Banquet With The King

Saturday, May 24, 2025

May is Mental Health Month – What Have You Done?

May is Mental Health Month—what have you done for yourself…for others?

Jesus fed 5,000 men plus women and children...
with five loaves of bread and two fish.
Have you shared your food today?

Dish from Israel depicting the "feeding" miracle.

As I look around my community, I see that the homeless and drug issues are basically also mental health issues. I’m not a trained psychologist or sociologist, but even I can see that there are problems and those in trouble need help. The Lord, through the prophet Isaiah, clearly tells those reading this portion of the Bible that we need to feed the hungry and help those in trouble. He also says that it is appropriate to give clothes to those in need and shelter to the homeless. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), there were about 771,000 homeless people in 2024 in the United States.

What about people around you who look normal, healthy, and have a roof over their head—but just have mental problems? The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) gives an extended list of signs of mental illness. Their list of common signs in adults and teens included: excessive worry or fear; prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger; avoiding friends and social activities; difficulties understanding or relating to others; feeling excessively sad or low; extreme mood changes; including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria; difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations, in which a person experiences or senses things that don’t exist); overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs;; thinking about suicide; inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems or stress.

Jesus addressed some of these same issues—starting with worry.

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Matthew 6:25-27

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

We are to give our worries, problems, concerns to Jesus. He will carry them…and us…with Him. He also says that we will have the poor with us always. All we can do is help with their immediate needs for now.

Are you willing to share your food with the hungry, give shelter to the homeless? Let your light shine out from the darkness? The choice is up to each of us to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need.

Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the LORD will answer. 'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply. Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Isaiah 58:7-11

John replied, "If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry." Luke 3:11 NLT

Meditate. Consider what you can do for others.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for raising the awareness of mental illness in our communities and throughout the United States. Help us to be bold for You, to feed the hungry and help those in trouble.

Verse of Salvation ~ You (John the Baptist) 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

My gratitude for today: Awareness of the plight of the homeless in the US—not just ignoring them. Hope for those who look to Jesus. Joy that I can share with family and friends.

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, May 23, 2025

Birthday Blessings with Honor

Today marks the celebration of my oldest grandchild’s birth—19 years ago. It was a great day then…and it is again, now!

I’ve been reading through the book of Proverbs—one chapter a day—and
am continually amazed with the tidbits of wisdom that Solomon wrote. Of course he was inspired by the Holy Spirit. Take for example today scripture passage taken from Proverbs 22. Choose for yourself.

We have to make so many choices each day and here Solomon is telling us to wisely choose a good reputation. That takes more than just one choice in a person’s lifetime. Little by little a person’s reputation is developed by the things they say and do. Good things—treating others kindly and honestly—are the basis for one’s good reputation—their high esteem. God is the person that we most want to live to please—to honor with our loyalty.

My child, never forget the things I have taught you.

Store my commands in your heart.

If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation. Proverbs 3:1-4

Is a good reputation important to you? The choice is yours.

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. The rich and poor have this in common: The LORD made them both. A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life. Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it. Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:1-6

Meditate. Humbly consider your choices.

Prayer – Lord God, You’ve stressed the importance of being holy—as You are holy. Purity should result in good relationships and thus a good reputation. Help me to put others first—and to treat others the way I want to be treated myself—and the way I would regard You in person. That should make for a better life for me and all those around me.

Verse of Salvation ~ I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation. Psalm 91:16

My gratitude for today: Birthday blessings for Zander. Family that loves and cares about each other. Joy that comes fresh each morning… Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Psalm 90:14.

Benne Wafers
Enjoy with Birthday Blessings!

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Zander calls South Carolina home—so he has some distinct food favorites like traditional Benne Wafers. Those are tasty little sesame seed cookies that originally were made after Benne seeds and slaves were brought from Africa in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. The Benne Wafers are available for purchase at the Charleston Market, local grocery stores, and gift shops.

Benne Wafers

½ cup unsalted butter

1 cup brown sugar, packed

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

1 egg

1 cup flour

1 cup sesame seeds, toasted for ~3 minutes in a frying pan or the oven

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugar, egg, salt, soda, and vanilla. Add flour, mixing until smooth. Stir in toasted sesame seeds.

Most benne wafers are about an inch in diameter after baking. Drop dough by ½ tsp full onto parchment paper. Alternatively, put the dough into a plastic bag and snip of one corner end, then pipe out the dough in little drops onto the baking sheet. Bake for 8-9 minutes or until the edges are browned. You may wish to make larger cookies, so adjust the baking time. Cool for one minute before removing from the baking pan.

Store in an airtight container for a week or freeze for a month. Enjoy with some sweet southern iced tea.

Happy Birthday, Zander!

Blessings~

You can do anything—You can!

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 22, 2025

Do Clouds Get in Your Way?

What do you see in the clouds?

Do you see different illusions and shapes in a cloudy sky? It’s always fun with children to guess at the puffy forms as they change in the wind!

There was a song written and copywritten in 1967 by Joni Mitchelle that talked about clouds, love, and life. Both Sides Now

….I've looked at clouds that way / But now they only block the sun / They rain and snow on everyone / So many things I would have done / But clouds got in my way / I've looked at clouds from both sides now / From up and down, and still somehow / It's cloud illusions I recall / I really don't know clouds at all….

Do clouds get in your way? Is love like clouds…and now is life like clouds? Do you really know life at all? In the song, Joni was confused about love and life, but with Jesus we don’t have to be confused about life at all…or about love. Jesus has the greatest love of all for mankind. It isn’t the smoochy, huggy, kissy type of love—but a heartfelt love that takes away pain, regrets, guilt, and sorrow. As Jesus fills our lives with His love, He gives us peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Sounds like a good life to me. Actually, it is a life I live for Him. There’s no illusion. No need for looking at both sides of clouds, love, or life. Jesus gives it to us straight. Open arms. He hung on a cross—arms outstretched in love—bearing our sins.

Give Him a try. The choice is yours—don’t let the clouds get in your way.

Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him—even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen! Revelation 1:7

Meditate. Look at the clouds and think about Jesus.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I look to the clouds—the sky—anticipating Your return! Come quickly!

Verse of Salvation ~ 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 51:6 (Underlined for emphasis.)

My gratitude for today: Jesus’ love and faithfulness; amazing clouds in the sky; and a life that has a purpose.

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, May 21, 2025

Imagination – A Gift from God?

Take a look at this image. What do you see? This is actually a design on a linoleum floor that I’ve found is filled with animals and people’s faces. Turn it on its side…or rotate it around and you’ll see a variety of new images.

The Declaration of Independence states that “All men are created equal” but each of us is unique. We are created in God’s image (see Genesis 1:26.) He has given us different gifts and abilities. Take for example Daniel and his friends who were taken into captivity in Babylon. They were given special abilities and understanding.

God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams. Daniel 1:17

God is above any wisdom and understanding that mere humans can even consider. His thoughts are far above any that we could imagine…or even dream. It will be amazing to one day see Him face to face and comprehend even a little of His intelligence and sagacity. Sagacity. What a marvelous word. God will one day give us insight into language and expressions that are beyond our perception at this point. For now we can just rejoice in the imagination that He has given us…and enjoy the creativity that some individuals express. I’m glad that someone got paid to design this little section of linoleum and for the inspiring creativity that is expressed in it.

Are you creative? Do you acknowledge Jesus’ light as an inspiration in your life? Does every breath of your life inspire you to seek Jesus as your Savior? He is worth it…. The choice is yours.

"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

"Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is bad, your body is filled with darkness. Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light." Luke 11:34-36

Meditate. Consider God’s creativity. Be filled with His light.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for the creativity You expressed in Your development of the heavens and the earth. I appreciate Your devotion to mankind as You established our world and gave Yourself as a sacrifice for our sin.

Verses of Salvation ~ But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11

My gratitude for today: Inspirational Imagination; Love for and from my Savior, Jesus Christ; Encouragement.

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 20, 2025

Faithlessness?

Are you like a faithless old vase?
Faithfully ask the LORD to heal you...
to make you new.

LORD Jesus promised in the Old Testament book of Hosea that He will heal you of your faithlessness, and answers your prayers and cares for you. In the New Testament, Jesus heals people. In the New Testament by faith sick were brought to Him…and He met their needs. He died on the cross for us…for our sin. Died a brutal death for mankind—His creation. Each of us.

The continued theme from Old Testament through the New Testament. No idols. God expects His followers to follow Him exclusively. No idols. That is from the beginning of His relationship with the Israelites, His chosen people. No idols. As Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, Jesus would be offended by people worshipping idols.

Do we [really] provoke the Lord to jealousy [when we eat food sacrificed to handmade "gods" at pagan feasts]? Are we [spiritually] stronger than He? [Certainly not! He knows that the idols are nothing. But we deeply offend Him.] 1 Corinthians 10:22 AMP

Offended. Yes. Faithfulness is important to the LORD. By faith people are healed. Those people that Jesus personally healed only had to believe that Jesus do it. He could heal them…and He did.

Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for your sins have brought you down. Bring your confessions, and return to the LORD. Say to him, "Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you our praises. ... The LORD says, "Then I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever. I will be to Israel like a refreshing dew from heaven. Israel will blossom like the lily; it will send roots deep into the soil like the cedars in Lebanon. ... "O Israel, stay away from idols! I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from me." Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the LORD are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall. Hosea 14:1-2, 4-5, 8-9

As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed everyone. Luke 4:40

They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those troubled by evil spirits were healed. Luke 6:18

He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 1 Peter 2:24

So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols. 1 Corinthians 10:14

Meditate. In faith—ask Jesus to heal you.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for being with the people in the Old Testament times as well as being with us. I claim Your promises—especially that You are always with us and will never leave us or forsake us. Heal us. We believe.

Verses of Salvation ~ Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the LORD will answer. 'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply. Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The LORD will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Isaiah 58:7-11

My gratitude for today: Relationship with my Savior Jesus Christ, my family, and friends. Guidance from the LORD to help others. Knowing that the light of the LORD is shining through me.

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

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

Monday, May 19, 2025

If You Worship Some Other God, is the Fiery Furnace in Your Future?

Fire in a Furnace?
Is it for you?

This account of Daniel’s friends being thrown into the fiery furnace is downright scary and awesome at the same time! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are well known names. That fourth person in the furnace was none other than Jesus Himself. The friends wouldn’t worship any god, but their God…our God. Very wise choice for them since God had given one of the Ten Commandments as not to worship any other gods and had remined the Israelites many times about that.

You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you. Exodus 34:14

That was all under the first covenant with God. Now although Jesus gave us the second covenant with God, we still are to worship only one God. As Jesus taught…

Jesus replied, "The Scriptures say, 'You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.'" Luke 4:8

We are also told about John’s vision of Heaven in Revelation.

And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb." And he added, "These are true words that come from God." Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, "No, don't worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters who testify about their faith in Jesus. Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus." Revelation 19:9-10 (Underlined emphasis.)

Who or what is most important in your life? Who do you worship? If it is not the one true God, are you headed to the fiery furnace?

You issued a decree requiring all the people to bow down and worship the gold statue when they hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments. ... If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes, and other garments. And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in. So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames. But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, "Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?" "Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did," they replied. "Look!" Nebuchadnezzar shouted. "I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!" Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn't even smell of smoke! Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king's command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!" Daniel 3:10, 17-29

Meditate. Consider the smell of smoke and the absence of that in this account of the fiery furnace.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for Your guidance and encouragement. I worship You-for You are the King and God of the Universe—creator of all. You are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory.

Verse of Salvation ~ Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Our God is a God who saves! The Sovereign LORD rescues us from death. Psalm 68:19-20

My gratitude for today: I am grateful for a smoke-less life—one with "no fear” of being thrown into a fiery furnace…one in which I can worship God freely and know that He loves me—enough to die for me. That’s the greatest love…and it is mine. Life shouldn’t be about “me” but about Him. I rejoice in that…in His love.

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 18, 2025

Is Journaling a Habit for You?

It doesn't matter what language you use...
give your praise to the Lord!
God knows all languages.
Scripture at City of David.
Jerusalem, Israel

There are lots of commands or directions to “write” but those are for people to write down what God is telling particular people to tell others for God.

Today, many people are encouraging others to “journal” their daily routine, thoughts, and thankfulness. I’ve been reading a book, “The Writer’s Diet” in which the author Julia Cameron encourages her readers to begin their day by writing three pages. Three pages! I was doing well to write three lines! Hmmmm! Yes, it is time for me to try journaling again. Another thing that I’ve found is popular, and has been for several years, is “junk journaling” in which pages of recycled artwork, magazines, and other printed material are incorporated into a book that has blank spaces for recording your own thoughts, dreams, and actions. They sell for a pretty penny…and are easily found at Art Galleries, gift shoppes, and farmers’ markets.

So, I challenge you, and myself, to spend some time writing “Letters to God” or creating a praise and thanksgiving list or log of daily gratefulness to the Lord. Will that bring you closer in your relationship to God…or to Jesus? It certainly couldn’t hurt. It will be a step forward and give you self-encouragement—possibly even resulting in the God of love and peace will be with you as Paul wrote to the church at Corinth.

Now go and write down these words. Write them in a book. They will stand until the end of time as a witness that these people are stubborn rebels who refuse to pay attention to the LORD's instructions. Isaiah 30:8-9

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

Meditate. Then pick up your pen and write your thoughts on how God is working in your life.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see how You are working in my life…and help me to write about it.

Verse of Salvation ~ We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 1 John 1:1-5

My gratitude for today: Thank you, Lord, for showing me that my attitude can change, giving me Your grace to change, and teaching me what I can do to be more respectful.

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