Banquet With The King

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Serve—Work Willingly

Prayer ~ Lord, I want to serve You today—provide an opportunity for me to help You with something…with someone.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Meditate. Consider what you have done for the Lord lately.

We don’t work for the Lord to earn recognition or to get a place…or a better place…in Heaven as some almighty reward. God doesn’t operate that way. He has a plan and that plan focuses on salvation through Jesus Christ the Savior who gave His life to pay the debt for our sin. Everyone sins and falls short of God’s glory…of His expectations. The result of sin is death. Jesus, who was sinless, took all of our sins…yes, all the sins for all of mankind for all of history…to the cross. That was a lot of sin. He died there—tortured, humbled, and rejected. The best part of His story is that He was raised from the dead and is seated at the right hand of God the Father in Heaven. One day we will join Him there. For now, after we repent and accept what Jesus did for us—and thus claim Him as our Savior—then we will want to do good deeds for Him. Those good works won’t get us into Heaven—but they will give glory to God while we are still living here on earth. I like that Paul encouraged the church at Corinth that…nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. So, in whatever you do for the Lord—serve—work willingly.

The Empty Tomb
Victory over death.
Jerusalem, Israel

Verses of Salvation ~ For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:53-57

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23

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

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Can Work Get You into Heaven?

Prayer ~ Lord, show me how to help others understand that we can never get into heaven by our good works—it is only by Your grace and mercy that Heaven is an eternal option for us.

Someone came to Jesus with this question: "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" "Why ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. But to answer your question--if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments." Matthew 19:16-17

Meditate. How do you get to heaven?

Here we can read between the lines that Jesus is admitting that He is the One who is good. It is worthwhile to mention scripture that says…Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8. Jesus NEVER changes…God NEVER changes. He IS good—the ultimate goodness. He is what we are striving to be like. We change—hopefully for the better—to be more like Jesus. It may take a conscious effort, an inward determination to change—and the best place to start the desired change is with prayer. Ask God to help you—if you desire more goodness in your character. Jesus’ direction to keep the commandments may also take prayer and a commitment on your part. Just remember…I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Life of Christ
Depicted on this cross...
from Medjugorje.

What “good deed” can people do to inherit eternal life? The truth is that everyone will have eternal life…but not everyone will have their eternal life in heaven…some will find themselves in hell for eternity. Hell—who would choose that? Those who don’t choose Jesus as their Savior, choose Hell by default. No one can do anything—no good works—that will make God let them into Heaven. We can’t buy our way in…or do some good deed that will assure our place in Heaven. God doesn’t do things that way. The result of sin is death—and everyone sins. Our sins have to be paid for—but we can’t ever “pay” for that. Only Jesus could take care of that for us as He became the sacrifice--like a sacrificial lamb--and gave His life for us on the cross. Jesus was obedient to God the Father—and God the Father showed a great love for mankind by allowing Jesus, His only Son, to be sacrificed for our sin.

And since it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved. Romans 11:6

Grace…undeserved favor. Ultimate and undeserved love. We cannot earn it—it is a gift from God. No one can work their way into Heaven.

Verses of Salvation ~ For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. Titus 2:11-13

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23

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, April 5, 2022

God’s Promise Involves Faith

Prayer ~ Lord, I believe in You…and know that it is only through faith in You that life has meaning.

Clearly, God's promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God's law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith. If God's promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless. For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!) So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham's. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. Romans 4:13-16 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Consider your faith and your relationship with God.

We can see a shadow--
but we cannot see God.
We can only hope and trust
that God's promises are true.
That takes faith.

In what or in whom do you have faith? What do you have confidence in? Paul writes here that the promise, God’s promise, is received by faith. Faith in God…faith is believing like Abraham believed. The classic Biblical definition of faith is…

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1

So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." This way of faith is very different from the way of law, which says, "It is through obeying the law that a person has life." Galatians 3:11-12

Faith is the key to a good relationship with God…to actually believe and trust in the Lord. Paul gives us a good challenge…

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. 2 Corinthians 13:5

As you look within yourself…and your motives…what do you see? First, do you believe in God and in Jesus Christ as your Savior? Do you have faith, like Abraham to trust God…and do what He says…and go where He wants you to go even if it is not within your comfort zone? Do you see God working in your life? Is your relationship with God growing stronger? For you, does God’s promise involve faith?

Verse of Salvation ~ And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 1 Peter 1:5

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23

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, April 4, 2022

Do It For the Lord.

Prayer ~ Lord, whatever I do today…I do it for You.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites. Colossians 3:23-25

Meditate. What is work to you?

Prune the roses now for beautiful blooms later.
Work as for the Lord.

We recently had a “workday” at church to trim the rose bushes and trees, and to weed-weed-weed! With so many flower and shrubbery beds, there are a lot of areas to be weeded. A good crew of people of all ages showed up to help out. There are a couple of people who have been trimming the willow trees for ages and they just cut those trees back lickety-split. Everyone willingly worked as if they were working for the Lord Himself. They were. In return, God blessed us with a beautiful day—and we got the churchyard spruced up for another year. That work time turned out to be a good fellowship time for those working closely where they could chat and work. It was good to see seven and seventy year old’s working alongside each other trimming, weeding, and hauling their cuttings to the dumpster—together.

What are you working on now? Whatever you do…work at it as if you were working for the Lord…rather than for people. Whether it is creating computer code, ironing shirts, cooking, baking, creating beautiful quilts, paintings, or simply sweeping the floor. Sometimes serving others for the Lord builds your relationship with Him. Give Him glory as you work. Do it for the Lord.

Verses of Salvation ~ Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. Philippians 2:12-16

[Note: Salvation cannot be earned through work, it is a gift from God. We must repent to be saved—but that is not work. Once saved, we should “work hard” to show the results of our salvation.]

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23

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

Read "Day By Day" any day. Each devotion is separate.

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Matthew 6:24 NLT

Sunday, April 3, 2022

When is Your Sabbath Day?

Prayer ~ Lord, may all that I do today please and honor You.

Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don't pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD's holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don't follow your own desires or talk idly. Isaiah 58:13

Meditate. Do you honor God by keeping a Sabbath day?

The Ten Commandments
Originally written by the hand of God on stone slabs.

One of the Ten Commandments states that we must keep the Sabbath day, yet we are no longer under the Law.

Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Exodus 20:8

So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God. When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit. Romans 7:4-6

It is by God’s grace and mercy that we are even saved at all. Paul says it so well—as he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write to the church at Ephesus. God continues to say it over and over in His Word. He loves us. We don’t deserve His love or His mercy…but He cares about us. He says it so well—straight-forward and direct so we can understand it.

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:4-8

Since we are saved by God’s grace we should honor Him by keeping the Sabbath day holy. There are some who would argue that the Sabbath is on Saturday—as God set that as a day of rest after Creation. But, some say that the Sabbath is Sunday, commemorating the day that Jesus was risen from the dead. Whichever day you choose the important thing is that you are setting aside a day to honor the Lord. It is His holy day. Today is Sunday—my Sabbath Day. I don’t work, do laundry, or spend an excessive amount of time preparing elaborate meals on Sunday. I like to focus on honoring God—and serving Him by serving others like any other day. Somehow a good nap—a day of rest—always seems appropriate on the Sabbath. What do you do to honor God and build your relationship with Him on His holy day? When is your Sabbath Day?

Verse of Salvation ~ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:9

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 of the Bible: New Testament Stories

Saturday, April 2, 2022

Rate Your Relationship

Prayer ~ Lord God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—I want a right relationship with You. Open my eyes and my heart to show me ways to grow closer to You.

I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning. I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward. Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:5-9

Meditate. Rate your relationship with God.

I’m sure at some time in your life someone has asked you to rate your relationship with another person—either your spouse, significant other, children, parents, teachers, professors, boss, co-workers, or friends. Give a one to three rating in the categories below with one being a little and three being a lot:

1. I know I am saved.

2. Want to know more about God.

3. Want to spend time with God – reading His word.

4. Want to spend time with others discussing what you have learned this week about God.

5. Time spent in prayer…with God the Father, with Jesus Christ, or with the Holy Spirit.

Do you have a separate relationship with each of the Trinity? I think it is easiest to have a relationship with Jesus—He is approachable. He has feelings like humans since He was human for over thirty years—and He understands us. The Bible is filled with passages about Jesus in the Old and New Testaments—prophesying and giving us facts about Him. Christmas and Easter are all about Christ. He was born and died for our sins. Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior? Knowing the sacrifice He willingly made—even before He created the earth—is such an awesome thought. Greater love has no man than he lay down his life for his friend. That is Jesus’ relationship with us. How much are we willing to give to Him? Our time, talents, resources? It all belongs to Him anyway. Like God the Father, Jesus Christ is always listening for us to call upon Him—for us to share our cares, concerns, and celebrations with Him.

God the Father has seemed a bit more austere as He is the God Almighty. Although He loves us so much that He sent His Son as a sacrifice for our sin, God the Father was at one time not as approachable to me. After years of Bible study and intentional devotion to God the Father, I am now comfortable in my relationship with Him. We give honor to God the Father. Consider how many times you’ve prayed the Lord’s Prayer…Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name…. It honors God the Father. Do you seek to know the Father more intimately? Do you speak casually with Him throughout the day? He is always listening…waiting for you to speak to Him.

The Holy Spirit is special—my rememberer—teaching and reminding me of God’s word, helping me apply it to my life—and helping me find things.

But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27

I’ve felt for years that this part of God is most often overlooked. He gives glory to God the Son and to God the Father—never Himself. Even though growing up we sang the Gloria Patri…glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost…there was never any other focus on the Holy Spirit.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14

Now, what about your relationship with the Holy Spirit? Do you have one? If not, now is a good time to establish that connection. You can pray to the Holy Spirit, just like you pray to God the Father, or to Jesus. Honor them all three today. Then rate your relationship.

Verses of Salvation ~ But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

Memory Verse of the Week ~ What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31

Did you memorize this verse…or teach it to someone else?

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 of the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, April 1, 2022

April’s Fools Day

Prayer ~ Lord, help me not to make fools of others—or myself—today, but to help us all in some way to build up our relationship with You.

Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster. The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their destruction. The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin. People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray. Hiding hatred makes you a liar; slandering others makes you a fool. Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible. Proverbs 10:14-23

Meditate. Do you really want to fool someone or be fooled by someone today?

Noah's dove - no olive branch.

April Fools! It is a custom celebrated in over a dozen countries around the world—even in Ukraine where they say, “April the first, I trust nobody.” I’m sure there won’t be much trust, pranks, or such a joyous day there today. Pranks, practical jokes, lies, and even false stories in the news media are the norm for this day which may have originally begun recounting Noah’s release of a dove on the ark before there was any land. Another possible source of the beginning of this foolishness day was within the stories of The Canterberry Tales written in the fourteenth century by Geoffrey Chaucer. Do you remember having to read that classic book in High School? Likely you were more caught up in trying to come up with a prank that wouldn’t get you in trouble but would make a fool of the school bullies.

Is it desirable to make others look foolish? According to these verses above—just a few about fools from Proverbs—foolishness is not a desirable attribute. It might be a goal for elementary-age children and pranksters at heart who can find lots of prank ideas online, but is it something that God wants us to do? We are to encourage and build others up.

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

Shortly before he died, Joshua challenged the Israelites to love God and serve Him, not idols. If there is one thing that makes God angry it is for people to serve idols instead of Him.

But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

What or whom will you serve today? Are you going to pull the prank of the year…or honor God in all that you think, do, and say? Will this be a day of foolishness? April Fool’s Day.

Verse of Salvation ~ 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 5:8

Memory Verse of the Week ~ What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Bumblebee gathering pollen

We can’t live on bread alone. Have some butter and honey on a slice of raisin bread toast for breakfast, lunch, or supper. Although it may crystalize, honey never spoils, goes rancid or actually has an expiration date. There don’t seem to be as many bees out in the flowering trees this year—so honey may be in short supply soon, like so many other foods. Enjoy it while you can.

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 of the Bible: New Testament Stories