Banquet With The King

Monday, January 6, 2025

Epiphany – What is it?

Prayer – Lord, I celebrate You. No matter when gifts are given…You are worthy of gold, frankincense, myrrh—and my heart. You sent the wise men home another way. Likewise, show me what You want me to do and where You want me to go.

Camel Crossing
The Judean Desert in Israel
On the way to Bethlehem.

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. ... After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. Matthew 2:7, 9-12

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture.

The wise men were filled with joy! When was the last time you were filled with joy?

These wise men may have traveled for a couple of years from the time they saw the star until they arrived in Bethlehem where they saw the child and presented Him with gifts. This day--Epiphany—is the celebration of the Three Kings Day. A couple of the customs of this day are star singing—sort of like our Christmas caroling—focusing on walking from house-to-house singing songs that tell about the Christmas story. Another tradition is to eat a special Kings Cake that is round, crown-like and typically has a hidden object like a bean, small toy, or almond, that represents who will be the king or queen of the festivity’s celebration. Part of the celebration may include giving sweets, money or other gifts to children, just as the wise men did. Joy to the world!

In some countries around the world Epiphany besides noting the kings’ visit, they also celebrate Jesus’ baptism and the wedding at Cana. Often in some religions, they observe this as the gift giving time rather than at Christmas. For many this is the twelfth day of Christmas—the end of Christmas. For me…it is time to put away the Christmas decorations around the house…and get on with the New Year. What does Epiphany mean to you…and what do you do to continue to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Can you go and tell others?

Verse of Salvation ~ You, O God, are my king from ages past, bringing salvation to the earth. Psalm 74:12

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

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Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Ready. Set. Go.

Prayer – Lord, please give us wisdom to understand Your commands and apply them to our lives.

Still later he appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead. And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned." Mark 16:14-16

Go into all the world...
Tell others about Jesus...
the Light of the World.

Meditate. Get ready to “Go.”

Ready. Set. Go. How many times have you heard or said those words?

Jesus told His disciples to Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. He commanded them…and us…to Go. We are directed to get out of where we are in order to go into all the world, outside of our own room or home. Just before He ascended into Heaven Jesus instructed His disciples just where He wanted them to go. Each area was just a little bit further from the previously mentioned area. That gives us the suggestion that we need to do likewise…and go into our neighborhood, our community, our state, the nation…and then into the world. Each person has to decide for themselves just where it is that God wants them to go.

“...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

We are to tell the Good News to everyone. Good News – the Gospel—the truth about Jesus as the Son of God, sacrificed for our sins, and resurrected. He is the ONLY god who died and came back to life. Not Confucius; not Buddha, whom Buddhists believe attained enlightenment; not Tecuciztecatl, an Aztec god; not Hindu Brahman representing all their gods; or Egyptian deities. No other religion has a god that has died and been resurrected. Actually, it is amazing how many gods some of these other religions have in the form of gods to the sun, moon, stars, nature, sea, fire, and a multitude of others. The Good News does not involve any other gods—only our God. God the Father, Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit—the trinity. One God, three parts.

That resurrection of Jesus Christ is the Good News for us. Without Jesus’ resurrection we would have no hope of a relationship with God or of eternal life with God forever. Hope. That expectation brightens each day…each moment…of believers. Not everyone is comfortable being a “preacher” but each person is called to minister to others and we don’t have to stand before a group of people to tell others about Jesus. We can describe to just one person over coffee or the fence between our yards, telling them what God has done in our lives. Everyone has a story—and if you look for it, you can see where God has been working in your life. Tell someone…anyone about that. One friend of mine is what I consider a grocery store evangelist. As she waits in line at stores, she routinely shares how God has taken care of her. Then she asks what is going on in others’ lives and then if she can pray with them. People are eager to be listened to and to have someone genuinely care about them. It is a ministry for her. Have you ever considered such a ministry for yourself? How do you see God working in your life? Are you listening as He says, “Ready. Set. Go” and challenges you to go tell others about Jesus?

Verse of Salvation ~ At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. Then he told John's disciples, "Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard--the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him, 'God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.'" Luke 7:21-23

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

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Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Read and share four stories of coins from the Bible.

Saturday, January 4, 2025

How to Observe the Sabbath.

Prayer – Lord, You commanded that Your followers observe a Sabbath Day. What day should that be…Saturday, as the seventh day…or Sunday in respect to Your resurrection? Give us wisdom, understanding, and commitment to keeping Your commandments.

The Ten Commandments
Love God...Love Others

Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. Exodus 20:8-11

Meditate. Contemplate your own Sabbath commitment.

How do we observe the Sabbath?

The first time we see an actual Sabbath Day declared is when the children of Israel on their Exodus pilgrimage complained because they were hungry. God supplied their needs with manna and quail for six days with twice as much on that sixth day to last them through the seventh day—the Sabbath.

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Look, I'm going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they will gather food, and when they prepare it, there will be twice as much as usual." ... He told them, "This is what the LORD commanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for the LORD. So bake or boil as much as you want today, and set aside what is left for tomorrow." So they put some aside until morning, just as Moses had commanded. And in the morning the leftover food was wholesome and good, without maggots or odor. Moses said, "Eat this food today, for today is a Sabbath day dedicated to the LORD. There will be no food on the ground today. You may gather the food for six days, but the seventh day is the Sabbath. There will be no food on the ground that day." Some of the people went out anyway on the seventh day, but they found no food. The LORD asked Moses, "How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and instructions? They must realize that the Sabbath is the LORD's gift to you. That is why he gives you a two-day supply on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days. On the Sabbath day you must each stay in your place. Do not go out to pick up food on the seventh day." So the people did not gather any food on the seventh day. The Israelites called the food manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers. Exodus 16:4-5, 23-31

Then God gave Moses the Ten Commandments which specifically dedicated the seventh day as the Sabbath.

God was very specific about His people observing the sabbath and what would happen to them if they ignored His command. He gave these instructions to the Hebrew people through Moses at the time that He inscribed the Ten Commandments onto the sacred stones.

"Tell the people of Israel: 'Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy. You must keep the Sabbath day, for it is a holy day for you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; anyone who works on that day will be cut off from the community. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the LORD. Anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death. The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time. It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.'" Exodus 31:13-17

Death for not observing the Sabbath?! That seems pretty serious. Can we assume that God still holds us to that expectation? On which day are Christians to observe the Sabbath? Saturday or Sunday? Is another day that is appropriate? Pray about it and ask for God’s wisdom, understanding, and mercy as you contemplate the Sabbath.

What do you do to observe the Sabbath Day? Isaiah notes that we are to “enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD’s holy day.”

Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don't pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD's holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don't follow your own desires or talk idly. Isaiah 58:13

By observing the Sabbath on Sunday and attending a church service—whether on-line or in person—is a way to focus on the Lord and honoring Him in a holy worship. Some people use the Sabbath to spend the day just reading Scripture and other religious books. No work. No entertainment, like TV or movies. To some people one day is like any other—they work, play and enjoy leisure activities on any days of the week. Others enjoy the Sabbath, after a time of worshipping the Lord, they spend time with family and friends—and that may include watching TV and movies, playing games like baseball, basketball or tennis, swimming or boating in the summertime, or skiing in the winter, and eating good food.

Personally, I observe the Sabbath on Sunday and I do no “work”—like housework, laundry, or strenuous exercise—but a good nap, reading a book by a Christian author, and enjoying God’s creation with a nice walk or family time is time well spent towards honoring our creator and my Savior. That provides a refreshing day—just like God. See Exodus 31:13-17. Still, I wonder if I’m keeping God’s Sabbath the way He intended? In that passage the punishment for working on the Sabbath would be to be put to the individual to death. Is that a spiritual death resulting in eternal separation from God? God is a spiritual being and works in the spiritual realm. We can only trust, obey, and honor Him.

No matter what day you observe as Sabbath—Shabbat, as a Hebrew custom, is to honor God. The Jewish calendar observes Shabbat from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. They serve a special meal that is all prepared in advance, because they do NO work on Shabbat. Even lighting candles is considered work so those must be lit before sundown. Jews may also attend a religious service in their synagogue and spend special time with family and friends. Studying the Torah and singing Jewish songs are traditional activities for those observing Shabbat. If someone wants to honor God and keep His commandments, then they will observe a Sabbath day.

As you observe the Sabbath, are you honoring God—the Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and your relationship with Him? The decision is your own as to what you do to observe God’s Day and what day of the week is for your Sabbath. The important thing may just be to observe God’s commandment.

Verse of Salvation ~ When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. Titus 3:4-7

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, January 3, 2025

What Did the Disciples Eat?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, for what are You hungry? How about a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on some dense whole wheat bread? It sounds so good to me, but peanut butter is not on my OK diet for kidney stones—so I can’t join You in that comfort food treat. How about some fish and veggies?

Peter's Fish at the Sea of Galilee
Israel

Meditate. Consider food…to eat and share. Spiritual sustenance or munchy treats.

What would you be eating when a good friend of yours had just died?

After most funeral or memorial services everyone gathers to eat a meal. Sometimes it is a favorite or specific meal that celebrates just what the deceased loved. After my father-in-law died those remembering him went out to the Bohemian Café—his favorite. When my own Dad died the church was busy with their fall bazaar, so after a graveside service we just had everyone out to his house for coffee and cookies. Coffee time was such an important part of his daily life—mid-morning and again mid-afternoon.

So, what were Jesus’ disciples eating when He appeared in the Upper Room that evening after His resurrection? They must have been eating fish since they gave Jesus some when He asked for something to eat.

And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. "Peace be with you," he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! ... Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched. Luke 24:36-37, 41-43

Broiled fish. They must have had a fireplace or an outside fire over which to cook that fish. Go tell someone—tell others—about Jesus’ resurrection. That is just what Jesus wants you to do. Maybe they’ll be interested in knowing that Jesus ate after His resurrection. There is hope for a feast after our own resurrection.

Verse of Salvation ~ "Listen to me, all who hope for deliverance—all who seek the LORD! Consider the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were mined. ... 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! Listen to me, you who know right from wrong, you who cherish my law in your hearts. Do not be afraid of people's scorn, nor fear their insults. For the moth will devour them as it devours clothing. The worm will eat at them as it eats wool. But my righteousness will last forever. My salvation will continue from generation to generation." Isaiah 51:1, 6-8

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Are your taste buds ready for a serving of fish…similar to what Jesus ate?

Broiled fish

Choose your fish fillet—salmon, tuna, haddock, cod or trout

Coat fish with olive oil

Sprinkle with kosher salt

Pepper, white, black, or a pinch of cayenne

Use the herb of your choice – dill, tarragon, parsley

Squeeze of lemon juice

Add a small pat of butter

Place the seasoned fish on a foil lined cookie sheet or container that can be broiled and place under a 500 degree preheated broiler. Broil for 6-8 minutes for ½’ fillet or 8-10 minutes for a 1” thick fillet or until the fish begins to flake. Alternately, the fish can be grilled on a pre-heated BBQ for about the same amount of time. Enjoy with a side salad, fresh green beans or rice pilaf.

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, January 2, 2025

Go Tell It on the Mountain

Mount St. Helens
Will those who hear about Jesus obey...
or blow up like this mountain?
Trust and obey. Believe in Jesus.

Prayer – Lord, have Your instructions changed? You told Your disciples to go to the mountain. What mountain are You sending me to this year?

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:16-20

Meditate. What mountain are you facing?

Do you have any doubts about Jesus?

There were some who doubted Jesus. We aren’t supposed to doubt—but to trust in the Lord. James gives us good advice about doubting…or disloyalty.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:5-8

If we are to go to some mountain and tell others about the Lord…about God and His plan for salvation, then we have to know what know…and trust that it is good information.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7

If you need wisdom and knowledge, ask God for it. He will give it to you. Know the Lord. Know Him well enough to go to others and share that knowledge. No doubting. Go tell it on the mountain.

Verse of Salvation ~ You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God's tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace. Luke 1:77-79

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

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

How to Begin a New Year

Prayer – Lord, I want to start off fresh—forgive me for_______. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life and I want You to be my life. I rejoice in Your love and the promise of spending an eternity with You. Thank You.

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Please, LORD, please save us. Please, LORD, please give us success. Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the house of the LORD. Psalm 118:24-26

Meditate. Rejoice. Boldly begin a fresh New Year.

How are you going to start this New Year of 2025?

Every day is a new day…and all are made by the Lord as David wrote in this focus Psalm today. Paul gives us good advice—words by which to live in Ephesians 4. This is assuming that you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Best beginning to this year…or anytime in a person’s life…is to seek Jesus. He has promised that anyone who seeks Him will find Him (see 1 Chronicles 28:9). Then begin the new habit that Paul writes about which involves renewing your mind. Renewing—refreshing. That is a good way to begin a New Year! Off with the old…on with the new!

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. Ephesians 4:21-24

Jesus said to go into all the world and tell others about Him…about salvation. So, we have to experience that before we can tell others. Are you ready to “Go Tell It on the Mountain” just like in the traditional Christmas carole?

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