Banquet With The King

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Keep Your Distance – God Does

Meditate.
Though the LORD is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud. Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. The LORD will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me. Psalm 138:6-8

Are you practicing “social distancing” keeping six feet from others…and wearing your mask? I thought this scripture that indicates that God keeps His distance from the proud was interesting. Are those who are “proud” the ones who are social distancing? Everyone should be keeping their distance to keep the spread of the COVID-19 at bay. Scientists have indicated that the spray from a cough or sneeze can spread at least six feet. An acquaintance who smokes said that his smoke travel more than six feet, we should be staying even further away! Mask up! Keep your distance.

Open the gate to the purpose of life.
Gate at the Garden of Gethsemane.
Israel

This focus passage today indicates that Lord has plans for my life—and for your life, too. He has a purpose for each of us. It is up to us to discover what that purpose is. Personally, after 70 years you’d think I’d have this figured out…but I continue to search for just what it is that God wants me to do on a daily basis.

But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God's Spirit in them. But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Jude 1:17-22 (Underlined for emphasis.)

The scoffers’ purpose in life is to follow ungodly desires. That is not my desire—how about you? Is the desire of your life, your purpose in life to build up other Christians, show mercy to others, pray and keep safe in God’s love? The Lord will work out His plan for my life…even if it is day by day. I know that He will not abandon me…He will never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus promised that He will be with us to the end of the age. He will not keep His distance from the humble, those He loves.

Prayer ~ Lord, continue to show me Your plan, Your purpose for my life, day by day, minute by minute...how I can serve You, by serving others.

Verse of Salvation ~ Jesus said…"I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life." John 5:24

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, August 19, 2020

Is Your Room Ready?

Meditate on these reassuring words of Jesus.

Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:1-3

Think about how big Noah’s ark was and all the room that God designed inside that for all the animals…and people. It may have even had some extra room for people that could have changed their minds, but didn’t. I imagine that is how it is in Heaven. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. Jesus has made some extra rooms for those who are still sitting on the fence trying to decide if they want to choose Him as their Savior. Just as soon as they decide the sign will go up: Vacancy (if they decide NO) or Welcome to your new Home (if they decide YES).

Which will it be for you? I’m looking forward to a wonderful room in my Father’s home. Will it be just down the hall from the Banquet Room where I can serve and be served? Looking forward to a great Banquet With The King!

Don't let your hearts be troubled. Jesus knew even then that our hearts would sometimes be “troubled” and so He encouraged us not to worry. Don’t worry…even in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic. God has a plan. Ultimately, it includes a new home for us in His house. I like that. When I was eight years old my family moved into a brand new house. It was wonderful. We carried all our belongings from our old house into our new house. When we move into our new Heavenly Home we won’t be taking any treasures from this earthly home into our Father’s House. Jesus told His disciples and followers not to store up any treasure here on earth.

Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:19-21

This reminds me that God has promised to give us the desires of our hearts. What does your heart desire?

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. Psalm 37:4

Don’t store up treasures here on earth. Is your home full of treasures? Do you worry that someone will break in and steal them? No worries. Don’t let your heart be troubled. God give us more encouragement in Psalm 37, so read all of Psalm 37 soon. Put your treasures…your valued things like relationships…in God’s care. Trust in God. Take delight in the Lord. He has a wonderful plan. Seek God and love Him with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. Trust Him. Everything is going to be alright. No worries. No anxiety, my friend.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, help us not to worry and not to store up treasures here on earth. That is sometimes hard to do as we sit here with too much time on our hands due to the COVID stay home mandate and Amazon at our fingertips. There isn’t anything we really need—besides the food that You so generously supply. When everything is ready we are looking forward to a great Banquet with You one day…but in the meantime, please provide not only for us, but for those who are in desperate need for food or financial assistance due to this pandemic. May they see Your hand of mercy and love.

Verses of Salvation ~ The LORD rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The LORD helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him. Psalm 37:39-40.

Are you a godly person? He saves those who are godly. Seek God while there is still time.

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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Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Message From Beyond the Grave

Meditate on this passage that Isaiah wrote in prophesy from the Lord.

Someone may say to you, "Let's ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do." But shouldn't people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead? Look to God's instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark. Isaiah 8:19-20

After my sister died in 1989 I was tasked with cleaning out her house. I found this message taped to her refrigerator. I felt like it was a message that she left for me—a reminder of the importance of love and what to do to keep it going. Her advice to me…from the grave. But I wasn’t searching or seeking any message…any guidance from the dead. She gave me this message anyway. I have relied on these words often in the last thirty years.

There are twelve words that keep a love going:
   I am wrong.
   I am sorry.
   Please forgive me.
   I love you.
                                               Cliff Barrows

Cliff Barrows was a long-time member of Billy Graham’s evangelism team beginning in 1946.
The twelve words can be summed up in a few verses.

Then Saul confessed, "I have sinned. Come back home, my son, and I will no longer try to harm you, for you valued my life today. I have been a fool and very, very wrong." 1 Samuel 26:21

But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done. Psalm 38:18

…be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:3

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," Peter replied, "you know I love you." "Then feed my lambs," Jesus told him. John 21:15

God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:8

God knows our hearts even before we speak, whether it is to Him or to others. These twelve words can guide our relationships with our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and even with God Himself. Can you use them in your life today?

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, I am wrong. I am sorry. Please forgive me. I love you.

Verse of Salvation ~ Jesus, my Savior, told His disciples…and us:

Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:1-3

Will you let Jesus be your Savior?

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Monday, August 17, 2020

What Path Are You On?

Meditate on these words of God to the prophet Jeremiah.

Jeremiah, say to the people, 'This is what the LORD says: "'When people fall down, don't they get up again? When they discover they're on the wrong road, don't they turn back? Then why do these people stay on their self-destructive path? Why do the people of Jerusalem refuse to turn back? They cling tightly to their lies and will not turn around. I listen to their conversations and don't hear a word of truth. Is anyone sorry for doing wrong? Does anyone say, "What a terrible thing I have done"? No! All are running down the path of sin as swiftly as a horse galloping into battle! ' " Jeremiah 8:4-6

Path to Mt. Hermon - Israel
Is this a path you want to follow?

…why do these people stay on their self-destructive path? What a good question. Why don’t people change? Why don’t they choose to do what is good, true, right beautiful? Doesn’t their conscience bother them? Just as this scripture passage asks—why don’t they say "What a terrible thing I have done?" They just keep on sinning—with no remorse, sorry, or regret. But this didn’t just happen. It has been going on for a life-time. Each choice someone makes takes them on the right or wrong path.

Fifty-two years ago today my sister, Shirley, married her college sweetheart, Ron, and they began what they hoped would be a life of bliss. But it wasn’t. About twenty years later they divorced and on December 8, 1989, Ron chose to murder Shirley, and their two daughter, Vicki and Anne, and Shirley’s new husband, Bob, and then himself. The ultimate act of domestic abuse. Death. No remorse. No regret. Just going down a self-destructive path away from God. Ron was not a believer. Shirley was. She made a wrong choice when she became “yoked” to a non-believer, unknowingly “teamed up” with a wicked partner.

Be careful with whom you associate. Teach your children and grandchildren to choose their friends, and one day possibly, their spouse, carefully. Time may be short. We never know how much time we have left here on earth—but it is important to influence others for the Lord—to share the Good News that Jesus is the Messiah, our Savior. We need to take “the light of the world” to others, but not necessarily to team up for the rest of our days with them.

Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, helped the lame to walk, raised the dead, and feed the hungry. We should do the same. He was sinless. He did choose a couple of friends who betrayed and denied Him, but He always chose obedience to His Father even when it took Him to the cross. That is what makes Him my Savior…our Savior.

Prayer ~ Lord, just as Joshua spoke to the Israelites…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. I choose to serve You, Lord. I choose to repent daily and turn from my sinful ways. I choose holiness…to serve You.

Verse of Salvation ~ For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

Choose salvation…today…while there is still time.

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Sunday, August 16, 2020

Restore Our Land

Meditate. This passage below is God speaking to Solomon.

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15

Restore Your people, Lord…those who believe in You…or have believed in You, but have fallen away. May each of us see the error in our ways…humble ourselves and turn to You. Forgive us our sins…as we forgive others. Hear our prayers.

Take away our thorny nature.
Restore us to You...and heal our Land.

If…we humble ourselves? Then God will hear our prayers. Can our nation do this? There is so much turmoil now—such anarchy. Nothing is impossible with God. We just have to hang onto that promise.

For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37

So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Peter 4:19

Keep on keeping on. Those who hear God’s voice and are obedient are not the ones rioting and looting. They are the ones who are humbly serving the Lord. Of which group do you belong? Obedient servants or rebellious rioters.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I personally humble myself, turn from my bad attitude and sinful ways. Forgive me for my sins and restore me to a right relationship with You. As our nations returns to You…one by one…restore within us a right relationship with You and with each other for our entire nation. You are an awesome God…You are our God. Show me what I can do to serve You.

Verse of Salvation ~ For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." Acts 4:11-12

Happy Birthday, Michelle!

May God continue to bless and guide you.

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Saturday, August 15, 2020

Walking Together

Meditate. Consider how the disciples of Jesus knew Him as their teacher, Rabbi and friend.

We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:1-3

The disciples were walking in fellowship with Jesus Himself when He was alive on earth. What a privilege! They heard His voice, saw Him face to face, and touched Him. They learned from Him…and could ask Him questions. Then they told others about Him. He was and is the Word of life. He is life itself. Now we can have a relationship—a fellowship—anytime with Him. He is just a prayer away—a mere thought. Just before His ascension into Heaven, after His resurrection, He promised to always be with us—all those who follow Him. We are the “new disciples” that He was referring to as He gave the disciples instructions to teach.

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 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 28:18-20

Which direction are you headed?
Will you walk with Jesus today?

Do you seek to have a relationship with Jesus…to fellowship with Him daily? Seek Him with all of your heart and you will find Him. Then walk along with Him. This is a good day for a walk…any day is a good day for a walk with Jesus.

Prayer ~ Jesus, You are Lord of my heart, soul, and mind now and always. Thank you for making me, for loving me and for forgiving my sins. I need You in my life and I look forward to walking with You every day. Please help me to understand You more. Teach me and show me how to serve You by serving others.

Verse of Salvation ~ I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. John 5:24

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Friday, August 14, 2020

Walk Carefully

Meditate.

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17

What does it mean to be “efficient”? It is to be well organized, resourceful and competent so that by seeking better ways a person can do their best and make the most of every situation. Wisdom and efficiency go hand in hand. A person can’t really be efficient without being wise—or seeking wisdom in the task that they are doing. Jesus certainly could be considered to be an efficient person. He didn’t waste time doing unnecessary things—and He encouraged others likewise. Remember how He spoke to Martha…but Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:40-42. We need to take a lesson from that—to be wise about our choices and focus on the one thing—either a one dish meal that means we have more time for our guests or just time to focus on the Lord. Be wise and be efficient. Walk in a wise way…making the most of your time.

Prayer ~ Lord, open our eyes and hearts that we would see and understand what Your will is for us today. Help us to make the most of our time—to be wise, not foolish, in the things we say and do.

Verse of Salvation ~ You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

A Peachy Day

Fresh peaches are in season. Yesterday was a “peachy” day. I made some iced peach tea and added some fresh chopped peaches. Totally delightful. Then I had a wonderful lunch outdoors at a nearby wine center (Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center) that included a fresh peach caprese salad with basil and mozzarella cheese.

Fresh Peach Caprese Salad

Heat one cup of balsamic vinegar to boil over low heat for about 15 minutes, reducing it to a thick sauce. Mix with a small amount of olive oil. Drizzle over fresh sliced peaches, chopped slices of mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh basil. Enjoy as a simple one dish meal.

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Thursday, August 13, 2020

A Glimpse of Heaven

Meditate as you walk.

I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Revelation 21:22-27

John is giving us a glimpse of Heaven—and it is glorious. No sun or moon because the light IS the glory of God…and it is from Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. The precious Lamb of God. Does that mean there is no night…only day? Maybe so.

No Moon in Heaven. No night?
We will just have to wait and see.

Imagine people from every nation walking in that illumination. Purity is at the very heart of the city—the New Jerusalem. No evil. No idolatry. No dishonesty. Everything just as God had originally created it. Pure and undefiled. Look into that Lamb’s Book of Life. I’m trusting the Lord that my name is there. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Is your name there?

Prayer ~ Lord, it is exciting that You have given us a glimpse of Heaven, just to whet our appetites. I ask that as people read this passage that if they don’t know You as their personal savior, that they would seek You with all of their heart and find that relationship that You and they desire. Thank You.

Verse of Salvation ~ Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Revelation 21:27

What a great promise of salvation. Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life…will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. That’s where I want to be someday. Are you going to be there?

Happy International Left-Handers Day!

Two of my seven grandchildren are lefties—so I’m often aware of the things like using right-handed scissors and golf clubs, that they must endure. Go lefties. Lefties are frequently are smarter in math and music. I hope so.

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Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Who Are Your Friends?

Meditate as you walk.

Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16

Imagine God living and walking among His people?! He led the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land guiding them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The quote in this passage is associated with the consecration of the Tabernacle while they were wandering in the wilderness on their way to their new home in that Promised Land.

Paul gave such wise advice to the Christians at the church at Corinth at the beginning of this passage…Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. Choose your friends and ultimately your spouse from those you meet who are Christian—God’s people. Choose righteousness, harmony, light and to be God’s temple. Did you know that you are the temple of God?

Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

God commanded His people not to worship idols. It is one of the Ten Commandments. He is definitely a powerful and a jealous God. We are to have no other gods before Him. He is the one true, holy God. I claim the promise that Jesus gave His disciples that He would be with them always…even to the end of the age. See Matthew 28:20. Jesus also promised that God would send the Holy Spirit to His followers. This Spirit of truth, the Advocate, Helper, or Counselor is the Holy Spirit.

But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. John 15:26

But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Advocate won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. John 16:7

Holy Spirit is often pictured as a dove.
The Spirit of Truth

So God, in the form of the Holy Spirit, is with me even now…walking and living with me. How about you? Are you a follower of Jesus—is He your Messiah? Is your heart the temple for the living God? Is the Holy Spirit walking and living with you even now? If not, seek Jesus today while there is still time. Our lives have no guarantee that we will live here on earth for any number of weeks, months, or years. If we accept Jesus as our Savior, we do have a guarantee that we will live eternally with Him in Heaven one day and that we will become part of the Kingdom of God the minute we believe. The Kingdom of God is at hand (Mark 1:15).

Prayer ~ Lord God, we don't live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it's to honor You. And if we die, it's to honor You. So whether we live or die, we belong to You, Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose--to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. From Romans 14:7-9. I am honored to walk and live with You, Lord, whether it is here or eternally in Heaven. I adore You.

Verses of Salvation ~ Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death. Psalm 86:11-13 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Salvation is rescue from the depths of death—eternal death—separation forever from God.

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Tuesday, August 11, 2020

What about the Israelites today?

Meditate as you walk.

You have declared today that the LORD is your God. And you have promised to walk in his ways, and to obey his decrees, commands, and regulations, and to do everything he tells you. The LORD has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands. And if you do, he will set you high above all the other nations he has made. Then you will receive praise, honor, and renown. You will be a nation that is holy to the LORD your God, just as he promised." Deuteronomy 26:17-19

This was God’s promise through Moses to the nation of Israel. Great promise. As adopted children of God—that is what believers since Christ are considered—we can claim the same promises. You are His people, His own special treasure. We still need to respond as Moses told the Israelites—obey His decrees, command and regulations—not because we HAVE to, but because as God’s chosen children, we WANT to be obedient and His holy people. What about the Israelites?

It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God's grace--his undeserved kindness in choosing them. And since it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it really is--free and undeserved. So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have--the ones God has chosen--but the hearts of the rest were hardened. Romans 11:5-7

And what of the non-Jew?

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced." Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." Romans 10:9-13

What about you? Have you called on the name of the Lord and been saved?

Pray for Israel...for Jerusalem.
Pray for each Israelite to know Jesus as their own Messiah.

Prayer ~ Lord God…But I ask, have the people of Israel actually heard the message? Yes, they have: "The message has gone throughout the earth, and the words to all the world." But I ask, did the people of Israel really understand? Yes, they did, for even in the time of Moses, You said, "I will rouse your jealousy through people who are not even a nation. I will provoke your anger through the foolish Gentiles." From Romans 10:18-19. Help more Israelites hear and understand daily, that they would choose Jesus as their personal Messiah, while there is still time.

Verses of Salvation ~ But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15

Where are your feet walking to spread the Good News about Jesus? How will you apply this scripture to your life today?

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Monday, August 10, 2020

Walk with Integrity

Meditate as you walk.

For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Proverbs 2:6-8

Do you want wisdom? This passage tells us that God is the one who gives wisdom—He has knowledge and understanding…and gives common sense! How great is that?! How many people do you know that could use a dose of common sense? Do you need some? Sometimes I could use a bit more.

God is powerful, shielding the people who have integrity. Integrity is a really good thing in this world today. It is might be something that politicians and car dealers brag about…but do they really have it? Do you? Integrity is when people do the right thing when no one is looking. You have to judge for yourself—and consider your own options. It is such a great promise to know that God protects those with integrity and those who are faithful to Him. Actually, I think those are pretty much the same people. If a person has high integrity you can be sure they are fair to others and faithful to God.

Do you still think you need more wisdom? Ask for it. James wrote about asking for wisdom.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

God is good. He may seem like He is pretty busy right now with all that is going on in the world—but He still has time to hear our prayers…and if we ask, give us wisdom.

Now, what is your Kingdom response to the Word? How can you apply this passage to your life? How can you use it to encourage others?

Can you take your prayers to the Wailing Wall?
Ask for wisdom?
Jerusalem

Prayer ~ Lord, we have not stopped praying for other followers since we first heard about them. We ask You, Lord God, to give us all complete knowledge of Your will and to give us spiritual wisdom and understanding. From Colossians 1:9

Verse of Salvation ~ You have declared today that the LORD is your God. And you have promised to walk in his ways, and to obey his decrees, commands and regulations, and to do everything he tells you. The LORD has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands. And if you do, he will set you high above all the other nations he has made. Then you will receive praise, honor, and renown. You will be a nation that is holy to the LORD your God, just as he promised." Deuteronomy 26:17-19

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Sunday, August 9, 2020

Smile in the Light

Meditate as you walk.

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7

Don’t settle for stumbling around in the dark for the rest of your life. Get right with God. Allow Jesus, who is the light of the world, to clean you up, spiritually. He has already taken your sin to the cross—so accept what He has done and rejoice in the light of His love. Simple thing to do…but humbling as well. Who are you to not embrace the truth and live, or walk, in a way that honors God? Practice the truth—seek God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. God gives us a choice. Choose Jesus and choose life in the light forever. Reject Jesus and you will continue to walk in the darkness forever. Your choice. Personally, I choose Jesus as my own Savior.

Fellowship is a wonderful thing…when you can get it during this time of social distancing and isolation. Fellowshipping via Zoom is OK—but it still is not the same as sitting down with a cup of coffee or tea and Christian friends. Hugs would be appreciated—but let’s keep our distance. Let others know that you are smiling at them behind your mask. A smile can be very encouraging—and remember how your own smile elicited a smile from others…and to then others. That ripple effect that could just light up a room full of smiling faces. Keep smiling—as you remember what Jesus has done for you, your family, friends and neighbors.

Jesus is My Rock - guiding my way.
Chimney Rock, Nebraska
Guiding the travelers on the Oregon Trail.

Prayer ~ Dear God, The blood of Jesus cleanses me from all unrighteousness. Thank you, Jesus for Your sacrificial obedience on the cross. Please send me someone to be accountable to and to hold accountable that we would live in Your light, practicing the truth.

Verse of Salvation ~ The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted! 2 Samuel 22:47

The Word is the Rock of our Salvation. Jesus is the Word.

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Saturday, August 8, 2020

Are You Walking in the Darkness? You Won’t Have To If You Follow Jesus.

Meditate as you walk.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12

Jesus called His first disciples, who were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. Follow me and I will make you fishers of men. Soon after they became His followers He spoke to them and others saying that they didn’t have to walk in darkness…in the valley of the shadow of death…anymore. He was giving them life if they followed Him. We have the same promise today. If we follow Jesus, we won’t have to walk in darkness…in that valley of the shadow of death. We will die physically, but we’ll never die spiritually. God is a spiritual being. Jesus, as God, is a spiritual being. We have a spiritual aspect to our own being that will live forever with Jesus…if we follow Him…if we believe in Him as our Messiah, our Savior.

Jewish Museum depicting crucifixion on an old tree.
Israel

A Savior. Saving us from what you might ask? From darkness, spiritual death, our own selfish desires and sin. Jesus, as our Savior, took our sins upon Himself, died on the cross as the sacrifice for our sin. Everyone sins. We cannot escape it without a sacrifice. Since the beginning of mankind’s sin—with the rebellion of Adam and Eve—God has required a sacrifice for sin. Jesus fulfilled that sacrifice once for all people throughout all of history. Past, present and future. Just as He declared with His last breath. It is finished. Sin is forgiven.

Is Jesus your Messiah? Talk to Him today while there is still time to establish a relationship with Him.

Prayer ~ God, Thank you for forgiving my sin. Let no one experiencing brokenness—walking in the darkness—walk past me without my response in keeping with what the Holy Spirit wants me to do. Give me compassion towards others, as well as the humility and boldness to practice…to do…what You want me to do, to walk as You want me to live.

Verses of Salvation ~ Look up to the skies above, and gaze down on the earth below. For the skies will disappear like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing. The people of the earth will die like flies, but my salvation lasts forever. My righteous rule will never end! Isaiah 51:6

Salvation from God lasts forever. We only have to ask for forgiveness for a particular sin and repent once. Jesus has provided that forgiveness, once and for all.

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Friday, August 7, 2020

Did You See The Great Light?

Meditate as you walk.

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. Isaiah 9:2

Do you see a bright light? When I think of a bright light, I remember hearing stories of people who have had a trip to heaven—and returned to life. They experienced a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Those people may not have been walking in darkness, but they just had a near death or death experience and as they were dying they saw a bright light. That was definitely a bright light shining for them.

This passage in Isaiah predicted the Messiah coming to the land of Israel. The darkness, the shadow of death in which the Israelites were living, was life without the Messiah. The Messiah, Jesus Christ, brought them light, knowledge, and hope due to that light, just as Isaiah predicted. Jesus is the light of the world. His message of love and hope brought light when He first came to Israel, and now continues even today throughout the world. Hope to those living in darkness.

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. Isaiah 9:1-3

Will you rejoice as you see the light and develop a relationship with Jesus the Messiah?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, we see the great light that You shine for us. The light of truth, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control, joy, peace and above all, love. Thank you for the hope You provide for us.

Verse of Salvation ~ And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) Romans 8:23-25

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

There are recipes for food and then there are recipes for other things, like this one that a friend gave me a couple years ago to combat weeds.

Weed Killer

1 gallon vinegar

2 cups Epson salts

¼ cup Dawn dish soap (the original blue)

Mix it up and use in a spray bottle. It will kill anything you spray it on in the morning after the dew has evaporated. Go back after dinner and the weeds will be gone.

For a smaller amount mix:

3 cups vinegar

3 oz Epson salts

0.375 oz Dawn

Weeds were a problem for Adam and Eve after the fall, and weeds continue to be a problem. Here’s something that will be cheaper and safer than Round-up. Obviously, don’t eat or drink this.

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