Banquet With The King

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Heaven and Earth Will Disappear

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Prayer – Lord, this old world will disappear in a poof of smoke—gone forever. Somehow knowing that, nothing except our relationships seems important now. Thank you for revealing Your truths…and may the bridge bonding our connection grow stronger moment by moment—day by day.

Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. Matthew 24:32-35

Meditate. Consider how you’ll fit into God’s new Heaven and New Earth.

When does a fig tree produce fruit? Some actually produce two crops—in early summer and in late summer, but generally, you can only count on one crop in August or September. So, just like Matthew observed, when leaves sprout and buds appear, summer is near. I’ve heard that the “fig tree” generation is the group of Jews who have returned to the Promised Land, Israel, and that they will still be around when Jesus Christ returns to earth for His chosen people, those who believe in Him as their Messiah. There is a group noted in Revelation that Jesus redeems—takes from earth to Heaven.

Then I saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. ... This great choir sang a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God and before the four living beings and the twenty-four elders. No one could learn this song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. Revelation 14:1, 3

Heaven and earth will disappear. This is also mentioned in a couple of Psalms, Second Peter, and Revelation.

Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever; they will wear out like old clothing. You will change them like a garment and discard them. Psalm 102:25-26

But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. 2 Peter 3:10

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. Revelation 21:1

The old earth will be gone—and all the “stuff” we own here—that has been passed down to us…and we will pass on to our grandchildren. Gone—burned up—and forgotten. Makes you wonder why put so much value on junk these days! The Kingdom of God is near. We’ve been told to expect these events—although some of this is for the Jews, and the Christians may have already been raptured by the time this happens, depending on how you interpret God’s big picture and His timing. He sees all time for mankind at one time…and knows everything. He is omnipresent—in all places at all times. The words that Jesus spoke while He was on earth were always from the Father—His message beyond time to us now. Words from our omniscient Heavenly Father—who knows everything—have given us a warning. Be ready. Heaven and earth will disappear.

Verse of Salvation ~ So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness. 1 Peter 2:1-3

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Monday, March 6, 2023

Renewed - Start Over

Prayer – Lord, I shout along with You! Halleluiah! God’s home is among His people and His people are in His New Home! What a glorious day that will be. I am thirsty…please give to me water of life from Your eternal springs. You said, “It is finished!” and now life—eternal life—begins! Praise You—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever." And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new!" And then he said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true." And he also said, "It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." Revelation 21:1-8

Meditate. Continue dreaming of your new Home in Heaven!

No liars. No cheater. No murders. No filthy rotten scum. Those will all be burned up in the lake of fire.

Only purity before the Lord God. Spiritually pure in our hearts and souls because we are washed in the blood of Jesus. He was the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. Guilt removed for those who repented. Honesty before the Lord is essential.

Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! Psalm 32:2

Baptism in the Jordan River, Israel
Repentant- Renewed Life
Begin a new life with a new relationship
with God.

Repentance gives a person a new life. The old life is washed away…you get a fresh start. God is forgiving and He only accepts those who honor Him with a life of integrity, honesty, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. We can’t do that on our own—we have to “get clean” with God…and then live an honest life, day by day, to please Him. We don’t always make good choices…and it is easy to get dragged down into a miserable existence, a self-condemning thought pattern, or a mundane cycle of self-centeredness, but God wants more for our lives. We just need to repent and begin again, seeking a good relationship with Him and with others.

Would you like to be renewed—get a start over? Would you like to have a new life?

Verse of Salvation ~ When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. Titus 3:4-7

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

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Sunday, March 5, 2023

Looking for a New Home?

Prayer – Lord, I think we all dream of what Heaven will be like—our eternal Home with You. Will the streets really be gold…as written in Revelation…The twelve gates were made of pearls--each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass. Revelation 21:21? You designed such a magnificent earth—with such varied climates, diverse plants and amazing animals. What will Your Heavenly Home be like? You were so creative with the plant and animals, I’m thinking that each home will be unique—just as each person is distinctive. We can only guess…and try to visualize. I just trust You that it will be beyond our wildest dreams. I can hardly wait! Thank you…for Your promises and ultimately, for Your love. Amen.

Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God. It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them. All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:10-16

Meditate. Consider God’s creation here…and His promise to Abraham.

Home—that is where we all long to be at some time in our lives. God has promised us a Heavenly Home—an eternal home with Him in the New Heaven and the New Jerusalem. The old heaven and earth will be destroyed—and the corruption eliminated. A new, pure heaven and earth will be created just for God’s chosen people—those who believe in Him and trust Him with their lives. I’m counting myself in that group. I am a child of God—adopted into His family. Jesus told His disciples, shortly before His death that He was going to prepare a place for us…and that He would come back to take us there.

Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:1-3

Homes on earth don't last forever.
Here's the ruins of King David's home.
Jerusalem, Israel

Millions of believers have hung onto those words during the last two thousand years…and we still are. Life may be challenging here now, but remember Jesus’ words… Don't let your hearts be troubled, Trust…. Just wait and trust. Things may seem to get worse before they get better, but I’m hanging onto another promise God gave us…He will never leave us or forsake us. He’s not going to leave us homeless forever. He is preparing a Heavenly Home. Are you looking for a new home?

Verse of Salvation ~ For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4:11-12

HaPpY Birthday dear Flo!

May God give you His peace, love and joy…today and always!

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

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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

Saturday, March 4, 2023

Are You Playing Hide and Seek?

The woods is a fun place to play "Hide and Seek."
Can you really hide from God there?
Of course not. He can always see you!
Seek Him--don't hide.

Prayer – Lord, people play so many games, but it is usually only children who play “Hide and Seek.” Grown-ups are obsessed by sporting events, enthralled by video games, and play endless hours of card games or other games of chance. The biggest risk is the game that people play with their lives—by not accepting You, Jesus, as their Savior. Don’t they realize that You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life? You are the only way to the Father…and eternal life. It’s not a game. It is real. We don’t need to be entertained—just educated to understand that we have a choice to make…to choose You and Life…or to reject You and Life. Thank you for revealing Yourself to me—for I believe in You, Jesus, as my Savior and rejoice that I have chosen eternal life for myself.

All the future events in this vision are like a sealed book to them. When you give it to those who can read, they will say, "We can't read it because it is sealed." When you give it to those who cannot read, they will say, "We don't know how to read." And so the Lord says, "These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote. Because of this, I will once again astound these hypocrites with amazing wonders. The wisdom of the wise will pass away, and the intelligence of the intelligent will disappear." What sorrow awaits those who try to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their evil deeds in the dark! "The LORD can't see us," they say. "He doesn't know what's going on!" How foolish can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you, the clay! Should the created thing say of the one who made it, "He didn't make me"? Does a jar ever say, "The potter who made me is stupid"? Isaiah 29:11-16

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture. Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

When I was growing up “Hide and Seek” was a popular childhood game—and for my grandkids, it still is a favorite. But as adults are some people playing hide and seek with God? We can’t hide from Him. He knows our every move. There is no point in hiding. Do those people who do their evil deeds in the dark really think they are getting away with something? They just don’t know God. No point in playing hide and seek with Him.

The seeking part is not part of the childhood game. Jesus told us to seek first the Kingdom of God…

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

David wisely advised his son, Solomon, to seek God, right before he gave him the plans for the glorious Temple, the earthly home for God in Jerusalem.

"And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. So take this seriously. The LORD has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong, and do the work." 1 Chronicles 28:9-10

I love this passage. Like Solomon, we are to know God intimately, as well as worship and serve Him with our whole heart and a willing mind. Not half-heartedly, but entirely. Likewise, when we seek Him, we will find Him. So, like in the game—listen for God call, “Ally, ally, oxen free”—“Come out, come out wherever you are.” You are free. He knows where you are, but allows you the freedom to choose when you join Him. His wisdom is above all. He is the source of wisdom and knowledge.

Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. Romans 11:33-36

Just seek a relationship with God first and foremost in all you think, say and do. Give Him the glory for the great things He has done. Especially for saving you. No need to play “Hide and Seek.”

Verses of Salvation ~ But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:24-25

Happy Birthday Lavina!

Much Love and Blessing Today and Always!

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

Friday, March 3, 2023

Keep On…Asking, Seeking, Knocking

Prayer – Lord, I am asking for Your wisdom—help me, my family, friends and neighbors to make good choices—good decisions that would bring You glory and honor. All wisdom comes from You—and surely You will protect us in the coming days. Food is so important to be pure and useful in our bodies—so guard the sources of our food and our very bodies that You have created. Thank You—for Your love…and the hope we have for each day and the future.

"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him." Luke 11:9-13

Meditate. What is on your plate for your family’s supper tonight?

Similar scripture passage recorded in Matthew from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. "You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. Matthew 7:7-11

Ask and you will receive. Don’t be deceived. Ask of the true Father…and He will give you what you need. Note that Jesus said “everything you need.” So, just ask. If He says “No” then so be it…but He could bless you abundantly instead of just the basics. Be ready to be blessed!

So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:31-34

Keep on asking. Continue to seek God and His will for your life. Persistently knock at the door—just as Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart. How will you respond to Him?

Verse of Salvation ~ Did God's people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God's offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it. Romans 11:11-12

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Snake or Eel?
For sale at a Portuguese grocery meat counter.
Did you ask for a fish or a snake?

I’ve never seen a snake in a meat counter in the States, but when we visited Portugal several years ago, we did see one at a grocery store near Lisbon. Eel or snake? They look the same to me. Some people in my family do enjoy eel at Japanese restaurants—in sushi rolls, but I’ll stick to serving real fish at home. Also, be sure that I will provide bread with this stew, not stones. Who would really serve their family a stone for supper? No one, unless you’ve heard of Stone Soup. But that is another story!

Favorite Cioppiono – Classic West Coast Seafood Stew

1 green, yellow or orange pepper, chopped

1 medium sized sweet onion, chopped fine

2 cloves garlic, grated

¼ cup olive oil

3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

¼ tsp dried oregano, crushed

½ tsp dried basil, crushed

½ tsp dried rosemary, crushed

1 bay leaf

1 8 oz can tomato sauce

½ cup dry white wine

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

2 cups water

1 lb white fish (halibut, cod, fresh snapper or bass fillets) cut in 1-inch pieces, remove bones

½ lb shrimp

½ lb fresh clams or mussels in the shell, scrub with a stiff brush (discard any that do not open when cooked)

For the broth, in a large stockpot, saute green pepper, onion, and garlic in oil for 5 minutes or until tender. Don’t brown. Add undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, wine, herbs and water. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered for about 20 minutes to an hour. Soup broth can be made ahead to this point and refrigerated for a couple of days.

When ready to prepare the meal, bring the broth to a boil, and then simmer. Add the fish, and simmer 5 minutes. Add the shrimp and clams and simmer an addition five minutes, covered. The shrimp should be pink when they are cooked and the clams open.

Serve with sourdough bread and a tossed salad.

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

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Be Prepared

Detroit Gateway Bridge
Will this be a type of gateway to bridging
your relationship with the Lord God?

Prayer – Lord, I want to serve You by serving others, so show me what I can do for You. May the bridge that You and I build in our relationship just be the beginning of other bridges that connect You and me with others. Prepare me for whatever….

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 (Underlined for emphasis.)

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

Be prepared. In this letter, Paul was giving Timothy some almost last-minute advice. He goes on to say that his time of death is near. Second Timothy is thought to have been written in about 66 AD, although several sources, including the in-line Britannica encyclopedia, list his death as 62-64 AD and Wikipedia, 64/65 AD. At any rate, Paul was around 60 years old when died. Paul urges Timothy to encourage those he is teaching about the Good News—God’s forever Kingdom.

We should also be motivated by Paul advice. Who are “your people” and what is the ministry that God has given you? Everyone has a gift or talent to use for the Lord—whether it is writing a blog; a daily devotional; teaching a Sunday school class for children, teens, or adults; leading a prayer or Bible Study group; driving a bus ministry van; singing in a choir; playing a musical instrument; sending cards, visiting, sending cards to shut-ins; assisting other as they learn a new sport like pickleball; just being a friend to the discouraged or listening to those who are struggling with a loss or some anxiety issue. Ask God to show you where He wants you to serve Him. God works through people. Can you be that person? Are you prepared to inspire or serve others?

Verses of Salvation (as noted by Paul near the end of his life) ~ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

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

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Be Prepared – Put on Your Armor

Prayer – Lord, I’m looking around me…and I don’t see any evil spirit—but I know from Your word that Satan disguises himself to make us think he is good—a guiding light! Help me, as well as my family friends, and neighbors not to be deceived, but enable us to be prepared with eyes wide open to Your truth, grace, peace, love and guidance. Thank you. Amen.

Is this your helmet of salvation?

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT

Meditate. Consider the spiritual aspect of your own life and that God is spirit.

God is a spiritual being and being created in His image (see Genesis 1) we have a spiritual aspect to our lives. When Jesus was talking with the woman at the well, He expressed this same idea.

But the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24

Since we are spirit beings, we are confronted with other spiritual entities.

These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (Read this passage in the context in which it was written.)

Put on the Armor of God as Paul wrote to the Ephesians in the scripture above so that you will be able to resist evil. There is so much to that Armor of God—His armor of Love. He knows just how to protect us. It is up to us…we make the choice to “put on our Armor” and let God guard us.

Verse of Salvation ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

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