Banquet With The King

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Don't Waste Time Arguing--Have Hope

Meditate.

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. 1 Timothy 4:7-10

Our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people. Hope in our Savior…in our God. He is alive—Jesus was raised from the dead. He is living—eternally—now seated in Heaven. I like the thought that He is seated…not pacing about worrying. We can count on Him.

No worries here.
Like the butterfly, God provides everything we need.
We have hope in our Savior...our God.

The godly training that Paul was telling Timothy about is important, but we can’t do it alone. We need God guidance. He gives us that strength as we struggle. In that prayer that Jesus taught, we ask Him to lead us not into temptation.

Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13

Our training and our struggles are spiritual. We must face it. There is an unseen world that we can’t ignore—although we just go through our days looking for good weather, good food and good times. There is so much more.

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12

Be strong in the Lord. That has been a message from God throughout the Old Testament and even into New Testament teachings.

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous! If you don’t feel strong…ask God. He will give you strength. If you don’t feel courageous…ask God. He will enable you with bravery and guts to do what you need to do. He has promised that He will never leave you. You can count on Him. Can He count on you to do the same—to be there for Him? That reliability that you have for each other will strengthen your relationship with God. Be strong in the Lord.

Prayer ~ Just as You told Joshua when he led the Israelites into the Promised Land, Lord, I claim Your promise in my life. “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. With Your help, I will not be afraid or discouraged—knowing that You are always with me. My hope is in You, Lord. Thank You.

Verses of Salvation ~ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 1 Peter 1:3-5

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Consider supporting those with arthritis...hope for a cure!

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

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Wednesday, March 17, 2021

God is Our Savior

Meditate. Think about a peaceful and quiet life marked by godliness and dignity--along the right path.

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 1 Timothy 2:2-6 (Underlined for emphasis.)

This was Paul’s instruction to Timothy. Live a dignified, godly, peaceful and quiet life to please God. After all, He is our Savior. Jesus is God. Perfect instruction to us today, too. Live a dignified, godly, peaceful and quiet life.

The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness. Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die. Proverbs 15:9-10

Don't abandon the right path.
It leads you to the Lord God.
Cross from Peru.

Jesus is our Savior…our deliverer. He is God. He is an awesome God—willing to give His life for us. Yes. He is our God. He gives us hope…and the promise of eternal life. Without Him we could not live a dignified, godly, peaceful and quiet life.

Dignified – respectfully honoring God.

Godly – holy and sanctified

Peaceful – without stress or conflict

Quiet – tranquil

Can you live without Jesus? I don’t want to.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You are an awesome God. You are my God and I want to live a dignified, godly, peaceful and quiet life to please You.

Verse of Salvation ~ How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! Isaiah 52:7

It's Saint Patrick's Day. Have you got your green?

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

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Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Choose Life

Meditate on God’s love…and light…and life.

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants." John 3:16-21

This is such a well-known verse…For God so loved the world that He have His only begotten Son, so whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. It is almost beyond our human comprehension that God—the ultimate Deity of the universe—would love us—the backbiting, carousing, self-centered, and bickering mankind—enough to sacrifice His own Son to pay for our sins. That is amazing love.

Jesus is the Light of the World

Everyone is going to die sometime…that is life. Even Jesus knew when He became human, He would die. Death. Consider the sadness you’ve experienced when someone you love died. Is that what God experienced when Jesus died on the cross? Imagine watching your own child die an agonizing death…like that on the cross. Excruciating pain. Pain for Jesus…Pain for the Heavenly Father. When Adam and Eve ate that fruit of the Tree of Good and Evil…death came into the world. Death. No one can escape…not even Jesus. But Jesus is the Light of the World.

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 is also the ultimate Judge, or at least He is the one who separates the righteous believers and the unbelievers. This passage tells us that Jesus came to save, not judge the world. Salvation is through Jesus—as the sacrificial lamb. Blood has to be shed for sin…just like in the Garden of Eden when God sacrificed animals to cloth the nakedness of Adam and Eve. It all goes back to the Garden. Back to death. Life is in Jesus. His death allows us to live. To live eternally beginning today…not when we die.

So the question is “What are you doing with your life?” How is your relationship with God today? Are you living as God wants you to live…believing in Jesus? The choice is yours.

Prayer ~ Jesus—You are amazing. As I meditate on Your word and Your life I am humbled that I can seek to know You more each day…and that the love of our Heavenly Father gives life…not Death. He raised You from the dead so that I can live, too. No eternal death. Only eternal life. Glory be to the Father.

Verses of Salvation ~ While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. And God designated him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:7-10 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Jesus is the source of eternal salvation. Choose Jesus. Choose life.

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

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Monday, March 15, 2021

God Gives Us Hope

Meditate. Think about HOPE—and your relationship with God.

This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope. 1 Timothy 1:1

Hope is the anticipation of a good thing. It usually makes us feel good…even if it is something we can’t see or touch. Hope can be a feeling that someone has for someone else. “Hope you have a great birthday!” or Hope all is going well for you. Spiritually speaking we have a hope of Rapture, Christ’s Return and Eternity in Heaven. Hope. We don’t know when those things will happen…but we are hopeful. God gives us hope—just as Paul writing to Timothy begins this letter in our scripture today.

Hope. Without hope we feel discouraged, lost and disconnected. This is the root cause of suicides—like the ones that are occurring due to this COVID pandemic. What can we do? Talk to your friend or loved one. Find out if they are serious…and have a plan. This is not a joking matter—take it seriously. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Do not leave them alone. Here are the Suicide Warning Signs from the National Institute of Mental Health website. See that website for additional information on suicide awareness.

The behaviors listed below may be signs that someone is thinking about suicide.

· Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

· Talking about feeling empty, hopeless, or having no reason to live

· Making a plan or looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun

· Talking about great guilt or shame

· Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions

· Feeling unbearable pain (emotional pain or physical pain)

· Talking about being a burden to others

· Using alcohol or drugs more often

· Acting anxious or agitated

· Withdrawing from family and friends

· Changing eating and/or sleeping habits

· Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

· Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast

· Talking or thinking about death often

· Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy

· Giving away important possessions

· Saying goodbye to friends and family

· Putting affairs in order, making a will

If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently. If in doubt, call the Hotline, 1-800-273-8255.

Suicides are not just something that happens to veterans, to unemployed, to someone who has a crisis in their life…it can happen to children and teenagers, too. The best thing to do…in addition to helping them get immediate help is just listening to them, letting them know that you care. Everyone needs to feel that someone cares about them…to feel that someone loves them. You might be their only connection to Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate person to give them hope…a hope for a brighter future…a hope of eternal security—but most people need to feel that caring, love and security from another human being. If you are the one needing help—seek it on the Hotline, from a trusted friend or family member or Pastor. You are not alone.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Thank You for the hope you give us. Help us to help others that they would truly feel the love and caring of the Holy Spirit…as well that of Christians in their lives. May your love flow through us as we love our neighbors as ourselves.

Verse of Salvation ~ We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5

Happy Birthday, Kim!

May God Continue to bless you because we are blessed.

You are the best Son-In-Law ever.

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

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God wants you, your children and grandchildren to be like His Son, Jesus.

How can you learn about Jesus characteristics...and apply them to your life?

This devotional gives some practical guidance and suggestion.

Sunday, March 14, 2021

God Does Not Need Anything

Meditate. Consider how God has met your needs.

He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in man-made temples, and human hands can't serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. Acts 17:24-25

The cross is empty.
The tomb is empty.
Believe.
Like the butterfly, you can begin your new life.

In this scripture passage Paul was speaking to non-believers in Athens on his second missionary journey. They were a group of philosophers who were interested in hearing more about his god since they worshipped many gods. He noticed they had an altar to an UNKNOWN GOD, which he described as his God, our God. God is self-sufficient. He doesn’t need anything. Although some might argue that He needs man…to worship Him. He is the creator of everything. He explained about the judgment that would be done by a man (Jesus) who had been raised from the dead. That resurrection concept intrigued some who wanted to hear more and a few even believed at that point. Others sneered. Sneered. That is the same reactions some have today. Some who either have heard for about Jesus the first time or now have an understanding of Jesus’ resurrection, believe. Others still scoff…or sneer.

Where do you stand with the Lord God? How is your relationship with Him? Do you believe; seek more information; or sneer? Each person has to make their own choice, but the time is growing short day by day.

Prayer ~ Lord God, as we see the end approaching…or hear of others prediction that the end is near, give us wisdom to understand Your will and help us to wait patiently for Your return…or for Your call on our lives whether it be to serve You here…or in Heaven. You have certainly supplied every need for us here on Earth. Thank You.

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

You will be saved on the day of redemption! What an awesome promise.

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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Saturday, March 13, 2021

Judgment is Coming

Meditate. Think about judgment and the goodness of God.

And I heard a voice from the altar, saying, "Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, your judgments are true and just." Revelation 16:7

One of the most well known verses in the Bible is followed by a couple of verses that introduce the truth about judgment for believers.

It seems pretty clear. If you believe in Jesus as the Son of God…then you won’t be judged. There will be a Judgment Day and judgment will fall on those who do not believe. I think we have to be careful to follow what Jesus taught… and the advice given to us through Paul, as written to the church at Rome.

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

Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's laws.' Matthew 7:21-23

We should be encouraging each other…as the time is growing short. This is certainly not the time to condemn others—as if that were ever an acceptable action. Yet our actions should not just be in fear of judgment…but out of love for God and others.

The day of His return is drawing near.
Are you spiritually prepared?

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God's judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. Hebrews 10:23-27

Consider what your actions say about you…to God and your relationship to Him…and to others.

Prayer ~ Lord… May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14. Additionally, may my actions, the things I do to serve You be pleasing to You and encouraging to others.

Verses 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

God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. Revelation 1:3

Time is short. Don’t wait to make a decision for salvation in Jesus Christ.

Bible Trivia ~ Can you place these words in the proper order for a familiar verse?

are for see heart they in blessed shall the pure God

Answer: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

This week’s Trivia: What did Jesus say to the thief on the cross?

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Friday, March 12, 2021

Harps in Heaven?

Meditate. Consider Jesus’ righteous deeds…and your relationship with Him.

Then I saw in heaven another marvelous event of great significance. Seven angels were holding the seven last plagues, which would bring God's wrath to completion. I saw before me what seemed to be a glass sea mixed with fire. And on it stood all the people who had been victorious over the beast and his statue and the number representing his name. They were all holding harps that God had given them. And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb:

"Great and marvelous are your works, O Lord God, the Almighty. Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations. Who will not fear you, Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous deeds have been revealed." Revelation 15:1-4

Once again we see that God is holy—as proclaimed here in our scripture focus for today. This is the God Almighty that the people are singing about—our God. I thought it interesting to note that they were holding harps that God had given them. So many times I’ve heard that angels…not people will be playing harps in Heaven. Actually, this translation, and others, too, says that the people held the harps, not that they played the harps. Those people are apparently the ones who became Christians after the Rapture, who were alive during the Tribulation, did not choose to follow Satan and thus were martyred. They are brave and courageous souls!

Is this a glimpse of Heaven?

This song is honoring God in remembrance of His deliverance of Israel from Egypt and honoring Christ, celebrating the deliverance of God’s people from Satan. It honors the righteous deeds of Jesus. Who will not fear you, Lord, and glorify your name? Now…as well as in the past and future…is the time to give glory to the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Our God. The Almighty God. We are privileged to know and serve Him. It is actually awesome to know that this is what will one day take place in Heaven. Through John’s writing the book of Revelation, we have a glimpse at Heaven. Does that draw you into a closer relationship with God—with Christ? Know that He cares about you and me enough to have this plan for our Salvation.

Prayer ~ Dear Lord God, I humbly come before You, knowing that You are the ultimate victor in Heaven…and on Earth. One day I too will sing before You. For now, I praise Your Holy Name and declare that You are my God, my Savior and my King.

Verses of Salvation ~ I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation--the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians 1:9-11 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

We can’t live just on spiritual food or on bread alone. What is your favorite food? Considering that we are going to have a banquet one day…hopefully soon…in Heaven, what foods do you anticipate being served…or serving others? I imagine that there will be foods from all different ethnic groups and I look forward to sampling lots of different foods! Bring on some Greek gyros and some spicy Indian food. Yum. Actually, some hummus is a good basic food that I’m sure will be served at the King’s Banquet.

Hummus
2 cups cooked garbanzo beans (start with 1 cup dried, soak and cook in 4 cups of water for three hours) OR 1 can garbanzo beans (15 oz.) drained, reserve liquid
1/4 cup tahini (sesame butter)
2 Tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
6 cloves garlic, grated with microplane grater (or more if preferred, never too much garlic)
1 tsp sea salt

2 Tbsp horseradish (optional)

1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)

pepper to taste
paprika or fresh parsley to garnish

Chop garbanzos in food processor; blend in the rest of ingredients, including some of the reserved liquid until smooth and it reaches your desired consistency. This gets better with age, so prepare it a day before if you like. Pour into serving bowl & sprinkle with paprika or parsley, or top with a little more olive oil. Serve with triangles of soft pita bread, crisp pita chips, sliced cucumber, carrots, celery, sliced fresh sweet peppers or sliced apples.

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

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Thursday, March 11, 2021

Only One Way

Meditate. Think about what Jesus has done for you...and about a Banquet with Him someday!

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth." John 17:1-3

Old Olive Trees
Garden of Gethsemane - Israel

Jesus spoke these words in the Garden of Gethsemane in a prayer to the Father just before He was arrested, tried, and crucified. The hour had come. Jesus was about to complete the work He came to earth to do. Sure…He had healed the sick, made the lame to walk and the blind to see. He had fed over 9,000 people, walked on water, raised three people from the dead, cast out demons and shared His life and teachings with His disciples and followers. Yet, now the last big job assignment—sacrificial death on a cross—was before Him. Do you suppose He felt like saying, “Hey, Dad…how about I don’t do this? It’s going to be ugly and painful. Can you let me off the hook?” No. Jesus yielded His desire not to experience the cross to obediently following His Father’s plan for a once for all sacrifice for mankind—to finally not just placate, but ultimately eliminate the need for a sacrifice for sin. Jesus blood was shed just like millions of lambs and bulls’ blood had been offered in a sacrifice for sin. Although He was sinless, He took all of mankind’s sin upon Himself there on that cross—that everyone would have the opportunity for eternal life. His goal was to bring glory to God.

Can you humbly confess your sin and repent? By confessing our sins, we acknowledge that we have sinned…for everyone sins…and that Jesus died for our sins. By repenting—turning away from willfully committing sin—we can then accept what Jesus did for us sacrificially on that cross. He paid our sin debt…and that allows us to be holy. Holy…just as Adam was created before the taking of the forbidden fruit. Holy…just as Jesus is. It is only in this holiness that we can one day stand before the Throne of the Almighty God—for He is holy and pure. Glory be to God the Father. One day we will walk in the garden of Paradise with Jesus…just like Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden of Eden. Although I couldn’t find a scripture passage that promises that we’ll do just that…we know that we will have a Banquet with the King of Kings in Heaven. I’m so looking forward to that! How about you?

Prayer ~ Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for obediently going to the cross for me…and for all of mankind. Once again I humbly seek your forgiveness and rejoice that You hear my prayers and take them to the Father. You are an awesome God. I am looking forward to a great banquet with You in Heaven.

Verse of Salvation ~ There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Jesus is the One Way.

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

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Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Forever is a Long Time

Meditate. Consider eternity and your relationship with the Eternal One.

All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17

He never dies. God is eternal. He always has been…and always will be. We are remined of this briefly in Revelation.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end," says the Lord God. "I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One." Revelation 1:8

That concept of no beginning and no end are really hard for us humans to get our mind around. Alpha—the first letter in the Greek alphabet and Omega—the last letter in that alphabet—would have been an understandable concept to the people first reading the scripture in its original Greek. For us, maybe some would grasp the idea of “I am A to Z” but that just doesn’t have the same feeling or oomph to it.

The Bird of Paradise
Paradise is Heaven.
Will I see you there?

At any rate—God the Father is unseen for now. One day we, who are obedient to Him and have our sins washed away by the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ, will see Him seated on His Throne in Heaven and we will worship Him there—with a billion other people and angels! What a day that will be! There were probably hundreds of thousands of people who saw Jesus, our Lord and Savior, when He was alive on earth. He did die…and He lives. That resurrection from the dead is what make Christianity unique among all religions. Our Savior lives—even though He was put to death over 2,000 years ago. He, along with the Heavenly Father, is eternal—The Almighty One. He will never die again. That gives us hope. Hope for a future in Heaven with Him. An eternal life for each of us…in a home that He is creating just for us. Jesus 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. And you know the way to where I am going." "No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:1-6

Although some, like Thomas, might not believe, Jesus was explaining that the way to the Father…and Heaven…if to believe in Jesus as Savior. The Messiah. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Through His sacrifice on the cross, He provided a means for us to become pure and holy so that we can one day stand before the Throne of the Holy God—The Almighty One.

I have hope. Jesus is my Savior. On that day when your home is ready and Christ calls you, will you be able to stand before the Throne of the Almighty One?

Prayer ~ Jesus, Thank You for Your promise…"I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am." John 14:27-28. Thank you for the peace of mind that You give. I am not afraid. I look forward to Your return.

Verse of Salvation ~ So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Timothy 2:10

Can you say this…I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation? All honor and glory to God.

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

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Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Look in Your Heart for a Treasure

Meditate. Consider your own relationship and covenant with the Lord.

Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The LORD called to him from the mountain and said, "Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.' This is the message you must give to the people of Israel." Exodus 19:3-6

I love that I am a special treasure to God from among all the peoples on earth! All the people—really?! That is a lot of people throughout all of time and all around the world. Well—everyone who believes in Jesus, obeys God and keeps His covenant—His Commandments—are His precious treasures, too. I am not alone—there are millions of us from every nation and every tribe. Heaven is going to be an amazing place with all the variety of people, voices, languages and personalities. It is going to be exciting…for forever. And we are going to be God’s kingdom of priest…a holy nation. What an exciting promise. Study this passage for yourself. See yourself as a precious treasure as you keep His covenant.

What is God’s covenant? There were several covenants that God made with His people in the Old Testament. The covenants with Adam and Eve in Eden; with Noah; with Abraham and his family; with David and Solomon, to name a few. God promised to be their God and to provide a Promised Land in which they could live with all their families, an abundance of food, safety and a Savior. Jesus promised a new covenant, Himself, that we have recorded in the New Testament.

After supper he took another cup of wine and said, "This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you. " Luke 22:20

You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel. Hebrews 12:24

I will never leave you or forsake you.

What would a covenant between you and God look like? God promised in Deuteronomy 31:6-8 and Hebrews 13:5 that He would never leave us or forsake us. I like that promise and had it inscribed on a ring when I was visiting Israel. To make it complete, I promised the same to God…and incidentally, to my husband…“I will never leave You or forsake You.” That is my covenant with God. Is there a special promise from God that you claim…or one that you have promised to Him? Can you consider that your “covenant” with Him?

Prayer ~ Lord, I seek to honor and love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Show me anything in my life that is displeasing to You and cleanse my heart that my life may be purified and made holy before You. You are an awesome God—the true and living God. I praise You name.

Just a life note…

The scripture today mentions eagles. I was excited to see eagle perched in a tree a couple of miles from my home last week. Majestic and beautiful!

My son and his family live in the migratory flight path of the Sandhill Cranes and they’ve been hearing and seeing the cranes fly overhead for about a week. They make a lovely trumpeting, cooing sound—not a honk like geese. On Saturday we saw more of the cranes headed north.

Sandhill Cranes feeding near West Richland, WA

Spring is here! The Sandhill Cranes are on the move!

Look in your heart for the treasure God sees there.

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Monday, March 8, 2021

Power Over Darkness

Meditate. Do you believe that Jesus is God? Do you believe in His power to heal? In His power over darkness?

After Jesus left the girl's home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, "Son of David, have mercy on us!" They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, "Do you believe I can make you see?" "Yes, Lord," they told him, "we do." Then he touched their eyes and said, "Because of your faith, it will happen." Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, "Don't tell anyone about this." But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region. Matthew 9:27-31

“Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Jesus had just raised a little girl from the dead. What amazing power! Now he was asked to be merciful to these two blind guys. He asked them first if they believed. Then Jesus touched the eyes of these two blind men and because they believed—they had faith in Jesus’ power—they were healed. But Jesus told them not to tell anyone about their healing. They were too overjoyed with the miracle of their healing to keep that news to themselves. They spread the news about Him in all the land. Believing is seeing.

Could you have been obedient and let no one know about it? It would have been obvious to everyone around them—they no longer needed help doing simple everyday tasks like cooking or baking—and what kind of work could a blind person do? Certainly not that of a blacksmith or a carpenter. Now they were able bodied. Of course they wanted to rejoice! They could see the creation of God again! It takes light...and the power over darkness...to see. No more stumbling around in the dark...misguided and lost. They could see and now knew the true light...Jesus.

Prayer ~ Lord, help us to listen to you and share only where and when you want us to.

Sunset on the Columbia River.

I once was blind...but now I see.

Verses of Salvation ~ "Listen to me, my people. Hear me, Israel, for my law will be proclaimed, and my justice will become a light to the nations. My mercy and justice are coming soon. My salvation is on the way. My strong arm will bring justice to the nations. All distant lands will look to me and wait in hope for my powerful arm. Isaiah 51:4-5

God has salvation of His chosen people in His plan for the future. Pray for Israel…and be ready yourself for we don’t know when Jesus will call His chosen people—those who believe in Him. The power of the Lord is evident to those who have faith like the blind men. Be prepared, spiritually.

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

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