Divine Dining.
Diving Dining. April 1, 2026 Newsletter
Spring is here and Easter is April 5 this year. It is time to reflect on what Easter means personally, as a family, and spiritually. A time of year many Christian families gather to remember the sacrifice that Jesus paid for each one of us upon the Cross of Calvary.
Growing up in Iowa as teenagers went to Grandma's house for an Easter dinner after church. The men of the house got new suits before Easter and mom received a new Easter dress and hat. I remember the fried chicken, potato salad and deserts. It is not that clothes and food took prevalence but reminded me of Jesus and the Samaritan woman found in John chapter 4. Jesus is known for saying "come and dine" after his resurrection in John 21:12 "Jesus saith unto them, Come [and] dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord." Jesus was serving others.
In John 4:30-34 we find Jesus sitting at Jacob's well. I will call this Newsletter DIVINE DINING. Any observer reading can see that Jesus was not eating physically to sustain his hunger but was eating on a Spiritual Dimension. Thus his provision (meat) was his vision. Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
As Christians we all eat at the level we see. In other words, who do you surround yourself with and what is your vision? You usually move at the level you are thinking maybe reflecting on the times in life you lost. If we are going to do something for the Savior now is the time. The fields are white unto harvest.
Ask yourself a question: Is my current life an image of the level I was built for? Or is there more to it? Do you operate at a level above others? Are they always trying to pull you down to their level? You only need the affirmation of Jesus like the Samaritan woman who was told all she ever did. She believed in Jesus. This Easter if you feel empty spiritually Jesus has the answer. Accept his free gift and believe on his name and his death on the cross and resurrection. Step out in faith call on his name. John 4:14 "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." May the Lord speak to you.
Are you preparing ahead of time for storms? What do you mean you ask? I'm talking about not just weather but personal; storms you face in life where you have no answers. I have an example from scripture. Look at Luke Chapter 8:22-25 "Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he [Jesus] said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled [with water], and were in jeopardy.
And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him." So according to scripture, the storm came from nowhere and jeopardized their life. Storms often happen to all people especially Christians. So as humans, do you try to fix the problem yourself first or, do you go to Jesus for help? I know I always don't but endeavor to ask him first.
The disciples were bailing out water themselves but Jesus was in the ship. Sleeping just fine. This storm in my opinion was Jesus testing their faith. How can I know this you ask? Look what Jesus said, Where is your faith? The Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:6 KJV But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." If you are not in a storm you will be. Are you mentally and spiritually prepared or just going to wing it yourself? Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Simple faith in what Jesus did on the cross of Calvary for you. Shed his blood, died and was buried rising on the third day. If you do not know Jesus call on him now tell him you know you are a sinner and need him. He is patiently waiting to hear from you. -----------
Get in the Bible and study. Start with the Book of John and read through Revelation first, then go to Genesis and read the whole Bible. The King James Version 1611 is the only authorized Bible. The other versions take away from God's Word.
Everyone needs to know who the real enemy is in this world. Many will conjure up an image of the Devil with a red suit and a pitchfork. This is far from the truth. The Bible says Satan was a created being. In Ezekiel 28:13 "Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone [was] thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created." Satan was an anointed cherub, a beautiful and powerful being. Ezekiel 28:15 "Thou [wast] perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee." Satan allowed PRIDE to enter his heart and ever since that day he is the enemy of God along with you and me. Isaiah 14:16 states, "They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, [and] consider thee, [saying, Is] this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;" Jesus defeated Satan on the Cross of Calvary and shed his precious blood for the whole world. He died for you and me; he took our sin and gave us an opportunity to accept him. He arose from the dead on the third day and sits at the right hand of God on his Throne. Have you made a New Years wish? Why not call on Jesus and accept his free gift of salvation. Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Christmas Letter December 22, 2025 Christmas a FREE gift.
Here we are it is again the Christmas season. I decided to wait until after the Winter Solstice, the day with the shortest hours of sunlight. It is officially winter now. Most people are starting to travel for Christmas, gathering with family and friends and purchasing gifts. Where did this gift giving begin in earnest you ask?
It began about two thousand years ago in a little manger in Bethlehem. The very day our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, was born to Joseph and Mary. The birth was announced by an Angel in the Bible found in: Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
As you gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus ponder what you think makes a good Christmas gift to those you love. One way our family started the season was a week or so after the Thanksgiving holiday about December 6. We would go out to a real Christmas Tree farm in our county and for about $20 pick out a Douglas Fir tree and the owner would saw it down and net it for transport. The tree was about seven feet high. We got home and prepared water in a Christmas tree stand to keep the tree hydrated. Then my mother, dad, and my brother and I would put on holiday music as we decorated the tree. Usually the drink was egg nog that day.
Are you aware the preceding is in the Bible? It is found in Jeremiah 10: 2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
Then about two days before Christmas we watched two old movie classics. The first was "The Bishop's Wife" starring Cary Grant a movie that promotes many traditional customs and life lessons. The second was "Holiday Inn" starring Bing Crosby that delves into the many traditions and holidays we all celebrate. I recommend both. Then on Christmas Eve we would attend a special service at church, hearing from the pastor the real meaning for celebrating Christmas. On Christmas Day us boys would be up early to see what the presents under the tree contained as we exchanged gifts.
The above is how I remember our traditional family Christmas. I am now sixty-seven and my family members have all passed on. There may be many people reading this who are alone at Christmas just like me. With Jesus you are never alone. What do you believe is the very best gift a person could ever give or receive? Would you like to have a FREE gift that will last an eternity? A gift that you don't have to do anything to get, just accept it.
Well my friend let me tell you about Jesus. About two thousand years ago Jesus was born of a virgin young lady being overshadowed by the Holy Spirit. God became a man his name Emanuel meaning God with us. Found in Luke 1: 30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
There are irrefutable proofs throughout the historical timeline showing Jesus was real. Jesus was born to die for you and me. He had approximately three and a half years in his ministry with the apostles traveling the Middle East preaching salvation through the atonement of Jesus blood on the cross at Calvary. Salvation is that free gift you can have by simple faith in who Jesus said he was and the Word he gave concerning his death, burial, and resurrection. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.
Do you feel like the whole world is on your shoulders? Do you want peace that only Jesus can give? 1 Peter 5:7 KJV — Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Jesus loves you no matter where you are at or what you have done.
This Christmas only believe. Romans 3:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans10:10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
The Lord has been patiently waiting for you to call on him. The gift is yours Jesus paid the price for you. John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Merry Christmas to you. Let me know if you accepted Jesus.
.Thanksgiving Letter November 4, 2025
Today it was fifty-eight degrees a stiff wind is blowing about eleven mph from the south. First day for me that feels like fall is here transitioning to winter. Leaves are yellow and brown falling everywhere. Not much foliage color change this year, frost in the mornings. This is my favorite time of year sharing with family the sights, sounds, and smells brings thoughts of Thanksgiving. If you are in your fifties and sixties you remember a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving film shown on network television each year around this time. A boy named Charlie, his friends, and his dog Snoopy discussing what Thanksgiving means. I have a question for you to ponder, "What are you most thankful for?"
I would like to state as a Baptist pastor what one scripture in the KJV Bible says, Psalm 100:4 (KJV) "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name." So we start thinking about Thanksgiving by thanking our creator. I turn to the book of John.
John 1:1-4 (KJV) 1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men." We can reference the Old Testament in Genesis.
Genesis 1:26 (KJV) "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." Clearly the Bible shows empirical evidence that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit made man. The phrase, " Let us make man" denotes more than one person. The Lord also makes a charge to man. Genesis 1:27-28 (KJV) 27 "So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
So we can be thankful to God as he states, Genesis 1:31 (KJV) "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day." If you were born healthy you have much to be thankful for.
Now here we are over thousands of years to 2025. Each of us born into a family, raised by two parents (some households there is just one parent) , to grow up, get married, and have children of our own. Each family has its own traditions based on where (including other countries) you were raised. And families usually pass on their traditions to children.
Our own United States founding involved the Pilgrims coming from Europe to escape religious persecution. The Pilgrims under their second governor William Bradford established a colony at Plymouth Massachusetts. "By autumn of 1621, the Pilgrims had much for which to be thankful. After the harvest, Massasoit and about ninety other Indians joined the Pilgrims for the great English tradition of HARVEST FESTIVAL. Citation: ushistory.org. (n.d.). William Bradford and the first Thanksgiving [ushistory.org]. https://www.ushistory.org/us/3b.asp
Our Thanksgiving day lasts but one day. In 1621, it lasted several days. "The participants celebrated for several days, dining on venison, goose, duck, turkey, fish, and of course, cornbread, the result of a bountiful corn harvest. This tradition was repeated at harvest time in the following years." Citation: ushistory.org. (n.d.). William Bradford and the first Thanksgiving [ushistory.org]. https://www.ushistory.org/us/3b.asp You can see how traditions are established.
I would like to briefly look at our Founding Father President George Washington. In America, President Washington proclaimed a day of National Thanksgiving. From Mount Vernon's Organization website, "On October 3, 1789, George Washington issued his Thanksgiving Proclamation, designating for "the People of the United States a day of public thanks-giving" to be held on "Thursday the 26th day of November," 1789, marking the first national celebration of a holiday that has become commonplace in today's households." Citation: Washington, G. (1789, October 9). George Washington led the charge to make this Day of Thanks a truly national event. Mountvernon.org. Retrieved November 4, 2025, from https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-first-president/thanksgiving
What did President Washington have to say, "Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness." Citation: University of Virginia Press. (n.d.). Founders online: Thanksgiving Proclamation, 3 October 1789. https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-04-02-0091
Therefore Congress finally made it a legal holiday in 1941. Our country was founded on celebrating Thanksgiving by acknowledging the Lord and his faithfulness to us. Many families gather around a table of food and fellowship each year on our Thanksgiving holiday.
We have looked at the historical aspect now consider a doctrinal approach. There is much to discover about being thankful from God's Word. Colossians 3:15 (KJV) "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." Additionally, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Are you thankful?
I would be remiss if not looking at the Spiritual aspect of thankfulness. Concerning you personally, are you a born again person? If you are you have accepted Jesus' free gift of Salvation and have much to be thankful for. If you are not born again, you should be thankful for the opportunity to accept Jesus shedding his precious blood on the Cross of Calvary for your sin. He was raised from the dead by God the third day and is alive forever more.
He has provided the only way to Heaven for you. You can accept
his FREE gift by Faith believing who he is and what he said. Believing
in your heart is key. To truly be thankful you call on his name.
Romans 10:9 (KJV) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the
Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised
him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." If you called on
Jesus let me know so I can be thankful with you. Happy Thanksgiving.
Paul
3 Comments
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?.
Janet Larson
Reply.John 21:18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry [thee] whither thou wouldest not.
Jessica Brown
ReplyEcclesiastes 3:1 To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: