Banquet With The King

Friday, April 26, 2024

Fruit of Spirit – Self-Control

Prayer – Lord, I feel like I’m bouncing around like Tiger. Give me self-control of my attitude and actions that in all things that I think, say, do, and eat, I would be pleasing to You.

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

Meditate. Self-control—how, when, where, and why.

Self-control is…self-discipline, willpower, restraint, and obedience. According to Strong’s concordance it is the ability to master one’s desires and passions.

Is the wall to your heart and life broken down?

A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. Proverbs 25:28 NLT

No self-control in a person’s mind lets in evil thoughts and that begins the downward spiral to destruction. Satan would be happy about that—probably laughing his head off at the stupidity of that person. When the walls of purity are broken down, in dance the hobgoblins and just revolting, disgusting thoughts.

I’ve tried to emphasize with my grandchildren from time to time how important self-control is. It can begin with a simple bouncing of one’s foot. Control that foot bouncing and you are beginning to control thoughts and actions overall. That is a glorious action. Self-control. A smile and a praise can go a long way to ensuring that that action doesn’t occur again! That mastery of one’s desires and passions needs to begin as a small child. Teenagers and adults who have no self-control may not be able to control their sexual desires. God wants us to be in control of that area of our lives…or rather He wants us to submit to His expectations which is maintaining purity. Remember that Jesus said to think of breaking one of the Ten Commandments is to do that. Don’t kill, commit adultery, lie, covet, or steal. Can you do that?

Purity begins with self-control. What is your choice for that characteristic?

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. 1 Peter 1:13 NLT

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Pure food—like pure thoughts, words, and actions—take some choices and discipline. What’s really pure? You could choose pure water. Our bodies need daily hydration to maintain healthy functions. Don’t choose water whose purity is questionable for the sake of being cheap. The best costs no more. I was doing a day hike at Mt. Rainier once years ago and was astonished at people drinking from a dirty little stream alongside the path. It was a warm day and most of the hikers didn’t have any water with them so they chose to drink what looked like good water. They would pay for that later. Water may look good, but it can harbor germs, bacteria, and viruses just from environmental sources. How many wild animals or birds drank from, pooped in, or maybe died in that same little bubbling brook upstream? Do you really want to share their pathogens that could cause giardia and horrid episodes of watery diarrhea? That diarrhea could result in life-threatening dehydration.

It’s good to always take your own drinking water when hiking or even walking on a warm day. If you are going to be in a remote or wilderness area then take along some iodine tablets or a water purifying drinking straw. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Purity is a valuable commodity.

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

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Thursday, April 25, 2024

Fruit of Spirit – Gentleness

Prayer – Lord, I want to be known as a gentle person. Mold me and make me into one who is not only reverent to You, but compassionate and caring for Your followers, helping those who are lost to find You amidst this chaotic life that is spinning around us.

Meditate. Consider the quality of gentleness.

Gentleness is considered meekness, mild disposition, and humility. That is a humbling thought. We all need to be humble before the Lord—the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. Jesus was such a humble, gentle, and compassionate person. Except for the time He “cleansed” the Temple of the moneychangers, we don’t see Him raising His voice or His hand to anyone. Well, he may have raised His voice to some of the Pharisees with the words He had for them…but we don’t see that recorded in any of the Gospels.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 NLT

Don't cast your pearls before swine.
Nor rely on jewelry
...to show your gentle spirit.
Just humbly submit to the Lord.

Peter gives us an insightful comment on women’s beauty associated with a gentle spirit.

Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. 1 Peter 3:3-4 NLT

This gentle spirit is also described in the wife of noble character in Proverbs 31 who is wise and kind.

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. Proverbs 31:25-26 NLT

All Christians are to be ready to give a gentle and respectful explanation for the hope that they have in Christ Jesus as their Savior.

Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, 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. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 1 Peter 3:13-17 NLT (Underlined for emphasis.)

Can you gently tell others about your hope in Christ?

Verse of Salvation ~ (Read in context of Chapters Five and Six of Hebrews.) Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don't believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and endurance. Hebrews 6:9-12 NLT

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

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Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Fruit of Spirit – Faithfulness

Prayer – And may we be completely faithful to You, oh LORD our God. May we always obey Your decrees and commands, just as we choose to do today. As paraphrased from 1 Kings 8:61 NLT.

Meditate. Faithfulness.

God had promised to walk by Moses and show him His goodness. As He had said, He showed Moses his glorious presence.

Then the LORD came down in a cloud and stood there with him; and he called out his own name, Yahweh. The LORD passed in front of Moses, calling out, "Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations." Exodus 34:5-7 NLT

God is faithful to keep His promises—and He expects those who love and follow Him to do the same. Faithfulness is reliability, stability, truthfulness, and certainty. As the Hebrew people got near to the time for them to cross into the Promised Land, Moses explained once again to them about God’s faithfulness and love.

Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9 NLT

We can count on God. Can He count on us? We all have decisions to make.

Model of the Temple in Jerusalem
Israel

When Solomon dedicated the Temple he had built for the Lord God, he prayed that the people would be faithful to God.

And may you be completely faithful to the LORD our God. May you always obey his decrees and commands, just as you are doing today. 1 Kings 8:61 NLT

May that be our prayer today, too. Complete faithfulness to the Lord is attainable as we submit ourselves to the Lord—seeking to know Him more fully, just as Moses did. That submission is by choice. Choose your action of faithful submission today.

Verse of Salvation ~ Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NLT

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

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Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Fruit of Spirit – Goodness

New Life in Goodness

Prayer – Lord, You are Good—the ultimate goodness. Refresh my heart, Holy Spirit, that I others would receive more of the goodness of the Lord in me. May I grow in His grace and mercy as I seek and serve Him.

Meditate. Consider goodness.

Who is good, but God alone, as illustrated in this conversation with Jesus.

As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus asked. "Only God is truly good. Mark 10:17-18 NLT (Underlined for emphasis.)

Moses wanted to know more of God…and His goodness. He spoke to God during the journey to the Promised Land. Read about Moses and the goodness of God in Exodus.

One day Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Take these people up to the Promised Land.' But you haven't told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, 'I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.' If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people." The LORD replied, "I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you." ... The LORD replied to Moses, "I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name." Moses responded, "Then show me your glorious presence." The LORD replied, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live." Exodus 33:12-14, 17-20 NLT (Underline emphasis.)

God alone in good, yet one part of the fruit of the Spirit—into which we can grow is goodness. It is not instantaneously given to us, but it one in which we grow as we mature in Christ. Are you maturing and growing in Christ in this attribute of goodness?

Verse of Salvation ~ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT

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

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Monday, April 22, 2024

Fruit of Spirit – Kindness

Prayer – Lord, I want to be kind to others—just as You were and are.

Meditate. Consider the attribute of kindness.

Rocks marking the path.
A sign of kindness.
Utah

Kindness is a virtue that is characterized by good and charitable behavior with a pleasant disposition and concern for others. The act of kindness shows a loving attitude towards others. It is beneficial to both the one giving and the one receiving the kindness and results in contentment and relaxation. Ahhh. Good definition. I think that God is the source of kindness. He is the example for us at both extremes. The fulfillment and the absence of kindness. In the verse below, Paul is addressing God’s relationship to His chosen people, the Jews. Those who didn’t believe were cut off from the main olive plant, and believing Gentiles were grafted into the tree. Read Romans 11 in context for more understanding. This is still so very relevant for today. It is always best to read scripture in context. Paul explains some of the Jewish history using examples of Old Testament scripture throughout this chapter. We need to continue to keep our eyes on Israel as God is not finished with them yet.

Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed (Jews), but kind to you (Gentiles) if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. Romans 11:22 NLT

God’s hope for us is that we become like His Son, Jesus Christ. In doing that we need to become kind to others, as Jesus was. Consider the kindness and compassion of our Lord. Can we be as loving, forgiving, and accepting as He was? Only by our choice and with His help.

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:10-13 NLT (Underlined for emphasis.)

Solomon, is his wisdom which came from the Lord, advices his reader—including us to hang on tight to kindness. It has a great value.

Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Proverbs 3:3 NLT

A good challenge for each of us. Seek God, His wisdom, and kindness—and not only hang onto them, but use them to serve others for God.

Verse of Salvation ~ I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2 NLT

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

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Sunday, April 21, 2024

Fruit of Spirit – Patience

Prayer – Lord, You are so patient with mankind—giving us so many chances to change our ways, to repent, and to come to You. Thank you for the patience to give to each of us who love You and respond to Your love. Patience--such a good fruit.

Meditate. Consider God’s patience with you.

Patience in Strongs concordance (G3115) is used biblically as endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance, and long-suffering. Most Christians refer to Job when they think or speak of patience. Job patiently endured the trial and tribulations that were set before him—and he never cursed or blamed God for the horrible things that came his way. Actually, God had patience in that situation, too. He allowed Satan to attack Job—His faithful servant—and then God patiently endured the trials along with Job when He could have stepped in and cured all the problems. God is certainly all powerful, but He is also patient and loving.

For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy. James 5:10-11 NLT

Amelia's Eye
Her Self-Portrait

It is hard to watch others go through trial when all you can do is pray. My oldest granddaughter is such an example of patience with the Lord. She’s had juvenile arthritis since before she was two years old—then after a bout of COVID she developed dysautonomia, which is a disease of the autonomic nervous system that affects the heart function, blood pressure, bladder function and digestion. Fainting can be scary—for her and those around her. Now, from that she has acquired gastroparesis, paralysis of the stomach. She had to have a nasal feeding tube, and now a gastrojejunostomy feeding tube. It goes through her abdomen into her stomach and then into her small intestine. She receives nutrients and hydration 24/7 through that tube. Technology is great and Amelia endures pain with the patience of Job. Long-suffering. That describes Amelia—our sweety who just turned 16 years-old yesterday—who consistently gives us a smile via FaceTime. Additionally, she has such a talent--it takes patience to draw as well as she does! The Holy Spirit has definitely blessed her with patience.

Verses of Salvation ~ And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him—speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction. I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:15-18 NLT

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

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Saturday, April 20, 2024

Fruit of Spirit – Peace

Prayer – Lord, I’ll take more of Your peace any time! Pour it out on me—and give me the grace to share it with others.

Meditate. Consider God’s peace.

Peace - A Gift of the Holy Spirit

Peace. An inner contentment of tranquility, harmony, rest, and safety. Peace can even indicate a way to salvation. It is certainly a gift of the Holy Spirit. Here are some verses to provide food for thought.

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 NLT

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 NLT

God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace. 1 Peter 1:2 NLT

Jesus left His disciples, and us, words of comfort—and His gift of peace. This was part of His teaching at the Last Supper and if you recall, when Jesus first saw them again in the Upper Room after His resurrection, He spoke to them…Peace be with you. John 20:19.

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. John 14:27-28 NLT

Peace. What a great gift! Can we give peace to others? Like other gifts, we have to have it ourselves to give it away. By extending our love, acceptance, forgiveness, and encouragement, we can convey the peace of God to those around us.

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. 1 Peter 1:3-5 NLT

Happy 16th Birthday Sweet Amelia!

Blessings Little Ladybug!

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories