Banquet With The King

Daily Devotional focusing on spiritual "food" at the King's Banquet Table. In 2025 this blog will explore verses to meditate on as we search for Jesus in the Old and New Testaments, pursuing a deeper relationship with God as we grow in Christian maturity. This web page has had over 302,975 page views by people in over 140 different countries who are seeking God through His Word. God has promised if you seek Him, you will find Him. May you be blessed reading Banquet With The King.

Monday, May 19, 2025

If You Worship Some Other God, is the Fiery Furnace in Your Future?

Fire in a Furnace?
Is it for you?

This account of Daniel’s friends being thrown into the fiery furnace is downright scary and awesome at the same time! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are well known names. That fourth person in the furnace was none other than Jesus Himself. The friends wouldn’t worship any god, but their God…our God. Very wise choice for them since God had given one of the Ten Commandments as not to worship any other gods and had remined the Israelites many times about that.

You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you. Exodus 34:14

That was all under the first covenant with God. Now although Jesus gave us the second covenant with God, we still are to worship only one God. As Jesus taught…

Jesus replied, "The Scriptures say, 'You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.'" Luke 4:8

We are also told about John’s vision of Heaven in Revelation.

And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb." And he added, "These are true words that come from God." Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, "No, don't worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters who testify about their faith in Jesus. Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus." Revelation 19:9-10 (Underlined emphasis.)

Who or what is most important in your life? Who do you worship? If it is not the one true God, are you headed to the fiery furnace?

You issued a decree requiring all the people to bow down and worship the gold statue when they hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments. ... If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes, and other garments. And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in. So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames. But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, "Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?" "Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did," they replied. "Look!" Nebuchadnezzar shouted. "I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!" Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn't even smell of smoke! Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king's command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!" Daniel 3:10, 17-29

Meditate. Consider the smell of smoke and the absence of that in this account of the fiery furnace.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for Your guidance and encouragement. I worship You-for You are the King and God of the Universe—creator of all. You are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory.

Verse of Salvation ~ Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign LORD rescues us from death. Psalm 68:19-20

My gratitude for today: I am grateful for a smoke-less life—one with "no fear” of being thrown into a fiery furnace…one in which I can worship God freely and know that He loves me—enough to die for me. That’s the greatest love…and it is mine. Life shouldn’t be about “me” but about Him. I rejoice in that…in His love.

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Is Journaling a Habit for You?

It doesn't matter what language you use...
give your praise to the Lord!
God knows all languages.
Scripture at City of David.
Jerusalem, Israel

There are lots of commands or directions to “write” but those are for people to write down what God is telling particular people to tell others for God.

Today, many people are encouraging others to “journal” their daily routine, thoughts, and thankfulness. I’ve been reading a book, “The Writer’s Diet” in which the author Julia Cameron encourages her readers to begin their day by writing three pages. Three pages! I was doing well to write three lines! Hmmmm! Yes, it is time for me to try journaling again. Another thing that I’ve found is popular, and has been for several years, is “junk journaling” in which pages of recycled artwork, magazines, and other printed material are incorporated into a book that has blank spaces for recording your own thoughts, dreams, and actions. They sell for a pretty penny…and are easily found at Art Galleries, gift shoppes, and farmers’ markets.

So, I challenge you, and myself, to spend some time writing “Letters to God” or creating a praise and thanksgiving list or log of daily gratefulness to the Lord. Will that bring you closer in your relationship to God…or to Jesus? It certainly couldn’t hurt. It will be a step forward and give you self-encouragement—possibly even resulting in the God of love and peace will be with you as Paul wrote to the church at Corinth.

Now go and write down these words. Write them in a book. They will stand until the end of time as a witness that these people are stubborn rebels who refuse to pay attention to the LORD's instructions. Isaiah 30:8-9

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

Meditate. Then pick up your pen and write your thoughts on how God is working in your life.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see how You are working in my life…and help me to write about it.

Verse of Salvation ~ We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 1 John 1:1-5

My gratitude for today: Thank you, Lord, for showing me that my attitude can change, giving me Your grace to change, and teaching me what I can do to be more respectful.

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible

http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Is Life Puzzling for You?

Puzzling?

Some people find puzzles fun to the point that they are obsessed with them…others are overwhelmed or just not interested in them. Where do you stand with that pastime?

Paul mentions a puzzling reflection in his discourse to the church at Corinth. Puzzling reflection as we now see thing—imperfectly. We can’t see where some things fit into the big picture. God has a plan—that has been described as mysterious and hidden. Read more about God’s plan in Isaiah, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, Ephesians, Colossians, Corinthians, Timothy, and even Revelation.

As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets. And this is God's plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God's children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. By God's grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. Though I am the least deserving of all God's people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. Ephesians 3:3-9 (Underlined for emphasis.)

God’s plan was created before Adam and Eve even ate the forbidden fruit—before sin occurred. God was willing to give up His Son, Jesus, for us. What love! Now, we can see a glimpse of this puzzling truth. One day it will be totally revealed to us when it is fulfilled.

When the seventh angel blows his trumpet, God's mysterious plan will be fulfilled. It will happen just as he announced it to his servants the prophets." Revelation 10:7

Puzzle complete...The big picture.

Where will you be when that seventh trumpet is sounded? Already in Heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? For now, it may be a puzzle to figure that out. The truth that we all have a choice to determine our ultimate home is the mystery revealed. All we have to do is believe in Jesus as our Savior, repent of our sin, and we will be spending eternity with Him! The puzzle shows us the big picture.

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:11-13

Meditate. Consider how puzzles go together—and you see the big picture.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, reveal to me more of God’s plan for mankind and give me the boldness to share it with others. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You are the key piece…the Alpha and Omega. Thank You for Your obedience to our Heavenly Father.

Verse of Salvation ~ [For my hope is] that their hearts may be encouraged as they are knit together in [unselfish] love, so that they may have all the riches that come from the full assurance of understanding [the joy of salvation], resulting in a true [and more intimate] knowledge of the mystery of God, that is, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge [regarding the word and purposes of God]. Colossians 2:2-3 AMP

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

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, May 16, 2025

Clueless?

Are you clueless…or just do you not understand how great our God is?

God’s understanding is beyond what we can even imagine—as Isaiah tells us in the Old Testament. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. Don’t worry about not understanding everything. God doesn’t expect us to have wisdom and understanding beyond what He has given us. Some people just have more…or apply it with good common sense. God does expect us to make good decisions with the teachings that He has given us. David discusses this very thing pleading with the Lord in Psalm 119 for understanding.

Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. I cling to your laws. LORD, don't let me be put to shame! I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding. Teach me your decrees, O LORD; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness. Psalm 119:27-40

Like David, I have chosen to be faithful. I want to understand God's word. How about you?

The prophets who spoke God’s words to the people of Israel, and wrote it down for us, didn’t use their own understanding. God gave them the words to say for Him through the Holy Spirit. Each of us who have accepted Jesus as our Savior have the Holy Spirit within us. Listen for His guidance…and gain understanding of what God wants you to do.

So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will surely respond to the sound of your cries. Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, "This is the way you should go," whether to the right or to the left. Isaiah 30:18-21

Listen to the Lord by reading His word and by seeking wise Christian advice from friends who are devout. The best way to learn about God is digging into Scripture and really studying it for yourself. Wisely apply what you learn. Don’t be clueless.

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. Isaiah 40:28

Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:19-21

Meditate. Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, open my eyes, ears, and heart to understanding Your word and to developing a closer relationship with You.

Verse of Salvation ~ Let no one deceive you with empty arguments [that encourage you to sin], for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience [those who habitually sin]. So do not participate or even associate with them [in the rebelliousness of sin]. For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light] (for the fruit [the effect, the result] of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him--your behavior expressing gratitude to God for your salvation]. - Ephesians 5:6-10 AMP

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Some ingredients seem to just hide and you can’t discern them. They are hiding their true identity. Hmmm. What was that flavor? Or what seasoning can we add to bring out the best taste?

Once when we were doing a family time in the kitchen and fixing a traditional Czech meal including our favorite, Boiled Beef with Dill Gravy, we just kept tasting the gravy and it wasn’t quite what we wanted. Finally, my son Mike suggested we add a little lemon juice. Ahhh. The secret ingredient. Perfect flavor! We were no longer clueless and we added it to the recipe.

Boiled Beef and Dill Gravy

3-4 lb beef roast

4 cups water

2 stalks celery

2 whole carrots

1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped

16 ounces sour cream

3 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons vinegar

Lemon juice to taste (~2 tsp or less)

To a large pot add water-beef roast-celery-carrots. Bring the pot to a boil and simmer for about 1½ hours. Take the beef out of the pot. Put in the dill and bring the pot to a boil. Then add the sour cream-sugar-white vinegar and mix very well. Mix the flour with a little water and add it, stirring well so there are no lumps.

Then put the beef back in the pot and cook for about ½ hour. If the gravy is a little thin add a little flour until it is as thick as you like it. After it is done taste the gravy, and add a little salt, sugar or lemon juice if you like. You can serve this beef and gravy with bread dumplings, mashed potatoes, wide noodles, or just boiled potatoes, and of course, sweet and sour cabbage or sauerkraut.

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

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Is Your Life Flourishing?

Life-giving Water
Headwaters of the Jordan River
Israel

Flourishing? What kind of a word is that? Meaning to live prosperously; to be revived from sickness; or to live. Life will flourish wherever this water flows—the lifegiving water of Jesus! He spoke to the woman at the well about lifegiving water and He actually revealed to her that He was the Messiah. Read that account for yourself in John 4.

Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." ... Jesus replied, "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." John 4:10, 13-14

Do you find life—eternal life—in the water around you? Jesus said that the only way to “eternal life” with the Father is through Him. It’s all a spiritual journey. As a spiritual shepherd Jesus will lead us to springs of life-giving water. Are you thirsty—spiritually thirsty? Are you seeking the Lord as your Savior? The passage from Revelation 7 is actually referring to Christians who were martyred in the Great Tribulation. Hopefully, that won’t be you or me! We can follow the living water, Jesus Christ, now…and avoid being martyred.

And he also said, "It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life." Revelation 21:6

In the end, the choice is ours…individually. Then your life…and mine…will flourish.

There will be swarms of living things wherever the water of this river flows. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will become fresh. Life will flourish wherever this water flows. Ezekiel 47:9

For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17 Meditate. Consider God’s promises in scripture. Read God’s word for yourself and listen to what He is saying.

Prayer – Lord, what a wonderful promise. Eternal life from the springs of life-giving water that You offer. That is the best gift ever. This time of the year so many graduates are honored—may they see You in the life-giving water around them.

Verses of Salvation ~ In that day you will sing: "I will praise you, O LORD! You were angry with me, but not anymore. Now you comfort me. 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! In that wonderful day you will sing: "Thank the LORD! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Sing to the LORD, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world. Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you." Isaiah 12:1-6

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Spiritual Restoration

Once again, we see the LORD in the Old and New Testaments, rescuing and restoring us. Jesus shows mercy to those who follow Him and gives back the joy that they once had as they turn to Him.

Are you spiritually restored
as you walk with the Lord?
Which path are you on?

Where are you at with your walk with the Lord? As David pleaded with the Lord in Psalm 51, he asked for restoration. Like David, the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah, was pleading with the Lord. Restore us, O LORD. Similarly in the New Testament, Jude encourages us to rescue others. Here rescue is literally translated as to snatch out of the fire. That is a great rescue! Saving someone from the fire—which we can assume to be saving them from the danger of destruction. Who wouldn’t rescue their friends or family from destruction?

So, appeal to God, begging Him to save you…and then you can reach out to save others. Sounds like a good plan to me! What do you think? Is this something you want for your life? The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

Restore us, O LORD, and bring us back to you again! Give us back the joys we once had! Lamentations 5:21

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude 1:20-23 (Emphasis added.)

Meditate. Consider God’s rescue of you and others.

Prayer – Lord Jesus—restore to us the joy of Your salvation as You bring us back to You. Your mercy endures forever. Thank You. I praise Your holy name.

Verses of Salvation ~ Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:10-12

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Clay Made

God is the potter…we are the clay as it is written in Isaiah.

How foolish can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you, the clay! Should the created thing say of the one who made it, "He didn't make me"? Does a jar ever say, "The potter who made me is stupid"? Isaiah 29:16

Lydia throwing a pot!
Made of clay.

Do you feel like clay sometimes? God is creative and molds each of us differently. We are unique. I like that. Everyone has their own bodies—although there are some family traits—each person is distinctively different. Our minds and souls are the same. Created exclusively individual.

The light that God created shines in our hearts and the love of Jesus radiates from us—glowing like a light from inside a fine porcelain lamp. Porcelain is an exquisite clay that is fragile. Are we really like that. Fragile? Like in the old hymn sung by Johhny Cash, Have Thine Own Way Lord, Have thine own way, Lord/ Have thine own way! / Thou art the potter/I am the clay / Mold me and make me after thy will / While I am waiting, yielded and still.

We are moldable in God’s powerful hands, if we are open to His will and His way. Are you moldable? Does the light of Jesus shine through you? The choice is for each of us.

The LORD gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, "Go down to the potter's shop, and I will speak to you there." So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over. Then the LORD gave me this message: "O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand. Jeremiah 18:1-6

For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

Meditate. Think about clay and how it can be molded.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You made each of us unique and individually physically and spiritually. Fill us with Your love that we can shine for You. May we glow from within with the light of Your light—for You are the light of the world.

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

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day

Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Monday, May 12, 2025

Is Your Mind Open?

You’ve probably heard someone talk about having an “open mind” –one that is willing to try to understand anything with no preconceived ideas or prejudices. In the scripture passage below Jesus is talking about something much different and more powerful. Understanding the Scriptures. This is especially pertaining to comprehending the salvation presented in God’s word, which at that time was only what we now call the Old Testament.

LORD God, open our minds...
to understand You Word.

Jesus Himself is powerful, merciful, and compassionate. He wants us like His disciples to understand His life and His mission, as well as prophecy in the past and the future. As the Messiah, He had to suffer and die—He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. Decide for yourself what you believe about Jesus, who He is to you, that is what your relationship is with Him, and if you will or have repented from your sins. The choice is yours. No one can decide for you. Do you believe in Jesus Christ as God? As your own personal God? Is your mind open?

Then he (Jesus speaking to His disciples after His resurrection) said, "When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said, "Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: 'There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.' You are witnesses of all these things. "And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven." Luke 24:44-49 (Emphasis added.)

Meditate. Think about God opening your mind to understand His words.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, like the father of the demon possessed young man…help my unbelief, as recorded in Mark. "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:23-24. Help me to see You working in my life.

Verses of Salvation ~ Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord's message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories