Banquet With The King

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Sing Songs of Praise Joyfully…with Thanksgiving

Meditate. What song is in your head and heart? Is it a joyful song?

Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods. Psalm 95:1-3

Remember what the Lord has done...
for you and for everyone.
Sing a joyful song of thanksgiving!

Sing and praise the Lord here on earth…while there is time. In being joyful to the Lord, you may just bring others to the Lord. Jesus wants all His followers to tell everyone about God’s plan and the Good News.

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16

Tell everyone. This is a time of the year to be thankful…and what better way to share the joy in your life than to tell others how thankful you are to the Lord for what He has done in your life. Be prepare to tell others how you see God working in your life and of your hope in your future with Christ as your Savior.

…you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 1 Peter 3:15-16

How do you see God working in your life? Things that may seem to be a coincidence are likely orchestrated by God. Give God the glory and honor that He deserves. Sing a joyful song of praise from your heart to the Lord…with thanksgiving.

Prayer ~ We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds. Psalm 75:1.

Verse of Salvation ~ Cry out, "Save us, O God of our salvation! Gather and rescue us from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you." 1 Chronicles 16:35

Verse of Thanksgiving ~ Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. 1 Chronicles 16:8

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

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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

Do you want to encourage your children or grandchildren to be more like Christ? This devotional will help guide you through scripture passages that focus on the characteristics of Jesus Christ. What was Jesus like? The Bible gives us lots of clues and facts. Search it for yourself or use a devotioanal like this to assist you.

Monday, November 15, 2021

Keep on Gaining Knowledge and Understanding

Meditate. The more you know…the more your know that there is more to know.

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

It is essential that we keep on growing in knowledge and understanding—particularly an understanding of what really matters. What really matters to you in your life? What is of upmost importance? Is Jesus and the Kingdom of God first in your life…as He said in part of His Sermon on the Mount.

So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:31-34 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Are you storing up treasures on earth?
You can't take gold coins to heaven--
those are used to pave the streets there.
Store up love, joy, peace--all the fruits of the Spirit.

If God will take care of your physical needs, do you think He will ignore your spiritual needs? In another passage of that same Sermon from Jesus we see that God is expecting us to store treasures in Heaven. That is a spiritual place—so the treasures can only be spiritual at this point in time.

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

Things that are important to you are those that shape your character. If worldly treasures are important, you may be greedy, covetous, boastful, arrogant, or proud. None of those are characteristics of Jesus…or that God would want to see in you. What are you going to do about that? Paul taught the church at Philippi an important lesson on character building.

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

That is my hope for each of you reading this—be filled with the fruit of your salvation, the fruit of the Holy Spirit…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) so that as you are pleasing God you are happy and content in your life.

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, renew within us a right spirit and may we rejoice in Your presence in our lives as we seek and serve You. Continue to guide our paths that whatever we think, say and do brings glory and honor to You.

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

Verse of Thanksgiving ~ Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2

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

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Sunday, November 14, 2021

Wonderful Secret

Meditate.

What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" 1 Corinthians 15:50-55 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Tombs at the Mt. of Olives
Jerusalem, Israel

Can you keep a secret? This is one that is meant to be shared with everyone you meet! We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! Transformed—glorified just as Jesus was when He was resurrected. It won’t take years, or even months, weeks, or days…but a millisecond as in the blink of an eye! Those who are dead will be raised. Those who are alive will be transformed. We'll live forever. I’m looking forward to a great transformation in my life…in my body! Listen for the sound of the trumpet…the shofar horn. Do you hear it?

God fulfills His scripture—His prophesy and promises. The question of “O death, where is your victory?” is found in Hosea.

"Should I ransom them from the grave? Should I redeem them from death? O death, bring on your terrors! O grave, bring on your plagues! For I will not take pity on them.” Hosea 13:14

Death. Read the verse in other translations for the same direct wording. Death has that effect on people…a sting or terror. But with the promise from God—that we will be transformed—there is no more sting from death. Death has no power over those who believe in Christ as their Savior.

Are you sharing this secret?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, just as You taught Your disciples…The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. Luke 12:2. I look forward to the truth—You are the Messiah—to be revealed to everyone around the world…and all through time.

Verse of Salvation and Thanksgiving ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

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

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Saturday, November 13, 2021

Take Shelter Under His Wings

Meditate. Consider the birds of the air…

Let me live forever in your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings! Psalm 61:4

Have you ever wondered just what God looks like? Do you imagine that He has wings—like an eagle—under which we can be sheltered in times of trial or adversity…or just when we want to be protected or held close for comfort? There are 61 verses that mention the word “wings” in the New Living Translation of the Bible. Here are a few.

God is speaking to Moses right before He first gave him the Ten Commandments:

You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Exodus 19:4

Ruth has helped her mother-in-law, Naomi, leave the country of Moab and is gleaning in the field of her kinsman, Boaz, near Bethlehem. Boaz recognizes what Ruth has done for Naomi and gives her this blessing as he tells her to glean only is his fields:

May the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done. Ruth 2:12

Several times in Psalms God is illustrated as an eagle.

How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4

The classic verse about “wings” is not about the Lord having wings but about those who trust and hope in Him, getting strength from Him. He gives them the powerful strength of the wings of eagles—a mighty, strong and fierce bird.

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

God—whether He looks like a bird or not—is all powerful and protective of His chosen people who follow and obey Him. Are you one who chooses to follow and obey God? Choose today to allow God to be your Savior…and take shelter under His wings.

Prayer ~ But as for me, how good it is to be near You, God! I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things You do. From Psalm 73:28

Verses of Salvation and Thanksgiving ~ Repent, all of you who forget me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you. But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God." Psalm 50:22-23

Bible Trivia Answer to the Question: Which Gospel contains the “Sermon on the Mount” in which Jesus taught His followers on the hills above the Sea of Galilee?

You’ll find the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. It is also found in a shorter version in Luke 6:20-26.

Bible Trivia Question for next week: What empire ruled most of the known world, including the area where Jesus ministered during the time of the New Testament?

A. Egypt B. Rome C. Greece D. Israel

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

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Friday, November 12, 2021

Power of Resurrection

Meditate...on death and life.

For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Romans 6:4-11

The Empty Tomb
Powerful Resurrection - He is not there....
Jerusalem, Israel

Can you imagine the glorious power of the Father when Jesus was resurrected! The pow-bam-boom that kids experience watching or playing video games is nothing compared to the flash of light and I imagine the shaking of the earth when Jesus was zapped back to life. Now consider that same jolt of energy to the bodies of millions of believing Christians when they are resurrected. Capow! Pouf! It will not go unnoticed by anyone alive at that time…or maybe my imagination is working overtime. What do you think?

Paul assures us in this passage above from his letter to the Romans that we will also be raised to life as he (Christ) was. We are dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. That statement…a promise…is gratifying and encouraging…or should be to any believer. Sin has no power over us…if we believe that Christ died for us. When Christ died…and He certainly did die on a cross a couple of thousand years ago…we were set free—longer slaves in chains to sin. Hallelujah! But our human nature still has us in the sin mode…but although we sin, we still have a method of asking for forgiveness for that sin. Prayer. And we have an assurance that we are forgiven. God’s Holy Word…the Bible. We are told over and over that our sins are forgiven in Christ.

Believe it and live it. Be forgiven. Let the sin go. No burden necessary.

Prayer ~ Thank You, God, for the assurance that we have won our battle with the evil one. Christ has done it for us as John wrote… I am writing to you who are God's children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus. I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one. I have written to you who are God's children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God's word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one. 1 John 2:12-14.

Verse of Salvation ~ So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:13-16 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Verse of Thanksgiving ~ We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds. Psalm 75:1

Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table

Is it time to start thinking about Christmas foods? Here’s one that you might like to add to your list and start looking for pretzels shaped like trees. This looks and tastes festive enough for gift bags or bazaar sales.

Christmas Tree Pretzel Mix (From Nancy Rainsberry – Jeske Family Cooks cookbook)
2 pkg white bark
16 oz M&M’s red and green mixture
1½ pkg tree pretzels
2 cups peanuts (lightly salted)
17.5 oz Rice Chex

Line two jelly roll pans with parchment or waxed paper.
Mix all ingredients, except bark, in a large mixing bowl. Melt the bark in the microwave, stirring at intervals (the pkg should have melting directions), so not overcooked. Pour over dry ingredients; stir well. Spread out on jelly roll pans. Let cool and then break apart.

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, November 11, 2021

New Bodies

Meditate.

But someone may ask, "How will the dead be raised? What kind of bodies will they have?" What a foolish question! When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn't grow into a plant unless it dies first. And what you put in the ground is not the plant that will grow, but only a bare seed of wheat or whatever you are planting. Then God gives it the new body he wants it to have. A different plant grows from each kind of seed. Similarly there are different kinds of flesh—one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. There are also bodies in the heavens and bodies on the earth. The glory of the heavenly bodies is different from the glory of the earthly bodies. The sun has one kind of glory, while the moon and stars each have another kind. And even the stars differ from each other in their glory. It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:35-44

Paul wrote this in about 56 AD. That was a long time ago, but people even today have the same questions that Christians were asking him then. How will the dead be raised? What kind of bodies will they have? Paul wisely said…we are still going to have our same bodies…just spiritual, glorified bodies. We’ll be strong…not weak…and like Jesus when He was resurrected, we will be able to walk into a room without going through a closed door. The great thing is, like Jesus, we will be able to eat. Remember Jesus asked His disciples if the had anything to eat (Luke 24:41). Guess my focus is on food. You guessed it…I’m dieting again, but food is important. Both physical food and spiritual food are important for our existence. Reading God’s word is our spiritual food. Have you fed your spiritual self yet today? Dig into some scripture passage…or read more in the book of First Corinthians. There is plenty of food there for thought and spiritual growth.

Once again we see that God is in control. He gives new bodies…to grain or plant seeds buried in the ground…and to people. Our Heavenly Father restored Jesus to life—resurrected Him with a glorified body. That is the promise that we all have. We—all believers—will be raised from the dead.

But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back. After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power. 1 Corinthians 15:20-24

When Jesus was challenged about marriage and resurrection He said:

But in the age to come, those worthy of being raised from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. And they will never die again. In this respect they will be like angels. They are children of God and children of the resurrection. But now, as to whether the dead will be raised--even Moses proved this when he wrote about the burning bush. Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, he referred to the Lord as 'the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' So he is the God of the living, not the dead, for they are all alive to him. Luke 20:35-38

Alive! That is what we are…alive! As soon as we repent of our sin and declare Jesus as our Savior—we are alive…forever. Our bodies may die—but those will be resurrected one day, just as Jesus was resurrected. Our souls live forever…and as believers we will live with Jesus…forever. Great promise!

Prayer ~ Dear God, Your word is always food for thought. Please give me wisdom to understand it and the boldness to share Your Truth with others.

Verses of Salvation and Thanksgiving…and Hope for Israel ~ "Listen to me, all who hope for deliverance--all who seek the LORD! Consider the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were mined. Yes, think about Abraham, your ancestor, and Sarah, who gave birth to your nation. Abraham was only one man when I called him. But when I blessed him, he became a great nation." The LORD will comfort Israel again and have pity on her ruins. Her desert will blossom like Eden, her barren wilderness like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found there. Songs of thanksgiving will fill the air. "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. 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 51:1-6

Celebrate Veteran’s Day

Consider those who gave their lives for our country.

Thank a Veteran for his contribution to the freedom of our nation.

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

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Answered Cries

Meditate.

In times of trouble, may the LORD answer your cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm. May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem. May he remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings. May he grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers. Now I know that the LORD rescues his anointed king. He will answer him from his holy heaven and rescue him by his great power. Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the LORD our God. Those nations will fall down and collapse, but we will rise up and stand firm. Give victory to our king, O LORD! Answer our cry for help. Psalm 20:1-9

Rise Above!
Have Victory
Prosser Balloon Festival

Victory! You’ve won. Shout for joy! I’ve particularly liked the verse from this scripture passage… May he grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed. We all want success…to have victory. Whether it is your High School football team or your fight against cancer…you want victory! David was encouraging his people…as they were encouraging him in battle. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers. My prayer for each of you reading this is…may the Lord answer all your prayers—then shout for joy when we hear of your victory. Another promise we see here is that the LORD rescues his anointed king. David was His anointed king…but as children of our Heavenly Father, the King of kings—we area also royalty. He will rescue each of us, keeping us from harm. That is a great promise. Claim it for yourself.

Are you a child of God? If not, seek to know Him more today—to become a child of the King. The time to make a decision to love the Lord as your God, as your Savior, is growing shorter with each passing minute. Jesus will return one day, possibly soon, and take His believers home to Heaven. Then it will be too late to decide. Choose today whom you will serve—where you will spend eternity. Heaven or Hell? Everyone will live forever—you choose where you will be.

Prayer ~ We belong to You, God. You have already won a victory over our enemies, because the Spirit who lives in us is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. From 1 John 4:4. Thank You for being our Savior and giving us victory.

Verses of Salvation ~ O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Verse of Thanksgiving ~ Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Philippians 1:3

Happy Birthday, brother Joeske!

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

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Perfection

Meditate.

God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock? God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect. 2 Samuel 22:31-33

God’s way is perfect. …and He makes my way perfect. Perfect—without flaw—complete—with integrity. God is beyond any human boundaries or ideas. We cannot attain perfect—but God is already perfect. I like this verse in James that a friend used to describe her newborn child in her birth announcement many years ago. I thought it strange at first…but it is how little babies are viewed…perfect because they are from God who we can count on to always be the same. He never changes, He is perfect.

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17

Whatever God has promised, we can count on it to be fulfilled because His past promises have been fulfilled just as He said.

Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true. Joshua 21:45

So, Jesus said He would come back for us…and take us to Heaven where He is preparing a new home for us. We can trust Him, believe what He said…and watch for His return. It may be soon. Are you ready?

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

Prayer ~ Thank You, God, for revealing Your plan—which is Christ Himself, our Lord and Savior. I trust You to do just what You have intended to do since You created the world. It is good that You don’t want anyone to perish. Along with many others, I am waiting patiently…and anxiously for Christ’s return. Come quickly, Jesus.

Verses of Salvation and Thanksgiving ~ Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods. Psalm 95:1-3

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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Monday, November 8, 2021

No Fear When Earthquakes Come

Meditate. Feel the safety that the Lord provides. Be still and know....

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God's voice thunders, and the earth melts! The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Psalm 46:1-11

I cannot imagine not having fear if a really big earthquake happens. When we lived in Okinawa we had a couple of small earthquakes—just rolling tremors really. It was sort of awesome seeing the ground roll and feeling it as it “rolled” through our house. Then at night, with a little tremor, the closet doors rattled and the house shook—but it wasn’t like the house was falling apart or things were falling out of the cupboards. I’ve seen the results of earthquakes lately on YouTube and it looks scary as the buildings toppled to the ground into a heap of rubbish. I can image that the people experiencing those earthquakes were feeling real fear as they were running to escape. But there was nowhere really to escape. I don’t know if they know God. He is our refuge and strength—so we don’t have to fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. That is a huge and powerful promise. I’ll remind myself and my family that if we ever have a real earthquake here. Jesus said that there will be earthquakes, as well as wars and rumors of wars, at the beginning of the end. But it is not the end, yet.

A sign in northern Israel telling us...
wars are not just rumors.

Are you any more ready today than you were yesterday for Christ’s return? Be still and know that I am God! Consider that verse as you prepare yourself spiritually. Sometimes we have to take time to just be still and listen for God…and to our Lord God. The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is among us. He is our refuge and our strength. No fear.

Prayer ~ Lord God…just as one of Job’s friends counseled him: From six disasters God will rescue you; even in the seventh, God will keep you from evil. God will save you from death in time of famine, from the power of the sword in time of war. You, Job, will be safe from slander and have no fear when destruction comes. From Job 5:19-21. I know You, Lord, love me and I feel protected by You…even when destruction or earthquakes occur.

Verse of Salvation ~ But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear (respect) him. His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! Psalm 103:17-18

Verse of Thanksgiving ~ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

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

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Sunday, November 7, 2021

Ready or Not…Here I Come!

Meditate. Are you ready?

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, "Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?" Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:3-14

Jesus also told His disciples, and us, to be ready...For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. Matthew 24:44. Be ready—always. What do we need to be ready?

· Be sure of your salvation – Repentance/Faith - "The time promised by God has come at last!" he announced. "The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!" Mark 1:15

Seeing their faith, He said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you." Luke 5:20

· Be holy - But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 1 Peter 1:15

· Share Jesus with others…"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19

· Be a servant - And the Lord replied, "A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. Luke 12:42-43

· Then watch for signs…Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. ... "Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. ... Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near. Matthew 24:4-7, 9-13, 28

…Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near. Immediately after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Matthew 24:28-30

Is it a cloudy day? Jesus gave His disciples and us lots of things to look for before His return.

Wars. Rumors of wars. Earthquakes. Famine. Arrests. Persecution. False prophets. Sin.

Don’t be deceived. Endure. Share the Good News of Jesus with others.

Are you ready for Christ’s return? He will return as He said. Ready or not...here He comes!

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, not only nudge my heart to remind me daily to “be ready” but show me specifically what I can do to prepare myself and help others to get ready, too.

Foaming Pacific Ocean
Oregon Coast

Verse of Salvation ~ God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Psalm 46:1-3

Verse of Thanksgiving ~ Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. 1 Chronicles 16:8

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

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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

Saturday, November 6, 2021

Be Thankful and Please God

Meditate.

When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: "Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also." This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.” Hebrews 12:26-28

Here we are into November—the month of Thanksgiving. Give Thanks. Give thanks with a grateful heart.

Let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe. He is certainly worthy of our worship and praise—every day…not just on Sunday, Shabot or on Thanksgiving Day.

For what are you thankful today? Several people that I know make an annual ritual of giving thanks for something in particular each day of November. Good habit...that actually often flows over into December. I’ve always liked the custom of having three dry corn kernels on each person’s plate and passing a basket around the Thanksgiving Table with everyone adding their kernels to the basket and “giving thanks” for three things in their lives during the past year. Some years there seems more for which to be thankful…and other years people have just been so bent on getting to eat their favorite meal of the year that they can hardly wait and not be bothered with reflecting on the past year.

I think its hard to look at this past year—with the COVID tension and anxiety—but I am looking for ways to be thankful for COVID. It has been terrible for businesses and relationships—but I am hopeful that it has brought more people to the Lord than it has separated them from God. I say this because we now follow on YouTube at least four pastors who are good Bible teachers. We’ve been doing Bible studies on Daniel, Judges and Revelation, as well as a couple of overviews of Bible history. We don’t need to have a theology lesson…just truths taught and that is what we are getting. Our Small Group is studying the Jewish Feasts and with that we have delved into Leviticus, Deuteronomy and now chapter by chapter through the book of Esther. Sort of fun because a couple of our grandchildren were also studying Esther. They were surprised that we were studying the same stories.

Mt. St. Helens - Washington State
Will it shake and erupt again?

Note that our focus scripture mentions the “shake not only the earth but the heavens also.” Have you seen the number of volcanos erupting around the world? There were twenty-eight—yes 28—occurring right now! Google it to see for yourself. And while you are at it…look at the number of earthquakes that have occurred. There were 42 earthquakes above 6.0 magnitude in the just the first couple of months this year. There are generally between 200 and 300 over 2.0 magnitude that are recorded daily. My husband and I have been watching a YouTube video that daily reports such earthquakes around the world. The earth is doing a lot of shaking! Are the heavens shaking? Well, the sun certainly gave off some energy lately that created beautiful aurora borealis effect that was enjoyed by people here in the Northern Hemisphere. I’ll admit that I spent a couple of evenings trying to see the dancing sky…but to no avail. It just wasn’t visible on the nights that I went chasing it! I remembered seeing it as a teenager growing up on a farm in eastern Washington and my husband saw it in northern Alaska when he was on a remote assignment in the USAF at Cape Lisburne. It was pretty dramatic and we’d hoped to see it again…and share it with family nearby. Yes, God is shaking things up…on the earth and in the heavens.

Are you ready for Christ’s return? His Kingdom will be unshakable. Let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.

Prayer ~ Lord, we worship and adore You. This whole shaking of the earth is an awesome thing—and technology allows us to see the power and literally the majesty of the volcanoes live as they are erupting half-way around the world. Amazing. But I am glad that I’m not there—for some of them are very dangerous. Please be merciful to those who are living close to any of those twenty-eight active volcanoes.

Verse of Salvation ~ You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15

Bible Trivia Answer to the Question: What is the “number of completion” in the Bible? Give several examples.
Seven is the “number of completion.” Seven is used hundreds of times in the Bible. Here are a few:
Seven days of creation.
Seven days after Noah entered the Ark it began to rain.
Seven years Jacob worked for Laban to obtain Rachel as his wife.
Seven years in Joseph’s dreams of fat and lean years…before the famine.
Seven Jewish Festivals or Feasts
Seven days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread
Seven churches.
Seven lampstands.
Seven angels, seven bowls of plagues.

Bible Trivia Question for next week: Which Gospel contains the “Sermon on the Mount” in which Jesus taught His followers on the hills above the See of Galilee?

Verse of Thanksgiving ~ Give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights eserved.

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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

Friday, November 5, 2021

One of Those Days

Meditate.

For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing. At this, I woke up and looked around. My sleep had been very sweet. Jeremiah 31:25-26

Have you ever had one of those days? A day when you just felt like you should have stayed in bed…or gone back to bed? I didn’t get out of bed on the wrong side of the bed…I just didn’t sleep well and so my day was just off. I’d like to claim the focus verse of the day…obtaining rest for the weary. Additionally, it is such a sweet thought that God gives joy as well as rest to the weary. I love the Lord and the idea that His favor, His kindness, lasts a lifetime! An eternity! We are blessed—just to be loved by God.

Joy in the morning.
Hollyhock flowers near Jerusalem, Israel

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5

One day at a time…so blessed. There are people around the world who have no place to lay their head at night…let alone an abundance of food on the table for each meal. I am blessed—so how can I feel that my day is off to a slow start…one of those days? How could I be so shallow to think that if my day is not off to a good start—so what? God is what…He is what matters in life—no matter what!

That’s what matters in life. God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. No matter what the day looks like—God cares. He gives rest to the weary….and joy to those who experiencing sorrow…as well as food and shelter for those desperately in need. Ask Him. Intercede for others.

Prayer ~ Lord God, thank you for getting me back on track with You…for providing me with rest and joy—but most of all for a renewed awareness of Your love and grace. “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5. For those who are in desperate need—those without safety, food, water and shelter around the world—please mercifully provide for them.

Verse of Salvation ~ 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 1:5

Friday’s Feasting at the King’s Table
One of the herbal remedies that is popular this winter is a Fire Cider that is based on apple cider vinegar.

Fire Cider – Herbal Remedy for Prevention of Colds and Flu
Apple Cider Vinegar – have a quart on hand
Honey – add to taste at the end using 1/3 cup or more
Organic Lemon 1 whole – chop
Ginger root – peel and grate ½ cup
Horseradish – peel and grate in food processer ¼ cup
Turmeric root – scrub and grate ½ cup
Jalapeno pepper – 1 or 2 depending on desired hotness – slice, remove seeds if want less heat
Whole fresh garlic – 3 heads – peel and coarsely chop
Red onion – peel and coarsely chop
Fresh thyme – several twigs, peel off and use only leaves
Freshly ground black pepper

Chop and grate the roots, herbs and lemon. Place in a ½ gallon jar. Add ground pepper, as much as desired. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the other ingredients dto a depth of three inches above the ingredients. Cap with a plastic lid to avoid metal interaction with the vinegar. Place on a shelf at room temperature for three weeks. Shake jar every day.

Strain and add honey to taste using 1/3 cup or more. Store this mixture in a jar in your refrigerator. Use 1 tablespoon or more each day, adding it to a glass of water if you like. It can also be used to make salad dressings or small amount of marinade.

This mixture provides properties of antioxidants, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, Vitamin C, as well as Vit C enhancers, to prevent colds and flu protection with each dose.

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

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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