Banquet With The King

Saturday, February 16, 2019

Do You Know the Ten Commandments?

Memory Scripture of the Week – The Ten Commandments

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. ...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

How are you doing memorizing the Ten Commandments? Can you list them? Can you write them out? Have you challenged someone else to memorize these verses with you?

1. You must not have any other god but me. Exodus 20:3

2. 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. Exodus 20:4-5

3. You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. Exodus 20:7

4. Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Exodus 20:8

5. Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12

6. You must not murder. Exodus 20:13

7. You must not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14

8. You must not steal. Exodus 20:15

9. You must not testify falsely against your neighbor. Exodus 20:16

10. 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 20:17

Love God...Love your neighbor.
Honor God...respect and care for your neighbor.
Bread and Fish Mosaic near the Sea of Galilee - Israel.

During His time, Jesus was challenged by the Pharisees about the Commandments.

One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?" Jesus replied, "'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.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." Matthew 22:35-40

All ten of the Commandments are summarized into these two sentences. Commandments one through four are about God and your relationship with Him. You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. The last six Commandments deal with people’s relationships with each other and are condensed in…Love your neighbor as yourself. These Commandments are still valid today. Do they speak to you? Can you see how laws in many countries around the world are based on these Commandments?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, please bless and guide us that we would make good decisions—even decisions based on Your Commandments—that would result in justice, kindness and compassion for those around us—building our relationship with You and with others.

Daily Bible Reading – Leviticus 11-13

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

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Friday, February 15, 2019

Keep Watch Over Your Tongue and Your Eye

The Ten Commandments ~ continued

1. You must not testify falsely against your neighbor. Exodus 20:16

2. 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 20:17

No lying. No wanting what other have. That seems like a pretty simple thing to follow and to teach your children. Testifying falsely is lying…in court that is considered perjury. Perjury is punishable by law. That is serious business. If it is not right in the judicial system, it is not right to speak that way over the fence with another neighbor. Mildly, it may be considered slanderous gossip. The Lord God gave Moses specific instructions for the Israelites.

The LORD also said to Moses, "Give the following instructions to the entire community of Israel. You must be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy." ..."Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people. Do not stand idly by when your neighbor's life is threatened. I am the LORD." Leviticus 19:1-2, 16

That is pretty specific teaching. There is additional guidance in Psalms and Proverbs.

Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? ... Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Psalm 15:1, 3

A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. Proverbs 11:13

A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don't hang around with chatterers. Proverbs 20:19

Paul gives insight into the law, sin and covetous feelings.

Now, dear brothers and sisters—you who are familiar with the law—don’t you know that the law applies only while a person is living? ... So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God. When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit. ... At one time I lived without understanding the law. But when I learned the command not to covet, for instance, the power of sin came to life, and I died. So I discovered that the law's commands, which were supposed to bring life, brought spiritual death instead. Romans 7:1, 4-6, 9-10

Sin is part of everyone’s life. Paul really nails the whole law and sin issue.

And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can't. I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. Romans 7:18-25

Jesus Himself addresses the issue of lust. Lust—wanting something that isn’t yours could include coveting something that belongs to a neighbor.

So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. Matthew 5:29

So there we go…no lying and no coveting. Through Moses, God told the Israelites to be holy…and He wants the same for us today. Jesus is the answer. Without Him we are just held captive by sin.

You must be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy. Leviticus 19:2

How are your tongue and eyes? No lying or covetous gazing here and now. Seek to be holy—and to have good relationships with other people. With Jesus, it is possible.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...I want to be like You…holy before our Heavenly Father. Help me to make good choices…not choosing to tell even little white lies or to let my eye want what isn’t mine.

Daily Bible Reading: February 15 – Leviticus 8-10

Memory Scripture of the Week –

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

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Healthy Foods Menu

Since February is National Heart Month, it is a good time to consider eating good foods and exercising. Exercise at least 20 minutes every day and then feast—within reason—on the bounty God has provided for us.

Here are some healthy heart foods to consider in your menu planning:

Chick peas – hummus, minestrone soup

Sardines and salmon – high in omega 3’s

Leafy greens – contain magnesium essential to a healthy heart – includes spinach, kale, Swiss chard, broccoli, romaine lettuce

Milk – even nut, almond or coconut milk – high in calcium and Vitamin D

Almonds

Oats and barley

Fresh vegetables and fruits – in the colors of the rainbow

What can you do with these food items? How about a spinach salad with salmon, almonds, chick peas and a wine and olive oil dressing? A little oatmeal with fresh blueberries, cinnamon, honey, and milk for dessert rounds out the food list. And you thought there couldn’t be just one dish/meal that would have all these foods!

So choose some healthy foods and feast on them, not just today or during February, but include good fresh foods at every meal all year around. Of course, you can eat some other foods--a moderate amounts red meat, as well as chicken. Shop the outside aisles of your supermarket—that’s where the fresh foods are located. Enjoy a Banquet at the King’s Table.

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

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Thursday, February 14, 2019

Happy Valentine’s Day

The Ten Commandments

1. You must not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14

2. You must not steal. Exodus 20:15

What topics for Valentine’s Day! Adultery…and theft. Jesus graciously taught His followers to apply these Commandments when He spoke to them in what we call The Sermon on the Mount.

You have heard the commandment that says, 'You must not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28

Just looking at someone…lustfully…can be adulterous. Jesus knows our hearts. Even I have fallen into that…not today…but years ago. Just like with other temptations…personally, I found that quoting a Bible verse helped me to overcome temptations. Here’s the one that has been good for me.

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5 NASB

Paul taught the people at the church in Rome an important lesson about applying Jesus’ teaching about love to their lives. This passage covers both adultery and theft. Don’t steal anyone else’s spouse or their stuff. We would do well to apply Jesus’ teaching that summarizes the last six Commandments. Love one another.

Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law. For the commandments say, "You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet." These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law. Romans 13:8-10

Can you apply these Commandments…and Jesus’ teachings to your own life? I can…but only with the help of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NLT

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...Have mercy on me, Lord, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion--it is sometimes overwhelming. (Psalm 51). I humbly come before You--confessing that I am a sinner—You are my Lord and Savior. Thank You for sacrificing Your life for mine. Help me to apply Your teachings to my life.

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 5-7

Memory Scripture of the Week – The Ten Commandments

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

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Birthday—Kendall

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

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Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Can You Honor God?

The Ten Commandments ~

1. Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12

2. You must not murder. Exodus 20:13

Honor God by keeping His commandments. The first four Commandments are specific for honoring God—developing a relationship with our Heavenly Father. Have no other gods before Him. Don’t make or follow any idols. Don’t take God’s name in vain. Honor God by observing a Sabbath day of rest.

The next six Commandments are about the relationships with other people…beginning with the most important people in our lives. Our parents. Honoring our parents comes with a promise for a long life in a wonderful place. A place…a land…provided by the Lord God. Wow—what could be better? How can we honor our parents? Love. Obedience. Consideration for others. Support. Care. Encouragement. Creating good memories. And if they are no longer with us? Honor their memory. That is just what I try to do.

Did this gun murder anyone?
Derringer in a Charleston, SC museum.

You must not murder. Known in another translation as…Thou shalt not kill. King James Version. Murder or kill. Death is the result. Murder creates an undeserved and unfortunate end of life. But murder can be more than taking one’s life. Murder can be more than taking life…it can be an assault on one’s character. You must not murder. You must not destroy someone’s character. That means no insults, no gossip, no slander—that could destroy someone’s integrity and their life. Jesus used an example of this in His teaching during the Sermon on the Mount, found in chapters five through seven of Matthew.

You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. Matthew 5:21-24

This is an important consideration for personal relationships. Reconcile—set it right with someone that has offended you…or whom you have offended. Don’t wait for them to come to you. Go to them.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...Thank You for these Commandments that are the basis for good relationships. Honoring parents and others. Help each of us to do just as You have commanded and taught us.

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 1-4

Memory Scripture of the Week – The Ten Commandments

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

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

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Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Reverence to the Lord

The Ten Commandments ~

1. You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. Exodus 20:7

2. Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Exodus 20:8

How often have you heard someone swear by using the name of God or Jesus in a disrespectful way? Usually they are mad at something or someone and they take it out in a way that rudely casts a worthlessness on the very name of our Lord and Savior. It is like they are blaming God for their mishap—whether they stubbed their toe, pounded a nail crooked or bumped into someone’s car—whatever. They just don’t want to take responsibility for their actions…they angrily put the blame on God. But that is wrong. I’ve done it myself—that’s how I know that it is misplaced anger. I heard someone tell a young Christian one time to say “oh…popcorn” instead of swearing. It wasn’t much later I heard that young man yell “POPCORN” when he got a gutter ball while bowling! Everyone laughed—especially that bowler. He was pleased not to be swearing. He didn’t want to be disrespectful to His Lord God. Personally, I found that quoting a Bible verse helped me to overcome that urge to swear when I was frustrated. Here’s the one that was good for me.

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5 NASB

Another disrespectful action that we are all guilty of is observing the Sabbath day. First we have to establish “when” our Sabbath is. Is it Saturday? That is the day that God rested. Is it Sunday? That is the day of the Resurrection of Jesus—and it became the Sabbath for the early church. Which is it for us? Most people still work at least around their homes on both Saturday and Sunday. Remember that roar of lawn mowers on Saturday and Sunday during the summertime. In my part of the United States most businesses that serve people, like grocery stores, department stores, restaurants and gas stations, are open on Saturday and Sunday. When is their Sabbath? Does God still expect us to keep the Sabbath day holy? How do we do that?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...give me wisdom that I would be respectful about what I think, say and do—especially when I am frustrated or angry. I don’t want to offend You by taking Your name in vain. I want to keep all Your Ten Commandments…including observing the Sabbath Day…so show me how I can honor You and keep the Sabbath holy.

Julia Butterfly...for Julia

Bless Julia on her birthday, today and always, that she would seek and serve You...even as a four year old.

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 39-40

Memory Scripture of the Week –

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

Happy 4th Birthday to Sweet Julia!

May God Bless You. We Love You so Much!

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

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Monday, February 11, 2019

No Idols - Putting the Ten Commandments into Action

1. You must not have any other god but me. Exodus 20:3

2. 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. Exodus 20:4-5

God is a jealous god. He states it right up front—put Me First. He reminded the Hebrew people many times that He is their God and that He cares for them.

Now search all of history, from the time God created people on the earth until now, and search from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything as great as this ever been seen or heard before? Has any nation ever heard the voice of God speaking from fire—as you did—and survived? Has any other god dared to take a nation for himself out of another nation by means of trials, miraculous signs, wonders, war, a strong hand, a powerful arm, and terrifying acts? Yet that is what the LORD your God did for you in Egypt, right before your eyes. He showed you these things so you would know that the LORD is God and there is no other. Deuteronomy 4:32-35 (Underlined for emphasis)

But the God of Israel is no idol! He is the Creator of everything that exists, including Israel, his own special possession. The LORD of Heaven's Armies is his name! Jeremiah 10:16

St. John's Cathedral - Spokane, WA

Jesus continued to teach the same thing. Seek Him…seek His Kingdom…first in our lives.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

In all the years since God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai things have not changed. God is still a jealous god and expects us to put Him first in our lives. Do you do that?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...You are the only true God—creator of the universe. King of Kings and Lord of all Lords. I will not make an idol of anything. My affection—my hope and love is for You.

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 36-38

Memory Scripture of the Week –

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

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

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Sunday, February 10, 2019

Do You Really Know The Ten Commandments?

Give yourself a quiz. Can you name all the Ten Commandments?

Did you memorize them as a child…perhaps in Sunday school? Or in a discipleship class?

10.

Ten Commandments
Torah in a Jewish synagogue in Israel.

Which of the Commandments deal with your relationship with God?

Which of the Commandments deal with your relationships with others?

Check your answers in Exodus 20.

Will you memorize the Ten Commandments this week?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...The Ten Commandments are Your guidance …Your rules for the way we should live. They give us the basis for the way You want us to relate to You and to others. Help us not only to memorize these, but to apply them to our lives.

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 33-35

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

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Saturday, February 9, 2019

God Created ...God Rested

So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Memory Scripture of the Week –

Genesis 1:20 Then God said, "Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind."

Genesis 1:21 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.

Genesis 1:22-23 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.

Genesis 1:24 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.

Genesis 1:25 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.

Genesis 1:26 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."

Genesis 1:27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Human beings. Best creatures on earth! God reached the ultimate in creation…we are so complex…and so intricately designed. We are amazing creatures. God is an amazing creator. And after this He was done and He declared all that He had created as very good.

Then God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground." Then God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground--everything that has life." And that is what happened. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day. So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. Genesis 1:28-31- Genesis 2:3

If we are created by God…in His image, then we should be like Him, but we have free will and don’t always choose to be like Him. Paul taught the people at the church at Ephesus to get back on track and be like Jesus.

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

Put on your new nature...be reborn...begin a new life...like a butterfly.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...help me to renew my mind, my thoughts and attitudes that I would live in a way that pleases You. My attitude drives me into darkness and gloom. Renew my thoughts and attitudes that I would be like You originally created me—full of light and life from You. Holy. May I be holy unto You, Lord.

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 30-32

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

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Friday, February 8, 2019

Let Us Make Man In Our Image

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." Genesis 1:26

Memory Scripture of the Week –

Genesis 1:20 Then God said, "Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies be filled with birds of every kind."

Genesis 1:25 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.

Genesis 1:27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

The best was saved for last. God, the Father, spoke to God, the Son, and to God, the Holy Spirit, saying… Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. Human beings have that spiritual quality that no animals have…but God is spirit. He created mankind to be like Him…to commune with Him…to have a relationship with Him. Then He gave man a great responsibility…to 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. That was an enormous task. All those different animals on the land, in the seas and in the air were all under man’s dominion. God had confidence in His creation—all His creation—the animals and mankind. He knew that He could rely on the man to take care of the animals. This seems to be the only occurrence of man reigning over animals. Once they are out of the Garden of Eden…and after the Flood…there seems to be a different relationship between man and animal. Consider the relationships…man to God and man to animals. Consider your own relationship to God.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...You created an amazing world with all those animals on the land, seas and in the air...culminating in the creation of mankind. Thank You for creating me, my family, friends and neighbors…as well as all the animal, plants…and life itself.

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 28-29

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 good food to eat and drink blessed by our Lord who provides.

It is always good to start the day with breakfast—the meal to “break the fast” and provide nourishment for the day. So what would Jesus have eaten for breakfast? We know that He ate barley bread—since He fed barley bread from five loaves to 5,000 men plus their families …along with some fish. Barley is so good for cholesterol reduction…and good general health. We can’t just buy barley bread in most grocery stores—so if you want barley bread, muffins or cereal you may have to make it yourself. For a start…how about some Hot Barley Cereal?

Hot Barley Cereal

½ cup pearl barley

2¾ cups water

¼ tsp salt

For a sweet variation:

1 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp honey

½ tsp cinnamon

¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins

1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ cup chopped toasted walnuts, dates or almonds

For a savory variation:

1 tbsp olive oil

¼ cup chopped sweet onion

1 cup baby spinach, kale or mixed greens

½ tsp salt

4 ounces of chopped cooked meat—ham, bacon, chicken or turkey

2 eggs – cooked as desired

Rinse the barley well in a strainer and place in large saucepan with water and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes until barley is almost tender. Alternatively, toast barley lightly and then cook on high pressure for 20 minutes and natural release for 10 minutes.

For a sweet breakfast:

Add brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and cranberries or raisins and lemon juice and simmer for another 10-25 minutes until mixture is thick and barley is tender. Stir in nuts and serve immediately with milk or light cream.

For a savory breakfast:

Add chopped cooked meat to barley. Add the green and quickly wilt. Cook eggs by frying, poaching or boiling. Divide the barley mixture into two bowls. Top each with an egg. Garnish with fresh herbs, sliced almonds or homemade tabasco sauce, as desired. Enjoy.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

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

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