Banquet With The King

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Are You Listening?

Prayer ~ Lord—You have given us Your Word…and numerous promises. You are always with us…You will never leave us or forsake us. I declare today…and every day that You are my Lord and Savior. I am eternally indebted to You because You allowed Yourself to be sacrificed for mankind’s sin in obedience to our Heavenly Father. You took my sins upon Yourself…to the cross…to Your death. I am honored to be part of Your family—adopted by Your Father. Guide me today…and always…that I would honor You in all that I think, say, and do. May God be glorified.

You have declared today that the LORD is your God. And you have promised to walk in his ways, and to obey his decrees, commands, and regulations, and to do everything he tells you. 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 26:17-18

Meditate.

Can you do “everything He tells you?” In order to do that you must listen very closely. Jesus said several times…

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. Matthew 11:15, Matthew 13:9, Luke 14:35, Revelation 2:11, among other verses

Listening is an important skill. No matter what we do…we must listen to others at home, at work, at school, at church, at the doctor or dentist office, over the fence with a neighbor, over coffee with a friend, or even at the grocery store. We must use our ears and listen. How can we understand if we don’t listen? Listen so you learn, but be discerning. Listen so you know others and can share the new—the Good News at the level they need to hear. That is the only way that you will be able to serve others—thus serve the Lord.

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Carry out the ministry God has given you. God gives us all something to do…a ministry. Listen to Him for direction in your life—seek your Life Verse. It will guide you, comfort, or strengthen you…just when you need it. Seek God’s wisdom…and you will find it.

Verses of Salvation ~ (Zechariah’s prophesy for his son, John the Baptist.)

And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God's tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace. John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel. Luke 1:76-80 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Memory Verse of the Week ~ If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

Happy Birthday Blessings Sweet Rachel

May Our Lord continue to bless and guide you…Day by Day.

With Love and Prayers

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

Who is parenting you?

Read Day By Day to see what character qualities God wants you to have.

Coins in the Bible:

New Testament Stories

How are you spending your coins?

Tuesday, May 17, 2022

Blessings of Wisdom from Our Generous God

Prayer ~ Lord God, when I look at myself, I see a weak person in need of wisdom from You. In Your mercy, please generously lavish knowledge, insight, and understanding for me that I would bring You glory and honor in all that I think, say, and do. You have generously blessed me—show me how and when to be a blessing to others.

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread. The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing. Psalm 37:23-26

Meditate. How can you graciously help others?

Do you see God as generous? That would mean that He is a gracious and liberal giver. Generously, in the Thayer Greek lexicon (574), mean simply, openly, frankly, and sincerely. Yes. I think that does describe our God. He expects us to be like Him in this regard as He had Moses instruct the Israelites before they went into the Promised Land. He wanted generosity and compassion among the Israelites, and thus we can assume it includes instruction for us as an extension of His adopted family.

There should be no poor among you, for the LORD your God will greatly bless you in the land he is giving you as a special possession. You will receive this blessing if you are careful to obey all the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today. ... But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need. ... Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do. Deuteronomy 15:4-5, 7-8, 10

God was giving this guidance on how to treat other Israelites. Can we also assume this is how He wants us to treat all other people? Jesus Himself said to treat others the way we want to be treated. It is known as the Golden Rule—

Manito Park, Spokane WA
May your life overflow with
love, wisdom, and generosity...
like this fountain.

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12

Go and do likewise. Love your neighbor as yourself. Be merciful, generous, kind, and compassionate to others. One day you may find that you need help…and you can trust our generous and wise God to see that you are treated the way you have treated others.

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

Memory Verse of the Week ~ If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 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

Monday, May 16, 2022

Wisdom – It is Yours For the Asking

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus…give us faith like the man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. He prayed to You, God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do and keep me from all trouble and pain!" And You granted him his request.1 Chronicles 4:9-10. With faith, please give us wisdom and understanding.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

Meditate wisely on God’s word.

There are 202 verses about wisdom in the New Living Translation. That’s a lot of wisdom. James pretty much covers it though—if you need it, ask God for it. Jesus promised to give us anything that we ask for in His name in order to bring glory to the Father. Glory – glory - glory. Glory be to the Father…and to the Son…and to the Holy Spirit.

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. John 14:13

God is generous. He wants us to have whatever we ask for—as long as it is within His will. He wants to give us the desires of our hearts.

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. Psalm 37:4

The desire of my heart is...
to start each day praising the Lord--
for His greatness....
and to seek Him
for wisdom and understanding.
Thank You, Jesus.

In relationships with people and with God, you have to know each other—your likes, dislikes, dreams, goals…and your heart’s desires. As you know God…and the desires of His heart…you will be more open to sharing your own desires with Him. Likely He knows already. He knows everything. Such wisdom. It is yours for the asking.

Verses of Salvation ~ 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. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:15-16

Memory Verse of the Week ~ If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 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

Seek wisdom in God's word.

God wants us to be like His Son, Jesus.

Discover daily the characteristics and traits of Jesus.

Apply them to your life--one day at a time.

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

Who is your master? God or money?

Sunday, May 15, 2022

What is Shabbat to You?

The Ten Commandments

Prayer ~ Lord God, I pause and rest on this Sabbath day—to honor You. Does it matter if we observe the Sabbath on Saturday or Sunday? Surely, we are breaking on of Your Ten Commandments by following the Christian tradition of the Sabbath on the day to commemorate Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Give me…and other Christians…a definitive answer as to when to observe Your Holy Sabbath day, the Jewish Shabbat. I want to live to please You…even to follow Your Commandments for You, Jesus, said… "If you love me, obey my commandments.” John 14:15

Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. Exodus 20:8-11

Meditate. Rest.

God declared the Sabbath as a day of rest on the seventh day…after six days of creation. It was to be a special and holy day, not just for men, but also for God. A day of rest.

So…rest today. Rest on this day that has been traditionally observed as the Sabbath since Christ rose from the dead on Sunday.

Verse of Salvation ~ For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

Shabbat ~ Tell the people of Israel: 'Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy.’ Exodus 31:13

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 14, 2022

How is Your Memory?

Prayer ~ Lord, help me to continue to hide Your word in my heart—and in my mind—that I would be able to recall these verses that I have tried to memorize—as well as other scripture. Your word is precious to me…and valuable for teaching…as Paul taught Timothy.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16

Meditate on the value of scripture.

We live at a privileged time in history. We have scripture available to us—in multiple translations, in hardback and paperback books, as eBooks, and in multiple search apps like Blue Letter Bible and Bible Gateway. We can read it…or have it read to us. In Jesus’ time there was only the Old Testament—and there were a limited number of copies that the Jewish rabbis would read to their congregation daily or on Shabbat. Additionally, not everyone was literate so reading the scripture in Hebrew or Aramaic may not even have been possible for the common person. Depending on the source, literacy today in the United States is surprising low at 79% with 54% of the adults at only a 6^th grade level. With 21% of the population of adults illiterate, not being able to read or write a simple sentence, how can we expect them to know God’s word? Those are likely people who are unemployed, who do not have a computer—or possibly even a place to live. Can we simply say…God will take care of them? God loves them the same as He loves you and me. Just because they are illiterate does not mean that they don’t know God. They can go to church…or listen to Bible teaching on the radio, television, or the internet…if they have access to those media.

Yes—we are privileged. Can you use that privilege and level of literacy—that you obviously have since you are reading this—to share God’s word and Good News with others, or to at least serve God by serving others? Pray about this. Make a plan to reach out—find a place in your community where you can help others learn to read, or improve their reading level. Maybe you can assist young readers or single Moms in summer reading programs at a nearby school or library. Remember, someone taught you to read. Make good use of your memory and help others.

Torah Scroll in synagogue.
Safed, Israel

Verses of Salvation ~ By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. 2 Peter 1:3-4

Memory Verse of the Week ~ You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3

So far this year…How many of these memory verses do you know by heart?

Memory Verse challenge:

January 3 – Your word is a lamp to y feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

January 10 - And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6

January 17 – Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

January 24 - Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17

January 31 – “For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

February 7 – Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. Psalm 107:8

February 14 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

February 21 – For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

February 28 – God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8

March 7 – My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 KJV

March 14 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

March 21 – And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

March 28 – What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31

April 4 – Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23

April 11 – Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Luke 12:34

April 18 – For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

April 25 – Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV

May 2 – Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

May 9 – You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3

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, May 13, 2022

ACTS…Then What?

Prayer ~ Lord God—I Adore You—Love and joy just spew from my heart just at the thought of You—You are an awesome great and almighty God—You are my God. I Confess to You that I just don’t think I can ever measure up to Your expectations—although all things are possible through Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me for my shortcomings, particularly for my bad attitude which can corrupt all other parts of my personality and relationships. Thank You-Thank You-Thank You! You have done so much for me—beginning with forgiving me for my sins. You provide all I need—and have especially blessed me with a wonderful family and precious friends. I continue to give You thanks for all that you have done! You supply all my needs—sometimes even before I offer any Supplication. You are an amazing God—and I love seeing how You have cared for Your chosen people throughout history. ACTS is more than a prayer prompt—it is an action within our relationship, Lord. I need You…and I think that You need me…and other humans, too. Just like Adam and Eve, before their fall, I look forward to walking with You, in the cool of the day. I rejoice in Your presence.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Meditate and rejoice in God’s presence and love.

There may be challenging days ahead of us—just as God has told us throughout the Bible. Most people don’t think that the predictions of Revelation will happen in our lifetime…and some Christian friends just laugh—we don’t know the hour or the day. Some don’t even know if that refers to when Jesus raptures His believers…or when He comes in the Second Coming at the beginning of the Millennium. Does it really matter? As Paul wrote nearly two thousand years ago…the Lord is coming soon. We just have to follow the advice of Jesus and Paul…don’t worry…pray. Be ready. Are you ready…or are you so caught up in the entertainment of this world that you don’t see what is happening? Look around you. There is a war in the Ukraine and the Chinese have surrounded Taiwan. Those may not be specific Bible predictions, but none the less these are wars and rumors of wars. Keep praying, ACTS.

There is a coming economic earthquake—just as many have predicted. Remember the book by that title written by Larry Burkett in 1991? What will become of the United States economy when we finally just can’t catch up with our trillions of dollars of debt and the bottom falls out? When grocery store shelves are bare and there is little if any food transported across our great country, how and what will people eat? Will the food shortage predicated by the inability of the Ukrainians to grow and harvest crops during this war in their country affect just Europe—or will it create turmoil and famine literally around the world? Think of people in Africa already starving. When we go to our own grocery stores and see the prices have increased in the last two years, we know that the COVID crisis has had an effect on us all…now there are even more pressures as the fuel prices soar. Where will this end? Jesus said to “Be ready” –and you may be asking be ready for what? Read your Bible. Don’t stay away from prophetic scripture—but delve in and try to understand it. There are a multitude of Bible teachers on YouTube who would love to explain some prophesy to you. Be discerning about their teachings. One that my husband and I trust and enjoy is Pastor Brett at Athey Creek church near Portland, Oregon. He does a Prophesy Update on the first Friday of the month, but since it is recorded, you can view it anytime on YouTube. Just stay in touch with the most important person in your life…God. Use ACTS or some other prayer prompt if you need help in communicating with Him. Keep your relationship with God open. Be ready for the days ahead. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Does your fig tree have blossoms or fruit?

Verses of Salvation ~ Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19

Memory Verse of the Week ~ You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

I’ve made some great shortbread cookies lately—fills that carbohydrate craving! Here’s one that Grandgirl Lydia and I made this week.

Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies

1 cup salted butter, at room temperature

¾ cup cane sugar

1 tsp grated orange zest

1½ tsp vanilla

1 cup Craisins (dried cranberries)

2 cups flour (can use whole wheat), cold—I keep mine in the freezer

Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cream butter and sugar together. Add orange zest, vanilla, and cranberries. Mix well. Add flour.

Using plastic wrap, make two logs of dough. At this point you may need to refrigerate dough, but using cold flour will eliminate that step. Cut the dough into ¼ inch pieces and place on the lined cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 14-15 minutes—depending on the size of the cookies you created.

Enjoy with a nice cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk.

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