Banquet With The King

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Is Life Puzzling for You?

Puzzling?

Some people find puzzles fun to the point that they are obsessed with them…others are overwhelmed or just not interested in them. Where do you stand with that pastime?

Paul mentions a puzzling reflection in his discourse to the church at Corinth. Puzzling reflection as we now see thing—imperfectly. We can’t see where some things fit into the big picture. God has a plan—that has been described as mysterious and hidden. Read more about God’s plan in Isaiah, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, Ephesians, Colossians, Corinthians, Timothy, and even Revelation.

As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets. And this is God's plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God's children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. By God's grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. Though I am the least deserving of all God's people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. Ephesians 3:3-9 (Underlined for emphasis.)

God’s plan was created before Adam and Eve even ate the forbidden fruit—before sin occurred. God was willing to give up His Son, Jesus, for us. What love! Now, we can see a glimpse of this puzzling truth. One day it will be totally revealed to us when it is fulfilled.

When the seventh angel blows his trumpet, God's mysterious plan will be fulfilled. It will happen just as he announced it to his servants the prophets." Revelation 10:7

Puzzle complete...The big picture.

Where will you be when that seventh trumpet is sounded? Already in Heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? For now, it may be a puzzle to figure that out. The truth that we all have a choice to determine our ultimate home is the mystery revealed. All we have to do is believe in Jesus as our Savior, repent of our sin, and we will be spending eternity with Him! The puzzle shows us the big picture.

When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:11-13

Meditate. Consider how puzzles go together—and you see the big picture.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, reveal to me more of God’s plan for mankind and give me the boldness to share it with others. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You are the key piece…the Alpha and Omega. Thank You for Your obedience to our Heavenly Father.

Verse of Salvation ~ [For my hope is] that their hearts may be encouraged as they are knit together in [unselfish] love, so that they may have all the riches that come from the full assurance of understanding [the joy of salvation], resulting in a true [and more intimate] knowledge of the mystery of God, that is, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge [regarding the word and purposes of God]. Colossians 2:2-3 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

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, May 16, 2025

Clueless?

Are you clueless…or just do you not understand how great our God is?

God’s understanding is beyond what we can even imagine—as Isaiah tells us in the Old Testament. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. Don’t worry about not understanding everything. God doesn’t expect us to have wisdom and understanding beyond what He has given us. Some people just have more…or apply it with good common sense. God does expect us to make good decisions with the teachings that He has given us. David discusses this very thing pleading with the Lord in Psalm 119 for understanding.

Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. I cling to your laws. LORD, don't let me be put to shame! I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding. Teach me your decrees, O LORD; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness. Psalm 119:27-40

Like David, I have chosen to be faithful. I want to understand God's word. How about you?

The prophets who spoke God’s words to the people of Israel, and wrote it down for us, didn’t use their own understanding. God gave them the words to say for Him through the Holy Spirit. Each of us who have accepted Jesus as our Savior have the Holy Spirit within us. Listen for His guidance…and gain understanding of what God wants you to do.

So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will be gracious if you ask for help. He will surely respond to the sound of your cries. Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, "This is the way you should go," whether to the right or to the left. Isaiah 30:18-21

Listen to the Lord by reading His word and by seeking wise Christian advice from friends who are devout. The best way to learn about God is digging into Scripture and really studying it for yourself. Wisely apply what you learn. Don’t be clueless.

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. Isaiah 40:28

Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet's own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. 2 Peter 1:19-21

Meditate. Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, open my eyes, ears, and heart to understanding Your word and to developing a closer relationship with You.

Verse of Salvation ~ Let no one deceive you with empty arguments [that encourage you to sin], for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience [those who habitually sin]. So do not participate or even associate with them [in the rebelliousness of sin]. For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [live as those who are native-born to the Light] (for the fruit [the effect, the result] of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him--your behavior expressing gratitude to God for your salvation]. - Ephesians 5:6-10 AMP

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Some ingredients seem to just hide and you can’t discern them. They are hiding their true identity. Hmmm. What was that flavor? Or what seasoning can we add to bring out the best taste?

Once when we were doing a family time in the kitchen and fixing a traditional Czech meal including our favorite, Boiled Beef with Dill Gravy, we just kept tasting the gravy and it wasn’t quite what we wanted. Finally, my son Mike suggested we add a little lemon juice. Ahhh. The secret ingredient. Perfect flavor! We were no longer clueless and we added it to the recipe.

Boiled Beef and Dill Gravy

3-4 lb beef roast

4 cups water

2 stalks celery

2 whole carrots

1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped

16 ounces sour cream

3 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons vinegar

Lemon juice to taste (~2 tsp or less)

To a large pot add water-beef roast-celery-carrots. Bring the pot to a boil and simmer for about 1½ hours. Take the beef out of the pot. Put in the dill and bring the pot to a boil. Then add the sour cream-sugar-white vinegar and mix very well. Mix the flour with a little water and add it, stirring well so there are no lumps.

Then put the beef back in the pot and cook for about ½ hour. If the gravy is a little thin add a little flour until it is as thick as you like it. After it is done taste the gravy, and add a little salt, sugar or lemon juice if you like. You can serve this beef and gravy with bread dumplings, mashed potatoes, wide noodles, or just boiled potatoes, and of course, sweet and sour cabbage or sauerkraut.

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, May 15, 2025

Is Your Life Flourishing?

Life-giving Water
Headwaters of the Jordan River
Israel

Flourishing? What kind of a word is that? Meaning to live prosperously; to be revived from sickness; or to live. Life will flourish wherever this water flows—the lifegiving water of Jesus! He spoke to the woman at the well about lifegiving water and He actually revealed to her that He was the Messiah. Read that account for yourself in John 4.

Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." ... Jesus replied, "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." John 4:10, 13-14

Do you find life—eternal life—in the water around you? Jesus said that the only way to “eternal life” with the Father is through Him. It’s all a spiritual journey. As a spiritual shepherd Jesus will lead us to springs of life-giving water. Are you thirsty—spiritually thirsty? Are you seeking the Lord as your Savior? The passage from Revelation 7 is actually referring to Christians who were martyred in the Great Tribulation. Hopefully, that won’t be you or me! We can follow the living water, Jesus Christ, now…and avoid being martyred.

And he also said, "It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life." Revelation 21:6

In the end, the choice is ours…individually. Then your life…and mine…will flourish.

There will be swarms of living things wherever the water of this river flows. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will become fresh. Life will flourish wherever this water flows. Ezekiel 47:9

For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17 Meditate. Consider God’s promises in scripture. Read God’s word for yourself and listen to what He is saying.

Prayer – Lord, what a wonderful promise. Eternal life from the springs of life-giving water that You offer. That is the best gift ever. This time of the year so many graduates are honored—may they see You in the life-giving water around them.

Verses of Salvation ~ In that day you will sing: "I will praise you, O LORD! You were angry with me, but not anymore. Now you comfort me. See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory." With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! In that wonderful day you will sing: "Thank the LORD! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Sing to the LORD, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world. Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you." Isaiah 12:1-6

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

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Spiritual Restoration

Once again, we see the LORD in the Old and New Testaments, rescuing and restoring us. Jesus shows mercy to those who follow Him and gives back the joy that they once had as they turn to Him.

Are you spiritually restored
as you walk with the Lord?
Which path are you on?

Where are you at with your walk with the Lord? As David pleaded with the Lord in Psalm 51, he asked for restoration. Like David, the author of Lamentations, Jeremiah, was pleading with the Lord. Restore us, O LORD. Similarly in the New Testament, Jude encourages us to rescue others. Here rescue is literally translated as to snatch out of the fire. That is a great rescue! Saving someone from the fire—which we can assume to be saving them from the danger of destruction. Who wouldn’t rescue their friends or family from destruction?

So, appeal to God, begging Him to save you…and then you can reach out to save others. Sounds like a good plan to me! What do you think? Is this something you want for your life? The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

Restore us, O LORD, and bring us back to you again! Give us back the joys we once had! Lamentations 5:21

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude 1:20-23 (Emphasis added.)

Meditate. Consider God’s rescue of you and others.

Prayer – Lord Jesus—restore to us the joy of Your salvation as You bring us back to You. Your mercy endures forever. Thank You. I praise Your holy name.

Verses of Salvation ~ Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:10-12

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

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Clay Made

God is the potter…we are the clay as it is written in Isaiah.

How foolish can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you, the clay! Should the created thing say of the one who made it, "He didn't make me"? Does a jar ever say, "The potter who made me is stupid"? Isaiah 29:16

Lydia throwing a pot!
Made of clay.

Do you feel like clay sometimes? God is creative and molds each of us differently. We are unique. I like that. Everyone has their own bodies—although there are some family traits—each person is distinctively different. Our minds and souls are the same. Created exclusively individual.

The light that God created shines in our hearts and the love of Jesus radiates from us—glowing like a light from inside a fine porcelain lamp. Porcelain is an exquisite clay that is fragile. Are we really like that. Fragile? Like in the old hymn sung by Johhny Cash, Have Thine Own Way Lord, Have thine own way, Lord/ Have thine own way! / Thou art the potter/I am the clay / Mold me and make me after thy will / While I am waiting, yielded and still.

We are moldable in God’s powerful hands, if we are open to His will and His way. Are you moldable? Does the light of Jesus shine through you? The choice is for each of us.

The LORD gave another message to Jeremiah. He said, "Go down to the potter's shop, and I will speak to you there." So I did as he told me and found the potter working at his wheel. But the jar he was making did not turn out as he had hoped, so he crushed it into a lump of clay again and started over. Then the LORD gave me this message: "O Israel, can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand. Jeremiah 18:1-6

For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

Meditate. Think about clay and how it can be molded.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You made each of us unique and individually physically and spiritually. Fill us with Your love that we can shine for You. May we glow from within with the light of Your light—for You are the light of the world.

Verse of Salvation ~ The LORD is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27:1

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, May 12, 2025

Is Your Mind Open?

You’ve probably heard someone talk about having an “open mind” –one that is willing to try to understand anything with no preconceived ideas or prejudices. In the scripture passage below Jesus is talking about something much different and more powerful. Understanding the Scriptures. This is especially pertaining to comprehending the salvation presented in God’s word, which at that time was only what we now call the Old Testament.

LORD God, open our minds...
to understand You Word.

Jesus Himself is powerful, merciful, and compassionate. He wants us like His disciples to understand His life and His mission, as well as prophecy in the past and the future. As the Messiah, He had to suffer and die—He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. Decide for yourself what you believe about Jesus, who He is to you, that is what your relationship is with Him, and if you will or have repented from your sins. The choice is yours. No one can decide for you. Do you believe in Jesus Christ as God? As your own personal God? Is your mind open?

Then he (Jesus speaking to His disciples after His resurrection) said, "When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said, "Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: 'There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.' You are witnesses of all these things. "And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven." Luke 24:44-49 (Emphasis added.)

Meditate. Think about God opening your mind to understand His words.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, like the father of the demon possessed young man…help my unbelief, as recorded in Mark. "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:23-24. Help me to see You working in my life.

Verses of Salvation ~ Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord's message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

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, May 11, 2025

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother's Day to one of the
Greatest Moms I know.
My daughter Lisa.
How many Moms will let their kiddos hold
a baby alligator?
...and everyone is smiling!
Love you much!

Great tribute to the Mother of Proverbs in Proverbs 31.

Happy Mother’s Day—to all you Mammas. This is the woman of the Bible to emulate—to be like. Set her attributes as your goals.

Kind, good teacher, leader, hard worker, admirable, high integrity, capable, respects God, and worthy of praise and honor. Making good choices is the way to attain those goals. Solomon gives some good advice:

Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Proverbs 2:11.

Joshua knew that the men…and women…needed to make a choice for their families.

But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15.

Ladies…who will you choose to serve today? Is it your goal to serve the Lord?

When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. Proverbs 31:26-31

Meditate. Consider the mothers you know and how they train up the next generation to honor the Lord.

Prayer – Dear Lord, I choose to serve, honor and respect You. Guide me and give me wisdom as I serve You by serving my family—as I honor You by treating them with love and respect. You are worthy of my praise.

Verse of Salvation ~ This is what the LORD says: "At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you. I will protect you and give you to the people as my covenant with them. Through you I will reestablish the land of Israel and assign it to its own people again." Isaiah 49:8

Happy Mother's Day

From May 8, 2016 Banquet With The King blog. Revised and recycled.

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, May 10, 2025

Hidden Gems in Parables

Does the camel see hidden truths in the desert?
Judean Desert - Israel

Read the scripture passages below. Here’s another example of Old and New Testament use of the same topic describing Jesus or His truths. In this case it is Parables. Parables, as described in Strong’s Lexicon, G3850, are an illustration of a precept; stories comparing two things; and are often a description of God’s kingdom, an earthly story with a heavenly connotation.

Peruse a few of Jesus’ thirty parable found throughout the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. If these are new to you, challenge yourself to understand them before you read on to hear Jesus’ explanation to His disciples. They often asked Him to explain what He meant in a particular parable.

The author of the Psalm 78 verses had a good point about not hiding the truth of the instructions—but intentionally sharing them with younger generations. Good point. I like sharing Bible stories, particularly the parables, with my grandchildren and other kids at our church. Jesus wants His disciples—His followers including us—to understand the secrets that sometimes appear to be hidden in His teachings. Use your eyes and ears to see and understand what Jesus is telling us. If you don’t understand, find someone to discuss it and hopefully they can explain it to you. Pray first and just maybe you’ll get an aha moment from the Lord. The Holy Spirit is good that way, giving insight and understanding. It is always a good habit to pray before you read, so that God can provide a deeper perception and discernment about the scripture.

Are your ears and eyes, as well as your heart open to listening to what is being taught and accepting the understanding? As always, the choice is yours.

O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying, for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—stories we have sheard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. Psalm 78:1-4

His disciples came and asked him, "Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?" He replied, "You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be give and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don't really see. They hear, but they don't really listen or understand. ... "But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. Matthew 13:10-13, 16

Meditate. Consider Jesus’ parables.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, open our eyes and ears, as well as our hearts and minds, to understanding Your parables.

Verse of Salvation ~ We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. "And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. 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 1:74-79

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, May 9, 2025

Do You Have Ears to Hear?

Do you have ears to hear? Are you having trouble hearing? I recently got hearing aids since I just couldn’t hear people across the room speaking to me. After a couple of hearing tests confirmed that I had hearing loss, I agreed, it’s time. Have I entered the old folks age group? As long as I have ears…and now hearing aids…I can hear. But am I listening? Those words of Jesus were recorded several times in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) as well as in Revelation. As we know, ears are essential part of our head—sticking out there on each side and created by Jesus Himself to catch sounds and guide them into the inner ear where they are processed and transmitted into the brain. If everything works correctly, we hear and identify sounds, words, and even music. Ears are marvelous—especially when they function the way in which God intended. It takes an intentional effort to “listen and understand” as Jesus suggested. In Revelation He is more specific, “anyone…must listen to the Spirit and understand….”

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! Matthew 11:15

"Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches." Revelation 3:22

Are you willing to focus on Jesus and the Holy Spirit to perceive what they are really saying? Even though they have ears, some people prefer not to listen to Jesus or the Holy Spirit. I was really surprised recently when a friend said that she wasn’t sure she believed that Jesus was resurrected from the dead. Hmmm? What? How can you not believe? It takes faith. That faith and trust in Jesus results in a great calm. I like that. That peace and calmness is one of the greatest parts of knowing Jesus now. Read more of each chapter listed below for the whole story.

The calm Sea of Galilee
Israel

Jesus responded, "Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!" Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. Matthew 8:26

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?" Matthew 14:31

In a conversation with Martha just before He raised her brother Lazarus from the dead, Jesus spoke about Himself being the resurrection.

Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. John 11:25 (Underlined for emphasis.)

There we have it—Jesus is the resurrection. But even some of the disciples refused to believe when they just heard from an eyewitness, Mary Magdalene, about Jesus’ resurrection. They had to see for themselves. Do we have to see Jesus for ourselves to believe? When we see Him face to face, it may be too late to make that decision. Decide today. Choose Jesus and thus eternal life with Him or reject Jesus and face eternity without Him—in darkness. Have ears to hear and eyes to see Him…now. The choice is yours.

Ears to hear and eyes to see—both are gifts from the LORD. Proverbs 20:12

Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father's Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! Matthew 13:43

Meditate. Use your ears to listen to God's Word.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for revealing Yourself to us—for telling us You are the resurrection and the life. I love that even with a little faith, we can have the peace and calm that You offered those disciples on the stormy Sea of Galilee. No storm—just calm.

Verse of Salvation ~ Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:16

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

There is a time for everything. As it is written in Ecclesiastes, there is a time to plant and a time to harvest (Eccl. 3:2). It is planting time and the local nurseries are busy selling flowers and vegetables. I’m looking forward especially to growing a few squash, cucumbers, lettuce, and edible nasturtium flowers in my garden.

Can we actually plant righteousness as written in Hosea? Are those big seeds…or very tiny ones like chamomile? Those are very miniscule seeds that grow into nice flowers that are especially good for tea. I would think that “seeds of righteousness” would be a variety of sizes—not just one size fits all. The crop of love would suite the person harvesting. Sometime a little love goes a long-ways—but it is well known that everyone NEEDS love. Without love we wither away—and people actually get cranky, bitter, and evil.

I said, 'Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.' Hosea 10:12

Plant your seeds of love—even if you don’t have a garden in your backyard.

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, May 8, 2025

Have You Heard the Voice of the LORD?

A lot of people that I know read their Bibles, have gone to Bible studies, and at least occasionally attend a worship on Sunday mornings, but if you ask them if they’ve heard the voice of God…or the voice of the LORD—they just grimace a little and sort of shake their heads. Either they don’t want to admit that they do hear God…or they feel like they should and yet God is silent for them? Do they not realize that God speaks through His Word…the Bible? The Holy Spirit convicts us—guiding us. That too is the “voice of God.” That is how I have experienced God’s voice. And when there is a peace about it, I know that it is from the Lord.

Did God whisper or shout a message to Noah?
The Ark Encounter - Kentucky, USA

Some of the stories in the Old Testament include the Lord speaking to Noah and to the prophet Elijah. When He spoke to Elijah, it wasn’t a loud, booming voice that you might expect from Almighty God.

"Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11-12

A quiet, gentle whisper. That’s not what Elijah expected, nor is it what we expect as we listen for the Lord. That is the key. Are you listening for the Lord to speak to you? Are you so busy talking to Him, that you don’t pause and listen, or at that point, pick up your Bible and read, listening for what He has to say?

Challenge yourself today to listen for the Lord. He may be speaking in a loud voice or a quiet one. Pray and use discernment to know if the “voice” you hear is really from the LORD.

As recorded in the New Testament, Jesus Himself spoke to the Jews, to His disciples, and to us. In this scripture passage below Jesus is telling those listening that if they believe in Him, they will have eternal life. Are you listening? Do you have faith and believe that you will have eternal life with Him? Faith to believe. Faith to trust. Listen. You will hear the voice of the LORD.

The voice of the LORD echoes above the sea. The God of glory thunders. The LORD thunders over the mighty sea. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. The voice of the LORD splits the mighty cedars; the LORD shatters the cedars of Lebanon. ... The voice of the LORD twists mighty oaks and strips the forests bare. In his Temple everyone shouts, "Glory!" ... The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace. Psalm 29:3-5, 9, 11

I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. And I assure you that time is coming, indeed it's here now, when the dead will hear my voice—the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live. The Father has life in himself, and he has granted that same life-giving power to his Son. John 5:24-26

Meditate. Read the words of God and listen to what He is saying.

Prayer – Lord, I am listening. Let me hear Your voice and feel Your presence in my life, today and always. I believe in You…and in our Heavenly Father God who sent You here. I believe in Your resurrection, Your ascension, and that You will return one day and take all the believers to Your home in heaven.

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

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