Thursday, October 31, 2024

Stars Give Light and A Message

Prayer – Lord God, please give us wisdom and understanding to see Your story in the stars.   

He counts the stars and calls them all by name. Psalm 147:4

 

He made all the stars—the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the southern sky. Job 9:9

 

Can you direct the movement of the stars—binding the cluster of the Pleiades or loosening the cords of Orion? Job 38:31

God turns darkness into morning...day into night.
Watch the sky.
God gives us light in the darkness.


It is the LORD who created the stars, the Pleiades and Orion. He turns darkness into morning and day into night. He draws up water from the oceans and pours it down as rain on the land. The LORD is his name!
Amos 5:8

 

Meditate. Consider God’s creation.

 

Look into the night sky. The stars give light and tell God’s story.

            When was the last time you looked at the stars and recalled God’s story written there for all of us? The stars give us light at night and guide ships—before Global Positioning System (GPS). God wrote stories in the sky before there was a written language. Those were passed down from generation to generation until Moses wrote the Pentateuch—the first five books of the Old Testament. You can Google stories of creation and salvation in the stars or the Gospel in the stars for yourself. One of the websites that you’ll discover is Bible Astronomy. It lists all the constellations and God’s story that corresponds with that star formation. God intended for us to see His plan before there was a Bible.

            Tonight at midnight look into the southern sky and you’ll see the star formation Pleiades, also known as seven sisters. It is a group of bright stars that northwest of the constellation Taurus. Surprisingly that group of stars is always in its highest point on October 31st.  

            Orion means Coming As Light. That constellation gives a clue as to God’s plan for salvation. There are twelve constellations known as the Mazzaroth, or more commonly as the Zodiac, that picture a prophetic event associated with God’s plan for saving mankind. Each of the constellations has other smaller star groups associated with them that give more information to the story. Here’s a summary of the stars as they tell God’s story.

Virgo represents the seed of the woman, the Messiah as the Incarnate Son.

All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us'). Isaiah 7:14

Libra symbolizes the required price—that God Himself requires for sin—Messiah as the Redeemer.

And they sang a new song with these words: "You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. Revelation 5:9

Scorpio denotes the moral conflict, the Messiah the Sufferer.

You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! Psalm 91:13

Sagittarius exemplifies the final triumph, Messiah the Conqueror.

In your majesty, ride out to victory, defending truth, humility, and justice. Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds! Your arrows are sharp, piercing your enemies' hearts. The nations fall beneath your feet. Psalm 45:4-5

Capricorn signifies life out of death, Messiah the Sacrifice.

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. John 12:24

Aquarius symbolizes blessing out of victory, Messiah the Living Water.

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" John 7:37-38

Pisces represents deliverance from bondage, Messiah the Liberator.

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law. Galatians 5:1

Aries stands for glory out of humiliation, Messiah the Crowned Lamb.

And they sang in a mighty chorus: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing." Revelation 5:12

Taurus symbolizes His glorious coming, Messiah the Judge. The Pleiades are close to Taurus and to Orion which represents the Prince of Glory, with triumph and brightness of His coming.

But you have made me as strong as a wild ox. You have anointed me with the finest oil. Psalm 92:10

Gemini characterizes His rule on Earth, Messiah the King.

For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 1 Timothy 6:15

Cancer symbolizes His possessions held secure, Messiah the Protector.

This is what the LORD says: Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by my own name that I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. Genesis 22:16-17

Leo represents His enemies destroyed, Messiah the Victor.

But one of the twenty-four elders said to me, "Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David's throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals." Revelation 5:5

So those are the twelve constellations that show us God’s plan for the Messiah, the Savior of the world. Maybe you can find a diagram of the constellations to help you identify the patterns in the stars. God had a plan…and His prophesied plan is being fulfilled.

            The stars give us light, lighting up the night sky. Actually, they are giving off light even during the daytime, but it is so bright that we can detect their light. At night, there is no complete darkness. Jesus gives us light day and night, and even said that 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

Watching the sky and seeking to know God through His star constellations is an option for anyone—but believing is the choice that those star gazers will have to make for themselves. What do you choose?

 

Verses of Salvation ~ My mercy and justice are coming soon. My salvation is on the way. My strong arm will bring justice to the nations. All distant lands will look to me and wait in hope for my powerful arm. Look up to the skies above, and gaze down on the earth below. For the skies will disappear like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing. The people of the earth will die like flies, but my salvation lasts forever. My righteous rule will never end! Isaiah 51:5-6

 

© 2024 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

 

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, October 30, 2024

End Abuse

There are no borders to abuse.
Worldwide
Choose to end it.


Prayer – Lord Jesus, In Your mercy and love, touch the lives of those around the world involved in abuse. It may seem like a cultural element or habit, but abuse is disrespectful. There is no love there…and all love comes from You—so please protect those involved in abuse and intercede for those, especially the children. May Your love shine through those who love You and touch the lives of those who need Your love. The Kingdom of God is within us—we don’t need to look any further…or long for the future. It is here—now. You are with us and within us.

We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. 1 Corinthians 4:12

 

Meditate. Take a breath…relax.

 

Are you patient with those who disrespect, mistreat, manipulate, coerce, exploit, or neglect you?

            Do you turn the other cheek? The author of Lamentations, probably Jeremiah, wrote about turning the other cheek. Jesus, Himself spoke about reacting to someone who strikes you on the face.

Let them turn the other cheek to those who strike them and accept the insults of their enemies. For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. Lamentations 3:30-31

 

But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don't try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you. Luke 6:27-31 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Abuse is not acceptable. Physically, mentally, sexually, emotionally, or spiritually. We are taught to bless those who curse you. Turn the other cheek. Accept the insults (no reaction or road rage!) Treat others the way you want to be treated. What a good way to live. Each of us has a choice to make.

 

Verses of Salvation ~ The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. Lamentations 3:22-26


October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

 

© 2024 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

 

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, October 29, 2024

Domestic Violence?

Prayer – Lord, have mercy on those who are dealing with issues—like domestic violence, unmet expectations, or rejection in their homes. It’s not an acceptable excuse to say…”we’re just humans” when people are abused physically, sexually, mentally, or emotionally. Help everyone to be kind, tenderhearted towards one another…and most of all, to treat others the way they themselves want to be treated. 

But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand. Psalm 39:10

 

Meditate.

 

Is there domestic violence in your home…or in your families’ or friends’ situations?

Are you trusting in the Lord to provide everything you need, including peace, unity, and love within your family? Striking in a physical, mental, sexual or emotional sense. Stop striking me!

As we near the end of October, the Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I’m sure there are some families out there that are wondering… When will the Kingdom of God come? Because they are so oppressed with domestic violence, the thought of Jesus return offers them hope. Domestic violence includes emotional as well as physical abuse, sexual assault and trafficking. The problem isn’t just here in the United States. It is prevalent around the world. The last day of October is the end of the Domestic Violence Awareness campaign, but it is not the end of domestic violence.

Shirley & Bob Woody
with Vicki & Anne
In the Kingdom of God


Please continue to pray and intervene for women and children around the world who are victims of domestic violence. Personally, I’ll admit that I am still grieving for my sister and her two daughters, along with her new husband, who were murdered almost thirty-five years ago by her ex-husband. The ultimate domestic violence—death. Because they believed in Jesus as their Savior, we know God was with them. The Kingdom of God was already in them. Do you believe that the Kingdom of God is already in you? Jesus has promised…

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

 

Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.  1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NASB

Take a look at your own life…as I have looked at mine. Are we greedy…or thieves…or worship (follow) idols in even just little ways? We are not perfect—but let’s not use that as an excuse and try to fool ourselves. Only Jesus was perfect. But we are forgiven…IF we ask for that. For those involved in abuse, I pray that the abuse will end—now—and that forgiveness and reconciliation will transform the lives of those involved. Transformed to know that they can have the Kingdom of God—now—within them when they believe in Jesus as their Savior. Each person has the opportunity to choose—to accept Jesus or to reject Him as their Lord and Savior. What is your choice today?

 

Verse of Salvation ~ For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

 

© 2024 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

Revised and reused from October 29, 2019 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.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®,

Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org

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

 

Monday, October 28, 2024

What Time is it?

Prayer – Lord, time is clicking away. I never knew that getting old would happen so fast, but here I am—old—well at least older than I was! Ha! Now, I’m reading that Peter wrote, it’s time for judgment. It begins with God’s household—all of His adopted children…all of us Christians. I appreciate that for Christians, You’ve already taken care of that. What a marvelous plan that our Father God had from the very beginning. He is…You are…an awesome God. I’m keeping on doing what I know is right in Your eyes…and trusting You that You will never abandon me or forsake me. Thank You.

So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people's affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God's household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God's Good News? And also, "If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?" (Proverbs 11:31) So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Peter 4:14-19 (Underlined for emphasis.)

 

Meditate on these verses. Consider “judgment.”

 

What time is it?

           

Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, wrote that the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God's household. From another passage, we learn that we have already been judged—or rather there is no judgment or condemnation on us because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us.

There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants. John 3:18-21

I find that very reassuring. No judgement for the believers. In one of my favorite Psalms, it indicates that the wicked will be judged.

Will it be fire...
forever...
for the wicked?
They (the wicked) will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. Psalm 1:5-6

Where do you walk or stand with the Lord? Are you on a path with wicked folks…or a godly path? The choice is for each of us to make—and that path will determine where you’ll spend eternity. With God or without Him. Choose wisely.

 

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

 

Happy 12th Anniversary Barry & Evelyn

 

© 2024 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

 

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, October 27, 2024

Do You Trust God?

Prayer – Lord, I trust You with my very life. If…or when…I die, I know that I will go into Your presence because I believe in You, Jesus, as my Lord and Savior. Simple as that. I believe. I trust. I have hope and expectations that You have done…and will do what You’ve said You’d do. You are in charge and I have confidence in You to keep Your promises. Even if I have to suffer at some point in time, I rely on You to be with me always—not to leave me stranded or forsake me. Thank You! 

So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people's affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God's household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God's Good News? And also, "If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?" (Proverbs 11:31) So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Peter 4:14-19 (Underlined for emphasis.)

 

Meditate on these verses. Consider “trust.”

 

Do you trust God?

            Trust. What is that to you? Our money says “In God We Trust.” My Dad and Uncle had a sign in their electrical shop that said, “In God We Trust…Others Pay Cash.” I always thought their sign was funny. Neither of them went to church. Did they really trust God? Near the end of their lives, they both professed to accepting the Lord.

Trust means to have a firm belief in the reliability of someone; to hope; to have faith in or confidence in someone or something; or an expectation or dependence. That pretty much sums up my trust in the Lord. I’m relying on Him, trusting Him to keep His promises. Jesus went so far as to die a humiliating and painful death on a cross, shedding His own blood as a sacrifice for my sins--and for yours. He’s done that already—so I’m sure that He will keep His promise to return someday for all Christians—all believers, and that includes me. Where do you stand with the Lord? With God or without Him. Do you trust God? Choose wisely.

 

Fountain of Salvation?
Hardly, but it is making a big splash.
Do you trust this or God's fountain?
Disney World Fountain
Verses of Salvation ~ See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! Isaiah 12:2-3

 

© 2024 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, Fountain2004, 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

 

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, October 26, 2024

Are You Suffering?

Prayer – Lord, there is so much chaos in our lives—little trials—and some people are going through major things: cancer, death of loved ones, financial upheaval, broken relationships, loneliness, rejection, broken or sick bodies. The list is endless—but through it all, we can count on You to strengthen Christians and even to encourage those who struggle with their faith—their actual belief in You. Most of all, Lord, help those who are spiritually blinded—give them new understanding of Your mercy, Your grace, and a desire to know You more—to have a relationship with You. Thank you for hearing our prayers.

Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his  suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the  world. 1 Peter 4:12-13

 

Meditate on God’s guidance in scripture.

 

The Jeske Family Sod House
Built near Warden in early 1900's.
Imagine the trials they endured.

Are you suffering…going through trials?

We are told to give thanks for everything. I remember a meal we had at our home in Wichita Falls, Texas, with Hubby’s boss—a full Colonel and a Texan. We’d just had a terrible dust storm…and the wind was still blowing, much like it does in eastern Washington. In the meal blessing, I had thanked God for the wind. Colonel Darton, a strong Christian believer, was surprised by that, “Are you really grateful for the wind?” When I realized what I had said I had to laugh. Yep, be thankful in all circumstances.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Even the wind can be a real trial—frustrating. I can only imagine how my great-grandparents lived in a sod house with the dust blowing in the early 1900's. Growing up when the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project had just opened up farmland in the early 1950's, we had a lot of blowing dust…and sand. It would come in through the walls of the bunkhouse where we lived and Mom would have my sister and I vacuum the walls. Dad would have a ring of dirt around his nose and mouth when he came in from driving the tractor through the fields. On bad days we could hardly see the road in front of our house and town which was a couple of miles away was engulfed in rolling clouds of dirt. Everything would just be gritty during a dust storm, but that was life on the farm. On good days we were grateful for the sunshine, the opportunity to have our farm, the crops that finally grew, the beef, chickens, and pigs we raised for food, and for each other. I look back and yes, I am thankful in all circumstances. Thankful even for the trials. Trials make us depend on the Lord…and make us stronger.

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7

Sometimes the trials may be spiritual…but don’t forget that Jesus has your back. He will never leave us or forsake us. When we trust Him, He gives us endurance.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5

It's easy to say these verses—but we are challenged to live them. The key is to trust and endure—to call on the Lord for help with that, knowing that He will come to our aid and our character will be strengthened. Hang in there. We can count on God’s love. There is hope. Hope in our salvation.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ But you aren't in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won't be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don't belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8

 

© 2024 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

 

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