Banquet With The King

Saturday, May 4, 2024

What Day is Your Sabbath?

Prayer – Lord God, I’ve been confused over the years about celebrating the Sabbath. Some people say that Christians don’t have to observe Your commandment about keeping the Sabbath on Saturday—as declared in the Ten Commandments, while others say that Sunday is the Sabbath since that was the day that Jesus was raised from the dead. Please give me insight into not only when to observe the Sabbath, but how to observe it. I certainly don’t want to “work” on Your Sabbath day…and be put to death for that!

Synagogue at Capernaum
Israel

"Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don't pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD's holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don't follow your own desires or talk idly. Then the LORD will be your delight. I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the LORD, havespoken!" Isaiah 58:13-14

Meditate. Consider God’s command about the Sabbath.

From where does celebrating the Sabbath originate? In the beginning, after God created everything, He rested. He took a break from His work. Resting is an important part of the Sabbath Day. God declared that day—the seventh day—holy.

So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. Genesis 2:1-3

The first time we see an actual Sabbath Day declared is when the children of Israel on their Exodus pilgrimage complained because they were hungry. God supplied their needs with manna and quail for six days with twice as much on that sixth day to last them through the seventh day—the Sabbath.

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Look, I'm going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they will gather food, and when they prepare it, there will be twice as much as usual." ... He told them, "This is what the LORD commanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for the LORD. So bake or boil as much as you want today, and set aside what is left for tomorrow." So they put some aside until morning, just as Moses had commanded. And in the morning the leftover food was wholesome and good, without maggots or odor. Moses said, "Eat this food today, for today is a Sabbath day dedicated to the LORD. There will be no food on the ground today. You may gather the food for six days, but the seventh day is the Sabbath. There will be no food on the ground that day." Some of the people went out anyway on the seventh day, but they found no food. The LORD asked Moses, "How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and instructions? They must realize that the Sabbath is the LORD's gift to you. That is why he gives you a two-day supply on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days. On the Sabbath day you must each stay in your place. Do not go out to pick up food on the seventh day." So the people did not gather any food on the seventh day. The Israelites called the food manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers. - Exodus 16:4-5, 23-31 NLT

Then God gave Moses the Ten Commandments which specifically dedicated the seventh day as the Sabbath.

Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. Exodus 20:8-11

God was very specific about His people observing the sabbath and what would happen to them if they ignored His command. He gave these instructions to the Hebrew people through Moses at the time that He inscribed the Ten Commandments onto the sacred stones.

"Tell the people of Israel: 'Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy. You must keep the Sabbath day, for it is a holy day for you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; anyone who works on that day will be cut off from the community. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the LORD. Anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death. The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time. It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.'" Exodus 31:13-17

Death for not observing the Sabbath?! That seems pretty serious. Can we assume that God still holds us to that expectation? On which day are Christians to observe the Sabbath? Saturday or Sunday? Is another day that is appropriate? We’ll look at this again soon. In the meantime, pray about it and ask for God’s wisdom, understanding, and mercy as you contemplate the Sabbath. The decision is your own as to what you do to observe God’s Day and what day of the week is for your Sabbath.

Verse of Salvation ~ Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, "It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles. For the Lord gave us this command when he said, 'I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.'" When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers. Acts 13:46-48 (Underlined for emphasis.)

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

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Friday, May 3, 2024

Time for New Goals

Prayer – Lord God, I want to live to please You and I want the same for my family and friends—pure, holy lives—filled with love for God and each other.

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. ... God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. But we don't need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another. Indeed, you already show your love for all the believers throughout Macedonia. Even so, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you to love them even more. Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. 1 Thessalonians 4:1, 7-12

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture. Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

Shultz Family Baptism - Atlantic Ocean
Foley Beach, SC

Zander—you’ve achieved not just one—but three important goals this spring! Of all your lifetime goals achieved I think that probably the most important of all was your baptism along with your whole family in the Atlantic Ocean a year ago in October. What a fantastic spiritual day! Now you’ve achieved what some people only dream of—an Associate of Science degree from Trident Technical College! Onward to your next goal! Half-way to a Bachelor’s Degree. No matter what goal you have in mind…or just want to consider or explore, God is with you. I love the promise that He will never leave us or forsake us. You can claim that promise day by day, too. As I claim it daily, I’ll share it with you!

Goals are always good to have. Three gentlemen with whom I once worked were very goal oriented. As soon as they reached one goal…like traveling and fishing in New Zealand, or hiking in Nepal, they had a new goal mind and set their sights on achieving that goal. Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica that they should…make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. A quiet life. Working with your hands. The previous instructions seem to include living a life that is worthy and pleasing to God.

We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:12

So. with the encouragement from your folks, you’ve achieved this AS degree goal. You are on your own now—what is your next goal? You are faithful to God, your family, and friends. I love the way you’ve always been an encouragement and supporter of your sisters with their juvenile arthritis and health issues. God has a plan for you. Continue to seek Him and He will give a good future—sharing in His glory.

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. Jeremiah 29:11-13

We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5

Verse 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. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

When I think of hot beverages—I think about cold days, and we are about done with those. But a good steaming hot cup of coffee in the morning—or after dinner is always welcome. I’m not a big coffee drinker, but my husband is and has taken to roasting and grinding his own coffee beans. He also enjoys Chai Tea so when I came across this recipe for Chai Coffee on Homemade Cooking and on Karen’s Country Kitchen on Facebook, wanted to try it. Anyway—if you are looking for a little change in your coffee routine, try this. I’m looking forward to experiencing it as an iced coffee soon.

Chai Coffee

1 c. ground coffee

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground cardamon

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp ground ginger

Mix well and brew as usual.

Congratulations Zander!

You’ve Graduated with an AS from Trident Technical College!

You can do anything—You can!

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

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Thursday, May 2, 2024

Wash Your Hands - Traditional Ritual

Prayer – Lord, cleanse my heart. 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

Handwashing station at an Israeli hotel
Water must be flowing to wash before eating.
Your hands are clean. Is your heart?

One day some Pharisees and teachers of religious law arrived from Jerusalem to see Jesus. They noticed that some of his disciples failed to follow the Jewish ritual of hand washing before eating. (The Jews, especially the Pharisees, do not eat until they have poured water over their cupped hands, as required by their ancient traditions. Similarly, they don't eat anything from the market until they immerse their hands in water. This is but one of many traditions they have clung to—such as their ceremonial washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles.) So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, "Why don't your disciples follow our age-old tradition? They eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony." Jesus replied, "You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.' For you ignore God's law and substitute your own tradition." Then he said, "You skillfully sidestep God's law in order to hold on to your own tradition. For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: 'Honor your father and mother,' and 'Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.' But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, 'Sorry, I can't help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you.' In this way, you let them disregard their needy parents. And so you cancel the word of God in order to hand down your own tradition. And this is only one example among many others." Mark 7:1-13 NLT

Meditate. Consider Jesus’ guidance in scripture.

Tradition. Rituals. Handwashing is a good thing. God so wisely taught Moses that the Jewish people needed to wash their hands before eating. Think of the germs that were washed away by that simple action. We do the same today. How many times have you already washed or sanitized your hands today…or in the last twenty-four hours? God gave Moses…and us…laws for our safety. Handwashing is just one of them.

Jesus pointed out in this discussion with the Pharisees that handwashing was a legalistic ritual; that they were only wanting to honor God with their words—not with their hearts. Jesus was referring to Isaiah’s words.

And so the Lord says, "These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote. Because of this, I will once again astound these hypocrites with amazing wonders. The wisdom of the wise will pass away, and the intelligence of the intelligent will disappear." Isaiah 29:13-14

Is your worship a farce? Do you honor God with words, but not your heart, just to follow the tradition of your church or group of friends?

This is not where I thought this blog was going when I sat down to write today. Handwashing is important…but apply that spiritually. When was the last time you washed your spirit and cleansed your heart? We are told to pray continually. What is your unceasing prayer?

The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don't let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. - Psalm 19:8-14

Is tradition and ritual important to you or do you want to please the Lord?

Verse of Salvation ~ I wait for your salvation, LORD, and I follow your commands. Psalm 119:166 NIV

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

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Wednesday, May 1, 2024

What Was Your First Thought This Morning?

Sunrise
What was your first thought this morning?

Prayer – Lord, You created us to be continually thinking…and I do. From the moment I wake up until I drift off to sleep, my mind is always thinking, observing, analyzing, creating, zinging away with thoughts. Today I as I woke up my first thought was it’s a new day—created by You. You deserve all the praise, glory and honor for each day—but there are days I just want to roll over and go back to sleep. That’s a good thought, too. I know You are always with me. I am glad for that—I rejoice in Your presence.

O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! Psalm 139:1-7 NLT

Meditate. Consider God’s presence in your life.

God knows our thoughts no matter where we are—or what time of day. Is that a scary thought to you? If your thoughts are pure—then there’s no problem. With the billions of people in the world, it is amazing that God knows everyone’s thoughts, words, and actions, but He is omniscient. Amazing! He sees us when we travel—across town or around the world. Actually, I like that He places His hand of blessing on my head. It validates that promise that He will never leave me or forsake me. That has been such an assurance to me. When I had to face difficult things—like dealing with my dead sister’s household things and staying in her nearly empty, spooky house—I was not alone. Just day by day, I am not alone. What a wonderful, comforting thought. I will never have to be lonely.

The Holy Spirit is continually with me even as I tap away on the keys of my computer…I am not alone. I am very grateful for that. The Holy Spirit routinely inspires me as I write. If you ever have writer’s block—pray. God is good to hear our prayers…and His words in the Bible are so very encouraging and motivating. I’m glad that I can never escape from your Spirit! May my first thought every morning be about God and His greatness. That knowledge is too wonderful for me and too great for me to understand, but bring on the thoughts and inspiration, Lord. How great thou art!

Verse of Salvation ~ "When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life." Titus 3:4-7 NLT

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

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Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Choose Giving

Prayer – Lord, it was written by Paul…“And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” Acts 20:35 NLT. You, Lord, were the highest example of giving. You gave more than flowers or food—You gave hope, dreams, and life to us all. Show me the gift that I can use to show love to others for You. Honoring You and them.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:6-10 NLT

Meditate. Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

Cut some lilacs!
They smell wonderful.
Share them with your neighbors!

Tomorrow is May Day. It is mainly a European holiday commemorating the beginning of summer though it is actually about half-way between the Spring equinox and the Summer solstice. It was a time to gather wildflowers and use them in garlands. But please don't cut wildflowers now. Let them grace our native environment.

Another fun custom is setting up a May Pole which people dance around and wrap with colorful ribbons. When we saw that May Pole dance reenacted in Leavenworth, Washington, my mother-in-law recalled fond childhood memories of that custom being repeated in the Czech community in Nebraska where she grew up. Obviously, May Day has become an American custom as well.

My daughter has used May Day for spreading joy in her neighborhood for many years. When she was about six years old she began by secretly leaving flowers on neighbors’ doorsteps early in the morning on May 1^st. It was so much fun for her and her friends that she carried on the tradition and still does it with her children in their community. Let the fun begin! Share the love and leave some flowers or blossoms from your trees on your friends or neighbors’ steps. You may find that this gift of kindness that God has given you honors Him and others.

Verse of Salvation ~ Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. Psalm 79:9 NLT

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

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Monday, April 29, 2024

Beware – You’ve Been Warned

Prayer – Lord, I hear Your voice and the warning that You’ve given. Help me to obediently do Your Father’s will. Open my eyes and heart to the options I have and guide me in an even closer relationship to You and to Our Heavenly Father.

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 NLT

Meditate. Consider Jesus’ words and listen to what He is saying.

Do you really know the Lord? Does He know you? When a relationship is established between two people, they get to know each other intimately, and they generally try to please the other person. God is certainly willing for us to get to know Him. He wants our love as much as we want His. He wants us to know more than just His name—but that is a starting place. The first of the Ten Commandments is about loving God and He promises to love those who love and obey Him.

But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. Exodus 20:6 NLT

A thousand generations is a long time—at least forty thousand years. That’s our God. He is an eternal God—time is beyond Him. He created the heavens, the earth and all that is within it. So powerful—and yet He seeks out mankind—as we seek Him. In the Bible, He lets us know just what He is thinking.

For the LORD is the one who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveals his thoughts to mankind. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads on the heights of the earth. The LORD God of Heaven's Armies is his name! Amos 4:13 NLT

View at the Mt. of the Beatitudes
Presumed Site - Sermon on the Mount
Overlooking the Sea of Galilee
Israel

But there are those who just think that they know Jesus and they call out, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' but beware—Jesus’ reply to that group was…'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's laws.' Whoa! We need to take a good look at our relationship with Jesus. What will He say about our actions in this judgment day to which He refers? I’ve never performed miracles or cast out demons—but does that mean I’ve not done His Father’s will? Note that in this scripture passage in Matthew Jesus was addressing the multitude in His Sermon on the Mount which happened relatively early in His ministry. Yet He was already speaking of judgement. We will be judged for what we do—but as believers in Jesus we will enter the Kingdom of Heaven if we do the Father’s will. Good motivation for us to make good choices. Who wants to be left out of Heaven? Sounds like even those who consider themselves Christian may face eternal life outside of the Kingdom, if they are not obedient in following God’s laws. Beware—you’ve been warned.

Verse of Salvation ~ Our God approaches, and he is not silent. Fire devours everything in his way, and a great storm rages around him. He calls on the heavens above and earth below to witness the judgment of his people. "Bring my faithful people to me--those who made a covenant with me by giving sacrifices." Then let the heavens proclaim his justice, for God himself will be the judge. Psalm 50:3-6 NLT

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

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Sunday, April 28, 2024

Sacrifices Reminded Them of Guilt

A shadow of things to come.
This sundial relies on a shadow for time.
Manito Park, Spokane, WA

Prayer – Lord Jesus, what a pure example of Holiness You’ve shown for me. Holiness is what I long for. God's will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. (Hebrews 10:10). I don’t think that the Heavenly Father’s will has changed for us. He still wants us to be holy by the blood that You shed, Jesus. Thank you. Purify my heart—even now—and make me holy and acceptable to the Father.

The old system under the law of Moses was only a shadow, a dim preview of the good things to come, not the good things themselves. The sacrifices under that system were repeated again and again, year after year, but they were never able to provide perfect cleansing for those who came to worship. If they could have provided perfect cleansing, the sacrifices would have stopped, for the worshipers would have been purified once for all time, and their feelings of guilt would have disappeared. But instead, those sacrifices actually reminded them of their sins year after year. For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, "You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin. Then I said, 'Look, I have come to do your will, O God—as is written about me in the Scriptures.'" First, Christ said, "You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them" (though they are required by the law of Moses). Then he said, "Look, I have come to do your will." He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. For God's will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. Hebrews 10:1-10 NLT

Meditate. Consider God.

Jesus Christ was speaking when He said that He Himself came to be the ultimate sacrifice for sin, since that was the Father’s will. The Scripture passage that He was referring to was Psalm 40:5-8.

O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand—you don't require burnt offerings or sin offerings. Then I said, "Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures: I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart." Psalm 40:5-8 NLT

Jesus was happy to do just what our Heavenly Father wanted Him to do and He ultimately did it willingly and obediently. When it comes to doing something difficult—are we obedient to the Father? Were we obedient to our own earthly fathers? Several years ago, my mother informed me I was a rebellious kid. What? I thought I was an obedient, people pleasing kid, although I do remember a few sullen teenage days. I didn’t run with the wrong crowd, smoke, or drink. I got good grades. In my sophomore and junior years of High School I got up early every morning and went to my Uncle’s farm to change irrigation sprinklers. Then after school in my junior and senior years I did the accounts receivable bookkeeping for my Dad’s electrical business, to earn money for college. What did I do that was so wrong? I guess it was my attitude. Attitude is the key in relationships. I sacrificed my time…but that wasn’t enough. I needed to sacrifice my attitude.

Although Jesus spent a lot of His time with friends, like His disciples and other followers, He was often helping individuals by healing them physically and spiritually. His attitude was sacrificial towards mankind even before He died on the cross. What do we spend our time doing? God's will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. How are we doing with accepting that holy sacrifice? Does His sacrifice remind us of our guilt? Jesus said…

"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 NLT

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 NLT

Have you prepared your tax forms? Today is the day!

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.comGa

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories