time. It was Hirah that Judah was visiting when he met the Canaanite young lady, Shua, who became his wife and bore him three sons. Hirah may have seemed like a good friend to Judah—going along to supervise the sheep shearing. This friend didn’t hold Judah accountable when Judah encountered a woman he thought was a prostitute. Hirah even did as Judah asked and took a sheep to the “temple prostitute” to get back Judah’s pledge. But there was no prostitute—she was widow of Judah’s son. Because Tamar became pregnant with Judah’s twin sons, Judah could have been accused of adultery…and shamed by his community. But he wasn’t. Another wrinkle is created in the Tribe of Judah—the ancestry line of Jesus.

Friends should be supportive. Hirah was…but…and there is always a but involved in a sinful act…he was not encouraging Judah in a positive way. Men and women should be both be held accountable for purity. Tamar wasn’t a prostitute…but Judah could not be considered a friend to her. Their family history was not very good. Judah’s two older sons had been evil and disrespectful and so the Lord had taken their lives. Now the youngest son was old enough to be given to Tamar to fulfill his obligation to create an heir for his brother—but Judah was not willing to give him up for fear that the Lord would take his life also. No friendship involved in those relationships.

Seek purity.
Look for what is true, honorable, right, pure and lovely.

What do we learn about friendship from this story? Friends, like Hirah, although they’ve been longtime friends don’t always lead a friend into a positive relationship and encourage accountability. We need to do what we know is right and good—and that doesn’t involve prostitution or unaccountable pledges that friends can’t deliver. Do what is right.

Was Judah thinking about the honorable, right, pure and admirable thing to do as he was going to shear those sheep? Or was he just thinking about the lovely…the lovely Tamar who he thought was a prostitute? Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. The lovely, good and pure thoughts lead to lovely, good and pure actions that are acceptable to the Lord.

Prayer ~ Lord, help me to focus on…things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Bring into my life friends that I can count on to hold me accountable…and that I can hold accountable. May our lives bring You glory and honor…as we seek and serve You.

Daily Bible Reading: John 5

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

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Sunday, October 7, 2018

No Greater Love

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:12-17

Jesus spoke about friends and friendship often. He considered the disciples His friends…as well as His followers. He commanded them to love each other…like He loved them. He loved them with His life. He loves us in the same way…He gave His life for us. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. He chose them…and He has chosen each of us and taught us what the Father wanted us to know…what He commanded. Love. Love each other. That is what life is all about. Love.

Globe Red Grapes - Ripe for Picking

Produce lasting fruit. That fruit is listed in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. …the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23. I see again that one of the fruits of the Spirit is love. That is the same love that Jesus was talking about… no greater love. God’s love. It is a lasting fruit. Forever…everlasting. Eternal.

How do you show that fruit…that love? Love for each other?

Prayer ~ Jesus, Thank You. You are the greatest friend to everyone…and my friend. I praise You. Help me—as well as my family, friends and neighbors to love each other…as You would love each of us.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 8; Mark 2

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

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Saturday, October 6, 2018

Friend of the World or God?

Don't you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. What do you think the Scriptures mean when they say that the spirit God has placed within us is filled with envy? But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, "God opposes the proud but favors the humble." So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:4-7

Friend of the world or friend of God? A person can’t be both.

The Greek word for friend, φίλος, is transliterated as phílos. The word friendship has the same Greek root…philos. The disciples knew Greek as well as Hebrew or Aramaic.

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. James 4:8

How can a person want to please the anything evil and think that they can please God? Whether it is seeking the attention and acceptance of the drinkers, smokers and party goers in the high school crowd or the bar hoppers, fast drivers, cursers, fornicators or satan worshipper in the adult group that deliberately reject God there can be no doubt that they are not friends of God. Where do you stand with God? Do you humble yourself before God and seek to please Him…or do you want to please someone or something in the world that ultimately rejects God? Choose today whom you will serve.

Like Joshua in the Old Testament, I choose to serve the Lord.

But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

Prayer ~ I trust You with my life and I hope that the decisions…the choices…I make are pleasing to You and bring You glory and honor.

Daily Bible Reading: John 2-4

Happy Birthday, Evelyn!

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

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Friday, October 5, 2018

A Jealous God

You must fear the LORD your God and serve him. When you take an oath, you must use only his name. You must not worship any of the gods of neighboring nations, for the LORD your God, who lives among you, is a jealous God. His anger will flare up against you, and he will wipe you from the face of the earth. Deuteronomy 6:13-15

A jealous God…a jealous friend? God told the Hebrew people, His chosen people, that He wanted no other gods before Him. He was a jealous God.

Who is worshiping other gods?
Dome of the Rock - Jerusalem.

"I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. 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. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. " Exodus 20:2-6

The Ninevites were told prior to the destruction of their city in 612 BC that they needed to change their ways. They were under God’s judgment.

The LORD is a jealous God, filled with vengeance and rage. He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies! The LORD is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished. He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet. Nahum 1:2-3

When someone deeply loves someone else there can be an element of jealousy in their feelings. They want to be loved unconditionally and exclusively. No one can even give a hint of admiration without evoking feelings of jealousy. That is just how God feels. No other gods before Him. Does that make Him a jealous friend? God is our God…and our friend, but I think He wants us to “share” Him with others—for us to be friends together with others who are His friends—His disciples—and to continue His way of teaching others.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

Although we think of jealousy as being a bad attribute, the jealousy of our God is good. It shows His perfect love for us.

How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7

Prayer ~ Jesus, please continue to reveal more and more of Yourself to me, to my family, friends and neighbors…and everyone reading this that we would become more like You. Loving and compassionate. Help us to honor God with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength…and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 4; Luke 4-5

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. We’ve got to have some meat, veggies, fruit and tasty cakes. Try this one with all those recently harvested apples or pears.

Simple Apple or Pear Cake

½ cup oil

2 eggs

2 cups flour

2 tsp vanilla

4 cups chopped apples or pears

1¾ cups sugar

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp salt

½ cup chopped pecans, optional – can sprinkle on top of cake before baking

Combine all ingredients. Pour into a greased and floured 9 X 13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. This will store and keep fresh for a week or more. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped topping.

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

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Thursday, October 4, 2018

Covenant for Friends

The LORD is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. Psalm 25:14

The Body and Blood - from the Word of God.
He is the Light of the world.
He is the sacrifice for us.

The promise in this verse we started yesterday is that the Lord will teach them (His friends) his covenant. So what is His covenant? There are several covenants, which are agreements or promises, that God made with man…with people, beginning with Adam and Eve. God also established covenants of promise with Noah, Abraham, Moses and David. The most significant maybe the one that Jesus gives Last Supper, describing the promise of the sacrifice He was about to make.

As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "Take this and eat it, for this is my body." And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, "Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many." Matthew 26:26-28.

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) were part of the promises God gave to Moses…and Jesus continued to teach to His followers those as guidelines by which to live.

Usually when a covenant was made two people gave something as a pledge to the other person, but when God made His covenants with men He did all the “giving” and the people did the receiving. With Jesus it was the same…He gave His life…and we received salvation. During His ministry He spent a considerable amount of time and energy teaching. Consider His Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew chapters five through seven. He gives specific directions like…treat others the way you want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). He also taught His disciples and followers, including us, on how to pray by the example He provided in what we know as the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Jesus’ covenant is His promise of salvation to all who believe in Him which was given to us in a discussion with the Pharisee Nicodemus.

"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. 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." John 3:16-18

So Jesus was teaching His covenant to Nicodemus…and to everyone in the world. God gave His Son as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind…the whole world. That is about the greatest covenant—the greatest promise—that has ever or could ever be given. Is it one that you have accepted…or would you like to?

Prayer ~ Lord God, Thank You for the great covenant You have made with us. I am honored that You would provide such an enduring promise for me. Please continue to teach me, giving me a deeper understanding of You and the way You want me to live.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3

Happy Birthday, Dear Lisa!

Blessings

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, October 3, 2018

Friendship with The Lord

The LORD is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. Psalm 25:14

The Lord teaches. What a gracious God we have. He cares enough about us--about mankind--that He teaches us--how to live...what it means to please Him. Wasn't that one of the purposes for Jesus to come to earth...to teach us? A Pharisee named Nicodemus who became a follower of Jesus spoke to Him one evening.

After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. "Rabbi," he said, "we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you." John 3:2

The proper path...a path of righteousness.
Hiking near Parker, Arizona

The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. Psalm 25:8-9.

The Lord is a friend to those who show respect...fear...towards Him. What does it mean to be a friend...of God, of the Lord...and of others--fellow believers or non-believers? We occasionally sing a old hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" that stresses His devotion to us...to care for us, bearing our sins and griefs. It is our privilege to take all our cares to Jesus in prayer. That's what friends do for each other...they care. We know that Jesus will take our requests to His Father. He will be our mediator.

Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. Hebrews 7:25
The Lord is our friend--we just have to trust Him...and fear Him. To "fear" is to respect. Do you respect Jesus Christ...is He your Lord and Savior? He is mine. My Lord, my Savior, my teacher. My friend.

Prayer ~ LORD, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remembers me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O LORD. Psalm 25:1-7

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 2

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Tuesday, October 2, 2018

End of Feast of Tabernacles

After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters, and Jesus' brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! ... Jesus replied, "Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime. ... You go on. I'm not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come." After saying these things, Jesus remained in Galilee. But after his brothers left for the festival, Jesus also went, though secretly, staying out of public view. ... Then, midway through the festival, Jesus went up to the Temple and began to teach. The people were surprised when they heard him. "How does he know so much when he hasn't been trained?" they asked. So Jesus told them, "My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. ... On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" (When he said "living water," he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) When the crowds heard him say this, some of them declared, "Surely this man is the Prophet we've been expecting." Others said, "He is the Messiah." Still others said, "But he can't be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee? For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born." So the crowd was divided about him. Some even wanted him arrested, but no one laid a hand on him. John 7:1-3, 6, 8-10, 14-17, 37-44

The Feast of Tabernacles has ended for 2018.

Jesus celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot. I can imagine that He was invited to share meals with various Jews in Jerusalem as they had built their family sukkot shelter and ate their meals there. This Festival was one that Jewish men were required to go to the Temple in Jerusalem—so there Jesus was even though this scripture passage tells us that He didn’t want to go there. He obediently went to the Temple and used that as an opportunity to teach. The Festival is eight days long. At the end of the Festival, Jesus announced to the crowd that He would provide living water to anyone who is thirsty. It was the custom to carry water daily from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple alter for the first seven days of the festival. On the eighth day, no water was carried—only empty jars were carried, assuming that the Messiah would miraculously one day fill those vessels with water. It was startling for the Jews there to hear Jesus pronounce "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" He was going to provide water? How could that be? That must have raised a lot of questions in their hearts and minds. Who was this Jesus?

Duncan Gardens, Spokane Washington

For you (God) are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. Psalm 36:9

Who is Jesus to you?

Prayer ~ Jesus, continue to reveal Yourself to us—and fill us with the Living Water of the Holy Spirit—that we would be renewed and refreshed in Your love and grace.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 1; Luke 2

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

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