Thursday, June 4, 2026

Growing Parable

Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.” Mark 4:26-29

Meditate on mysteries of life and growth.

This is a Modern harvest in Israel

When is harvest time? We always consider harvest time to be in the fall—but in this context it is as soon as the grain is ready. In Israel, the grain harvest occurs in the spring for barley and wheat. Jesus was using the grain harvest as an analogy for the gathering of the human spirits at the end of the age. It is actually a spiritual thing. Ultimately the book of Revelation gives us a clue as to what will one day happen.

Then another angel came from the Temple and shouted to the one sitting on the cloud, “Swing the sickle, for the time of harvest has come; the crop on earth is ripe.” Revelation 14:15

What is “the crop?” Human spirits. For now, and by some future date, all Christians—followers of Christ Jesus—will be snatched up into heaven. When will that be? We don’t know, although there is are some people who have calculated the day and the year from clues that God has given us in scripture passages. Mostly, they are hoping that it will happen as they’ve predicated and they won’t be left embarrassed and madly recalculating.
Spiritual growth is what is vitally important. As a person accepts what Christ Jesus as done for them, they become a new creation—they are “born again”—as Jesus explained to Nicodemus early in His ministry (see John 3). What are you doing to enhance your spiritual growth? Prayer is the best place to start. Then as life goes on, incorporate your growth—like the blade of grass into everything you think, say and do. The harvest won’t be a surprise—we’vs forewarned to be prepared.

What do you discover about Jesus in this scripture passage?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, thank you for caring about us enough to raise us up. We know that our Heavenly Father has a plan that was revealed in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. We wait for the gracious end to be revealed one day.

Verse of Salvation ~ Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8

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© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Keep Listening

Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” Mark 4:21-25

Meditate.

What do you do when the sun goes down and it’s time to turn on a light? Do you put the light under a basket? Of course not. You put it upon a shelf—or a wall hook…whatever. You use the light for just that…light, yet Jesus informs us the importance of that light in exposing secrets. Look and listen. Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given…. Do you listen to Jesus voice and hear His message?

Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Revelation 3:20

If you hear my voice…Listen closely. Do you hear Jesus’ voice? Will you open the door…perhaps the door of your heart? It is Jesus who is calling us. How will you respond? Listen closely. Remember how Elijah heard God speak…listen closely for God’s guidance in a still small voice—a quiet whisper.

"Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-12

Listen for a still, small voice.
Keep listening.
This is the day the Lord has made.

That gentle whisper was the Lord. Can you hear Him today? Be still and know that He is God. We need a quiet time every day to listen to God…to hear Him calling to us…directing us to the right path. Rejoice if and rejoice when you hear His voice…and keep listening.

Prayer ~ Lord help me to always hear Your voice — still and small speaking to and directing me to seek You…for You are the light of the world. Shine in and through my heart and life. Thank you that You will never leave me or forsake me.

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

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Tuesday, June 2, 2026

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew. “The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’ “‘An enemy has done this!’ the farmer exclaimed. “‘Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked. “‘No,’ he replied, ‘you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’” Matthew 13:24-30

Meditate. Think about weeds and thorns.

Who is the enemy of the farmer? The devil, masquerading as a greedy rival farmer or anyone who could benefit from that farmer loosing his crop, such as an unscrupulous banker uwho wants to take that farm and sell it at a huge profit for himself. So, in the dark of the night this enemy sneaks about that lovely farm with his dirty bag of weeds. Peeking around the corner of the barn.Is anyone one looking? The farmer and all his hired hands are sleeping soundly. Do you hear them snoring? Now, the enemy moves stealthily through the freshly seeded field—grinning like a Cheshire Cat—thinking that his evil, sinister plan will be perfect, dreaming of failure for this crop!

This farmer is shrewd. He is not going to fall prey to this evil plan. Do not pull out the weeds and harm the good plants—let them grow together. At the harvest, the weeds will be thrown into the fire. The evil scheme will be cut short. The healthy wheat plants will win and provide a crop worthy of the farmer’s efforts. Praise the Lord.

Just as He had done with earlier parables, Jesus explained this story to His disciples.

Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, “Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.” Jesus replied, “The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed. The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels. Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! Matthew 13:36-43

Is ’If that farmer is the Lord, what does this mean in the life of the Christian? Is God going to let the sinister evil people live and grow along alongside His good, upright followers? It happens everyday around us. Do you see yourself as the good crop or the wicked weeds? No depravity, fiendishness, perversion, or debauchery of evilness can separate us from the love of God.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39

That’s the main take away for me. Nothing can create a separation between my Jesus and me. Nothing—not one thing, even the evil desires of the devil. No power against Jesus is even remotely possible.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, show us that we are part of Your plan and that You are stronger than any power that would try to attack us. Nothing can separate us from You. No weeds or

Verse of Salvation ~ So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:6

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© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers”’ Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.

Monday, June 1, 2026

How’s the Soil of Your Heart?

One day Jesus told a story in the form of a parable to a large crowd that had gathered from many towns to hear him: “A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it. Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants. Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!” When he had said this, he called out, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” His disciples asked him what this parable meant. He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables to teach the others so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled: ‘When they look, they won’t really see. When they hear, they won’t understand.’ “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God’s word. The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. Luke 8:4-15 (NLT) (Also recorded in Matthew 13:1-23 and Mark 4:1-20.)

Meditate.

Have you ever planted a field…or a garden? I grew up on a small farm and it seems to me that this farmer wasn’t very dedicated or well-prepared. Who would waste seeds on a footpath, or road? Who wouldn’t clear the rocks from the field so that the seeds could grow in good soil? Weeds and thorns? They don’t make good companion plants. At least some of the seeds landed in good soil—and resulted in a hundred percent success. That is good odds. To plant seeds, one needs to prepare the soil. In the field, farmers disc the soil—and in our gardens we can simply use a shovel or a rototiller. Depends on the size of the garden. So, what was Jesus saying to that crowd of people? He goes on to explain it to His disciples in terms of spiritual growth. Think about how you heard about Jesus—the seeds of Good News. Is your heart, good soil, ready to receive the truth?

We don’t have to guess what Jesus meant. He told His disciples plainly and decisively. Be the good soil—good-hearted people who hear God's word, cling to it, and patiently produce a q huge harvest. That huge harvest is all the new Christians who listen, hear, and understand. Do you understand? Are you scattering “seeds”—concepts of Jesus?

What do we learn about Jesus from this passage?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I’m listening to Your words and I’m trying to plant seeds of Your words…and lifestyle…among those who don’t know You. Help me to live every moment following You. Please give us all wisdom and understanding.

Verse of Salvation ~ The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. Luke 8:12

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Sunday, May 31, 2026

Parables for You…for Me

Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables…. Mark 4:1-2

Parables. Parables are just stories that compares or illustrates a real life story to a truth. Were those used in the Old Testament? Here are a couple of examples, with parables underlines for emphasis.

- A psalm of Asaph. O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying, for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. Psalm 78:1-4

- Their purpose (The book of Proverbs) is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Proverbs 1:2-6

- I sent my prophets to warn you with many visions and parables." Hosea 12:10

Parables in the Old Testament were more like stories passed down in the generations telling of the account of ancestors describing their relationship to God and His wisdom. Jesus was building on the stories of the old days…ancient times. People then and now relate to stories. Maybe that is why so many pastors tell stories as part of their sermons. Stories draw us into the message…help us relate to what we are hearing. What is your story? How do you tell others about your relationship to God?

Meditate on these verses.

My favorite story of learning about God begins with a Sunday School class around a kitchen table at church where my Sunday School teacher described the “Give us this day our daily bread” from the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) as a spiritual bread…not physical bread…toast or sandwich bread. How do we get that spiritual bread? Read God’s Word. It is the bread of life. This was a spiritual awaking for me.

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, Moses didn't give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." "Sir," they said, "give us that bread every day." Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But you haven't believed in me even though you have seen me. However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day." John 6:32-40

Jesus goes on through His life and during His last meal with His disciples, He consecrates the bread and wine of that Passover Meal, to remind them to remember Him. He charges them to repeat often to remind them of what He did for them.

Do you believe in Jesus? Consider His words and His life. He is the bread of life. Feast on His words.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus…give us this day our daily bread.

Verse of Salvation ~ For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12

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Saturday, May 30, 2026

Woes….

Tradition hand washing station at a Jerusalem hotel.

As Jesus was speaking, one of the Pharisees invited him home for a meal. So he went in and took his place at the table. His host was amazed to see that he sat down to eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony required by Jewish custom. Then the Lord said to him, “You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and wickedness! Fools! Didn’t God make the inside as well as the outside? So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over. What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you love to sit in the seats of honor in the synagogues and receive respectful greetings as you walk in the marketplaces. Yes, what sorrow awaits you! For you are like hidden graves in a field. People walk over them without knowing the corruption they are stepping on.” “Teacher,” said an expert in religious law, “you have insulted us, too, in what you just said.” “Yes,” said Jesus, “what sorrow also awaits you experts in religious law! For you crush people with unbearable religious demands, and you never lift a finger to ease the burden. What sorrow awaits you! For you build monuments for the prophets your own ancestors killed long ago. But in fact, you stand as witnesses who agree with what your ancestors did. They killed the prophets, and you join in their crime by building the monuments! This is what God in his wisdom said about you: ‘I will send prophets and apostles to them, but they will kill some and persecute the others.’ As a result, this generation will be held responsible for the murder of all God’s prophets from the creation of the world—from the murder of Abel to the murder of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, it will certainly be charged against this generation. What sorrow awaits you experts in religious law! For you remove the key to knowledge from the people. You don’t enter the Kingdom yourselves, and you prevent others from entering.” As Jesus was leaving, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees became hostile and tried to provoke him with many questions. They wanted to trap him into saying something they could use against him. Luke 11:37-54

Meditate.

Woes. Sorrows. The Pharisees wanted everyone to be as strict about the Law as they were—even down to tithing from the sale of garden herbs like mint. That is pretty picky. Yet they didn’t want to help those in need. No compassion. Jesus was very compassionate—healing and helping people, no matter what day of the week it was or who they were—Jew or Gentile. He was warning the Pharisees—sorrow awaits you. I think they should expect to be sad and repentant because they were critical and not willing to help others.. They weren’t. There was one expert who boldly told Jesus that he was insulted—but Jesus put him in his place. The “experts” or lawyers were demanding more from the Jews than they could give and what’s more, the experts were not helping others with their problems. Where is the “love your neighbor as yourself” in those religious leaders? Where is the “love your neighbor as yourself” in your life?

What do learn about Jesus from this scripture?

Prayer ~ help us to be compassionate—like You—not nit picky like the Pharisees.

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

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Friday, May 29, 2026

How’s Your Prayer Life?

Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13

Meditate. Read Jesus’ words, listen to what He is saying, and obediently follow Him.

How’s your prayer life? When was the last time you spent more than five minutes…if even that…in prayer?

Gate at the Garden of Gethsemane - Israel

You can pray anywhere.

Prayer is just talking to God, but some people are just uncomfortable praying…especially praying out loud. I remember not wanting to say much beyond the “God is good, God is great, let us thank Him for our food” type of prayer—also recalling my Grandfather’s simple prayer at a family dinner, “Alle lieben Abba Vater” in German which was his primary language. All love Abba Father. Good prayer. It implies the love God the Father first principle. A couple of years after hearing my Grandfather's prayer, my Sunday School teacher lead us through a study of the Lord’s Prayer. That was my first revelation into the spiritual nature of God. At their request, Jesus was teaching His disciples to pray:

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 KJV

That is a model prayer for everyone. Take an intense look at the Lord’s Prayer and model your prayers after it:

Dear Heavenly and Holy Father, we honor You and Your name.

We’re looking forward to being with You in heaven, someday soon.

In the meantime, we want to know what You want us to do…Your will here on earth.

We’re trusting You to give us the spiritual and physical food that we need today.

Sins are inevitable, but we are still accountable to You—so please forgive us.

Help us to forgive anyone who offends us.

Temptations are all around us—please give us the strength to resist those.

Rescue us from the evil one—and all the wicked darkness associated with him.

We recognize that You are all powerful and worthy of all glory in heaven and on earth. Amen.

Again, prayer is talking to God. Consider how much He loves you—enough to give up His Son for your eternal protection. So, don’t be intimidated. Talk to God like you would a good friend. Address God the Father and Jesus, your Savior and Redeemer, as you lift up your prayer requests and praises. Be sure to gratefully thank Him. God is graciously waiting to hear from you. Don’t wait until you have some horrible problem, speak with the LORD God every day about everything. Build your relationship with Him chatting about your cares, concerns, and adorations. Prayer can be a part of worship. Will you get a dialog going with Him today?

Prayer – Lord, I’ve read Your word and now I come to You hopeful and expecting that You will answer my prayer. I don’t want to offend You for You are an awesome God—the true one and only One who created Heaven and Earth. Thank you for all that You provide for me, my family, and friends. May all that I think, say, and do bring You glory.i want to honor You—in Heaven and on earth. Forgive me when I’ve blown it and broken Your laws or rules. Protect me and help me to keep my eyes open that I’ll see the evil around me and not give into any of the devil’s schemes. You are powerful—above all else and I worship You—in spirit and in truth. Amen.

Verse of Salvation ~ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the Good News (salvation) is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God's ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should. Ephesians 6:18-20

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

The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769.
Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.

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

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Rejoice

Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Who can list the glorious miracles of the LORD? Who can ever praise him enough? There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people; come near and rescue me. Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones. Let me rejoice in the joy of your people; let me praise you with those who are your heritage. ... Save us, O LORD our God! Gather us back from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you. Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting! Let all the people say, "Amen!" Praise the LORD! Psalm 106:1-5, 47-48 (Psalm 106 is too long to print all of it here. Read it for yourself in your favorite translation. The Psalmist covered once again some of the history of the Israelites.)

Meditate. Consider God’s chosen people and His faithfulness to them.

Joy. That is what Jesus promised His disciples when He was preparing them for His death.

So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. 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 16:22-24

Let me rejoice in the joy of your people; let me praise you with those who are your heritage. Rejoice in joy—surrounded by joy of believers. Yes. That is just what I want to experience. Rejoicing with thanksgiving. People who believe in Jesus as their Savior can rejoice—they will live forever. Everlasting to everlasting! I rejoice with them, since I am part of that group. Amen—so be it! Amen! Praise the Lord!

Prayer – I give You thanks LORD, for You are good! Your faithful love endures forever. I’m not an Israeli, but I do believe in You Jesus, as my Lord and Savior—thus, I am adopted into God’s Family…into Your family, Jesus. Let me share in not only the prosperity, but also in the inheritance of the first born. Show me what I need to learn and apply to my life, that I may responsibly please You and our Heavenly Father. I want to serve You and thus serve others for You. You alone are worthy of praise and adoration. Fill my life with joy. Let me rejoice.

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

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Recycled from November 19, 2022, Banquet With The King blog. All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown. Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Who is My Family?

As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak to you.” Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!” Matthew 12:46-50

Meditate. Family.

Who is my family? What do we have to do to be part of Jesus’ family? Adopted, not rejected or abandoned. Anyone who believes in Jesus as their Savior becomes “adopted” into God’s family. Paul had an enlightening teaching to the Roman believers.

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:12-17

Share in His inheritance—His Kingdom. An eternal spiritual life in Heaven—the new heaven and new earth promised by God—our Abba Father. It will be glorious. Our family is God’s family—brothers and sisters with the Lord.

Prayer ~ Thank You, Heavenly Father, for adopting all believers into Your family. It is so wonderful to be adopted, not rejected or abandoned.

Verses of Salvation ~ And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Happy Birthday Blessings, Jerry,

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Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Seek the Light—Not Darkness

“When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. Then it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. That will be the experience of this evil generation.” Matthew 12:43-45

Meditate. Focus on good—not evil.

Seek the light — not darkness.

Job, in the Old Testament was distraught with the traumatic situation in which he was living. Nothing seemed to go right and yet he didn’t give up on God, even when evil seemed to prevail. He was searching for the light. Was it the Light of the World, Jesus, by which he longed to be rescued?

So I looked for good, but evil came instead. I waited for the light, but darkness fell. Job 30:26

Consider how Jesus taught a crowd of people and rebuked the Pharisee with His wisdom. He said that when an evil spirit leaves a person…more may more in. Beware. Guard yourself, family, and friends. Keep your heart and life free from evil thoughts and actions.

"When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. Then it says, 'I will return to the person I came from.' So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. That will be the experience of this evil generation." Matthew 12:43-45

Beware. Don’t let evil into your life. As Jesus wisely taught, if you have dark sinister influence in you life, get rid the evil, and then fill your life with good so that the evil doesn’t come back stronger. Read between the lines. Keep the light on in your life—don’t let the darkness prevail.

How are you doing with the light versus darkness in your life today? I’ve found that prayer drives out evil—just as Jesus said one time to Peter when Peter was reprimanding Jesus about going to the cross.

Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” Matthew 16:23

Seek the light—Jesus. He is the light of the world.

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

If you clean the evil out of your life by repenting—then focus your life on Jesus. Walk and live in His light, not letting the darkness and evil back into your heart and life.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, let Your light shine in my life and heart today. Shine through me to others and brighten their lives with Your love and grace.

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

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Monday, May 25, 2026

Are You Looking for a Sign?

One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority.” But Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. “The people of Nineveh will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here—but you refuse to repent. The queen of Sheba will also stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for she came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Now someone greater than Solomon is here—but you refuse to listen. Matthew 12:38-42 (also recorded in Luke 11:29-32)

Meditate.

How big was that Fish that swallowed Jonah?
Repent -- that was Jonah's message.
Repent -- that was Jesus' massage.
What message do you hear today?

Are you looking for a sign? Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign…. So, I guess you aren’t looking for a miraculous sign—unless you want to be included in or considered part of an adulterous group. Remember one of the Ten Commandments is not to commit adultery—and Jesus said to think it is to do it. Hmmm. You don’t have to look far or search hard for a doomsday prediction that is also “looking for a miraculous sign” to indicate the end times, Jesus return, or just a great economic earthquake. People didn’t take to heart Jonah’s sign at that time…so will they consider that now? People haven't really changed much in the past 2000 years. There were some who refused to repent when Jesus was right there with them...and now there are some who refuse to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and repent today. Maybe you are wondering just what does it mean to repent? Repenting isn't a difficult action—it is just humbling. You have to admit you are a sinner. Can you do that? It is interesting to note that the idea of everyone sinning is a universal problem not just a New Testament concept. This is expressed in the Scriptures below:

LORD, we confess our wickedness and that of our ancestors, too. We all have sinned against you. Jeremiah 14:20
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

Everyone since Adam and Eve has sinned. That sin breaks our possibility of a relationship with God. To restore that relationship we merely have to confess our sin. Merely you say. That is humbling. Can you do that? I try to keep my account short by confessing my sin daily—or even more often if necessary. Jesus is the answer—renewing my mind—so I am not a slave to sin.

Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. Romans 7:25

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

Repent. Let God transform you.

What do we learn about Jesus from today’s focus scripture passage?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You are my Lord and Savior. I repent of my sin and ask that You would continue to renew my mind, that I would be more like You each day.

Verse of Salvation ~ Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens, “It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth-- the one who accuses them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:10

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© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. Portions recycled from December 30, 2019, Banquet With The King.All rights reserved. All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.