Banquet With The King

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Welcome Spring! Bring Peace in our Hearts and Homes

As you meditate on God’s word today, may you feel the hope and peace that He has for you.

Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn't miss him at first, because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn't show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they couldn't find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. His parents didn't know what to think. "Son," his mother said to him, "why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere." "But why did you need to search?" he asked. "Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they didn't understand what he meant. Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart. Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.

Luke 2:41-52

Poppies growing in Israel.

Image Jesus and His family traveling from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Spring was beginning—there may have been wild flowers blooming along the roadway—with warm breezes and the ever enduring sunshine beating down on them as they travel up the mountain roadway to go to the Temple as required at the time of Passover, in accordance with Deuteronomy 16:1-6. This was done in obedience to worship God and make the proper sacrifice. The distance was about 60 miles and that could take from two to five days. Jesus’ family traveled with others from Nazareth and it must have been a time of celebration all along the way, coming and going. As they journeyed home, Mary and Joseph didn’t miss Jesus among all the sojourners, until probably time for the evening meal and He wasn’t there. Where was He? They found Him a couple of days later…in His Father’s house. Have you ever been missing or missed someone in your family and search high and low for them? Kids get lost in stores and parks, but do you not miss them for hours? Imagine how frantic Mary and Joseph must have felt. Looking for Him along the way back to Jerusalem…and in the inn where they had stayed…and the market where they had shopped, picking up last minute supplies for their trip home. He was nowhere to be found. And then looking around the Temple, the colonnade, the courts, and then the steps of the Temple. There He was! They were rejoicing…but asking Him, “why have you done this to us?” They felt like He had disobeyed them, but He felt like He was where He needed to be…in His Father’s house. Are we where we need to be? Physically. Mentally. Spiritually.

God is in control…and worthy of our trust, our love and our commitment. Many of the Psalms point us toward God’s love. This one from today’s Lenten lectionary scripture I think does that by praising God and His faithfulness.

I will sing of the LORD's unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.

Psalm 89:1-2

The world is in such turmoil now, panicking over the corona virus. Now is the time to seek God and to rely on Him for peace within our hearts and homes. He is faithful to us. Be there for God. He will be there for you.

Prayer ~ Lord, we search for You during this stormy time. Guide our nation, our leaders and each of us that we would make wise choices. Take away the fear that so many people have and give them Your peace.

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, March 18, 2020

But Watch Out. Be Careful Never to Forget….

These were the words of Moses to the children of Israel, before they went into the Promised Land. They had been given the Ten Commandments and this was Moses warning to them to obey!

Meditate on these words today…and apply them to your life.

Watch Out. Don't take your eyes off Jesus.
Don't forget what you have seen and learned.

And now, Israel, listen carefully to these decrees and regulations that I am about to teach you. Obey them so that you may live, so you may enter and occupy the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you. ... "Look, I now teach you these decrees and regulations just as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy. Obey them completely, and you will display your wisdom and intelligence among the surrounding nations. When they hear all these decrees, they will exclaim, 'How wise and prudent are the people of this great nation!' For what great nation has a god as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we call on him? And what great nation has decrees and regulations as righteous and fair as this body of instructions that I am giving you today? But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren. Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 5-9

Moses gave God’s commandments to the Israelites and when Jesus came to teach them…and to be their sacrifice, they still weren’t following the commandments. There were extremes…those who added to the commands and wouldn’t even walk more steps than were necessary to observe the Sabbath. WAIT! Didn’t Moses say: Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you. YES! What were they doing adding to the commands? While Jesus was here, He taught how to live and why He came.

Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God's law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:17-19

So when Jesus was hanging on the cross…in agony carrying our sins on His sinless body…He said, “It is finished.” John 19:30. His work on earth was done. At the end of the Bible…and the beginning of Heaven…Jesus’ words are also recorded:

And the one (Jesus) sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new!" And then he said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true." And he also said, "It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega--the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. "But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars--their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." Revelation 21:5-8

Inspiring words are written in Psalms that encourage us to keep God’s teaching going on from generation to generation.

We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them--even the children not yet born--and they in turn will teach their own children. Psalm 78:4-6

Are you teaching your children and grandchildren about Jesus, about His Commandments, about His sacrifice, and about His return? Give them hope for in this time of fear and unknown certainty Jesus does provide us hope, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

We have a great nation whose laws are built on God’s laws. Let us call on the Lord.

Prayer ~ Lord God, Help us to obey Your Commands completely, and display your wisdom and intelligence among the surrounding nations. When they hear all these decrees, they will exclaim, 'How wise and prudent are the people of this great nation!' For what great nation has a god as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we call on him? And what great nation has decrees and regulations as righteous and fair as this body of instructions that You have given us? Help us to watch out! To be careful never to forget what You have shown us throughout history. Do not let these memories escape from our minds as long as we live! And help us to pass them on to our children and grandchildren.

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Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Three Thousand Posts

Consider your present, your past and your future. What has the Lord taught you? Meditate on these words and His love.

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. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O LORD. 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. The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. Psalm 25:3-10 NLT

3000

This is post number 3,000 on this blog. I’m not counting the first two which were just to test the process of blogging. Hey—blogging is not difficult—although it can be time-consuming! Letting God’s words flow through me is frequently amazing. He is an awesome, amazing God. He consistently and continually has pointed me on the path to follow…providing scripture and then comments or insights for this blog.

His love lights my life…and has for years. Even before the beginning of this blog, God has been there for me. He is compassionate—living up to His promise to never leave me or forsake me (Deutoronomy 31:6). When I was in college and made some poor choices, He didn’t give up on me—but showed me the right path…and gave me a second chance, a couple of times. Even when I walked through the valley of the shadow of death…He was there for me. He led me in the path of righteousness…for His name sake, proving I can count on His unfailing love. He has taught me to be humble…and how to live to please Him. That is righteous living. I am so blessed. How do you see God working in your life—today…not just ten or twenty years ago? I am challenged by that thought every day. I see His hand of mercy in small ways like no traffic at a stop sign near my house where I prayed once for “no traffic” and I know that He is with family and friends as they deal with health issues for which I have prayed feverantly. He leads me to the appropriate scripture that answers questions, convicts me of mistakes and guides me in the right decisions. His abundant love continues to amaze me. Should I ever take Him or His love for granted? Never. I am so abundantly and intentionally blessed, not just during Lent, but all year…always.

I encourage each of you to seek the Lord. No panic. No fear. No worries. Just ask God for what you need. His love, assurance, help with relationships, finances, or decisions large and small. He is interested in all parts of your life. If you love Him…He will have your back. He will go before you, beside you and behind you. He loves you so much that He gave up His Son just for you…and His Son endured your sin…and mine…dying in a cruel and inhumane way—forsaken by His Father…just for us. That is love.

Prayer ~ Continue to 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.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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Monday, March 16, 2020

He Passed Through

Consider Jesus words as you meditate on this Scripture today.

Then he said, "You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: 'Physician, heal yourself'--meaning, 'Do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum.' But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown. "Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent instead to a foreigner--a widow of Zarephath in the land of Sidon. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian." When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way. Luke 4:23-30

Synagogue in Capernaum where Jesus did miracles.

The people in the synagogue in Nazareth had just listened to Jesus reading scripture from Isaiah. They merely saw Him as the son of Joseph, the carpenter, not as a prophet. Then Jesus used examples of earlier prophets, but it just made them mad. They didn’t accept Him in His hometown.

He didn't do miracles in Nazareth like He id in Capernaum. Even if He had done miracles in Nazareth, they wouldn’t have believed in Him. They would have like nothing better than to have gotten rid of Him—pushed Him over a cliff, but He disappeared. He could do that…and did. He went on his way.

Would you have believed in Jesus if you had grown up with Him in Nazareth? Imagine playing ball with him...or watching Him build something from wood or stone in Joseph's workshop. Could you believe in Him now, as your Lord and Savior…as the Son of God?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, just as You read…“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for You are anointed to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent You to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD's favor has come." Luke 4:18-19. Lord, Your prophesies were fulfilled in the past…and we’re counting on them to be fulfilled in the future. We look forward to the rapture…and Your return. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

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Sunday, March 15, 2020

Sit Down and Rest

Meditate on God’s Word today from Psalm 95.

Come, let’s shout praises to God,
raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!
Let’s march into his presence singing praises,
lifting the rafters with our hymns!

And why? Because God is the best,
    High King over all the gods.
In one hand he holds deep caves and caverns,
    in the other hand grasps the high mountains.
He made Ocean—he owns it!
    His hands sculpted Earth!

So come, let us worship: bow before him,
on your knees before God, who made us!
Oh yes, he’s our God,
and we’re the people he pastures, the flock he feeds.

Sit and Rest. Sit and Pray.
Bench at Gaiser Conservatory
Manito Park, Spokane, Washington.

Drop everything and listen, listen as he speaks:
    “Don’t turn a deaf ear as in the Bitter Uprising,
As on the day of the Wilderness Test,
    when your ancestors turned and put me to the test.
For forty years they watched me at work among them,
    as over and over they tried my patience.
And I was provoked—oh, was I provoked!
    ‘Can’t they keep their minds on God for five minutes?
    Do they simply refuse to walk down my road?’
Exasperated, I exploded,
    ‘They’ll never get where they’re headed,
    never be able to sit down and rest.’” Psalm 95:1-11 MSG

President Trump declared today National Day of Prayer. Pray for our nation, for those who are ill with the corona virus, for their families and friends…and those who have been in contact with those infected with the virus. Pray for our nation and our leaders--for the medical staff caring for those with the virus. Drop everything today and focus on God. He is our creator, our sustainer, our Savior, our Lord…and our Friend. Can you keep your mind on Him for five minutes?

Everyone…drink water every 15 minutes to keep any virus from accumulating in your throat and going into your lungs. The virus is destroyed by the acids in your stomach so the goal of drinking water is to get any virus into your stomach…NOT your lungs where it will cause the acute upper respiratory symptoms—the terrible coughing that we all associate with the flu and fever as infection takes hold of your lungs. Take precautions—stay away from anyone who is sick, disinfect surfaces, wash your hands…and face regularly. Pray. If God is for you, who…or what…can be against you?

Jesus is the living water. Like David in Psalm 95, worship the Lord our God for He is worthy of our praise. Don’t harden your hearts as some Israelites did in their wilderness journey. Keep your mind on God so that you may enter His rest…now and on the day you enter Heaven. Choose life.

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT

Prayer ~ Lord God, I just hope and pray that as people are going through this panic over the corona virus that they will seek You. Father God, You elevated him (Jesus) 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 You,God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 NLT. May those who panic today find Your peace and rest in their lives soon, before it is too late.

Happy Birthday, Kim!

Make it a great day…Relax!

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Saturday, March 14, 2020

Bless the Lord, O My Soul

Mediate on these words written by David.

A psalm of David. Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:1-12

Let all that I am praise the Lord—with my whole heart. What a wonderful expression of love to God. Praise Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. That is just what He wants us, in fact commanded us, to do. Here’s Moses’ message to the Israelites. He reviewed for them the Ten Commandments and provided details on how to apply those commandments to their lives as they were about to enter the Promised Land.

Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Deuteronomy 6:4-7

God has so much for us to learn…about Him and about life. Read on in Psalm 103 about praising the Lord. When I was in choir at Warden High School we sang a song that included Psalm 103. Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me bless His holy name/For He is gracious and plenteous in mercy. Those were the days when we could at least sing and praise God in a public setting. Today, I am singing that song in my heart and mind. He is a gracious God…and He is my God. Is He your God? Do you claim His promises and mercy in your life?

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are awesome and worthy of praise. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone--as though we had never been here. But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. Your salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to Your covenant, of those who obey Your commandments! Psalm 103:15-18. Bless You, O my soul—all that is within me praises Your Holy Name.

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Friday, March 13, 2020

Who Owns the Vineyard?

Meditate. Think deeply. Don’t just read these words of Jesus as listed today in the Lenten lectionary.

Grapes from our yard.
God ultimately owns the vineyard.

"Now listen to another story. A certain landowner planted a vineyard, built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country. At the time of the grape harvest, he sent his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers grabbed his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. So the landowner sent a larger group of his servants to collect for him, but the results were the same. Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking, 'Surely they will respect my son.' But when the tenant farmers saw his son coming, they said to one another, 'Here comes the heir to this estate. Come on, let's kill him and get the estate for ourselves!' So they grabbed him, dragged him out of the vineyard, and murdered him. When the owner of the vineyard returns, Jesus asked, "what do you think he will do to those farmers?" The religious leaders replied, "He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest." Then Jesus asked them, "Didn't you ever read this in the Scriptures? 'The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD's doing, and it is wonderful to see.' I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit." Matthew 21:33-43

Who is this story really about? The Pharisees say a couple of verses later that Jesus was telling the story against them. Yes…they were the murderers. Jesus was the owner’s son. Jesus was prophesying his own death. He knew what the Pharisees wanted to do. Is the puzzling part here about the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit? It is obvious that the Jews are still God’s chosen people, but additionally God has adopted those who believe in Him, so those Gentiles are considered to be “chosen” people, family.

Did God's people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God's offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it. Romans 11:11-12

When I read Scripture I often think how it affects us and how we can apply it to our lives. What about this particular passage? It is genuinely encouraging—God has His chosen people…the Israelites. They are still His chosen people, but He has opened His heart, His arms and His home to those who believe in Jesus as their Savior. Rejoice if that includes you. I am.

Prayer ~ Lord God, With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for Your people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them. They are the people of Israel, chosen to be Your children. You revealed Your glory to them. You made covenants with them and gave them Your law. You gave them the privilege of worshiping You and receiving Your wonderful promises. Romans 9:1-4. You’ve made promises to Your adopted children as well. I rejoice in Your love and look forward to being received into Your Heavenly Home one day along with all the other believers.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

There is fresh asparagus at a reasonable price in the grocery stores now. I love it roasted, but it is also good steamed or simply made into a soup. Enjoy some of this tasty vegetable soon.

Asparagus Soup Serves: 8 to 12 servings

3 lbs fresh asparagus, rinsed well

8 c chicken stock

4 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 c minced shallots

1 c minced leeks, whites only, well rinsed

1 Tbsp minced garlic

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp ground white pepper

½ c half and half cream

¼ c finely grated Parmesan, garnish

Trim the attractive top tips from the asparagus, about 1 to 1½ inches in length, for use as garnish later. Cut the woody stem ends from each spear and reserve. Cut the remaining tender stalks into ½-inch pieces.

In a medium pot, bring the stock to a boil. Add the tough woody stems, lower the heat and simmer to infuse with asparagus flavor, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and discard, reserving the stock. Add the decorative tips to the stock and blanch until tender, 1 to 1½ minutes. Remove with a strainer and refresh in an ice water bath. Drain on paper towels and reserve for the garnish. Reserve the stock.

In a medium stockpot, melt the butter over medium-high heat, then add the shallots and leeks and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped asparagus stalks, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the reserved broth and simmer until the asparagus are very tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat.

With a hand-immersion blender or in batches in a food processor, puree the soup until smooth. Adjust the seasoning, to taste. If serving right away, return to medium heat and add the cream and reserved asparagus tips. Cook, stirring, until the soup is warmed through, about 3 minutes. Alternatively, if serving the soup later, do not add the cream and let cool at room temperature (or in an ice water bath). Cover and refrigerate. Before serving, add the cream and asparagus tips, and warm the soup gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Ladle into bowls or cups, sprinkle with cheese and serve.

Recipe adapted from Emeril Lagasse, 2003

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Thursday, March 12, 2020

Trees Planted by the River

Consider this Scripture passage for your Lenten meditation today.

This is what the LORD says: "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land. But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve." Jeremiah 17:5-10

With the emphasis today on the corona virus outbreak…the world-wide pandemic…people are certainly showing signs of panic. Put your trust in the Lord. Jeremiah tells us that those who trust in the Lord and depend on Him for their hope will be blessed.

I’ve always loved the idea of trees planted by the water, like in Psalm 1 which I memorized when I was in the seventh grade for my church confirmation class.

A Tree Planted on a Riverbank--Canal bank in 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

God provides that water…that nourishment…to the tree. He will also provide you and me with that spiritual nourishment. His healing water. Jesus is the living water.

On the last day, the climax of the festival (Feast of Booths), 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.'" John 7:37-38

Jesus provides life—eternal life. As Jeremiah wrote…the Lord searches the everyone’s hearts and knows our motives. Are you like the tree planted by the water—searching for fresh water that provides everlasting life? Are you putting your trust in the Lord...and not panicking?

Prayer ~ Lord, lead us along the path of righteousness—by the riverbank—that we would bear the fruit of the Spirit for You: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). May we not panic under the pressure of the world-wide epidemic, but may all that we think, say and do bring You glory and honor.

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Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Watch and Pray

Consider this verse. Meditate on it.

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:12

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26

What will the children of God have to endure? War, Famines, Earthquakes—do you feel it—or hear it even now? Yes. They are happening today. These same disasters are foretold to occur during the Tribulation. Hopefully by then the children of God will have been raptured. We have to trust God for His mercy and protection. Only God knows the hour or the day of the end times.

Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Matthew 24:7-11

In the prophetic book of Revelation it is noted that during the Tribulation there are seven seals that are broken. When the fourth seal is broken it proclaims that death by the sword…or war…and famine will occur to a great part of the world’s population.

When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living being say, "Come!" I looked up and saw a horse whose color was pale green. Its rider was named Death, and his companion was the Grave. These two were given authority over one-fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword and famine and disease and wild animals. Revelation 6:7-8

Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

The sixth seal deals with an earthquake.

I watched as the Lamb broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became as dark as black cloth, and the moon became as red as blood. Revelation 6:12

Wars. Wars are occurring today…although we may not be in the time of the Tribulation. In recent history we can see statistics from Afghanistan and Yeman where over 20,000 thousand people in each country were killed in conflicts during 2019 with additional deaths of over 16,000 in Mexico and Syria, combined.

Famines have been part of history forever. Look at Abraham. God was with him and he had to go through famines. Have you ever been hungry…truly hungry? People are starving due to famines right now somewhere on earth. Just look at the news.

Have you ever experienced an earthquake? I’ve seen the ground swelling—like a wave—and then felt that wave move through our home where we were living in Okinawa. I’ve felt a couple of other tremors—but never experienced a real ground shaking, walls and building falling earthquake. They happen every day around the world. Check out a website like earthquaketrack.com or earthquake.usgs.gov. There were 12 earthquakes around the world with a magnitude over 2.5 on the day I last check the usgs site. Those are of small magnitude, but recordable and certainly felt by someone in the immediate vicinity. There are predictions for a big earthquake to occur along the Cascadia fault in the Pacific Ocean off the Washington coast sometime soon. Time will tell, but only God knows exactly when anything will occur.

Persecution. Not a word we like to hear any more than wars, famines or earthquakes, but it is a word that affects Christians around the world, daily. When it affects our brothers and sisters in the Lord, it affects us. We are part of the body of Christ. Do you feel hated because you are a follower of Jesus Christ? You may one day soon.

Again Jesus warned His disciples…don’t be deceived. Watch and wait for Jesus—the true Christ to return. Don’t be deceived by false prophets.

Psalms give us some encouragement and hope.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. Psalm 46:1-5

We don’t have to fear…

For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. Psalm 84:11

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31

Trust God…He has a plan and offers salvation to everyone who believes. Salvation from sin. Believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior. He is the Messiah for Israel and the whole world.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I hear your warning…wars, famines, earthquakes and persecution. But I trust in You for salvation…and protection. I praise You—for You are that true God—the living Messiah—who came to set us free. Thank You.

Revised from Banquet With The King blog, March 20, 2019.

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Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Wise Teaching

Meditate on these words of Jesus today:

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, "The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach. They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden. Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels. And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues. They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called 'Rabbi.' Don't let anyone call you 'Rabbi,' for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters. And don't address anyone here on earth as 'Father,' for only God in heaven is your spiritual Father. And don't let anyone call you 'Teacher,' for you have only one teacher, the Messiah. The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Matthew 23:1-12

Praying at Samuel's Tomb.

Jesus gave us so much wisdom—just out there for us to grasp. Listen and obey. Listen to the teachers of the religious law…but don’t follow their example. Don’t get burdened down with religious demands. If we simply follow Jesus’ teaching…Love God and Love Your Neighbor as Yourself…then there shouldn’t be any weighty burden. At least that burden wouldn’t be imposed by others, but only by ourselves as we try to live into Jesus’ command.

If you visit Israel, or some Orthodox Jewish communities even here in the United States, you might observe Jewish men wearing prayer boxes, tefillah, on their forehead or arm. Times have not changed. Should we wear scripture on our heads or arms? And what about tassels on prayer shawls, known as tallits? Extra large size? Jesus was saying that is all for show. Religious demands. Does doing that, wearing the Scripture box or tassels, make us love God or our neighbor any more or less?

I see the important part of this Scripture passage as …The greatest among you must be a servant. Jesus showed us what it was to be a servant when he washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-20). Service to others is service God Himself. Jesus tells us here…once again, to be a servant. Humble yourself. Serve others. Love your neighbor as yourself. Can you do that?

Prayer ~ Lord…as you taught through Paul… I owe nothing to anyone—except for my obligation to love one another. If I love my neighbor, I will fulfill the requirements of God's law. Romans 13:8.

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