Banquet With The King

Sunday, July 14, 2024

When Did We Ever See You Hungry, Thirsty, Naked or as a Stranger?

Prayer – Lord, You’ve taught us to treat others the same way we would treat You—but I think I need You to show me just what it is I need to do. There are hungry and thirsty people in need of clothing and other care or hospitality. Where do I start…what as just one person can I do?

The heavens will open when the Son of Man...
comes in His glory.

But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn't give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.' Then they will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?' And he will answer, 'I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life. Matthew 25:31-46

Meditate. Consider the helpless, hungry, or thirsty people in your community.

Have you ever been hungry, thirsty, or in need of clothes or even in need of a little hospitality? Jesus knows how everyone feels…and what they need. He is also the ultimate compassionate person. Remember how He fed thousands of people—a couple of times—and He healed sick, victimized, and dead? No one was more compassionate than Jesus. He wants us to be like Him. Compassionate. Caring. Considerate. In this passage of scripture, Jesus tells us that when we help others—truly caring for them—it is like we are caring for Him. Can you care for others as if they were Jesus?

Verse of Salvation ~ So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:7-10

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

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Saturday, July 13, 2024

With What Gifts Has God Entrusted You?

Prayer – Lord, open my eyes and my heart to the needs of those around me and the gifts or talents You have given me to meet those needs.

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master's money. After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.' The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.' The master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, 'Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn't plant and gathering crops you didn't cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.' But the master replied, 'You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn't plant and gathered crops I didn't cultivate, why didn't you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.' Then he ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' Matthew 25:14-30

Meditate. Consider what you would do with a bag of silver.

Has anyone ever given you something to watch over while they went away on vacation or for work? I’ve watched dogs, plants, gardens, homes and even kids—a teenager! The teenager was the biggest challenge…and the most valuable of the possessions. Unfortunately, he made some bad decisions with his friends and one of them ended up dropping a manhole cover on his foot—not our guy! And it seems to me that there was an incident with a skunk involved in that evening, too! It was a little awkward all around and we didn't ever offer to “teen sit” again!

Coins during Jesus' time.
Display at the
Creation Museum, Kentucky

In this parable that Jesus told when they asked about the Kingdom and end time, The Master entrusted his servants with some of his riches—silver coins. These are like the gifts of the Spirit that God gives to each of us. What did the servants do with those coins? It varied from investing wisely to hiding them in the ground. What are you doing with the gifts or talents that God has given you? Do you even realize what they are? I think that mine is writing this blog…day in and day out for more than twelve years. Others have talents of encouragement, evangelism, music—playing the piano, violin, guitar, or singing—hospitality, cooking, baking, cleaning, gardening, teaching, shepherding, and even pickle ball. The church I attend has a pickle ball ministry—awesome! Sometimes people’s “gift” is just taking care of their family. Children, teens, grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings, cousins, spouses—they all have needs that should be met and those are best done by “family” and not strangers, whenever possible. When the circumstances of elders or those with special needs are beyond what the family can do for them, it is good that there are outside resources. Are you using the talents God has given you…or are you burying your head in the sand and ignoring God and the necessities He has placed before you to use those very gifts? Are you the faithful servant?

Decisions day by day. What to do…how to show God’s love and care?

Verse of Salvation ~ Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Habakkuk 3:17-18

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

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Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, July 12, 2024

Don’t Worry – Life is More Than Food

Prayer – Lord God, open my eyes to see things as You do and who is in need today that I can help. You have taught us not to worry about food and clothes. You’ll take care of us providing everything we need. I trust in You—and I seek You and Your Kingdom.

Heron at Magnolia Gardens, SC
You are more valuable than any birds.

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can't accomplish a little thing like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things? ... Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. ... Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Luke 12:22-26, 31, 34

Meditate. Consider what you need…not what you want.

Do you know the song Seek Ye First? It is based on this verse in Luke 12:31 and Matthew 6:33. It’s a good song to sing around the campfire—and it can be sung in a round which makes it even more desirable for those who like to sing. Scripture put to music is always enduring—and easier to memorize.

The message that Jesus was teaching at this point…part of His Sermon on the Mount…is how valuable we are to God. We don’t need to worry about what we’ll wear or eat—although there are many people having a hard time making ends meet now with the rising prices in our stores. It’s easy to say don’t worry about food or clothes but in reality, there are some who do worry. Jesus emphasized that there is more to life that food and clothes for our bodies. I think He was referring to the spiritual food that we all need. We are to seek the Kingdom of God—and He will give you everything you need. Continue reading…wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. If you are treasuring that Kingdom, you won’t be worrying about lovely clothes or gourmet food…or even just a loaf of bread. Jesus reminds us that God takes care of the birds—so He will take care of us, too.

Are you trusting Him to do that—or maybe are you choosing to help others as God shows their needs? The choice is yours.

Verse of Salvation ~ Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures (food). John 10:9

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Summer family feast! Hamburgers and hotdogs with potato salad and fresh cucumber pickles. Watermelon. Ice cream. What could be better?

Refrigerator Dill Pickles

5 small cucumbers (about a pound), unpeeled and quartered lengthwise

1 small sweet onion, sliced thinly

6 (4- to 6-in.) dill sprigs

6 small garlic cloves, smashed

1 cup white wine vinegar

1/4 cup kosher salt

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp. black peppercorns

2 tsp. mustard seeds

1 tsp. fennel seeds

1 tsp. crushed red pepper

1 1/4 cups cold water

Wash two pint jars. Cut cucumber in spears or if you prefer slice thinly in rounds. Add sliced onions. Fill jars.

Make pickle brine:

Cook vinegar, salt, sugar, peppercorns, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, and crushed red pepper in a small saucepan over medium, stirring often, until sugar is completely dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in cold water.

Cover cucumber and onions with brine. Cap. Allow to chill for 12 hours before serving.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

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

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Thursday, July 11, 2024

Are You Ready for an Endurance Race?

Prayer – Lord, show me how can keep my eyes on You, Jesus. You endured so much—on the cross for me, for my family, and friends—for all humanity. Thank you! You endured for joy! Have you attained that joy?

Start Your Race!
Endure.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up. Hebrews 12:1-3

Meditate. Think about endurance.

Run. It is so hot right now…109 degrees F as I write this…that I can’t even think about being outside, let alone running anywhere! Walking, kayaking, or yardwork must be done before 10 AM in the cool of the morning. Here the writer of Hebrews is talking about running a race of endurance—one that is not just a little sprint—but a marathon type of race that requires perseverance, persistence, stamina, and determination. That is what endurance is all about. That is the type of race in which God expects us to take part. One that requires a steadfastness. We can’t just give up if we get tired. We must loyally endure even through trials and suffering. God didn’t promise that it would be an easy race…but that He will never leave us or forsake us. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus.

The author points out that sin trips us up—and that could be dangerous. Tripping while running. SPLAT! Sin is sin. That is not acceptable in God’s eyes—it is the reason Jesus went to the cross. We can only hope for the joy like Jesus knew He had waiting for Him. Joy—gladness and cheerfulness—is a fruit of the spirit. Run with that joy of Jesus. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Do what He does. Don’t get tired and give up. Never give up. Keep the joy that awaits you, just like Jesus.

What is your choice today? Can you run the race of endurance?

Verse of Salvation ~ 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!" Psalm 40:16

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

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Prayer – Lord, Thank you not only for legs that can run—but for a heart and mind that listen to You. Show me the way out when I am tempted in anything I think, say, or do. Guide me that I would reflect Your glory and honor You.

Rise Above
God will show you a way out!
Prosser, WA - Balloon Rally

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance.

Run. Forrest Gump ran—and became stronger…and he kept on running. Good example for us. Keep moving to keep moving. That is actually an Arthritis Foundation slogan, but it works for lots of things. We need to move forward with the Lord—no turning back. Rise above. Paul taught the Corinthians that temptations happen to everyone—but with God’s guidance we have a way out. In going that “way” we may need to run.

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:22

Even if you are complemented by some action—keep moving towards God and don’t let temptation enter your thoughts or actions. God has a plan for you. Run to Him. The choice is yours.

Verse of Salvation ~ Finally, believers, we ask and admonish you in the Lord Jesus, that you follow the instruction that you received from us about how you ought to walk and please God (just as you are actually doing) and that you excel even more and more [pursuing a life of purpose and living in a way that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation]. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 AMP

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) 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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Hey Lady!

Prayer – Lord God, You have given me…us all…the greatest compliment for just creating us…and for loving us, and preparing a home for us in the future. Your love is evident not only in Your creation—but in the greatest sacrifice of all times…Jesus. Thank you.

Is there anything more pure?
White rose--symbol of purity.ds

If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:21-22

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture. Run.

I recently had the compliment of the lifetime… “Hey, Lady. Do you date?” That is what a guy recently yelled at me as I was entering the Post Office. “No. I’m married.” I shouted back as I held up my left hand, showing my wedding band. What a pick-up line! One I’d never heard before in my 74 years of life! My husband has had a good laugh from that story—as he has shared it with many of our friends and family. I should have said, “I only date my husband!” but I wasn’t thinking quickly enough—just flabbergasted at the mere thought of someone asking me such a question!

Run. Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. I’m not much on running—but I can walk quickly and that is just what I did after I responded to the “Hey, Lady” inquiry. No “youthful lusts” involved. Enjoying the companionship of other faithful Christians, including my family and friends, is the joy of my life. Just being in their presence gives me peace.

Paul wisely advices Timothy to seek out “righteous living”—holiness, “faithfulness, love, and peace.” These are not all the fruit of the Spirit, there are some missing qualities. Note that some of the values for the fruit of the Spirit are that same as those in the letter to Timothy.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 (Underlined indicated those qualities that link today’s focus scriptures.)

The best advice anyone ever given is like that that Paul gave to Timothy: pursue righteous living. Righteous is holiness. Holiness is what God desires and expects for us. Holiness is purity in thoughts, words, and deeds.

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

It is the Holy Spirit that makes us holy as we express our gratitude to our Savior Jesus Christ.

Decision time each day. Are you experiencing salvation? Are you choosing to express your gratitude to the Lord? Through Paul, Jesus taught…

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Verse of Salvation ~ For the LORD has chosen Jerusalem; he has desired it for his home. "This is my resting place forever," he said. "I will live here, for this is the home I desired. I will bless this city and make it prosperous; I will satisfy its poor with food. I will clothe its priests with godliness; its faithful servants will sing for joy. Psalm 132:13-16

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Monday, July 8, 2024

Fear in Death, Fear of Death

Prayer – Lord, I’m not afraid to die. I know that there are others who quake in their boots to even think about dying—but like Paul, I think…

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don't know which is better. I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Philippians 1:20-24

Help me to be bold for You, Christ Jesus, even if I must suffer persecution, trials, or death. You are my Lord and Savior.

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. Are you afraid to die?

Afraid to die? Is there fear of death? Is there fear in death? Those are two different aspects. One is just being afraid to die, while the other is being afraid while dying. Beware: Fear is just one of Satan’s evil schemes. Paul wrote to the people of Corinth about such schemes and the importance of forgiveness.

When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ's authority for your benefit, so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 NLT

We don’t need to be afraid of dying…since it is just part of living—of being human. We all have to die sometime. No need to be a slave to fear. The second death—that of the lake of fire—is only for the non-believers.

Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. Hebrews 2:15

The fear or respect of the Lord should be a comforting part of our lives—especially as Christians. The Lord offers us His love, comfort, and peace. Prayer is the answer—respectfully ask Him for peace…and the absence of phobias, general fears, or specifically the fear of death.

Fountain - Manito Park
Spokane, Washington

Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a refuge for their children. Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:26-27 NLT

What will you gain in death? What is the benefit to keep living? We find an answer to that in Psalms.

"What will you gain if I die, if I sink into the grave? Can my dust praise you? Can it tell of your faithfulness? Hear me, LORD, and have mercy on me. Help me, O LORD." You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever! Psalm 30:9-12 NLT

No fear. The answers for most, if not all, of our questions can be found in the Bible. The answer just might be…God is Love. Can you search for answers today? It is your choice.

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first. 1 John 4:16-19 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Verse of Salvation ~ Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. Philippians 2:12

[Note: No one can earn salvation through work—it is a gift from God. Obedience to God after salvation shows respect for our Lord.]

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