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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© 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.

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.

Sunday, May 24, 2026

What is Blasphemy?

“I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences.” He told them this because they were saying, “He’s possessed by an evil spirit.” Mark 3:28-30

Meditate on these words of Jesus.

Truth. Jesus was a truth teller. He never lied. Over and over He said … I tell you the truth? Additionally, He is Truth.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (Underlined for emphasis.)

What is blasphemy? It is insulting God, or showing a lack of reverence and can be considered as sacrilege, profanity, irreverence, or cursing. Are people today blaspheming God with their swearing or cursing? That is just what the Jewish leaders accused Jesus of early in…and throughout His ministry.

But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?” Matthew 9:3

Jesus tells us in the focus scripture for today that blasphemy, except for blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, can be forgiven. Forgiven is a gift… just ask for it.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage?

Prayer ~ Jesus, please forgive me for times I’ve even thought curses—and not spoken them out loud. Thank you for forgiving me. To God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—be the glory and honor…forever!

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

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Saturday, May 23, 2026

No Feuds or Fighting

One time Jesus entered a house, and the crowds began to gather again. Soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him away. “He’s out of his mind,” they said. But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, “He’s possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That’s where he gets the power to cast out demons.” Jesus called them over and responded with an illustration. “How can Satan cast out Satan?” he asked. “A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive. Let me illustrate this further. Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house. Mark 3:20- 27

Map of Israel - During Jesus time

Find Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Capernaum

Meditate. Read this scripture two more times and consider Jesus response to the accusations.

So many people were crowding around Him that He had no time or space for Himself, and now His own family and the religious leader from Jerusalem had come to Capernaum to confront Him. He’s out of his mind. He’s possessed by Satan…. How did Jesus respond? He often answered people with a question like “What do you want me to do for you?” But here you can almost hear Him laughing… . “How can Satan cast out Satan?” Good question. Are you wondering why they just couldn’t believe in Him for who He was?

The surprising thing was His family thought He was crazy. His Mother, too? Mom’s are suppose to believe in, encourage, and support their children. What was going on here? Was Satan stirring up some sibling rivalry? Lots of questions. We won’t necessarily know the answers until we get to Heaven. For now…just trust and obey. If you can believe in Jesus as your savior, then He will give you peace…and with renewed faith the doubts will go away. Think about these things—and pray. No fights or feuds or anxiety over this.

Believe, trust, obey. Any questions on that? Ask Jesus and He will give you the answers.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage?

Prayer ~ Jesus, I believe in You. You are the Son of God. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no one goes to the Father—and eternally to Heaven—without You. As recorded in Matthew 11:27, “My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Thank you for this revelation of Good News—and Your promise of eternal life.

Verse of Salvation ~ For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

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Friday, May 22, 2026

Whatever You Ask

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. Luke 8:1-3

Meditate. Read the scripture passage again.

Jesus went throughout the Galilee region preaching and teaching about the Good News—that the Kingdom of God was at hand—was here! Great News. There were likely at least twenty people with Jesus, His disciples and supporters. That’s a lot of people to feed and house. How did they do it? I’d like to imagine that when it came time for a meal…God provided just like when Jesus fed the 5,000 men and their families. We don’t have a record of that—just remember that Jesus said…

You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. John 15:16 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Whatever you ask. Jesus was asking His followers, His disciples, and supporters to follow Him, to do what He did. Jesus was continually asking God for His guidance. He said several times that He said and did what the Father told Him.

So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. John 5:19

And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say. John 12:50

Teach, preach, and heal. Jesus was probably using this preaching and teaching time to train His disciples and strengthen the faith of those who were supporting Him as they walked the dusty trails and roads around Galilee. There He spoke in parables, as we will see in the following blogs.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage?

Prayer ~ Jesus, please give us wisdom and guidance as we follow You. Thank You for revealing Yourself to us and sharing the Good News—eternal life with You! Help us to live our lives as a witness to Your salvation.

Verse of Salvation ~ He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:14

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Olives are one of the seven healing fruit of Israel and an amazing food. Olives come in several varieties and their color may simply depend on their ripeness. Black olives are ripe, whereas green ones are just that, green. The brown ones, my favorite, are kalamata, which are often served with Greek food. Olive oil is best when it is freshly pressed and the first pressing has the most beneficial nutrients.

Olive oil is among the healthiest oil you can make or buy and can be used in many cooking and baking recipes. You can even use it sparingly as a moisturizer for your sin. It is a versatile and healthy food. Olive oil was a mainstay in the diet and used for many things during Biblical times. They are packed with vitamin E and other antioxidants, which are known to be healthy for skin, bones, the circulatory system, and the brain. It has been shown to even reduce the risk of breast cancer. Additionally, olive oil has been shown to decrease the LDL cholesterol level and increase the HDL cholesterol level. Heart disease is lower in countries around the world that consume more olive oil in their daily diet. You’ve probably read that one way to improve your health is to drink a tablespoon of olive oil a day. Glub-glub! I’ve tried it. The better the oil the easier it is to swallow!

Large stones used to press olives to make olive oil.

Archeological park, Israel

Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane on the night that He was betrayed. Gethsemane mean oil press. It was where olive trees grew and the oil was pressed out of the olives with a huge stone. Even today olives are pressed with the first pressing known as extra virgin olive oil. It is the purest. The olives are pressed again and that oil is labeled virgin olive oil. If a bottle that you purchase is not labeled as virgin olive oil, then it has been refined in some way, like heating it which can damage the structure of the oil and make it lose some of its health benefits.

One way to get your daily tablespoon is by dipping slices of French, Italian, or sour dough bread into some olive oil that has a splash balsamic vinegar and Italian herbs sprinkled on it. Yum! A healthy fat. Eat some today!

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Thursday, May 21, 2026

The Sweet Smell of Forgiveness

Could this be like the Alabaster Jar?

Photo by Liberty Shultz - Institute of Art - Chicago, Illinois

Cameo cutting vase produced in the late 1800’s.

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!” Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.” “Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied. Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.” “That’s right,” Jesus said. Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume. “I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.” Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?” And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:36-50

Meditate. Forgiveness.

As the guests gathered at the home of Simon the Pharisee, others from the community also joined the festivities—sort of an open door policy. Everyone wanted to hear what Jesus had to say…and see if He might perform some more miracles. Simon was having his servants roast a lamb—and it was beginning to smell, well, actually heavenly. Lamb, olives, humus and fresh bread. A marvelous meal fit for a king. It was just that Simon, the host, didn’t recognize Jesus a the King

Perfume in an Alabaster jar was probably worth a year’s wages was carried in by a woman—of ill repute—with whom no one wanted to associate. As she removed the stopper, the fragrance wafted through the room. She poured some over Jesus’ feet and gently massaging His tired feet, continuing to cry and wipe His feet with her hair. With each tear she shed, she repented. She was sorry for the sinful life she had been living. Because of her faith in Him, Jesus forgave her, instructing her to go in peace He confronted Simon, who had not even had his servants follow the custom of washing the dusty feet of his guests. Rude. Now, Simon’s guests were questioning Jesus, the forgiver. Jesus, who smelled wonderful from the fragrant perfume with which His feet had just been anointed. The sweet smell of forgiveness.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage?

Prayer ~ Jesus, may the dedication that I feel towards You, like that of the Alabaster woman, be evident and may it be a sweet smell to You.

Verse of Salvation ~ Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 2 Corinthians 2:15

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Wednesday, May 20, 2026

World Bee Day

Today is World Bee Day. What does World Bee Day have to do with Jesus?

In the Old Testament there is a story about Sampson and bees. This occurs when he is going to seek a beautiful young Philistine woman as his wife. Interesting that he doesn’t tell anyone about the bees or from where he gets their honey in order to save his wedding—but he still fails. Similarly, Jesus asks people not to tell others about Himself after he has performed miracles in their lives.

As Samson and his parents were going down to Timnah, a young lion suddenly attacked Samson near the vineyards of Timnah. At that moment the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he ripped the lion’s jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat. But he didn’t tell his father or mother about it. When Samson arrived in Timnah, he talked with the woman and was very pleased with her. Later, when he returned to Timnah for the wedding, he turned off the path to look at the carcass of the lion. And he found that a swarm of bees had made some honey in the carcass. He scooped some of the honey into his hands and ate it along the way. He also gave some to his father and mother, and they ate it. But he didn’t tell them he had taken the honey from the carcass of the lion. Judges 14:5-9

Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” Matthew 9:30

As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” Matthew 17:9

Meditate.

Jesus was guarded and secretive about some of the miracles that He performed or revelations that His disciples observed. The Pharisees were looking for ways to accuse Him of wrong doings so that they could have Him eliminated from existence. Sampson just used the bees in the lion situation to create a riddle to save his marriage. Neither Jesus nor Sampson were successful with their secrets.

Do you keep secrets that could be harmful to your relationships?

Celebrate Bees — Be Kind

What do we learn about Jesus from studying these verses?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, help us to share the good news about You with others…and not to be secretive. Give us the industriousness of the honey bees that we would be busy all the time doing Your work.

Verse of Salvation ~ As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

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Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Are You The Messiah? Or Should We Keep Looking?

John’s two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’” At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.” After John’s disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces. Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!” When they heard this, all the people—even the tax collectors—agreed that God’s way was right, for they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God’s plan for them, for they had refused John’s baptism. “To what can I compare the people of this generation?” Jesus asked. “How can I describe them? They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, ‘We played wedding songs, and you didn’t dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn’t weep.’ For John the Baptist didn’t spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.” Luke 7:20-35

Was John the Baptist a weak reed or grass, swayed by every breath of wind?

Mediate on this long passage. Read it again contemplating Jesus’ very words as you read.

Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else? You may still be looking for your Messiah…your Savior. Could it be Jesus? He is here…unchanged. The same yesterday, today, and forever. (see Hebrews 13:8.) Risen from the dead. The Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected John’s baptism—refused to repent of their sins. Do you? The Pharisees accused Jesus of being a friend to the disrespected— the down and out folks…the tax collectors and other sinners. Take a look at the relationship between Jesus and those despicable people. They became His followers, forgiven, and repentant. One day they will be seated at the great banquet table with Him, while the unbelievers, those who reject Jesus, will be cast into the outer darkness—into a cold, lifeless eternity. Jesus declared that He is the Light of the World (the bread of life, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

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

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Can you believe in Him? Is He your Savior, or should you keep looking? The choice is yours.

What do we learn about Jesus from this passage?

Prayer ~ Thank You, Jesus, for obediently coming to be our Messiah—for being willing to give up Your life for each of us…for all mankind. I’m sorry that people rejected You—but I am eternally grateful that You revealed Yourself to me…that You chose me.

Verse of Salvation ~ We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 15:11

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Monday, May 18, 2026

Get Up!

Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.” Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother. Great fear swept the crowd, and they praised God, saying, “A mighty prophet has risen among us,” and “God has visited his people today.” And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding countryside. Luke 7:11-17

Meditate. Life and death. Death and life.

Don’t cry. Get up and live.

Nain is a village about twenty-five miles from Capernaum where Jesus had just healed the Roman officer’s servant. It was no coincidence that Jesus was at this village with His disciples. God always has a plan. This event definitely brought glory to God. This was the widow’s only son—who would take care of her now? Women had to be cared for by a male family member. Jesus had compassion on this widow. Listen to His words, “Don’t cry.” By this time His father, Joseph, was likely deceased, so He could probably see a similarity of the situation in this widow and His widowed mother. Luke writes that Jesus’ heart overflowed with compassion.

As the funeral procession went by, Jesus merely touched the coffin and spoke to the young man. “Get up.” Those simple words changed that little family’s direction. Imagine how overjoyed that mother must have felt to have her beloved son alive and well!

What do we learn about Jesus from this passage? Compassionate. Powerful.

Prayer ~ Glory be to the Father. You are merciful and righteous, Jesus. Thank you for Your compassion, generosity, and Your willingness to serve others by raising this young man from the dead.

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

Happy Birthday, Rachel

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