Banquet With The King

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

How Can I Serve the Lord?

Prayer – Lord, show me something in Your word today that I can apply to my life. May everything I think, say and do bring glory, honor, and praise to You, Lord God Almighty. Along with the nations of the earth, I praise You—forever.

Beautiful words stir my heart. I will recite a lovely poem about the king, for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet. You are the most handsome of all. Gracious words stream from your lips. God himself has blessed you forever. Put on your sword, O mighty warrior! You are so glorious, so majestic! In your majesty, ride out to victory, defending truth, humility, and justice. Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds! Your arrows are sharp, piercing your enemies' hearts. The nations fall beneath your feet. Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. You love justice and hate evil. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else. Myrrh, aloes, and cassia perfume your robes. In ivory palaces the music of strings entertains you. Kings' daughters are among your noble women. At your right side stands the queen, wearing jewelry of finest gold from Ophir! Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say. Forget your people and your family far away. For your royal husband delights in your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. The princess of Tyre will shower you with gifts. The wealthy will beg your favor. The bride, a princess, looks glorious in her golden gown. In her beautiful robes, she is led to the king, accompanied by her bridesmaids. What a joyful and enthusiastic procession as they enter the king's palace! Your sons will become kings like their father. You will make them rulers over many lands. I will bring honor to your name in every generation. Therefore, the nations will praise you forever and ever. Psalm 45:1-17

Meditate. Consider the grandeur and the joyous entrance of the King and his bride in their royal robes and the magnificent smell of the perfumes wafting through the procession.

I read in a commentary that C.S. Lewis suggested this passage, Psalm 45, was referring to the birth of Christ, the arrival of the great warrior—the bridegroom—with great joy and celebration. Jesus Christ is indeed the King of kings, Lord of lords. This passage describes Him as more beautiful than any others, and we could consider other interpretations of “fairer” to be as more powerful or impartial. Look at the verse that describes the gracious words that the King spoke. Near the beginning of His ministry Jesus was spoken of as using gracious words.

Scroll at a synagogue in Israel.

When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: "The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD's favor has come." He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. "The Scripture you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day!" Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. "How can this be?" they asked. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" Luke 4:16-22 (Underlined for emphasis.)

In the book of Revelation there is a description of Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords, riding on a white horse.

Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Revelation 19:11-16

Note that the sword comes from His mouth. Recall other places in scripture that talk about the sword…as in the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. This verse below is from Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus concerning putting on the armor of God so that Christians can withstand the evil strategy of the devil.

Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17

God has blessed Jesus, because of His obedience, loving justice and hating evil. This passage in Psalm 45 tells us that God has anointed Jesus with the oil of joy. This is repeated in Hebrews 1:9. Are you anointed with joy, like Jesus?

What do you think of the verse…Your sons will become kings like their father. You will make them rulers over many lands…?

Another translation, the King James Version, states this as making the sons princes. Appointing or regarding them as such. This past week we just saw a prince become a king as Prince Charles became King Charles. But some people interpret this passage, and others, as to indicate that those who faithfully believe in Jesus as their Savior will serve Him as kings and priests as described in Revelation.

And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God's people. And they sang a new song with these words: "You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth." Revelation 5:8-10

Now is the time to make the choice to faithfully serve our Lord, if someday you want to serve God as a king or priest. Only the faithful believers will be given that honor and privilege. You may think you just want to make it into heaven…but consider how you could serve Jesus someday reigning with and for Him. Just like Joshua and the early Hebrew people as they were just about to cross into the Promised Land were challenged…chose this day whom you will serve. How can you serve the Lord?

Verses of Salvation ~ This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17

Memory Verse of the Week ~ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16

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, September 20, 2022

Are You Sleeping?

Prayer – Lord, You know me better than I know myself…but You still love me. I live to please You—so show me if there is anything in me that offends You—and lead me in Your path to everlasting life.

If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread our hands in prayer to foreign gods, God would surely have known it, for he knows the secrets of every heart. But for your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep. Wake up, O Lord! Why do you sleep? Get up! Do not reject us forever. Why do you look the other way? Why do you ignore our suffering and oppression? We collapse in the dust, lying face down in the dirt. Rise up! Help us! Ransom us because of your unfailing love. Psalm 44:20-26 (Also, read Psalm 44:1-19.)

God knows our secrets…because He knows everything—He always has and He always will. As we are told over and over…He knows…

O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! Psalm 139:1-7

For God watches how people live; he sees everything they do. Job 34:21

He punishes the nations—won't he also punish you? He knows everything—doesn't he also know what you are doing? Psalm 94:10

Sleep! Doesn’t this Psalmist know that God never, never, ever sleeps. That is hard for us to imagine, since we mortals get tired and must sleep. Yet, sleep is illusive for some… and others fall asleep at inopportune moments—like when they are driving. God may rest. When He was done with creation, on the seventh day He rested (Genesis 2:2). Likewise, He told us in the Ten Commandments to rest on the Sabbath day. He is all powerful—even over sleep.

I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. ... The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121:1-4, 7-8 (Underlined for emphasis.)

God doesn’t reject those He loves—Israel or any of His chosen people, including His adopted family—those who believe in Him and trust Him with their very lives. Believe in Jesus to become part of God’s family.

The LORD will not reject his people; he will not abandon his special possession. Psalm 94:14

Verse of Salvation ~ If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10

Memory Verse of the Week ~ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16

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, September 19, 2022

Why Am I Discouraged?

Prayer – Lord, I am seeking Your light in my life…Your truth. You said that You are the Way and the Truth in John 14:6…and declared that You are the light of the world in John 8:12. Light and life. Yes, without You we are lost in a dead, dark world. Shine Your light on me, my family, friends, and neighbors that we would know the way to go. Give us wisdom and understanding in these coming days that we would be prepared for whatever happens.

Declare me innocent, O God! Defend me against these ungodly people. Rescue me from these unjust liars. For you are God, my only safe haven. Why have you tossed me aside? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies? Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. There I will go to the altar of God, to God—the source of all my joy. I will praise you with my harp, O God, my God! Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Psalm 43:1-5

Meditate. Don’t be discouraged. God hasn’t tossed you aside.

Lighthouse on Lake Huron
Port Huron, Michigan

Lighthouses guide ships to keep them from running aground—to keep them safe. As the light of the world, Jesus warns people of danger—the pitfalls of darkness—and guides us in the truth, because He is the Truth. Jesus has warned us to be ready. No need to be discouraged. Jesus has hope for us, but be ready.

So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:42-44

Are you ready? Are you prayed up? Have you shared Jesus with everyone you know…and everyone you encounter day by day?

Just like this Psalmist, I put my hope in the Lord. I am patiently and eagerly looking up…looking forward to the day when I can bow before my Abba Father in Heaven…adopted just as He promised.

For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) Romans 8:19-25

It is amazing that creation has been waiting since Adam and Eve sinned—waiting until the day that the Lord calls us to come up to Heaven. He will release us from these sinful bodies. We don’t know when—but God keeps His promises. Are you confidently waiting for that day?

Verses of Salvation ~ This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Romans 13:11-12

Memory Verse of the Week ~ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16

Happy Birthday Blessings, Naomi!

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, September 18, 2022

How Thirsty Are You?

Prayer – Lord, I am thirsty—physically and spiritually. Fill my cup until it overflows.

Sweet deer near Cle Elum, WA
Are they thirsty?
This little one is looking for water.

As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? Day and night I have only tears for food, while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, "Where is this God of yours?" My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration! Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you—even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar. I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. But each day the LORD pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life. "O God my rock," I cry, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?" Their taunts break my bones. They scoff, "Where is this God of yours?" Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Psalm 42:1-11 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Stand amazed in The Lord’s unfailing love (verse 8).

Why am I discouraged? How can others say…Where is this God of yours? Can’t they see God in the creation around us? Why won’t they let God into their hearts and lives? Could they possibly see God at work in their lives? Indeed! Where is this God of mine? He is in my heart and life. He is in every breath I take…every decision I make…everything I do. I see Him arranging my safety while I’m driving, providing inspiration in my writing, keeping me calm when I’ve more than too much anxiety, as well as providing a wonderful husband, terrific family and friends, great home, and an abundance of food. He is all I need!

I am thirsty for more of my God. Depending on our environment, activity level, health, and temperature or season, we all need at least eight or more glasses of water a day. Spiritually, what is the equivalence? Eight verses…no, in our relationship with our Lord, we need to be continually in contact with Him. Praying is our conversation…and reading His word or discussing it with others may be His response. Of course, if we read BEFORE we pray—then He has the first word! Do you have a reading plan? I try for at least a chapter a day. So often that hooks me in and I read much more. I am thirsty for more of my God. Can I ever get enough? Fill me to brim, Lord—so that my cup overflows. I continually pray, praising Him and putting my hope in my Lord and Savior. I am amazed that He continues to pour out His unfailing love on me. My thirst is satisfied with this outpouring of His love. How thirsty are you?

Verse of Salvation ~ The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! Psalm 18:46

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, September 17, 2022

Prayer – Lord, reveal to me the truth of Your word…what You expect of me and what I can do to serve You.

Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor! The LORD rescues them when they are in trouble. The LORD protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. The LORD nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health. "O LORD," I prayed, "have mercy on me. Heal me, for I have sinned against you." But my enemies say nothing but evil about me. "How soon will he die and be forgotten?" they ask. They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere. All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. "He has some fatal disease," they say. "He will never get out of that bed!" Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food, has turned against me. LORD, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back! I know you are pleased with me, for you have not let my enemies triumph over me. You have preserved my life because I am innocent; you have brought me into your presence forever. Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen!

God has preserved my life.
Like the butterfly...He has given me new life.
Forever.

Psalm 41:1-13

Meditate. Are you listening? Do you hear what God is saying?

How does the Lord treat those who are compassionate towards the poor?

He rescues them from their enemies or troubles.

He protects them and keeps them alive.

He makes them successfully prosperous.

He makes them healthy.

God is good to those that take care of His creation that are down and out. Jesus said that we would have the poor with us…and of course, He was right. And it seems that we always have the sick ones also. David is again recording that his friends and enemies are saying that he has a fatal disease, for which he pleads for God’s mercy to heal him. Have you had Covid…and called out to God to have mercy on you? Just like the poor, we will always have some virus or disease with us—mentally or physically. Possibly, spiritually, as well. Pray…call out to God that He would have mercy. We’ll just have to trust in the Lord, because He lives from everlasting to everlasting.

Verse 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. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:3-11

Memory Verse of the Week ~ You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

Are you a light on a hilltop…or under a basket?

Did you successfully memorize this verse?

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, September 16, 2022

Prayer – Lord, in Your scripture, show me what You want me to do today. Open my eyes and my heart to understanding what my purpose is in living—today and forever.

I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD. Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand—you don't require burnt offerings or sin offerings. Then I said, "Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures: I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart." I have told all your people about your justice. I have not been afraid to speak out, as you, O LORD, well know. I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness. LORD, don't hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles surround me—too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can't see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage. Please, LORD, rescue me! Come quickly, LORD, and help me. May those who try to destroy me be humiliated and put to shame. May those who take delight in my trouble be turned back in disgrace. Let them be horrified by their shame, for they said, "Aha! We've got him now!" But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The LORD is great!" As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay. Psalm 40:1-17

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

Sit and wait patiently for the Lord.

Waiting patiently is a great virtue…and patience is one of the parts of the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). Waiting patiently…on the Lord—that is a wowser! It is usually the other way around. He is usually waiting patiently for us to make a decision or to follow His path. We don’t always wait patiently for the Lord to do something…we cry and whine and want what we want NOW! Paul writes to the church at Rome about waiting patiently

We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn't live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, "The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me." Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:1-6 (Underlined for emphasis.)

The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Hope. Hope for our future in the promise of a home in Heaven with the Lord. Hope for God’s promises for His presence in our lives, now. That is just what we all need…day by day, moment by moment. That’s a good purpose for living. Hope.

Memory Verse of the Week ~ You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Sugar is poison. That has been my mantra for about five years. Looking back through earlier blog posts I mentioned that sugar is poison to me in 2017. It was then…it still is now.

Dieting. Ugh. Some people consider it a dirty word…but let’s face it…diet is part of everyone’s life. It is the way we eat…not necessarily just restricting our food. We eat to live and live to eat. Recently I was behind a man in his seventies at the grocery checkout. He had a couple of tomatoes and bananas, hamburger buns, three packages of cookies and a lot of chocolate bars. It didn’t look like a very healthy diet…but who was I to judge. Sugar is just poison for me—so I am trying desperately to avoid it as much as possible. I will admit (in 2019) I had a jar of Mrs. Richardson’s Hot Fudge Sauce in my cart. I’ve found that it is wonderful to have on a spoonful of fresh ground peanut butter when I can’t resist those carb cravings! What is your weakness when the cravings attack? Do you turn to the Lord, or do you give in to those cravings?

Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

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

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Where Do You Put Your Hope?

Prayer – Lord, fill me Your hope, joy and peace—but most of all please give an extra measure of hope to those who are struggling with loss—whether it is the loss of a spouse, parent, child, or their job, home, or a dear friend. You must have felt a loss, Jesus, when You were living on earth—at least that of Your stepfather, Joseph. I imagine that the loss of relationships and the rejection of many of the Jews was very disappointing for You. I put my hope in You, Lord. Life happens so fast. Ten…twenty years go by in just the blink of an eye. Help us to find our hope in You…and to share it with others. You are the Hope, as well as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Thank you for giving us so much to live for.

I said to myself, "I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me." But as I stood there in silence—not even speaking of good things—the turmoil within me grew worse. The more I thought about it, the hotter I got, igniting a fire of words: "LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath." We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Rescue me from my rebellion. Do not let fools mock me. I am silent before you; I won't say a word, for my punishment is from you. But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand. When you discipline us for our sins, you consume like a moth what is precious to us. Each of us is but a breath. Hear my prayer, O LORD! Listen to my cries for help! Don't ignore my tears. For I am your guest—a traveler passing through, as my ancestors were before me. Leave me alone so I can smile again before I am gone and exist no more. Psalm 39:1-13

Meditate. Consider Hope.

We gather stuff for the first half of our lives…and then we try to get rid of it during the second half of our lives.

"Everything is meaningless," says the Teacher (King David’s son, Solomon), "completely meaningless!" What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea. Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. Ecclesiastes 1:2-8

There are some who are suffering so deeply—no peace—no joy—no hope. This is expressed by Jeremiah in the book of Lamentations.

Great is His Faithfulness
His mercy and love are new every morning.

Peace has been stripped away, and I have forgotten what prosperity is. I cry out, "My splendor is gone! Everything I had hoped for from the LORD is lost!" The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. Lamentations 3:17-26

What gives our life meaning? I think it is the hope that we have in the Lord. Like David, we may see ourselves as rebellious—but when we focus our lives on the Lord, He rescues us from our rebellion—and from the meaninglessness of life. Hope is a wonderful thing. It gets me out of bed some mornings—when I’d rather just stay in the warm covers and dream. Our hope comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. I choose to continually put my hope in the Lord because of His faithful love that is new every morning.

Verse of Salvation ~ Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. Jude 1:24-25

Memory Verse of the Week ~ You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

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

Do coins give you hope?
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

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Are Your Family or Friends Afraid of Your Disease?

Prayer – Lord, germs and virus bugs seem to be the enemies of us all. Protect us from these unseen critters that we wouldn’t experience any raging fevers, or festering wounds like David did. Give each of us renewed wisdom and understanding that we would make good decisions and live in a way that pleases You—sharing and showing Your love to others.

O LORD, don't rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your rage! Your arrows have struck deep, and your blows are crushing me. Because of your anger, my whole body is sick; my health is broken because of my sins. My guilt overwhelms me—it is a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and stink because of my foolish sins. I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief. A raging fever burns within me, and my health is broken. I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart. You know what I long for, Lord; you hear my every sigh. My heart beats wildly, my strength fails, and I am going blind.

My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease. Even my own family stands at a distance. Meanwhile, my enemies lay traps to kill me. Those who wish me harm make plans to ruin me. All day long they plan their treachery. But I am deaf to all their threats. I am silent before them as one who cannot speak. I choose to hear nothing, and I make no reply. For I am waiting for you, O LORD. You must answer for me, O Lord my God. I prayed, "Don't let my enemies gloat over me or rejoice at my downfall." I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done. I have many aggressive enemies; they hate me without reason. They repay me evil for good and oppose me for pursuing good. Do not abandon me, O LORD. Do not stand at a distance, my God. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior. Psalm 38:1-22

Meditate. Focus on the Lord as your Savior.

Everyone stays away. Did David have some plague or Covid? Ha! He was telling God that he was in constant pain—nearly collapsing. He repented of his sin—sorry that he had chosen to do the wrong thing—and now his enemies were attacking him because he was doing the right thing. Will God rescue him? Of course, He will. Will it be quickly? Just like David, we can call out to God for help. He hears us because He is always awake and attentive. Where I live, we have mountains nearby…but they are actually just big hills, not the really rugged peaks of true mountains. Even those hills are reminders that God is in control—He made everything and He is always willing and able to help me, my family, friends, and neighbors.

Mt. Rainier
I look up to the mountains...
does my help come from there?

We can count on God to hear our prayers. He won’t turn His back on us or abandon us—like some might even if we have some dreaded disease. God is not afraid of disease. Are your family and friends afraid of your disease?

Verse of Salvation ~ I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" The LORD is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. Lamentations 3:24-26

Memory Verse of the Week ~ "You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

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

My help comes from the Lord...like a parent guiding me day by day. His word gives hope and help. God wants us to be like His Son, Jesus. How can we know Jesus unless we study God's word?

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

How Can I Live a Victorious Life?

Prayer – Victorious living. Lord, help me to live a victorious life for You! I’ve read over and over that I need to trust You…and You will help me. Please give me my heart’s desire to commit everything I do to You. Please give me wisdom and understanding that I would “be ready” as You have taught. Be ready? For what? The end of time…for reaching out to the unsaved…for helping those in need…for what? I don’t want to worry, but I am concerned for the health and safety of my family, friends, neighbors, and those in my community. Help us all to make good decisions.

Don't worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land. Soon the wicked will disappear. Though you look for them, they will be gone. The lowly will possess the land and will live in peace and prosperity. Psalm 37:1-11 (Read Psalm 37:12-40.) (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Consider the cycle of Victorious Living.

This Psalm was written as an acrostic, like so many other Psalms, but it does not translate into English in an acrostic fashion.

How can I live a victorious life? A successful life? In 1971 Pastor Earl G. Lee wrote a book, “The Cycle of Victorious Living” based on Psalm 37. Start with no worry—no fretting. Jesus instructed His followers in the Sermon on the Mount…don’t worry.

So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34

The next steps are:

Commit – Trust – Delight – Rest

These are all centered around The Lord. Picture a circle with four spokes: Commit, Trust, Delight, Rest. In the center of the wheel is The Lord. A person can move through the cycle of victorious life…and anytime they worry or fret, it puts them out of the cycle. Worry is a debilitating, and sidetracks anyone from living a victorious or successful life. To get back on track...back to the Lord, one simply has to commit, trust, delight and rest in the Lord. Keep the Lord at the center of your life...and it will be a godly life.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
Which way will you go.
Boots on the Beach - South Carolina.

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23

Before I was introduced to the cycle of victorious living, I thought of this passage as a “Trust Sandwich” because Trust is on each side…the top and bottom…like two pieces of bread. The meat, tomato, and lettuce of the sandwich are the elements: Commit-Dwell-Delight (from the NASB translation).

How can I live a victorious life?

By Trusting in the Lord.

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36

By Committing your way to the Lord.

Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3

By Delighting in the Lord.

Praise the LORD! How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands. Psalm 112:1

By Being Still in the Presence of the Lord…Resting in the Lord.

"Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." Psalm 46:10

A victorious life is one lived for the Lord…with humble commitment to the King of kings, Lord of lords, our Savior—the Rock and Redeemer of our lives. It is only by the grace of God that we can live a victorious life…in our Lord. In His mercy, He reveals Himself to us. If you want a victorious life in Christ—ask Him to give it to you.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17

Memory Verse of the Week ~ "You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

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, September 12, 2022

Are You in the Shelter of the Shadow of God’s Wings?

Shelter beneath the wings of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer – Lord, I love that You give shelter under Your wings…just like a mother hen! Thank you for caring about us and protecting us from the wickedness in the world.

Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all. In their blind conceit, they cannot see how wicked they really are. Everything they say is crooked and deceitful. They refuse to act wisely or do good. They lie awake at night, hatching sinful plots. Their actions are never good. They make no attempt to turn from evil. Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O LORD. How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights. For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. Pour out your unfailing love on those who love you; give justice to those with honest hearts. Don't let the proud trample me or the wicked push me around. Look! Those who do evil have fallen! They are thrown down, never to rise again. Psalm 36:1-12

Meditate. Look at God’s characteristics.

What are God’s characteristics here as described by David?

Unfailing love—as vast as the heavens—and they stretch on forever.

Faithfulness

Righteousness

Justice

Compassionate Caring

Abundant Provision

Protection

Lifegiving

God’s characteristics just are endless. How and where do you see God using these in your life?

Verse of Salvation ~ In that day you will sing: "I will praise you, O LORD! You were angry with me, but not any more. Now you comfort me. See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory." With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! In that wonderful day you will sing: "Thank the LORD! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Sing to the LORD, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world. Isaiah 12:1-5

Memory Verse of the Week ~ "You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

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