Banquet With The King

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

God Brings Life

Prayer – Lord, I am open to learning all I can from You…I’m listening. Please give me wisdom and understanding as I study Your word.

The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. Psalm 19:7-11 NLT

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture.

God is the greatest teacher, since of course, all knowledge comes from Him. David wrote in Psalm 19 that the Lord’s perfect guidelines:

…refresh my soul.

…are dependable.

…give wisdom—to even the simple.

…bring joy to my heart.

…give insight to the way God wants us to live.

…are true, just, and fair.

…are more valuable, and thus more desirable than gold.

…are sweeter than honey.

…are a reward to anyone who studies them and obeys them.

David also provides insight that showing respect, reverence for the Lord is pure and eternal. That eternal life is the reward for obedience. Life with God is eternal…life without Him can be eternal also, but we have a choice. Choose wisely. With God. Without God. Eternity is a long time. Personally, I want to be with God for eternity—forever.

Like all scripture, this great advice in Psalms was inspired by the Holy Spirit. David—the father of the wisest man who ever lived…except Jesus...obediently wrote it down for us. We learn so much from our parents. What are you teaching your children, grandchildren or those you mentor? God’s teachings are true wisdom, and He is so generously sharing them with us. The more I know about God, the more I want to know Him. He is more valuable than gold! With His eternal wisdom and glory, God brings life. Eternal life with Him. Is that your choice today?

Verses of Salvation ~ O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. ... He will swallow up death forever, And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; The rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken. And it will be said in that day: "Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation." Isaiah 25:1, 8-9 NKJV

All scripture quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV) unless otherwise noted.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

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, March 11, 2024

Where Do You See God?

Prayer – Lord, I see You in the beauty of nature You created…I see You in those who love and serve You…I see You in the eyes of needy kids, teens and adults who are searching for You. Fill us with Your love Lord and open our eyes to Your glory.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat. Psalm 19:1-6 NLT

Meditate. Consider where you see God at work in your life—and in the world around you.

The first forsythia blooms of 2024!
God's handiwork in my yard.

Where do you see God? David tells us in this scripture passage that the heavens, the sky and the sun declare God’s handiwork. With the days getting longer—and more hours of sunshine we can see more of God’s glory around us. Spring is a wonderful time of the year to see new life and growth—and it is almost Spring! Only about ten days away.

Do you ever see God in other people around you? I do. I see Him when I’m in a Bible study and people have creative and insightful answers to questions that come up about understanding or applying scripture. I especially see Him in children who are eager to learn more about Jesus, are memorizing scripture, or just enjoying being around friends and family who also love the Lord. I see, hear, and feel the presence of the Lord in worship songs at church and sometimes on the radio—but particularly in the adoration and reverence of Sunday morning praise time. There is nothing as special as seeing the smiling faces of Christian friends reflecting the joy of our Savior, or having the words of scripture jump off the page and show you a new truth about God as you share how He is working in your life.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun…and a home in our hearts for His love. Have you chosen to have the Lord reside in your heart? Where do you see God?

Verses of Salvation ~ [For my hope is] that their hearts may be encouraged as they are knit together in [unselfish] love, so that they may have all the riches that come from the full assurance of understanding [the joy of salvation], resulting in a true [and more intimate] knowledge of the mystery of God, that is, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge [regarding the word and purposes of God]. I say this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive [but thoroughly deceptive] arguments. Colossians 2:2-4 AMP

All scripture quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV) unless otherwise noted.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

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, March 10, 2024

What is the Will of God?

Prayer – Lord, open my eyes and give me wisdom and understanding that I would know your perfect will. I humbly stand before You and give You my body as a living sacrifice.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1 NKJV

Meditate. Consider God’s will.

Present your spiritual bodies--
as a living sacrifice--
holy and acceptable to God.
Thank you, God, for new life--
and for the bounty You provide for us.

You may wonder…“What is the will of God the Father?” How often have you asked that question? Here are few scripture verses to give us some guidance.

(Words of Jesus) Not everyone says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Matthew 7:21 NKJV

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 NKJV

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 1 Peter 2:15-17 NKJV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 NKJV

So, how important is it to do the will of God? It is of the ultimate importance for eternity. Jesus told the multitude listening to His Sermon on the Mount that only those who do His Father’s will are allowed to enter the kingdom of heaven. Ultimately, that is where we all want to go—to live eternally with God in the New Heaven and New Earth (2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1).

Once we are saved and sanctified, then doing good works for the Lord is something we desire to do—in service and obedience to the Lord. But note that good works won’t result in salvation for anyone. No one can “work” their way into heaven. We can't be "good" enough on our own, all mankind is sinful by nature and the result of sin is death. Salvation from that sin is a gift from God—just repent and accept it.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

God wants us to live a holy life—one of purity and to pray, rejoicing with gratitude. He is worthy of our praise. When was the last time you prayerfully gave thanks to God? Maybe you thank Him for the food before each meal, but do you thank Him for each answer to prayers whether it is how you expected Him to answer your prayer or not? Those prayers could be for yourself, your family, friends, job, home and opportunities to learn and to serve Him. There is an endless list of things for which to be thankful—even for Jesus Himself and His sacrifice on the cross for each of us. That is part of the will of God. God gives us free choice to choose to obey Him, or not. What do you choose to do?

Verses of Salvation ~ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

All scripture quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV) 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, March 9, 2024

Wisdom is a Good Thing

Prayer – Lord, show me the things I need to do today—that I would serve You, bringing You glory and honor. Fill me with Your wisdom.

Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things; ... All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. Proverbs 8:6, 8-11 NKJV

Meditate. Consider God’s wisdom.

As Solomon wrote in Proverbs—wisdom is the ultimate thing that we should value—at least more than instruction and knowledge. Is that true for you? Personally, I think that love is the ultimate of all things, but without wisdom one cannot chose love wisely. Is that a good rational? God is love and He will guide us in all love and wisdom if we ask Him.

What is on your list of things to do today? Are you “listening” to Solomon’s wise words? Those words were inspired by the Holy Spirit—as are all the books of the Bible.

At the City of David in Jerusalem.
Whether scripture is Old or New--on a wall
or in a book--it is inspired by God.
Seek God's wisdom, love and peace.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV

God’s intention for His book—the whole Bible—is for us to know Him and to give us training to do His work. Are you in “training” and are you “training” others to know God and seek wisdom? Wisdom is a good thing—better than anything that is valuable by the world’s standards like rubies or gold. Choose wisdom.

Verses of Salvation ~ Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame." Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone, and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." 1 Peter 2:6-10 NKJV

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, March 8, 2024

How to Gain Wisdom

Prayer – Lord God, I acknowledge that wisdom only comes from You. You are the source and supplier of wisdom. May You bless me with Your wisdom so that I would be able to make wise choices—discerning and rightly dividing what is true and right from the foolish things of the world. Help me—as well as my family, friends and neighbors—to live lives that are pleasing and honoring to You. May we not be arrogant or self-righteous about any blessing of wisdom that we receive.

But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? No one knows where to find it, for it is not found among the living. ... It cannot be bought with gold. It cannot be purchased with silver. ... Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal. It cannot be purchased with jewels mounted in fine gold. Coral and jasper are worthless in trying to get it. The price of wisdom is far above rubies. ... But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? It is hidden from the eyes of all humanity. Even the sharp-eyed birds in the sky cannot discover it. Destruction and Death say, 'We've heard only rumors of where wisdom can be found.' Job 28:12-13, 15, 17-18, 20-22

What is wisdom? Wisdom is the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight. If people could buy wisdom, they’d be lined up in an endless row like they are when the lotto jackpot is high. Wisdom is not for sale. Nothing can buy wisdom. Not in Job’s time…and not today. Wisdom is only available as a gift from God…or through a process of aging and hard knocks. Knowledge can come from books and can be taught by others…but using that knowledge with insight and application to our life situations takes wisdom that is only available directly from God or by trial and error in previous situations. People rarely gain wisdom from other people’s situations unless they have discernment from God. How have you encountered wisdom in your life?

If you truly desire wisdom, ask God for it.

Don't be blown about like the waves.
Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8 NKJV

Wisdom. The choice is yours.

Verses of Salvation ~ For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:21-25 NKJV

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

What wise spiritual food will you feed yourself today? Read a chapter or two of Proverbs--the book of Wisdom. Then feast wisely on some healthy food like pumpkin seeds, brown rice, broccoli, kale, mandarin oranges, apples, kiwi, kimchi, or avocados. What is your healthy go to food? Whatever it is--feed your body wisely--it is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

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, March 7, 2024

Who Do You Love?

Prayer – Lord, I love You…with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength—and my neighbors as myself. Or at least I try. Sometimes my heart seems to be like a cold stone…an impenetrable rock. Not much love there so, refresh my heart, Lord, that I would love what You love.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 1 John 2:15-23 NKJV (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Acknowledging or denying Christ?

The world is passing away.

Read these words of John again…the world is passing away…it is the last hour. Jesus also warned us not to be deceived. Satan and the world would love to deceive us with lust and pride. John reminds us in this passage that the Holy Spirit gives us knowledge—we know the truth. That truth will set us free from the slavery of sin.

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32 NLT

Jesus spoke to His disciples about the end times.

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." Matthew 24:3-8 NKJV (Underlined for emphasis.)

Know His word so that you won’t be deceived. It is amazing to me that the more I study Jesus, the more I love Him. Other friends have found the same to be true. Know God—know love. It makes sense since we are told that God is love.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

God spoke to the Israelites through Ezekiel about a heart of stone—an unloving heart.

Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God. Ezekiel 11:19-20

I’ll give up my stony heart and take that heart of flesh—a loving caring heart. I lovingly trust in the Lord with all my heart. He is the one I love, not the world. It is passing away—with sorrows, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes. Look around—is it happening? Take courage and be strong.

I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV

Who do you love and serve today?

Verse of Salvation ~ Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. Psalm 25:5 NKJV

All scripture quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV) 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