Banquet With The King

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Transformation

Meditate. Renew your mind. Be transformed.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

Remember those transformer cars from thirty or forty years ago. Zip-Zap! New vehicle or some bug like character. Good and evil guys. Kids loved them. They had the power to change those toys into another character. That is just what God wants to do with us. He wants us to be transformed into a new person by changing the way we think.

Transformed...like the butterfly.

While there is time…seek God. Your mind and heart can be renewed and transformed by the word of God. God wants us to seek Him…and to live holy lives. That doesn’t mean we’ll be perfect. We can’t even really change on our own. But God can change us and He will if we are willing to be changed. It begins with a repentant heart.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. Philippians 2:13-16

I can see God working in my life as I am being transformed. Although there is still a need to improve, my attitude towards other is changing—becoming more forgiving—releasing the anger and bitterness that was built up in my heart.

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:1-5

There is power in memorizing scripture. It heals a person’s mind. Saturate your self with the Word.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure. Psalm 119:162

God treasures you…and your relationship with Him. Let that relationship with the Lord be transformed as you allow your mind to be transformed by scripture.

Prayer ~ Your Scriptures say, "If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil." 1 Peter 3:10-12, Psalm 34:12-16

Verse of Salvation ~ And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-28

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

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Monday, October 18, 2021

May You Have Peace

Meditate. Think about peace as you go through your day.

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of David.

I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." And now here we are, standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a well-built city; its seamless walls cannot be breached. All the tribes of Israel—the LORD's people—make their pilgrimage here. They come to give thanks to the name of the LORD, as the law requires of Israel. Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David. Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, "May you have peace." For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem. Psalm 122:1-9

There is peace and hope...
and light at the end of the tunnel.

At some point in their lives everyone seeks peace. No turmoil—just quiet harmony. A tranquility. From the time that babies are born to when we die…we want calmness at some point in our day or life. Even if you are listening to hard rock, loud music there comes a time to turn it off. Silence.

The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace. Psalm 29:11

But there are those who want war and strife to ruin others’ lives—attacks from Satan.

Don't let my treacherous enemies rejoice over my defeat. Don't let those who hate me without cause gloat over my sorrow. They don't talk of peace; they plot against innocent people who mind their own business. Psalm 35:19-20

Is that the life we have ahead of us? Plotting, knifing people. On YouTube every day you can see countries in the Middle East who are plotting attacks on Israel. They are certainly not seeking peace. Their desire for power and control is fueling war that can once again engulf the whole world. Just watch and see—and read about it in Revelation. Let us go to the house of the Lord. Worship the Lord and give Him thanks. His love endures forever.

How is your relationship with the Lord? Are you at peace with Him? If not, repent, believe in Jesus, and be saved from sin. Everyone will have eternal life. Where will you spend it…in Heaven with Jesus, or in the Lake of Fire without Him? The choice is yours. May you have peace.

Prayer ~ Lord God, Isaiah said, "The heir to David's throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him (Isaiah 11:10)." That heir is Jesus. I pray, God, as the source of hope, that You will fill the Messianic Jews and believing Gentiles completely with joy and peace because we trust in Jesus. Then we will all overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:12-13. Please bless the non-believing Jews—Your chosen people—and draw them to You, Lord. We give thanks to You, Lord.

Verses of Salvation ~ 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

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

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Sunday, October 17, 2021

Restore to Me the Joy of Your Salvation

Meditate on joy.

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. For I was born a sinner--yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice. Don't keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Look with favor on Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit--with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings. Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar. Psalm 51:1-19

The ruins of the City of David.
Jerusalem, Israel

David was a man after God’s own heart, but even he sinned. He wrote this psalm after he committed adultery with Bathsheba and was confronted by the prophet Nathan. He recognized the need to have his sin forgiven. We all need that. David also identified that God would not reject a broken and repentant heart. God hasn’t changed. He is still in the forgiving business—for those who are repentant. But time may be short…don’t wait to get things right with the Lord God. How is your relationship with God today? You can move towards God…or away from Him. The choice is yours.

Prayer ~ Lord God, forgive me—don’t reject me. I am willingly obeying You. Thank You for restoring to me the joy of Your salvation.

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

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

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Saturday, October 16, 2021

Harvest Time

Meditate.

Here is another story Jesus told: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew. "The farmer's workers went to him and said, 'Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?' "'An enemy has done this!' the farmer exclaimed. "'Should we pull out the weeds?' they asked. "'No,' he replied, 'you'll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.'" Matthew 13:24-30

The time of the harvest is coming. Jesus spoke to His disciples about the harvest.

Then Jesus explained: "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. You know the saying, 'Four months between planting and harvest.' But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, 'One plants and another harvests.' And it's true. I sent you to harvest where you didn't plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest." John 4:34-38

Wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. We don’t have wait…as Jesus said, it is time to harvest. Rescue those who have produced fruit.

The good seeds have developed into a good crop—and where there are weeds, those will be pulled up first, so that the harvest is not tainted, spoiled with the weed seeds. Grain harvest here in the Northwestern part of the United States finished a couple of months ago and now the harvest is bringing in apples and pears. Those are important crops. We just got a box of honey crisp apples from apple sales at my great nephews’ school. It’s a good money-making project for the school and we so enjoy the apples! Fresh apples are good and crisp. That is the kind of fruit God wants us to produce as evidenced by our lives filled with the spirit.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23

The field—the world—is ready for the harvest. Are you part of the harvest…or a weed that will be pulled up before the harvest begins?

Prayer ~ Lord God, the harvest is ripe. May You see the fruits of Your Spirit in my life…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I pray that no weeds will come into my life.

Verse of Salvation ~ 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 1:11

Bible Trivia Answer to the Question: Who is the harlot or prostitute in Revelation?

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, "Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, "with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication." So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast [which was] full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. And on her forehead a name [was] written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement. Revelation 17:1-6 NKJV

The Harlot is the New World Order—that has been around since the time of the Tower of Babel. Note that she does not like Christians and is responsible for destroying two-thirds of the people on the earth. Read and study Revelation for yourself.

Bible Trivia Question for next week: Can you explain the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds?

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

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Friday, October 15, 2021

Pray and Look for God

Meditate.

For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you," says the LORD. "I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land." Jeremiah 29:11-14 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Pray and look for God. You will find Him. It is essential that you do this immediately. Time is always growing shorter. No matter if you die naturally, from COVID, in some bizarre accident, or whatever—even rapture—we won’t live here on earth forever. As our time is short, we need to make the most of it.

Just as Jeremiah wrote for the Lord, “when you pray” not if you pray, but when you pray. God expects his followers to pray. But the statement “I will listen” is a wonderful promise from the Lord. When you are praying you can be seeking the Lord. His next promise is so hopeful and encouraging…“I will be found by you.” His next promise was for the Israelites…but it might speak to those who have wandered away from their relationship to the Lord. The Lord promises…“I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes…gather you…and bring you home.…” Considering the promise at the beginning of this well- known scripture passage… “I know the plans I have for you…for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope...” the Lord reassuring those who seek Him.

Where is the best place to look for the Lord? On TV or the internet? In church? In school? At the public library? At your friend’s or parents’ home? Wherever you can find a Bible, you can find the Lord. It is best for you to read and search the scripture for yourself—don’t just have someone interpret it for you, although it is helpful to discuss what you’re reading and studying with others. When God tells you that you will find Him, you have to really look for Him. Pray for God to reveal Himself to you. Then read a passage of scripture…and keep reading until the Lord shows you something that really speaks to your heart, your life, your situation or a problem that you are having. God is a promise keeper just as David tells us in this Psalm below. You can count on God to guarantee what He says He will do.

But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. Psalm 146:5-6

If you are new to reading the Bible, you may be wondering where to start, after all there are sixty-six books in the Bible. May I suggest that you start with the New Testament Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. In the Old Testament, try reading a Psalm or a chapter of Proverbs every day. No matter where you read, you will be blessed. Ask the Lord to show you a new truth that you can apply to your life. This will be a life-changing experience that will build your relationship with the Lord.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I am looking for You—so please reveal Yourself to me through Your scripture in ways that I can know that You are speaking to me and guiding my life. I want to live to please You in all that I think, say and do.

Verse of Salvation ~ Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. I have sworn by my own name; I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess allegiance to me." Isaiah 45:22-23

Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table
It is that time of the year when with high weeds, pollen, and molds blowing around so it is common to get all congested. Here’s a great mucus elixir that will help clear your throat. Use it first thing in the morning.

Mucus Elixir
1 cup warm water
½ lemon – juiced
1 tsp honey
1 Tbsp virgin olive oil
¼ tsp ground cinnamon

Mix honey and cinnamon in water. Add lemon juice and olive oil. Drink first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

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Thursday, October 14, 2021

Let Your Joy Overflow

Meditate.

I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. John 15:9-12

Jesus was speaking to His disciples shortly before He was crucified. His words are also appropriate for us—even two thousand years later.

God warns us that He has standards and He wants us to strive for those—beginning with the great big Ten. Moses spoke to the Israelites about the commandments that God had given them.

He (God) proclaimed his covenant—the Ten Commandments—which he commanded you to keep, and which he wrote on two stone tablets. It was at that time that the LORD commanded me to teach you his decrees and regulations so you would obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy. Deuteronomy 4:13-14

But then His people needed more direction on how to live pure lives—so He got more specific and the people got legalistic about observing those rules to the point that the rules became more important than God Himself. Jesus taught that one of the greatest commandments is for us to love our neighbor—to love one another—which is from the Old Testament.

· Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18

· Jesus replied, "The most important commandment is this: 'Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." Mark 12:29-31

· Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. 1 John 2:7

Let your joy overflow--
like a hot air balloon.
Rise to the occasion.
Love one another.
Hot Air Festival, Prosser,WA

Love one another—those in the church and those who are not yet believers. It is important to share the love of God with others that they would find room for the Lord in their lives and believe in Jesus as their Savior. Without Jesus they will not have eternal life in Heaven. They will be cast into hell—into the lake of fire forever. Will your love for them keep them from eternal damnation—from an eternal life without Jesus? Pray for their salvation. Let your joy overflow.

Prayer ~ Dear God, if we don't feel guilty, we can come to You with bold confidence. And we will receive from You whatever we ask because we obey You and do the things that please You. And this is Your commandment: We must believe in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as You commanded us. From 1 John 3:21-23

Verses of Salvation ~ But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The LORD is great!" As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay. Psalm 40:16-17

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

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Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Have Hope

Meditate.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

New Life - Encourage Life, Love, Hope

Have hope! Encourage one another. That seems to be a recurrent message in the Bible. In the focus scripture passage above, Paul was telling the church at Thessalonica that there is hope after death. Since we all are going to die sometime…if we are not raptured first…this should give us hope. There is life after death and can you imagine how it will be for those dead—in the grave for hundreds or even thousands of years to come out and be reunited—body and spirit? For those still living when our Savior, Jesus Christ, calls us home, we will sail through the sky, caught up in the clouds to meet Him in our glorified bodies. What a totally amazing day that will be. Have hope. Be encouraged.

Paul also taught that we can do anything through Christ who gives us strength (see Philippians 4:13). Even Job in all his own grief expressed that he would encourage others if they were experiencing what he was going through. He would want to take away their grief. No matter what you are going through now—there is hope for a marvelous, big change in your life, if you believe in Jesus as your Savior.

But if it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief. Job 16:5

God is good. He hears our prayers. He may not answer them the way we expect, but He does hear and answer. The most important prayer anyone can pray is to ask Jesus to be their Savior.

As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength. Psalm 138:3

We need each other—even amid COVID restrictions. We need to see, hear and touch others. It is encouraging. Personally, I find that Zooming a Bible study or book review with friends or FaceTiming with family across the country is very uplifting and encouraging. Just seeing someone and interacting with them is cheering and inspiring. It is somehow reassuring to see and hear them—that they are OK and have not given up on God or themselves. It gives me hope. How about you?

When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Romans 1:12

Encourage others. Share your faith, your hope, and how you are trusting the Lord. Paul was a great teacher and encourager, as illustrated by his letter to the people of Corinth.

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

With these final words today, from me, as written by Paul around 51 AD—be encouraged and live to please God more and more each day as you seek and serve Him.

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more. 1 Thessalonians 4:1

Prayer ~ I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Verses 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

Do you know the ABCs of Salvation?

A - Admit

Admit what you have done wrong and ask forgiveness.
- Romans 3:23 All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

- Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death.

- 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

B - Believe

Believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose again as a payment for your sins.

- -John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.
- Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

C - Confess and Choose

Confess and choose to allow God to the be in charge of your life

- Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
- Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
- Romans 10:13 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

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Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Are You Patiently Waiting or Waiting Patiently?

Meditate.

When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn't realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. ...So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:37-39, 42-44 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Noah's Ark
Netherlands

Are you ready? Are you still waiting…patiently? We are waiting now…for the return of Jesus Christ and for Him to call His church home to Heaven in the Rapture. There is a controversy on who will be raptured and when. If you are interested you can check out different veiwpoints on YouTube. But still we wait. So many Bible scholars and teachers say that the Rapture could happen anytime since Israel is in its homeland and has been for more than seventy years. Most people just go on living…day to day…just like people did during Noah’s time. Everyone loves parties and reasons to celebrate—even during this COVID time. Parties and large gatherings have been some of the major spreaders of the virus, but that doesn’t stop others from enjoying parties, banquets and weddings—just like at Noah’s time.

Does that give us a clue? Be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Will the Rapture happen during one of the Jewish Festivals, since previous fulfillment of prophesy was during Jewish Festivals, like Passover and First Fruits? What time is the time that is least expected? It is better not to focus on an exact time for the Rapture…but to focus on the reason. Believers will be the ones that will be called up to Heaven. The dead in Christ will rise first, and then those who remain will be transformed…glorified and taken up into heaven. What a glorious day that will be. Keep watch. It may happen still during our lifetime. Are you waiting patiently…or patiently waiting?

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. James 5:7-8

Prayer ~ Lord God, I take courage in the hope I have in You, Jesus, that You have promised that You will return. You have told us to be ready—and so I strive everyday to seek You first and to be ready—not only for Your return, but also to give an account to anyone who asks about the hope I have in You.

Verses of Salvation ~ Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, "I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!" Jesus responded, "Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost." Luke 19:8-10

© 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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Monday, October 11, 2021

Walking the Streets of Gold - Together

Meditate. Consider what Heaven might look like.

The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass. Revelation 21:21

Streets of GOLD...not cobblestones.

Earlier this fall our six-year old granddaughter came running in the house when we came to visit and excitedly asked, “Do you know what the streets are made of in Heaven?” Before we could answer, she blurted out, “GOLD! Not cement or that black stuff. GOLD!” She was so excited to share this new information with us! She knows that to walk those streets of gold you have to believe in Jesus as your Savior. That’s the only way to get to Heaven.

We talked about heaven—it will be glorious--so beautiful! Jesus has promised that He has gone to prepare a place for us…in Heaven.

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? John 14:2

Sweet Julia and I decided that we want our homes, or rooms in the Father’s home, in Heaven to be nearby each other—so we can spend time together praising the Lord. We’ll be among those in Heaven who will surround God’s throne and honor Him.

And from the throne came a voice that said, "Praise our God, all his servants, all who fear him, from the least to the greatest." Then I heard again what sounded like the shout of a vast crowd or the roar of mighty ocean waves or the crash of loud thunder: "Praise the LORD! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns." Revelation 19:5-6

Our homes in Heaven! What a glorious day that will be. Walking the streets of gold—and living in a house created just for us by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Will you be there in Heaven—walking on the streets of gold, living in an amazing heavenly home and praising our Lord God? Believe in Jesus…and come along with us to Heaven. It’s a wonderful place.

Prayer ~ Just as Solomon prayed…"O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven and earth. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.” 2 Chronicles 6:14. I praise You today…and forever…on earth and in Heaven.

Verse of Salvation ~ (Sung by David.) I love you, LORD; you are my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3.

Do you know the ABCs of Salvation?

A - Admit

Admit what you have done wrong and ask forgiveness.
- Romans 3:23 All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

- Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death.

- I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

B - Believe

Believe that Jesus died on the cross and rose again as a payment for your sins.

- John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.

- Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

C - Confess and Choose

Confess and choose to allow God to the be in charge of your life

- Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

- Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

- Romans 10:13 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

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

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Sunday, October 10, 2021

Are You Looking for a Better Place?

Meditate.

And so a whole nation came from this one man (Abraham) who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them. All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:12-16 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Jerusalem, Israel
Model of Jerusalem with the Second Temple.
Will the New Jerusalem be like this?
Read Revelation 21.

Are you looking for a better place…a heavenly home? God has prepared a city…a new Jerusalem—in a new Heaven. See Revelation 21:1-2. He has promised this new home to a lot of people. All of Abraham’s offspring…and God has extended that invitation—that promise—to include Gentiles who believe in Jesus as His Son and our Savior.

Who doesn’t want a better place…a heavenly home? Do you? Believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior and claim your promised home in Heaven. Come and join those of us who believe.

Prayer ~ Lord, just as You were not ashamed to be called God by all those faithful believers, I hope that You are not ashamed to be my God—my Savior. Thank You that You have created a better place—a heavenly home. It is a place I long to be. Come quickly, Jesus.

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, Mary!

Happy Birthday, Marshall!

May God continue to bless both of you—with His peace, love and joy!

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

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Saturday, October 9, 2021

Be Prepared – Stay Alert

Meditate. Find your strength in the Lord.

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. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:10-18

Be ready. Be on guard. If you don’t know when something is going to happen…you must always be prepared, according to Jesus. Spiritually, don’t let your guard down. God is within a spiritual realm, and along with Him, we fight a spiritual battle. It will be a glorious day when Christ snatches up His church…and an equally glorious day when Jesus Christ comes with His army to fight a final battle for the earth and all its people. We are in a battlefield…even now. A spiritual battle.

Clouds are everywhere....
Will you be caught up in the clouds?
Above the Temple Mount, Jerusalem.

Jesus is immortal and sacrificially died so that we could have eternal life…obtain immortality, too. At just the right time…unknown and unpredictable as to a specific date and time…Jesus Christ will be revealed as the King of kings and Lord of lords from Heaven. Listen for that trumpet sound. It will be an impress-ive sight—the dead in Christ bodily rising from their graves all over the earth. How could anyone miss that sight? It will be glorious. Those alive will be able to see all those Christian rising from their graves…and then it will be our turn…we will be caught up in the clouds to be with the Lord forever. Immortal. Glorified. Just like Jesus Christ.

Stay alert. Be persistent. Are you relying on this warning? Will these encouraging words draw you deeper into your relationship with Jesus?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus…Now I have every spiritual gift I need as I eagerly wait for Your return, You, my Lord Jesus Christ. You will keep me strong to the end so that I will be free from all blame on the day when You, my Lord Jesus Christ, returns. From 1 Corinthians 1:7-8

Verses of Salvation ~ But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. Philippians 3:20

Bible Trivia Answer to the Question: Who are the 144,000 that are mentioned in Revelation?

They are 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. (See Revelation 7:5-8.)

"Wait! Don't harm the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants." And I heard how many were marked with the seal of God—144,000 were sealed from all the tribes of Israel…. Revelation 7:3-4

Then I saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of mighty ocean waves or the rolling of loud thunder. It was like the sound of many harpists playing together. This great choir sang a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God and before the four living beings and the twenty-four elders. No one could learn this song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. Revelation 14:1-3

Bible Trivia Question for next week: Who is the harlot or prostitute in Revelation?

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Available as an e-book or paperback at Amazon.com