Banquet With The King

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Deceived? Don’t Be

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You told Your disciples, and thus us, to not be deceived. John and Paul repeated Your instruction. How can people not see what they are doing…or what is happening around them? May Your words and guidance convince people to live righteously and to honor our Heavenly Father. Thank you for Your guidance and for being our example in all things.

Do you belong to God...or to the devil?
The choice is yours.

Dear children, don't let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God. 1 John 3:7-10

Meditate. Consider what it means to belong to God.

Do you belong to God?

A Christian friend recently said that she knows her sins are forgiven—washed away by the blood of Jesus, but she doesn’t stop sinning. We all have that problem. Our sins were “justified” –just as if we never sinned when we were saved. Now we’re in the process of being “sanctified” or “made holy”–set apart as God’s own children and filled with the Holy Spirit. (Underlined below for emphasis.)

For God's will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. ... For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:10, 14 NLT

By this will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time. ... For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. - Hebrews 10:10, 14 NASB20

We may not have totally stopped sinning—only Jesus is sinless—but we have found that we don’t sin as often—and not deliberately. We’re not evil. Sometimes our actions may seem mean…or downright evil—but not intentionally. The whole sanctification process is just that—a process. During Old Testament times priests offered guilt offerings to the Lord to purify a person from their sins (see Leviticus 5), but now we can directly be cleansed by praying to our awesome, holy, and forgiving God. Paul tells us that we are the temple of God. We want to be holy—for He that is within us is holy.

And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people." 2 Corinthians 6:16

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

Can we ever attain complete holiness? Probably not in this earthly life—but we definitely will in Heaven. It will be a pure and holy place. No room for sin there. Paul wrote that we should work toward complete holiness because we fear God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever! Psalm 111:10

Don’t be deceived. To fear the Lord is to respect Him, giving Him reverence and honor. Review what John wrote. Are you trying to do what is right in God’s eyes? Are you intentionally or deliberately sinning? When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. To whom do you belong? Each person has the opportunity to make a willful choice—sin or not. Don’t be deceived. The choice is yours.

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

Be Thankful with Patience in Your Heart

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

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®,

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

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Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Monday, November 18, 2024

Sin Or No Sin?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I certainly don’t want to keep on sinning—breaking God’s law. I understand that You are the Son of God—You are God. God the Father sent the Holy Spirit—also part of the God head. By repenting of sins, the Holy Spirit comes to live within our hearts—making us holy. God has commanded that we need to be holy as He is holy. Those pure and spotless will be the ones to live in the New Jerusalem one day. I rejoice that You have revealed this mystery to me…and that day by day I can honor You. Thank You, Jesus, for all that You have done for me—for all of mankind.

Everyone who sins is breaking God's law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him or understand who he is. 1 John 3:4-6

Meditate. Consider sin.

What is sin to you?
Jesus said that to think of a sinful act...
is the same as to do it.
Guard your thoughts, words and actions.

What is sin to you?

John Wesley one day walked to his mother and asked: “Mum, define sin for me.” Her answer was this: “Whatever weakens your reasoning, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes away your relish for spiritual things, in short, if anything increases the authority of the flesh over the spirit, that to you becomes sin, however good it is in itself.” – Susanna Wesley –

Some people might define sin as…willful transgression of the known laws of God or in other words… intentionally breaking any one of God’s Ten Commandments.

Jesus never sinned. The verses in our focus scripture today tell us this… Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. He was sinless. He is the only human that could ever claim that. We sin by our very nature ever since Adam and Eve. It is only through the blood of Jesus Christ that was shed on the cross for our sins that we will ever be able to approach the throne of God—sinless. He was obedient to the Father, willingly went to the cross, suffered, and died for us. Because of Him, we can live forever—eternally with Him.

Thanks be to Jesus Christ for His gift to mankind. Let that be your Thanksgiving thankful thought for today…and every day.

Verses of Salvation ~ But God says to the wicked: "Why bother reciting my decrees and pretending to obey my covenant? ... Repent, all of you who forget me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you. But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God." Psalm 50:16, 22-23

Thank You Jesus for Giving Us the Gift of Eternal Life

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, November 17, 2024

Hidden Treasure

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I understand that You ARE the hidden treasure that Paul wrote about. You are the living Word of God—as John wrote in the book of John. So many people enjoy mysteries—books and movies—but do they realize that there is a mystery in the Bible? That hidden gem is You—and we can’t buy You—we can only just accept what You did to purchase our salvation! You are awesome. Thank You—from the bottom of my heart, mind, and soul. I am forever grateful that You revealed Yourself as God’s mystery—and especially that You obediently went to the cross, that all of our sins could be forgiven—washed away by Your sacrificial blood.

Is there a treasure at the end of the rainbow?

I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God's mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. Colossians 2:1-4 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Consider what you treasure

So many things are beginning to fall into place according to God's prophecies—Israel is back in the Promised Land. That was a very important event. Jews have gathered from all over the world to live there. It has become very prosperous despite the almost constant turmoil challenging this nation from countries around the world and within its own borders. It is not just their unfriendly Arab neighbors—who are really extended family if you know Abraham’s lineage. Unity and loving one another in the Middle East…and anywhere in the world…would be wonderful. But although we pray for that and hope that all nations would follow Jesus’ teaching to love God and our neighbors as ourselves, this is just not happening. Why?

God’s plan is mysteriously hidden within His scripture—but it centers on Jesus Christ. Paul had complete confidence that they (Laodicea) would understand God's mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. Read ahead to the book of Revelation for more of the story of Laodicea.

Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen--the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's new creation: "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me--gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. "Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches." Revelation 3:14-22

Laodicea was lukewarm—not showing love—just being indifferent. Jesus was calling them to repent—to turn from their blasé existence. Are you like the people of the Laodicean church? I will admit that sometimes I am. I should be filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…but I’m not. I’m just blasé. I need to be more concerned about others, less concerned about myself, and above all…putting God first in all things in my life—seeking His hidden treasure. I’ve rattled on far too much today—but I hope that you will dig into God’s word—and find the treasured mysteries of hope in His words. Don’t be deceived. Seek and find God. Blessings—may you honor God in all that you think, say, and do today. The choice is yours.

Verse of Salvation ~ 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

Be Thankful with Joy in Your Heart

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

Saturday, November 16, 2024

Be Encouraged

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You were the “plan” and You continue to be the “plan” for the eternity of mankind. You are the God’s mysterious plan—and I place my hope in You. I have confidence that just as God has promised, You will call us all home to heaven to spend eternity with You. It will be wonderful!

Just as the butterfly shows us new life...
we have hope in God's eternal plan.

Meditate. Consider encouragement and unity.

Do you know where Laodicea is?

All the churches mentioned in Revelation are in modern Turkey. They form a ring around what was earlier Asia Minor. A rich Roman city about ninety miles from Ephesus, Laodicea was the last church mentioned of the seven churches in Revelation, and it was very close to Colossae to whom Paul had written this letter known as the book of Colossians. He was advising them to encourage and be united in love with others. He felt it was important for them to understand the mysteries of God’s plan. Isn’t that what people still need today? So many people are confused about Revelation, the information presented in that book, and the timing of the coming events. God has always told people about His plans, but we just have to dig into that treasure in the form of words of wisdom and knowledge He has hidden for us. He promised that Christ is coming back—although who knows if it will be in our lifetime. That depends on how long we’ll live! Your guess is as good as mine.

God’s plan is mysteriously hidden within His scripture—but it centers on Jesus Christ. Paul had complete confidence that they (Laodicea) would understand God's mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. Just as Paul advised: Don’t be deceived. We each have a choice to make, day by day, to search God’s word and then to believe what we read. What is your choice today?

Verse of Salvation ~ We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5

Be Thankful with Love in Your Heart

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, November 15, 2024

How to Know God’s Will for You

Prayer – Lord God, I want to know Your will for my life. As I read Your word, transform my mind—changing the way I think. Thank you.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

Meditate. Consider transformation.

What are you thinking about now? Has God transformed your mind?

Paul advises the church people in Rome that they shouldn’t copy or conform to the way the world, the non-Christians, act. God will transform the Christian by changing the way they think. Reading God’s word and having your mind transformed, you will learn to know God’s will for you…to be pleasing to Him.

Jesus Himself told a crowd that they needed to repent—changing the way they think. Shortly after Jesus spent time being tempted in the desert, He began His ministry and “Repent” was His theme. It is necessary for Christians to repent of their sins—to change their thinking—in order to live in such a way that is pleasing to God—and to live forever with Him.

I tell you, no; but unless you repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:3 AMP

Repent takes a decision…a choice. What is your choice today?

Verse of Salvation ~ (Jesus preached…) saying, "The [appointed period of] time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God's purpose for your life] and believe [with a deep, abiding trust] in the good news [regarding salvation]." Mark 1:15 AMP

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Ginger Tea in my favorite cup.

Earlier this week it was noted that it was the anniversary of God closing the door of the Ark—and the rains began. I’ve imagined that Noah’s wife served Ginger Tea to her family to calm their stomachs as the Ark rolled a bit in the stormy sea.

Ginger Tea

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Using a microplane grater, grate about ½ inch of fresh into your favorite cup, cover with boiling water, and let steep for five to ten minutes. Alternatively, you can slice or grate the ginger into a pan. Cover with water and boil for up to ten minutes. Strain, add honey or a little fresh lemon juice, and enjoy.

Repent and Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart

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

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Animals Approved for Sacrifice?

Prayer – Lord, sacrifice? Sacrifices just don’t seem to be part of our culture…not during this time. Sacrifices ended when the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD. I don’t think that sacrificing was any part of Christian culture, but You, Lord God, expect us to sacrifice…our sins and have a repentant heart. I guess that is a sacrifice—giving up our selfishness. OK. I’m willing give up my egotism—not just for part of the year—but forever. Thank you, Jesus, for the sacrifice You made that gave eternal life to all those who believe in You.

Go into the boat...
I'm onboard the Ark at the Ark Encounter.
The actual size Ark in Kentucky, USA.
What an amazing structure!

When everything was ready, the LORD said to Noah, "Go into the boat with all your family, for among all the people of the earth, I can see that you alone are righteous. Take with you seven pairs—male and female—of each animal I have approved for eating and for sacrifice, and take one pair of each of the others. ... With them were all the various kinds of animals—those approved for eating and for sacrifice and those that were not—along with all the birds and the small animals that scurry along the ground." Genesis 7:1-2, 8

Noah was now 601 years old. On the first day of the new year, ten and a half months after the flood began, the floodwaters had almost dried up from the earth. Noah lifted back the covering of the boat and saw that the surface of the ground was drying. Two more months went by, and at last the earth was dry! Then God said to Noah, "Leave the boat, all of you—you and your wife, and your sons and their wives. Release all the animals—the birds, the livestock, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—so they can be fruitful and multiply throughout the earth." ... Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and there he sacrificed as burnt offerings the animals and birds that had been approved for that purpose. And the LORD was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to himself, "I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things. As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night." Genesis 8:13-17, 20-22 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Consider God’s requirement for sacrifice.

What is your “sacrifice” to God?

While reading this section of scripture, I noted that Noah, the only righteous man at that time, was instructed to gather seven pairs of animals approved for eating and for sacrifice. Had God already ordained sacrifice of animals? Remember Adam and Eve’s coverings were made animal skins—thus a sacrifice had occurred. Their son, Abel, provided an animal sacrifice to the Lord from his flock. See Genesis 4:1-9. Cain gave an offering of grain from his harvest—but it was not the sacrifice that God wanted. Was it Cain’s attitude or the actual sacrifice…or both that were not pleasing to the Lord? We don’t do animal sacrifices, but what do you give as a sacrifice to the Lord?

You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:16-17

When the Ark landed and the land was dry—Noah honored God by offering a sacrifice. The extra animals that God required Noah to take along into the Ark were necessary. Can you imagine that Noah would have sacrificed an animal…and end that species? God is so wise—and has great plans. Those plans include animals as well as people. The ultimate sacrifice was Jesus. God loved all of mankind—His creation—as much as His own Son, so He gave up Jesus to purify mankind for Himself. Those who believe in Him become part of God’s own family—adopted. Believe. It is a choice to make. Do you choose day by day to believe in Jesus as your Savior?

Verses of Salvation ~ 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 9:24-28 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Happy Birthday Sweet Lucy

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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Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Ark Finished - All on Board

Prayer – Lord, it seems that the seventeenth day of the second month, is an important day. The Ark was closed up on that day. Other events throughout the Bible happen on the seventeenth day of particular months. No coincidence. I’ve heard it said many times that with God, there is no such thing as a coincidence. Give us wisdom to understand the relationship and importance of these, and other events, happening on this day. It is so exciting to see even bits and pieces of God’s plan and how history records these relevant events. Thank you.

Full sized replica of Noah's Ark
The Ark Encounter
Williamstown, Kentucky

When Noah was 600 years old, on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the underground waters erupted from the earth, and the rain fell in mighty torrents from the sky. The rain continued to fall for forty days and forty nights. That very day Noah had gone into the boat with his wife and his sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—and their wives. With them in the boat were pairs of every kind of animal—domestic and wild, large and small—along with birds of every kind. Two by two they came into the boat, representing every living thing that breathes. A male and female of each kind entered, just as God had commanded Noah. Then the LORD closed the door behind them. Genesis 7:11-16

Meditate. Consider the story of Noah.

God closed the door. Would you have been inside or outside? Only the righteous ones were onboard the Ark when the door was closed and sealed shut.

Yesterday was the anniversary of the Lord closing the door of the Ark. This happened on the seventeenth day of the second month on the Jewish calendar (see Genesis 7:11). Everyone and Will everything was on board just as the Lord God had planned and directed Noah. The rains began…and the water rose. Higher and higher. The flood had started. Water was rushing around. I imagine that the people outside the Ark were terrified as torrents of water swept them away from their homes, towns and cities. They may have pounded at the very door that God had sealed shut. “Let us in!” But neither God nor Noah would have opened the door. Like Jesus said in His parable about the ten bridesmaids—five of whom went off to buy oil for their lamps and came back when the door was locked. “Go away. I never knew you.” (See Matthew 25:1-13) Only the righteous, those who were ready, were chosen.

The first ocean voyage began. No strolls on the deck or magnificent seven course meals. It was raining miserably and there was work to do taking care of all those animals—and themselves. Feeding, watering, and continually cleaning up after all those beasts must have taken most of the time each waking hour of the day.

Did they feel a bit seasick as the boat rocked through those stormy waters? Did God provide an herb for motion sickness? I’m sure that Noah’s family would have had an assortment of herbs ground, dried, and fresh—as well as plants, like ginger, peppermint, chamomile, cardamom, and spearmint on board. Noah’s wife probably served them all some ginger tea —or other brew to calm their restless stomachs. They were prepared. Jesus told His disciples and us to be prepared. Do you feel like you are prepared for whatever the days ahead may bring—joys, sorrows, chaos, trials and tribulations? Now is the time to be like Noah, be prepared. Physically and spiritually. We don’t have to build an ark and stock it with food and supplies for a year, as Noah and his family did. It is wise to have a couple of weeks of food on hand. It is also prudent to align our attitude with God’s. Noah listened to God and obeyed Him. He and his family were ready when the door to the Ark was closed.

Trusting God to take care of us and being obedient to His will and His desires is important. How will we know His will? Read His word—really dig in and seek to understand His plans. It’s a choice we can make. Listen, trust, obey.

Verses of Salvation ~ And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith. Hebrews 11:6-7

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