Banquet With The King

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Find Your Strength—Your Treasure—in the Lord

Prayer ~ Lord God, continue to fill me with contentment in whatever circumstances that I find myself. Your love never fails—I find new joy in You every morning. You, Jesus, are my treasure...my salvation—as well as my source of knowledge and wisdom. May You continually be glorified in all that I think, say, and do.

In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD will be your treasure. Isaiah 33:6

Meditate. Treasure the Lord in your heart and life.

In that day…what day? The day…the time that Christ’s kingdom is established with the New Jerusalem as the center. Jesus is our salvation—now. He is the source of knowledge and wisdom—providing us with a stable and righteous foundation. What more can we ask or expect? Of course, He has our respect. My study Bible references Matthew 6:33 for treasure. I love the song that was written from this scripture.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33.

Along with the same thought…Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:20-21.

I treasure my life...a new life in Christ.
I find strength in the Lord.

We love and respect the things…and people…that we hold dear to our hearts…that we treasure. I personally treasure relationships more than things. I treasure my relationship with the Lord. Without Him, my life would be meaningless and likely filled with anxiety and fear. With Him, I find peace, joy, and contentment. Yes, just as Paul wrote to the church in Philippi,

… Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13.

Verse 13 is the key verse… For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13.

Find your strength in the Lord.

Verses of Salvation ~ 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

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Luke 12:34

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

What are Hidden Treasures?

Lord, help me to wisely mend fences...
in relationships with others and with You.
Fence at Folly Island Beach, SC

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...Please grant wisdom and understanding to me, to my family, friends, and neighbors. With wisdom please also help us all to make good decisions—this is the desire of my heart—and my frequent prayer. Thank You—for always hearing my prayers and valuing our relationship. That is my treasure, too—relationships. I'll admit I'm struggling with a couple of relationships now—help me Lord to wisely mend fences and renew our bonds.

My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Proverbs 2:1-11

Meditate. Consider what a treasure is to you.

I certainly value and treasure wisdom and understanding—above gold, a fancy house, or designer clothes—above anything except the love of God. How about you—what do you treasure?

May he grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4

Wise choices will watch over you. I pray daily for my children and grandchildren to make good choices. Sometimes it is evident that they have made good choices…other times, it is obvious that they have not made good choices. Choices are so important—and can be life-threatening or rewarding. The choice is ours, the consequences are ours, and either can provide a golden opportunity to love God and prove just what our treasures really are. Are those treasures hidden?

Verse of Salvation ~ I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure. Psalm 119:162

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Luke 12:34

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

God wants you to be like His Son, Jesus.

What are Jesus' characteristics?

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Chose today whom you will serve...God or money.

Monday, April 11, 2022

What Do You Treasure?

Prayer ~ Lord, help me to value what You value and to “store up” those things in Heaven. Lead me in the way of righteousness that I would please You in all that I think, say, and do. You are my ultimate treasure.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Luke 12:31-34

Think about what matters to you. Meditate on what Jesus expects of us about what is important to us…our treasures.

Luke was speaking to Gentiles, specifically dedicated to Theophilus, but applicable to all Gentiles—even almost 2,000 years later. Luke is recording part of what we know as the Sermon on the Mount as documented in Matthew.

Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:19-21 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Pretty straightforward and simple. Store up the good things in life not as possessions, but as deeds, thoughts and actions that bring glory to God. Paul expressed this in one of his letters to Timothy.

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (Underlined for emphasis.)

So, what and where is your treasure? If it is a physical treasure or money, remember you can’t take it with you.

What do you treasure, value, or consider important? Look around you. What can’t you live without…photos, computer, TV, jewelry, cameras, music equipment, books, legal papers, fancy clothes? But then consider what those who have died took with them. NOTHING! Jesus gave us good advice… Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them. So what are your spiritual treasures? Have you considered that you are special—a treasure—to God?

The LORD has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands. Deuteronomy 26:18

You are a treasure to God Himself...if you can put Him first.

If you give up your lust for money and throw your precious gold into the river, the Almighty himself will be your treasure. He will be your precious silver! Job 22:24-25

I love it that the Almighty…God Himself…is my treasure. Other treasures?

Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart's delight. Psalm 119:111

Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands. Proverbs 7:1

Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster. Proverbs 10:14

In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD will be your treasure. Isaiah 33:6

Treasure God Himself, and everything about the Lord. Salvation, wisdom, knowledge, commands, obedience, fear, or respect. I think that other “treasures” might be considered: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Those are the treasures that I value. What do you treasure?

Verses of Salvation ~ Though the LORD is very great and lives in heaven, he will make Jerusalem his home of justice and righteousness. In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD will be your treasure. Isaiah 33:5-6

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Luke 12:34

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, April 10, 2022

Are You a Good Friend?

Prayer ~ Lord God…Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you. Psalm 9:10. May You fill my heart and life with confidence in You…like that of Abram…as I search for You with all my heart, mind, and soul.

And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." He was even called the friend of God. James 2:23

I’ve been thinking for years about the word “friend” and friendship. What does it mean Biblically or spiritually? What did Jesus teach about being a friend? I want to focus on what it means to be a friend…and what it takes to develop a friendship. I’ve asked some people where they find their friends…and I’m contemplating why friendships last…or don’t. What are the qualities of a friend? What does it take to be a good friend…or to have a good friend? There are books and books about this…but I still want to see what God has to say to me…and to each person who is reading this blog. Let me know what you think about the topic of friends.

Desert Crossing
Abraham's friend as they traveled
to the Promised Land.
Israel

Who is a friend of God? One of the first people mentioned in the Bible associated with the word friend is Abraham. He was even called the friend of God. Why was he considered a friend of God? Was it due to his obedience? Remember Abram (Abraham’s pre-God experience name) and Sarai (Sarah), his wife, left the region of Ur of the Chaldeans along with Abram’s father, Terah, and nephew, Lot, and headed for Canaan—the land promised by God. (See Genesis 11-12.) After Terah died, Abram received God’s promise. “I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you.” Genesis 12:2. God hadn’t given any of Abram’s ancestors…Adam and Eve or Noah any such promise. But He looked into Abram’s heart and saw a righteous man—a man of integrity. A man who could be trusted to listen and obey; one who trusted God for the future.

Consider the challenges that Abram faced traveling to a new country, famines, and unknown situations like a Pharaoh who thought Sarai was Abram’s sister. Abram was not very forthright about his relationship to Sarai a couple of times—but God protected them…and thus protected the future Hebrew people. That is one of the things friends do for each other—protect each other. God kept His promise to Abram that He would make him a great nation—but Abram and Sarai did not have any children at that time. Still, God promised to bless them. He had a plan. Abram and Sarai were part of that plan.

Do you trust God to provide for you…to be your God? Is He your friend…are you His friend? Do you have a relationship with Him?

Verse of Salvation ~ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Cry out, "Save us, O God of our salvation! Gather and rescue us from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you." 1 Chronicles 16:34-35

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, April 9, 2022

Work Willingly and Enthusiastically

Prayer – Lord, I don’t want to be a slacker. I want to work willingly and enthusiastically for You—whether here on earth…or one day in heaven. I will go where You want me to go…and do what You want me to do. Thank You for forgiving my sins. When I repented of my sin and You forgave me, it was the beginning of my new life in You.

Be strong and immovable.
Heavy stones used to press olives
when making olive oil.
Israel

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. 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 15:56-58

Meditate. Think about the work Jesus did…and the work you do.

Work enthusiastically. God was Himself a good worker. Look at the Creation story in Genesis. He didn’t rest until His work was done. Jesus worked tirelessly healing, teaching, and counseling His followers. That was His way of showing love…until He ultimately died on the cross for all of us. Paul gives us some insight into working and loving others in his letter to the church in Rome.

Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13

Paul taught the church at Colossi that they should work willingly. That is the same way we should work at our jobs or homes. I distinctly remember as a young Christian and new wife that I learned a lesson in working for the Lord—in serving my husband as if he were the Lord. I was complaining about always having to starch and iron my husband’s work shirts every day and a precious lady in my Bible Study group advised me to iron those shirts and have them ready every morning…as if I was doing it for the Lord Himself. That changed my attitude. I rarely complained about that task again.

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

So, work…not to get rewarded, but to sincerely help others. Your work is not going to get you into heaven. That is only a gift from God. But your work might just help someone to make the right choice to follow Jesus. Work willingly and enthusiastically.

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

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

Did you memorize this verse? Did you discuss it with Christian friends?

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

Friday, April 8, 2022

Don’t Brood Over the Past

Prayer ~ Lord, You have kept me so busy—I’m never bored with my life. I will admit that there are times that I do brood over the past…but then I realize how You have blessed me so much—and good health to enjoy it with a wonderful family and cherished friends. Best of all…You have given me hope for the future—an eternal future with You. For now, I will eat, drink, and enjoy life. No cloud hanging over my head. Thank You—precious Savior. Show me something in Your word today to guide my life and draw others to You.

And this, too, is a very serious problem. People leave this world no better off than when they came. All their hard work is for nothing—like working for the wind. Throughout their lives, they live under a cloud—frustrated, discouraged, and angry. Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past. Ecclesiastes 5:16-20

Meditate. What is work all about? Do you enjoy your work?

Solomon, in his wisdom, looks at work—and surmises that hard work is for nothing. Do you feel that way sometimes? I know that it is sometimes frustrating and discouraging for young Moms at home to have to do the same chore over and over—and not get any recognition for it. Do you feel like Solomon’s description of those whose hard work is for nothing…they live under a cloud—frustrated, discouraged, and angry. It is good to get that out—to deal with the anger and find options that provide solutions that give meaning and validation to work—whether it is in the home or outside of the home. God values life and efforts. Solomon encouraged people to enjoy their work and accept their lot in life.

The Passover Lamb
Pure and Spotless
Jesus was the Lamb of God
Hosanna!

I like that part that he writes… It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work. So, today…eat, drink and enjoy your work. It’s Friday! Hopefully, that means that you’ll have another day or two off to celebrate your life—and recognize the Holy Week that is ahead of us. Sunday is Palm Sunday when Jesus made a triumphal entry into Jerusalem. I learned an interesting fact this spring…the crowds that hailed Jesus were part of a group of people that were celebrating the chosen Passover lamb that the priests at the Temple had just paraded through the streets. That lamb was pure and spotless, chosen on the tenth day of the month of Abib, and to be sacrificed in the Temple on the fourteenth day of that month.

In honor of the LORD your God, celebrate the Passover each year in the early spring, in the month of Abib, for that was the month in which the LORD your God brought you out of Egypt by night. Your Passover sacrifice may be from either the flock or the herd, and it must be sacrificed to the LORD your God at the designated place of worship—the place he chooses for his name to be honored. Deuteronomy 16:1-2

Jesus was recognized as the Lamb of God as he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, and the people shouted “Hosanna” as they laid palm branches and their cloaks in the streets. Those people weren’t brooding over the past—they were looking to the future. They were longing for and looking for their Messiah. Some of them found Jesus as that Messiah—and others didn’t. Is Jesus your Messiah? Your own personal Savior? If not, chose to repent today and set your life—your eternal life on the narrow path and a relationship with Jesus. Don’t brood over the past.

Verses of Salvation ~ I love you, LORD; you are my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

We can’t live on bread alone. How about some pizza? Friday night has been a traditional family pizza night—off and on—for our family for decades now. Where does that time go? So, for a pizza treat tonight we’re getting take-out from an old family favorite—Chico’s Pizza in Moses Lake, Washington. It’s only an hour and a half drive away…and we’re going to be nearby so it will be a perfect opportunity to satisfy that craving for really good pizza. Check them out if you are ever in or near Moses Lake after 4 PM. Great menu for a pizza place that is not a chain. Sorry Dominos, Papa Murphy’s, and Mod Pizza. We won’t be ordering from you tonight.

Wherever you get your favorite pizza—or if you make it yourself from scratch—enjoy a great American tradition. Pizza on Friday night—with a movie or family game night. Yum!

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