Banquet With The King

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

What Will Heaven Be Like?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, we have a few clues about Heaven—but we really don’t know what it will be like.

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Colossians 3:1-4

Meditate. What do you know about Heaven?

What do you think or know about heaven? Is it a real place for you? Paul was telling the believers at Colossi that they needed to set their sights on the realities of heaven. He knew that Jesus had ascended to heaven after His resurrection. He is seated there at the right hand of God the Father.

What do we know about Heaven? We know the Father is in heaven.

Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Matthew 6:9 (Underlined for emphasis.)

It is the home of God where there are thrones—for the Father and the Son.

Look! The LORD is coming! He leaves his throne in heaven and tramples the heights of the earth. Micah 1:3

It is the source of fire being sent down to altars on earth on several occasions.

Immediately the fire of the LORD flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! 1 Kings 18:38

David built an altar there to the LORD and sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings. And when David prayed, the LORD answered him by sending fire from heaven to burn up the offering on the altar. 1 Chronicles 21:26

Angels are in heaven…

Beware that you don't look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father. Matthew 18:10

The Temple of God is in heaven with the Ark of the Covenant.

Then, in heaven, the Temple of God was opened and the Ark of his covenant could be seen inside the Temple. Lightning flashed, thunder crashed and roared, and there was an earthquake and a terrible hailstorm. Revelation 11:19

The new Jerusalem is described with the measurements and its construction details in Revelation 21.

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." Revelation 21:1-3

River of Life
The Jordan River flowing...
near the headwaters.
Can you see the Tree of Life?

A river flows through the New Jerusalem with the Tree of Life, that produces different fruits each month. Ahh. There will be a variety of tasty food in Heaven!

Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. Revelation 22:1-3

Streets of gold are well known. Can you imagine walking along a golden cobblestone street? Is it just the main street—what about the other streets?

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

We have these glimpses of heaven revealed in God’s word. What else do you think of when you think of Heaven? Standing around God’s throne singing and worshipping Him with a multitude of other believers? People who have near death experiences often remark about the music of heaven. One friend of mine says that she thinks that there will be more colors in heaven than we have here on earth. I agree with her—although I don’t have any scripture to back up that statement.

There are books—lots of books—written about heaven. We can only imagine what the Bible doesn’t specifically tell us. It will be even more wonderful that we envision. We can count on that. Just imagine the beauty of the Garden of Eden fulfilling God’s dream for mankind in the New Heaven and New Earth, with the magnificent New Jerusalem! Will you be there one day, if you choose Jesus as your Savior?

Verse of Salvation ~ After this, I heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting, "Praise the LORD! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God." Revelation 19:1

Happy Anniversary Mike & Melissa

May God continue to bless and guide you always!

With Love & Prayers

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, August 5, 2024

Are You Choosing to Listen…and Obey?

Prayer – Lord God… You have said—My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Proverbs 4:20. Please give me grace and wisdom to do just that…to LISTEN, wisely and attentively to Your words. May I dig deep into the written word and “hear” You speaking to me…guiding my thoughts, words and actions that I would live in a manner pleasing to You.

Are you like a gorilla at the zoo--
living your own way?
Or are you wisely listening and obeying...
the Lord God?

Gorilla at the Henry Doorly Zoo
Omaha, Nebraska

So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus Himself and then delivered to us by those who heard Him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever He chose. And furthermore, it is not angels who will control the future world we are talking about. Hebrews 2:1-5 (underline mine)

Meditate. Listen.

Wisely listen. Listen to the truth. I think this is a reminder to “listen and obey” God’s words. Just as Moses wrote to the children of Israel in Deuteronomy:

Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you. Deuteronomy 6:3.

What is the point of listening if there is no action to follow it? Listen and obey—don’t drift away. That is a very plausible situation. Not paying attention to God’s word…not listening to the truth…can result in a drawing back…a falling away…slowly slipping into sin.

Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. Hosea 14:9

Listen up…listen and obey. Obedience is the key to a life of joy and hope in the Lord.

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 1:3.

When I haven’t listened and obeyed, I have found myself in a miserable condition—regretting my actions and words. It is much more pleasant to listen and obey…and do things in God’s way according to His timing. Are you choosing to listen and obey?

Verse of Salvation ~ 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

Revised and reused from November 17, 2016 blog “Banquet With The King”

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Sunday, August 4, 2024

Get Rid of the Old Stuff

Prayer – Lord. I don’t want to bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit by anything that I think, say, or do—by how I live. Thank you for the guarantee—the promise—that I will be saved on the day of salvation. I am eternally grateful for the forgiveness of my sins. Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. ... And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:21-24, 30-32

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

There is such a big push lately to “declutter” and downsize—at least for those of retirement age. Declutter! I’ve got a couple of rooms full of stuff to get rid of—and yard sales don’t seem to be the way to do it. Just divide up everything into “donate,” “discard,” and “relocate” bags. Seems simple—right, but it takes time, energy, and determination to get the job even started. I’m not a “hoarder” but if I don’t deal with this stuff now then my family will have to after I’m gone…and they will label some of these treasures as stuff that was “hoarded” from generations past! Treasures?! We are supposed to store up our treasures in Heaven—not here on earth where moths and rust can destroy them! Gotta get our priorities in line! Are you “downsizing” and “decluttering” stuff here…and in your spiritual life?

Paul was teaching the believers in Ephesus that they needed to “declutter” their lives by giving up old stuff like bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. What good advice. All those things can mess up relationships with others around you and with God Himself. The author of Hebrews also provided some helpful instruction:

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:14-15

Actually, over and over throughout the Old and New Testaments in 141 verses (NLT) we are directed to “be holy.” God wants us to be pure, to be holy like He is holy. Did you catch the warning...those who are not holy will not see the Lord? We need to be mindful of our actions...the way we live.

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4

Part of being pure and holy is forgiving others, as Paul wrote in our focus verses today.

…be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

We have been forgiven so much. Jesus spoke about forgiveness several times—once right after teaching His Disciples the Lord’s Prayer.

If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15

Forgiveness is an important step towards loving God and loving others. It is a choice that we each have to make. To get rid of the old stuff is to forgive. Can you do that?

Verse of Salvation ~ For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Saturday, August 3, 2024

What Have You Heard About Jesus?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You know what we think, feel…and what we are going to say even before we say it. It is nothing new to You that some people just don’t know You…or choose to want to know more about You. I want to know You more each day. Show me more truths about Yourself…and about our Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit, too. Show me how to be righteous and holy.

Meditate on righteousness and holiness.

What have you heard about Jesus? How well do you know Him and His teachings. Do you know that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life? The only way to our Heavenly Father?

Jesus told him (Thomas), "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!" John 14:6-7

Paul was telling the people at the church at Ephesus to give up their old ways—in that culturally sinful city—and to renew their minds. Get on with life with a fresh attitude and wholesome thoughts. Renewed!

Get a new nature...a new life like the butterfly.
Renew your mind.
New Attitude...New Thoughts.

We get a new nature when we accept Jesus as our Savior and put Him first in our lives. This new spiritual nature allows us to live as God created us—like Him—totally righteous and holy. Pure and spotless. Can you see yourself that way? It is a choice we make, not just once…but moment by moment…day by day as we honor God. Just as Paul taught…we need to throw off our old sinful nature and renew our minds…our thoughts and attitudes. It is an intentional choice.

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

Friday, August 2, 2024

How Hot is Hot…How Hot is a Fiery Furnace?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You took care of Daniel’s friends there in that fiery furnace. They were so right—so brave—and devoted to You when they wouldn’t bow down and worship Nebuchadnezzar’s golden idol. They lived up to Your commandment to have no other gods before You. Help me to see if I’m putting things in my life ahead of my relationship with You. I am so very grateful that You have promised to be with me…with everyone who believes in You—to the end of time. No matter what trials—like the fiery furnace—come our way, You will never leave us or forsake us. I praise You.

"Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. When the net was full, they dragged it up onto the shore, sat down, and sorted the good fish into crates, but threw the bad ones away. That is the way it will be at the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked people from the righteous, throwing the wicked into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Do you understand all these things?" "Yes," they said, "we do." Matthew 13:47-51

Meditate. Consider what Jesus taught His disciples.

Have you ever been near a fiery furnace or a blazing fire? Do you remember or know the story of friends of Daniel during the captivity of the Israelites in Babylon?

Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. When they were brought in, Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?" Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes, and other garments. And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in. So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames. But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, "Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?" "Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did," they replied. "Look!" Nebuchadnezzar shouted. "I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!" Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn't even smell of smoke! Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king's command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!" Daniel 3:13-29

Jesus used the parable of the angels separating the good and the wicked people at the end of time. Those that are following Satan—the wicked people—will go with him into the Lake of Fire for eternity. Do you believe in Hell—in the fire and brimstone that awaits the evil ones. God is pretty specific in the Book of Revelation as to where those evil ones will go.

Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:10

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 21:8

We may go through trials during our lifetime—and in the days ahead—but if we choose Jesus as our Savior, He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. We don’t have to worry about the temperature of the fiery furnace. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we will be safely taken care of, rescued from the scorching blaze.

Verse of Salvation ~ Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. Psalm 79:9

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

With the fires in the western States there won’t be many people roasting their food over the flame of a scorching blaze. Consider some cool foods and drinks to enjoy on these HOT days. When we recently went to Disney World, we had a traditional cooling dessert that our family had raved about—and it was as good as they said. Pineapple Whip. Yum! There are lots of recipes that are very similar to that cool, tasty dessert. So, I’m using this one adapted to be versatile for those who are or aren’t lactose intolerant.

Pineapple Whip

Put the ingredients into a blender in this order:

½ cup of pineapple juice

2 cups frozen pineapple (Not fresh. Plan ahead. Buy the pineapple on sale, chop it up, and freeze it)

½ cup vanilla ice cream OR ½ cup cold coconut milk OR ½ cup non-dairy frozen ice cream (some recipes used frozen Cool Whip)

Blend well and thin with more juice or thicken with more ice cream as needed. If desired, pipe the whipped dessert into serving bowls with a swirl. You can use a plastic bag with the corner cut off or a piping bag and a large star tip. Serve immediately and enjoy before it melts. Repeat as often as desired!

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, August 1, 2024

Blood Sacrifice for Eternity

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for being willing and obedient to go to the cross to die for mankind’s sins—once for all. I’m glad You didn’t have to die again and again…once was enough. It was brutal. I don’t think I could have done that for my own sins, let along anyone else's sins. Thanks for being the Lamb—the Lamb that took away the sins of the world!

For after Moses had read each of God's commandments to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, and sprinkled both the book of God's law and all the people, using hyssop branches and scarlet wool. Then he said, "This blood confirms the covenant God has made with you." And in the same way, he sprinkled blood on the Tabernacle and on everything used for worship. In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. That is why the Tabernacle and everything in it, which were copies of things in heaven, had to be purified by the blood of animals. But the real things in heaven had to be purified with far better sacrifices than the blood of animals. For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice. And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:19-28 (Underlined for emphasis.)

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

Do you make To Do Lists and plans on a regular basis? God had a plan from the very beginning. You can start in Genesis and see it unfolding throughout the Bible—see the details that include Jesus Christ dying for all the sins of mankind. Just like the author of Hebrews tells us: And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. Not everyone agrees with the whole “judgment” idea—but that is God’s plan. Everyone will be judged and held accountable for their actions. Those who choose to believe in Jesus as their Savior will get the salvation that is promised to them. The blood of Jesus washes away the sin—leaving the believers pure, unblemished, perfect, and righteous before God the Father. I trust Him for that promise.

Will there be a Tabernacle on earth...
...like in Heaven?

The “Tabernacle” on earth where the tribe of Levi offered the sacrifices as Moses commanded was a copy of the one in Heaven. Will that Tabernacle be recreated here on earth in the end times? Again, the Hebrew author tells us that Christ is coming again—not to deal with our sins because we have already repented of those…but to bring salvation to all who eagerly await Him. That is an eternal redemption for everyone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Where do you stand with that? What choice have you made for eternity? Put that on your To Do List soon.

Verse of Salvation ~ And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-28

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