Banquet With The King: August 2025

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Stand Firm?

Stand Firm...in your faith.

When the Lord brings a particular subject to mind repeatedly, it is time to pay attention. This phrase, stand firm, has been coming up pointedly for me a lot lately. Stand firm. In the Greek Lexicon it is number 2476, meaning to preserve or persist, to keep one’s standing, or to be stationary. That’s pretty clear. Stand your ground. Personally, that means don’t be misled, wishy-washy, undecided, or give up hope. Know what you know and live by it. Don’t let others talk you out of your beliefs. Peer pressure can be strong, but endure. If you are a believer—a Christian—you may feel some persecution. Maybe not today, but be prepared. You are likely to be put down, harassed, belittled, or hassled because of your beliefs. Stand firm. Don’t give in to pressure to conform to society, or even to tolerate philosophies that are not in agreement with the Bible. The choice is yours. Choose wisely. Stand firm.

Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ... Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. Ephesians 6:11, 13-14

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

But that does not mean we want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm. 2 Corinthians 1:24

Prayer – Lord Jesus, help me to wisely and courageously stand firm against evil forces that impinge on our way of life, our beliefs. I certainly don’t want to lose my standing, my place in heaven, just to conform to society’s preferences. Give me the boldness to speak out for You, to love God and others, just as You’ve taught.

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture.

Verse of Salvation ~ "And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!" Luke 21:25-28

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

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5,001

Saturday, August 30, 2025

5,000 - 5,000 - 5,000

Jesus fed 5,000 men, not counting the women and children. 5,000! Yes, 5,000 people. That is a lot of people. I grew up in a town of about 2,000—so 5,000 is a considerable number of folks.

Five thousand. That is the number of blog posts I have made at this site since I started this blog fourteen years ago. 5,000. One by one, the numbers add up to be a lot. Celebrate with me.

Jesus taught His followers to ask for their “daily bread,” which is spiritual, as well as physical. Give us this day our daily bread. That day that He fed the 5,000 men, He provided spiritual food, before He broke the loaves of bread and multiplied the fish and bread. Are you seeking spiritual food every day? Most of us eat two or three, maybe more meals a day. Before you eat that food, do you grab a few verses or discuss spiritual issues with those you are eating your meal? Eating alone? We are never alone if we have accepted Jesus as our Savior. He has promised to never leave, abandon, or forsake us. Take advantage of His presence in your life and seek His wisdom and guidance. The choice is yours.

That evening the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves." But Jesus said, "That isn't necessary—you feed them." "But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!" they answered. "Bring them here," he said. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children! Matthew 14:15-21

Prayer – Lord, Thank You for the blessings I have received during the last fourteen years, blogging with You. You have amazed me in the things You have written with me, verses through the Bible, topics focusing on so many different things, and the building of our relationship. I’m still looking forward to that Banquet With The King—with You—in heaven one day—after the Millennium—over a thousand years from now. Time goes fast…so it will seem like tomorrow, soon. A day is like a thousand years…and a thousand years like a day. May You inspire others, draw them closer to You, and provide them with salvation. You are the Messiah—my Savior, my Lord, and my King. I praise You today and always.

Meditate on what God has provided for you.

Verse of Salvation ~ 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, forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 KJV

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.

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, August 29, 2025

Chosen?

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Without fault. He knew that the blood of Jesus would cover our sins, cleanse us so that we would be pure. God had a plan…and it is still continuing.

Chosen. Predestined?

And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified [declared free of the guilt of sin]; and those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity]. Romans 8:30 AMP

How much choice do each of us have? God has “predestined” us…chosen those He wants to live with Him for eternity. I, for one, feel “chosen” and thus predestined to one day see God and live with Him…serving Him forever. How about you? Are you chosen? Did you accept God’s gift…or leave it wrapped up neatly? Open it if you will. The ultimate choice is yours.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. ... I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 1:3-5, 18-20

Prayer – Lord God, Thank You for choosing me.

Meditate on predestination.

Verse of Salvation ~ But it is from Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God [revealing His plan of salvation], and righteousness [making us acceptable to God], and sanctification [making us holy and setting us apart for God], and redemption [providing our ransom from the penalty for sin], so then, as it is written [in Scripture], "HE WHO BOASTS and GLORIES, LET HIM BOAST and GLORY IN THE LORD." 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 AMP

Edible Nasturtiums
Signifies New Birth

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Lunch with Nasturtiums and Avocado Toast

Make a slice of toast for each person with whom you will be enjoying lunch.

Mash an avocado and divide it between the toasts, using at least ¼ avocado on each toast.

Add a poached egg, if you like, and top with hollandaise sauce.

Garnish with nasturtiums on each toast. Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy.

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Will You Keep on Sinning?

Paul asks…should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? What do you think? God’s grace eliminates sin. If we keep on sinning, relying on God’s grace to keep us in good standing…forgiven and cleansed, are we abusing our relationship with God? Paul answers his own question--Of course not! Since we have died to sin, it is buried with Christ Jesus, just as we were buried with Him in baptism. Best of all is that Christ was raised from the dead, and we will be, too, one day. New life, by God’s grace, begins when we believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior.

Recall that God said to be holy…because He is holy. He repeated it numerous times throughout the Old and New Testaments.

So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the LORD your God. Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the LORD who makes you holy. Leviticus 20:7-8

Be holy. Do not keep on sinning. Accept God’s grace. Sins forgiven. Time to stop sinning!? The choice is up to each person.

Baptism in the Jordan River.
Israel

Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Romans 6:1-4

Prayer – Lord God, thank you for forgiving our sins. Only through Your grace will we be able to stop sinning, and at least we won’t intentionally sin, to honor You.

Meditate. Read God’s word and look for His grace.

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

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, August 27, 2025

God’s Grace

Ten Commandments

Sin. People sin. It began with Adam. God’s law—beginning with the Ten Commandments—guides us so that we clearly know right from wrong—knowing what sin is…and isn’t. Those commandments point us to loving God and loving others. Life is simply that. God in His grace, has shown undeserved favor towards mankind. He predetermined that we not only have “right standing” but that believers should be adopted into His family.

That gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Life can’t get any better, considering that it will be perfect when we are all in heaven. For now, there will be turmoil and trouble before this life ends. The Bible clearly tells us that there will be wars and rumors of wars, believers backsliding, famines, and terrible earthquakes. Disasters. The end times will not be pleasant. Maybe that’s why Jesus told us to “be prepared” and we’ve been warned about the turmoil. We shouldn’t take advantage of God’s grace. He has forgiven us and blessed…or rewarded…us with eternal life. Life can’t get any better than the hope of eternal life with God.

God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21

Prayer – Lord God, thank you for Your Grace. We certainly don’t deserve Your favor at all, but are grateful for Your plan and mercy.

Meditate. Consider God’s grace.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. Titus 2:11

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

One Person Disobeyed – Everyone Punished

Who was wrong…or most wrong? Adam or Eve? Eve was deceived. Big Wrong. Then she gave the forbidden fruit to Adam. He took a bite. Another big wrong! He knew where it came from—the Tree of Good and Evil. Did he think they would die right then and there? Did he even know what “death” was? Paul discusses Adam’s sin in Romans Five—but he doesn’t mention Eve’s sin. Interesting. Death came to all mankind through Adam’s sin. Everyone is punished for Adam’s sin.

The good thing is that righteousness, right living with God, comes through Jesus Christ. What a great plan. New life. A right, renewed relationship with our Heavenly Father through the obedience of Jesus Christ. Of course, there is a catch. Those who want this new relationship must accept what Jesus did for them on the cross—that He died for our sins. I can and have acknowledged this fact in my own life. Jesus made an awesome sacrifice…just for me…just for you. Have you or will you receive God’s grace and gift of righteousness? The choice is up to each of us.

For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. Romans 5:17-19

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice for me…and for all mankind. You are totally awesome for being so obedient to the Father. Help me to be as obedient as You. I look forward to spending eternity with You.

Meditate. Consider obedience. Listen closely for God’s instructions. Read His word daily.

Verse 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

Monday, August 25, 2025

Where Did Sin From?

God gave man free choice. We aren’t His puppets. When God made Adam and placed him in the Garden of Eden, He told Adam that he could eat of any tree in the Garden, except the one in the middle of the Garden.

But the LORD God warned him, "You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die." Genesis 2:16-17

God didn’t say that Adam couldn’t touch it, but obviously, when Adam passed the instructions onto Eve about that tree, he added…Don’t Touch, or you will die. That cunning serpent must have been listening. When he had the opportunity, he deceived Eve. She ate of the fruit and gave it to Adam. There you have it. Sin began to invade mankind…and Satan began laughing, thinking he was thwarting God’s plan. I don’t think that he is laughing quite so hard today. There are lots of strong Christians out there and they are likely quoting a favorite verse that is uplifting.

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 1 John 4:4

Do you believe that Jesus Christ in the form of the Holy Spirit lives in you…and that you have won a victory? Don’t be deceived. Study God’s word, see what is predicted to come next, and dig into historical facts. We have such a great resource just waiting for us to tap into and then be ready to defend Jesus Christ, share the Gospel of His resurrection, and boldly encourage others to develop a relationship with God, the Father, with Jesus Christ your Redeemer, and with the Holy Spirit. Sin came into the world with a bite of fruit. What are you spiritually eating today? Are you letting sin into your life? The choice is yours.

When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. But there is a great difference between Adam's sin and God's gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but God's free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. Romans 5:12-16

Prayer – Lord – Thank You, Jesus, for being God’s gracious gift to mankind—and saving us from Adam’s sin…as well as from our own sins.

Meditate. Consider God’s redemptive plan against death.

Verse of Salvation ~ Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32

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