Banquet With The King

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Listen to the Lord

Prayer – Lord, you had a message to people at each of the seven churches. What is Your message for me?

An Angel taking the letter...
from Jesus to Pergamum.

Write this letter to the angel of the church in Pergamum. This is the message from the one with the sharp two-edged sword: "I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to me. You refused to deny me even when Antipas, my faithful witness, was martyred among you there in Satan's city. But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. In a similar way, you have some Nicolaitans among you who follow the same teaching. Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it. Revelation 2:12-17

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture.

Have you noticed that in this study of the churches in Revelation, each of the churches so far have a message from Jesus Christ and describe Him differently in each case:

The church in Ephesus, from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands.

The church in Smyrna, from the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive.

The church in Pergamum, from the one with the sharp two-edged sword.

These are all descriptive phrases of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the First and Last, risen from the dead; one who walks among the seven lampstands, which are the seven churches; and the Word of God is known to be sharper than a two-edged sword. Thus, once again, we see a description of Jesus.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It isa sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Hebrews 4:12

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

The message from Jesus to the church at Pergamum recognizes that the people of this church are dedicated to the Lord, even though they were living in a city controlled by Satan, where Christians were martyred. Pergamum, once the capital of the Roman providence of Asia, about 45 miles north of Smyrna, was a city along the pathway of Paul’s third missionary journey although it is not specifically mentioned in accounts of Paul’s journeys.

The people of the church of Pergamum tolerated evil and deliberately sinned. Jesus was calling them to repent. The message is still the same today. Repent. Listen to the Lord.

Verse of Salvation ~ (God’s message to Israel through the prophet Exekiel.) But if you warn righteous people not to sin and they listen to you and do not sin, they will live, and you will have saved yourself, too." Ezekiel 3:21

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

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Monday, June 19, 2023

Still Looking at Smyrna

Prayer – Lord, You said not to be afraid of suffering. Thank you. Knowing that You love me gives me confidence. No fear. Victory and the crown of life ahead!

Write this letter to the angel of the church in Smyrna. This is the message from the one who is the First and the Last, who was dead but is now alive: "I know about your suffering and your poverty—but you are rich! I know the blasphemy of those opposing you. They say they are Jews, but they are not, because their synagogue belongs to Satan. Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Whoever is victorious will not be harmed by the second death.” Revelation 2:8-11

Meditate. Consider victory—what it means to be victorious over the second death.

The message to the church at Smyrna was from the Alpha and Omega who has been resurrected. That is Jesus Himself. The church at Smyrna represents not only that specific church, but anyone who has those qualities that are mentioned in this portion of scripture. Examine yourself. Are you:

Suffering and in poverty, although you are rich?

Opposed by blasphemers who belong to Satan?

Fearless, although you know you will face ten days of suffering?

Faithful?

Ears to hear and understand the guidance of the Holy Spirit?

Victorious?

God promises that those who are victorious will not by hurt by the second death, an eternal separation from God, which is reserved for Satan and his followers. Because of God’s love for us…and Jesus' obedience to the Father, those who believe in Jesus and accept His sacrifice as theirs, can be assured to live eternally in the presence of God.

Since we have been united with him (Jesus) in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Romans 6:5-11

New Life in Christ...Now

We actually don’t have to wait until the day that we die or are raptured, we can experience God’s presence and love in our lives through our relationship to Him, now.

Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence. Ephesians 3:12

Now. Don’t wait to make a decision to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. He is there for you as an individual…not as a family, church, or nation. With Christ as your savior, you can have your own relationship with the King of kings, Lord of lords. He created you. He loves you. Accept that. You are worthy of His love.

Verse of Salvation ~ So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9

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

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Sunday, June 18, 2023

Remain Faithful

Prayer – Lord, give me strength to endure any suffering that may come my way. Help me to remain faithful to You, even if it means facing death. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You give life meaning and joy—even in the face of death. Thank you, Lord Jesus, my Rock and my Redeemer.

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

Smyrna is about thirty-five miles north of Ephesus. Take a look at your map or Google it. This is now the modern city of Izmir, Turkey. The name Smyrna means “myrrh” which is a resin like substance that is used in perfume making. Recall that it was among the gifts given by the Wise Men to the baby Jesus. Smyrna is not listed in the churches that were established or visited by Paul, but being so close to Ephesus, it is likely that Paul or other early Christians did visit this city. A synagogue was established there, although it looks like there was a satanic influence of that organization during the time that John was given his vision of prophecy.

Angels are messengers. It is feasible that this angel messenger was actually a minister or preacher associated with the church at Smyrna. Was their message one of NO FEAR?

Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days.

Purity of the white rose.
Keep your conscience clear.
Remain faithful.

Trust the Lord to take care of you. No fear.

The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil. Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 1 Peter 3:12-17

Second death. Just what is that? It is not something that anyone of us wants to experience.

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 21:5-8

No second death for believers. No lake of fire. That is reserved for Satan, his angels, and his followers. Listen to the Holy Spirit and choose wisely whom you will follow. If you choose to follow Jesus, don’t be afraid. Remain faithful and you will be given a crown of life. Eternal life. Victorious life.

Verse of Salvation ~ (Just as God saved and rescued the Jews, He will rescue each of us.) But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." Exodus 14:13-14

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, June 17, 2023

Letters to Churches - #1

Prayer – Lord, I am listening. Open my ears and heart that I would understand exactly what the Holy Spirit is speaking to me. I want to live victoriously in Paradise…in Heaven…eternally. Today, my relationship to You is important—so that all of my tomorrows will be with You. I praise You—for You are my Lord and Savior, my God.

Do you love Jesus Christ with your
whole heart?

Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands: I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don't tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don't repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:1-7

Meditate. Consider God’s promises in scripture.

Look again at this letter to the church at Ephesus. Paul was actually there in Ephesus briefly during his second missionary journey (see Acts 18:18-19) and returned there on his third trip, staying for there for more than two years (Acts 19:10). The Gospel was spread throughout the providence of Asia at that time. There were believers there in Ephesus who didn’t really know the big picture—the whole story—about Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They had merely been baptized into John. Paul taught them the Way of the Lord and yet there were some who still followed evil practices. Those were the ones referred to in the Revelation text: You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. I think there may be people like that even today. They say they are followers, but truly deep in their hearts, they are not. They go to church and go through the Sunday church motions, but they are not true believers. They are only deceiving themselves.

Examine yourself—just as we are instructed to do before taking communion.

For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me." In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant between God and his people--an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it." For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord's death until he comes again. So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God's judgment upon yourself. 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 (Underlined for emphasis.)

The church at Ephesus represents not only that specific church, but anyone who has those qualities that are mentioned in this portion of scripture. Examine yourself. Are you…

A hard worker with patient endurance?

Tolerant of evil people?

Considering others, and yourself, as to one’s true belief in Christ?

Patiently suffering for Christ without quitting?

Loving Christ and other Christians as you did at first?

Having a repentant attitude?

Hating evil deeds of others?

Listening to the Spirit and understanding what He is saying?

Victorious?

God will reward those who are victorious with eternal life—life in the New Jerusalem with Him. Forever.

Verse of Salvation ~ All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God--the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name. Revelation 3:12

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, June 16, 2023

Do You Have Ears to Hear?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, help me to understand God’s message to You and to all the world.

Meditate. Consider God’s message in this passage.

Get out your maps and find Ephesus. It was the capital of the Roman providence Asia during the time of Caesar Augustus, and one of the cities that Paul visited and established a church during his third missionary journey. Ephesus is in present day Turkey where you can still go to see ancient ruins. At the time of Paul, it was on the Aegean Sea, but the land has filled in now so that it is no longer a sea port. I wish I could say I’ve been there…but I haven’t. You may want to put it on your bucket list.

Note that in John’s message he speaks of perseverance, endurance, or patient suffering. Suffering for the Lord’s sake. Very commendable, yet this same church is admonished for leaving their first love—assumed to be Jesus. That would seem to be an intentional act—not losing, but leaving. Very sad action and poor decision to have chosen. That seems to contradict their action of disliking the Nicolaitans who promoted following Balaam, instead of Jesus. At any rate, Jesus threatened that if they didn’t shape up and repent, He would remove their lampstand—their standing as one of the churches. That is not good.

The church at Ephesus had a choice to make…just as each of us do… to use our ears to hear and follow Jesus’ teachings and thus be allowed to eat of the tree of life—and have eternal life, or not. The choice is ours. Do you have ears to listen to Jesus’ message as spoken by the Holy Spirit?

Verse of Salvation ~ [The Lord speaks to Israel through the prophet Isaiah.] "Listen to me, my people. Hear me, Israel, for my law will be proclaimed, and my justice will become a light to the nations. My mercy and justice are coming soon. My salvation is on the way. My strong arm will bring justice to the nations. All distant lands will look to me and wait in hope for my powerful arm. Look up to the skies above, and gaze down on the earth below. For the skies will disappear like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing. The people of the earth will die like flies, but my salvation lasts forever. My righteous rule will never end!” Isaiah 51:4-6 (Underlined for emphasis._

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

What do wild birds eat?

These geese have gone fishing!

They are God's creation, too. God provides for them...and He will provide for you.

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, June 15, 2023

What Have You Learned?

Prayer – Lord, show me what I need to know in this Revelation study. Please give me wisdom and understanding that I could encourage others as they endeavor to search for You. You are The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Inspire me.;

Review Revelation 1

This is a revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants the events that must soon take place. He sent an angel to present this revelation to his servant John, who faithfully reported everything he saw. This is his report of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. Revelation 1:1-3

Meditate. Consider God’s revelation to Jesus…and to us.

What have you learned from the first chapter of Revelation? I’ve read and studied this book multiple times, always seeing something different. Several years ago, the Sunday School class I attended did a unique study of Revelation where we started at the end of the book and went to the beginning, backwards. Very enlightening. My husband and I have been watching a YouTube “End Times” Bible Study by Brenda Weltner that has been particularly inspiring and encouraging. She has set timelines with which not everyone may agree, but it is certainly thought provoking. You can check it out for yourself.

All of the Bible is inspired by God, specifically by the Holy Spirit, as described by Paul in his letters to Timothy and the church at Thessalonica.

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

We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

This particular book, Revelation, was given to Jesus from His Father, God. When Jesus was on earth, He received His words and teachings directly from God, and as I recall there was an occasion when He said that only God the Father knows the end times. God has a plan that only He knows.

However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. Matthew 24:36

Revelation gives us clues to what is going to happen in the end times. God doesn’t keep His plans to Himself forever. He reveals it through prophets, apostles, priests, kings, and teachers. He doesn’t want to keep us guessing—but He gives us clues to His mysteries. What have you learned so far?

Verse of Salvation ~ And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as "foreigners in the land." For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days. 1 Peter 1:17-20

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, June 14, 2023

Birthday Blessings Sweet Lydia

Prayer – Lord Jesus, please continue to bless Lydia—giving her wisdom and understanding—helping her to make good decisions during this year…and always. She loves You and honors You…as You well know.

Lydia - Throwing a pot!

"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. Matthew 6:31-33

Meditate. Don’t worry…be happy.

Some people just have a naturally happy disposition. That’s our Lydia! For me…she always has a smile on her face and is genuinely glad to see her Grandpa and me. Like any normal eleven-year old she can have disagreements with her younger sisters or older brother—but those are short lived. This is her birthday, but will she play “Happy Birthday” on her violin for us? She learned it just for her great aunt’s birthday last October. She's quickly learning the violin and pottery techniques.

Lydia is a great helper in the kitchen and is actually a good cook herself. Yes. Already at her young age she can whip up a tasty meal and fun dessert. She doesn’t worry about “What will we eat? What will we drink?” Or even “What will we wear?” She’s just not a worrying type of person—and she is a believer, so she trusts that God will provide whatever she and her family need. Lydia is compassionate—helping those in need, like a couple of years ago assisting with the food bank at our church. You’ll often see her watching out for little ones after Sunday services. This is our day to “Celebrate our Sweet Lydia.” Say a prayer for her…thanking the Lord for creating this wonderful young lady.

Verse of Salvation ~ Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. I have sworn by my own name; I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess allegiance to me." Isaiah 45:22-23

Happy Birthday LYDIA

Blessings on you…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

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