Banquet With The King

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Carry My Backpack …for Just a Mile?

You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. Matthew 5:38-42

Meditate.

Punishment must match the injury.

- But if there is further injury, the punishment must match the injury: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise. Exodus 21:23-25
- Anyone who takes another person's life must be put to death. Anyone who kills another person's animal must pay for it in full--a live animal for the animal that was killed. Anyone who injures another person must be dealt with according to the injury inflicted-- a fracture for a fracture, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Whatever anyone does to injure another person must be paid back in kind. Leviticus 24:17-20
- But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need. Deuteronomy 15:7-8
- Remember, do not charge interest on money you lend him (another Israelite) or make a profit on food you sell him. Leviticus 25:37

Walking along a dusty road in Eli, Nevada

On a hot day along a dusty road it may be difficult to walk one mile…carrying someone’s pack. So going two miles or more may be even more arduous. But that is just what Jesus is suggesting…go the extra mile—turn the other cheek—do more than is expected of you. At work—give extra effort. If something seems “good enough,” it isn’t. Do your best, not just good enough. I like this verse…

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 NLT. (See December 29, 2013 blog post.)

It reminds me of the first time I heard that verse and was battling with a bad attitude about ironing my husband’s work shirts. When I started ironing them, as if ironing them for Jesus Himself, suddenly it wasn’t such a horrible task and my servanthood attitude changed. I try to apply that same attitude to all my housework…even cleaning toilets. If it seems just good enough—it isn’t. Clean the floors, toilet, and walls as sparkling clean as I would if Jesus were going to visit today. Is that like going an extra mile?

Jesus is calling us to do more than is expected of us. What can we do beyond what He wants us to do for Him? Helping others, serving, giving, and teaching others about Him? How will you respond to Him today? Respecting and serving others is respecting and serving Him.

Prayer ~ I thank you Christ Jesus my Lord, for You have given me strength to do Your work. You considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve You…1 Timothy 1:12 NLT. Give me skill and vision to see beyond myself, to have a good attitude and be willing to give extra effort to anything I do.

Verse of Salvation ~ The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life

and give them my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16

Portions reused from earlier Banquet with The King blogs.

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

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

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

Monday, April 27, 2026

Yes…or No?

You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the LORD.’ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one. Matthew 5:33-37

Meditate. Think on these verses.

A simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Jesus was pretty specific here. No discussion. Not a lot of words are necessary. Yes or No. This was in relation to a passage in Numbers that Jesus was using to elaborate on what people need to know to live the way God wants us to.

A man who makes a vow to the LORD or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do. Numbers 30:2 (NLT)

In context…Jesus was bringing Moses’ teaching about vows, thus about honesty and integrity, to the attention of His followers. Moses went on to point out the importance of a woman’s promises with her father and husband. Such vows or pledges apply to all believers…all humanity. How often do we make such a vow or pledge to the Lord or under oath? Not often… or every day as we get out of bed. Do you thank the Lord for another day…and then tell Him you will do whatever it is that He wants you to do? It’s a good way to start the day.

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

What was Jesus teaching His followers that day, sitting near the Sea of Galilee with a gentle breeze blowing over them? Be honest about what you say you will do. Don’t let the devil get you sidetracked with too many words or excuses. Just do what you say you will do. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

Prayer ~ Lord, this is Your day. May whatever I think, say or do today bring glory to You.

Verse of Salvation ~ Please, LORD, please save us. Please, LORD, please give us success. Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the house of the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalms 118:25-26, 29 (NLT)

Portions reused from April 20, 2022, Banquet With The King, blog.

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.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Sunday, April 26, 2026

Commitment.

You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.’ But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery. Matthew 5:31-32

Meditate. What does it take to live out the “until death do us part” vows?

God made a commitment to mankind and sealed it with a rainbow. Are you keeping your commitment to God…and to your spouse, if you are married?

Jesus was sitting on the hillside above the Sea of Galilee with His disciples and a few hundred—a multitude—of followers. The sound of His voice can be heard all over this mountain by those who came to hear this young Rabbi, known as a great teacher and miracle worker. Maybe today He would heal someone right here? It is possible that they expected a physical healing, but it is just as likely that Jesus will be healing someone mentally or spiritually.

Earlier in the morning, the Rabbi spent a few minutes speaking to them about the evils of adultery and now He is tying it together with marriage and divorce. The law that He was referring to was in Moses writings in Deuteronomy. We know that Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible, but that it was really God’s words. Divorce was not part of God’s plan for mankind, but He gave us free will—our own choice. Some couples chose divorce, and Moses told them how to do it, by the husband merely giving his wife a letter. If she has been unfaithful, then according to the another Deuteronomy passage, both she and the unfaithful man will be stoned at the city gates. Brutal punishment.

Suppose a man marries a woman but she does not please him. Having discovered something wrong with her, he writes a document of divorce, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house. Deuteronomy 24:1

The wife does not please the husband, so he divorces her! What a life! I recall a young couple in my church who just weren’t happy…even with two children, they decided that they were happier apart. Their marriage just ended. What has become of the “until death do us part” commitment? Divorce seems acceptable today. For many years, fifty percent of marriages in the United States have been known to fail—ending in divorce. Now that statistical number has been noted to be 40-50%. More success in marriage. Why is that? Are more couples listening to Jesus advice? Is adultery a motiving factor or of any influence at all? Are they really more committed to each other? Do more couples just live together, not bothering to get married?

Jesus was continuing to teach on the evils of adultery. What are your views on purity issues?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You made it clear that adultery is wrong. Help people within my family, friends, neighborhood, and community to see and value marriage and be devoted to communication and commitment that is necessary to make a marriage lasting.

Verse of Salvation ~ But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The LORD is great!” Psalm 40:16 (NLT)

Portions reused from April 20, 2022, Banquet With The King, blog.

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.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Saturday, April 25, 2026

Lust?

You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eye--even your good eye--causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your hand--even your stronger hand--causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. Matthew 5:27-30 (NLT)

Meditate. Think on these verses. Do you have ears to hear?

Would you choose a hibiscus or a tulip? Keep your eyes on the one you choose for life.

Jesus speaks again about one of the Ten Commandments. This time the one from Exodus 20:14. Do not commit adultery. Pretty straightforward. There are men and women sitting at His feet, hanging on His every word. They don’t usually talk about such things in mixed company, but here Jesus, the extraordinary young Rabbi is telling them, “don’t have sexual relation with someone else’s spouse.” Jesus goes even further than the original command. Don’t even look. No peeks, sideways glances, winks, sly comments, or lecherous compliments. No Lust. No misdirected desire. Some of His audience were probably convicted and squirming inside their own thoughts. Would they have got up and left if they had known just what Jesus was going to talk about?

The best advise on intimate relations that I ever heard, other than from this passage from Jesus, was from a gentleman with whom I worked for a short time. He said his grandfather had said, “Keep sex to yourself until you are married.” Good council. Tell that to your kids and grandkids. Jesus is even more explicit in teaching a life long learning detail. Don’t let your eyes and your heart drift to focusing on someone who is not your spouse. He goes on to talk about cutting off your hand or eye if you are in such a condition. Really?! Eyes and hands were important to work, whether for yourself or others—home, school, or occupation. Is there something else to do as punishment? Better to prevent the situation than to deal with an amputation event, or face an eternity of hell. Self-control is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and it is worthy of consideration in these additional verses.

He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his great foolishness. Proverbs 5:23 (NLT)

Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. Titus 2:2 (NLT)

Jesus told those gathered around Him that they need to not be lustful—or there will be consequences to pay, which could include hell. That is the ultimate punishment. By God’s grace we have a choice. By choosing to obey God and not indulge in lustful feelings we take an obedient, righteous step alongside our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ towards heaven. The choice is up to each person. How do you choose?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, in Your mercy and grace I thank you for Your teaching about lustfulness. It is shameful that this may have been addressed to men, but applies to women lusting for men who are not their spouse, too. Forgive me, Lord, for times I had lustful feelings. Some may rationalize that it is just human to feel that way, but with self-control as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, there is hope that lust is a bygone thing.

Verse of Salvation ~ So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 1 Peter 1:13 (NLT)

Portions reused from April 20, 2022, Banquet With The King, blog.

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.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, April 24, 2026

Can You Offer a Rose with Forgiveness?

You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:21-26

Meditate. Read these verses three times and consider your attitude towards God and others.

Jesus was continuing to teach those gathered around Him by the Sea of Galilee as He spoke more of His Sermon on the Mount. We can assume that they were familiar with the Ten Commandments—and here Jesus is elaborating on what the sixth commandment really means for every day life. You can read it again in Exodus 20:13 and also in Deuteronomy 5:17. Additionally, a portion of this passage is also recorded in Luke 12:57-59.

You must not murder. Exodus 20:13 (NLT)

Jesus was elaborating about the dangers of anger. Has anyone ever explained about defaming someone’s character by being angry or cursing them? That is just what Jesus is teaching—and it was hidden in the Ten Commandments all along. Jesus is really focusing on how people treat each other—on their relationships. Anger is a destructive emotion. He was doing more than just encouraging others to control their anger. He was instructing them on the evils of anger. The result can be judgment and even hell. Do you want to go there? We shouldn’t live in fear of hell…but we have control over our choices, and that includes how we deal with our emotions.

Think about the first example of anger in the Bible. Cain was angry with and jealous of his brother Abel, so he murdered him. Was that a good choice? No. We can all see that. Do we see or even feel when we are angry with someone that we are in danger? I’ve often heard someone say that if you are mad at someone to the point that we are unforgiving and bitter, that we are only harming ourselves, not the person we are mad at who may not be aware of the situation. The chronic stress of the constant negativity raises the adrenaline and cortisol levels which can lead to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, cancer, chronic inflammation, or digestive issues. Bad stuff. Mentally, bitterness and unforgiveness has been linked to depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and emotional burnout. None of those are fun, nor do they bring any glory to God.

What should someone do about their anger? Jesus says to go and reconcile with that person. Forgiveness is powerful. Even Jesus experienced anger—so it is an emotion that we do feel, although His was a righteous anger. Is yours? Go do something positive outwardly, and if necessary, forgive yourself, too. Be healthy. Release the anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness chains of bondage. Can you offer a rose with forgiveness?

Prayer ~ Lord God, please forgive me for the anger I’ve felt towards others and towards You over insignificant situations. Thank you for showing me how powerful forgiveness is and that You are so forgiving. It is such a release from what was actually a useless burden.

Verses of Salvation ~ Hear me as I pray, O LORD. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.” Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation! Psalm 27:7-9 (NLT)

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table
Another of the seven healing foods of Israel includes grapes. I happen to live in the Columbia Basin of eastern Washington State where over 60,000 acres of wine grapes are grown, in addition to grape juice cultivation. We have grapes growing on our front yard fence with our wonderful neighbors, George and JoAnn.They planted them years ago and we enjoy feasting on them every fall. Grapes are not difficult to grow in your yard, but having acres of them, like any farming effort, is work. That is what farming is all about. Cultivate, water, and eventually harvest. Enjoy!

Portions reused from April 20, 2022, Banquet With The King, blog.

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.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Are You Obedient?

Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven! Matthew 5:17-20

Meditate on these verses.

Jesus was speaking to His followers and the crowd at the hillside above the Sea of Galilee. It was a beautiful day and His words were drifting up that mountain side so everyone could hear Him perfectly. He had spoke to them about blessings that come from behaviors and woes that could happen in with their attitudes. Now, x He was addressing the necessity for them to keep God’s laws. Likely, most of them were Jewish and were familiar with God’s Laws given to the Jews over a thousand years before their time, and with the Pharisees. Those official Jewish law keepers and teachers. Jesus’ message: Don’t ignore the Ten Commandments. Obey and teach them to others.

Who doesn't want to go to heaven? Some people today just think if they do enough good, they’ll automatically go to heaven when they die.People inherently know about the great place in the sky. Several years ago a kids song lyrics included words Heaven is a wonderful place, filled with glory and grace…I wanna go there. Even in Jesus time there was a great desire to one day “enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” He was warning people that they needed to live according to God's rules to get into His Heavenly Kingdom. The same applies to us today.
Your choice. Do you want to obey God and live with Him forever?

Prayer - Lord Jesus, I want to see You—so I will obey—just as You have taught. With Your help I am living with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self- control to show and share Your love with others.

Verse of Salvation ~ After this, I heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting, “Praise the LORD! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. Revelation 19:1 (NLT)

Portions reused from April 20, 2022, Banquet With The King, blog.

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.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Are You Salty?

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:13-16

Meditate. Salt. Light.

Salty people are usually characters. Think of someone you know that is a character…a bit salty. Their personality is usually boisterous and they are likely in your face about something. They make themselves heard. Salt gives flavor to food…and if it looses its flavor, then it is tossed out. When people become boring—sort i of “non-salty” they may be dropped off your “invite” list. Remember God loves them, too.

This passage goes on to say that’ll a light shining in the darkness is one that gives hope to those in its presence. Jesus said that to those gathered around Him when He was teaching in what we call the Sermon on the Mount. He told them that they were the light of the world. Have you ever been so engulfed in pain that your surroundings seemed grim and dark? Jesus also taught that He is the light of the world, as recorded in John.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12

Follow me. Once agin Jesus was calling the people. “Follow me.” He says the same thing to us today. We don’t need to hide the fact that we have the light of Jesus shining in us. We certainly aren’t going to hide that light by putting a basket over our head. Give Jesus your pain and your shame. Instead, let your love and obedience to Jesus show. Hopefully others will see that it is Jesus’ love that gives you hope and allows you to care for others. The kind and good things you do will bring glory to God. That is Jesus’ expectation. Praise to the Heavenly Father.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, shine through me and give us all hope people need salt and light in their lives. By serving others, my hope is to give You glory.

Verse of Salvation ~ The LORD is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27:1 (NLT)

Portions reused from April 20, 2022, Banquet With The King, blog.

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.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Woe is me!

What sorrow awaits you who are rich,
for you have your only happiness now.

What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now,
for a time of awful hunger awaits you.
What sorrow awaits you who laugh now,
for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow.

What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds,
for their ancestors also praised false prophets. Luke 6:24-26

Meditate. What are woes and sorrows?

According to Google—and we all live to google for now—sorrows can be associated with regrets or sadness. Woes are a bit deeper and and intense, a longer lasting grief. These are intense anguish, misery feelings due to severe problems.
Jesus tells us to cast all our cares on Him.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 If we really do this…life is easier…burdens released. Life couldn’t be better. Jesus love us. Trust Him. Prayer — Thank you Jesus, for loving us enough to die for us…and to take our burdens, or sorrows, and woes. Life is tough—but with You we can do anything. Please continue to help us endure our trials, tribulations, and even daily burdens. Your strength is sufficient.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT)

Monday, April 20, 2026

Birthday Blessings Sweet Amelia

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 NLT

Meditate. What do you think you cannot do? With the strength that Jesus Christ gives you, can you do that?

Celebrate!
Fireworks at Disney World.
I can do everything!

This verse is my granddaughter Amelia’s favorite verse. Today is her birthday! The beginning of a wonderful year of adventures ahead of her! She has had some health issues during the past few years, and yet she has claimed this verse and does great things with strength from the Lord! May He continue to bless and strengthen her.

Do you identify with this verse? Do you feel that you can do everything through the strength that Jesus Christ gives you? Remember that Jesus said that whatever you ask for in His name, the Father will grant.

At that time, you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. John 16:23-24

Abundant joy! What more could we want in life? Joy! It is one of the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit—Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is the Spirit that gives us that abundant life—everlasting life with joy.

Don't be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. Galatians 6:7-10

Our relationship with God and with others is what is important in life. Paul reminds us in this portion of scripture from Galatians that we should do good for our brothers and sisters in God’s family. That may take some strength from Christ, but build good relationships with other Christians. I’m so glad that Amelia and her family are part of God’s family…and mine! You can do all things!

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for a positive attitude. You showed us how when You prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “If it be Your will, let this cup pass from me.” But we know that it wasn’t God’s will. It was His plan…and You fulfilled it. You finished the task that He sent you to earth to do. You can do all things…and it was God the Father who gave you the strength to do it. Now, You give us that same strength…to do all things. Thank you for loving us enough to finish the task that God the Father gave You.

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

Happy 18^th Birthday, Amelia

Sweet & Smart

Portions reused from April 20, 2022, Banquet With The King, blog.

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.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories