Banquet With The King

Monday, July 14, 2025

What is Your Excuse for NOT Following Jesus?

Do you need a camel to follow Jesus?
Camel at the Judean Desert in Isreal.

What does it mean to “follow” Jesus? Do you have to go to Israel, which would be very risky at this time? No—to follow Jesus is just to do what He taught. That can be mainly summed up in two points: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. There are lots of people offering excuses for not going to church, reading their Bible, praying, telling others about what Jesus has done in your life, or even just hanging out with Christians.

What is your excuse? Jesus asked numerous people in different walks of life to “follow me.” Some, like the fishermen, just left their nets, their boats, and immediately followed Jesus as He traveled around Israel, especially the Galilee region, teaching and healing the people there. His twelve disciples did include fishermen and tax collectors, possibly a political activist, and other unspecified trades, maybe even a farmer resting under a fig tree. A couple of followers, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, although not disciples, were known members of the High Council which was made up of Sadducees and Pharisees.

There were other people, like these two young men in the focus scripture today, who wanted to follow Jesus, but they just didn’t want to give up their current life style or family responsibilities. Are there people today that fall into that category? Do you? Would you rather watch another movie on Netflix or do an Old Testament study on the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem? Are you seeking Jesus…or looking for an excuse for not following Jesus?

As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, "I will follow you wherever you go." But Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head." He said to another person, "Come, follow me." The man agreed, but he said, "Lord, first let me return home and bury my father." But Jesus told him, "Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God." Another said, "Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family." But Jesus told him, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God." Luke 9:57-62

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I don’t want to have an excuse for not seeking You. I want to know more of You every day. Open my heart and mind, giving me wisdom and understanding as I hear You call, “Come, follow me.” Thank you for hearing and answering my prayers.

Meditate. Will you follow Jesus?

Verse of Salvation ~ For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

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, July 13, 2025

Coffee Time?

Are you having a cup of coffee and waiting for the day to begin? Are you faithful and ready for what Jesus Christ has for you to do today?

There is so much information in Paul’s directions to Timothy in this last letter that he wrote. The same advice is appropriate and challenging for us. Be ready with the time is right and even when it is not. Jesus said to be ready and so Paul is just emphasizing this. Are you ready for Christ’s return? Are you ready to tell others about Jesus Christ—the Messiah was sent for all mankind? We are to encourage others. Did you note that there will be people who don’t want to follow the truth, sound doctrine, but want to have their ears tickled. They want to hear something pleasant, not convicting. If it is not convicting, then the Holy Spirit is not in that teaching. Beware. There are lots of teachers out there in the world today—not necessarily in churches—who come into your home via YouTube, their own website, videos, or even on a media program like Right Now Media that includes lots of spiritual teachers who provide instruction on Bible studies and topics for the whole family. Be careful who you choose to follow. Remember we are to test what we hear against scripture to see if it is correct just as Paul instructed the church at Thessalonica.

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil. Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-24 (Underlined for clarity.)

So, as Christians it is essential to follow the teaching of Jesus and good to listen to Paul’s instruction as those are inspired by God Himself.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16

As you drink your morning coffee, consider if you are ready for Christ’s return, or ready to faithfully teach God’s truth?

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God's truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable]. But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 AMP (Underlined for emphasis.)

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I am ready—just like in the ole kid’s Hide and Seek game, I hear You calling. Ready or not, here I come. Help me to encourage others to get ready, too.

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

Verse of Salvation ~ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 1 Peter 1:3-5

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

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Keep Moving to Keep Moving

July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. Did you know that 300,000 kids in the United States are affected by arthritis? It’s a bummer for so many adults…and kids, too. The Arthritis Motto is “Keep Moving,” I always add…”to Keep Moving” because my grandmother had arthritis and she kept on crocheting just to keep her fingers moving. She always said if she stopped, her hands would freeze up and she’d never be able to move them. So, when you get little aches and pains…keep moving!

Job defends himself against those in his community who ridiculed and mocked him. He was innocent, but they treated him as if he were a sinner. He was in pain and wasting away right before their eyes—maybe he had even developed arthritis. Who knows? Job states that the righteous move forward. That is what we all need to do. Don’t look back. Even Jesus taught about the value of looking forward—not back. He wanted commitment from a young man who wanted to stick around home until his parents died. That could have been many years and Jesus wasn’t waiting for him.

But Jesus told him, "Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God." Luke 9:62

We all make choices every day in the physical and spiritual realms of our lives. Pray continually. Be positive. Keep moving. Are you looking back or moving forward with your relationship with the Lord?

The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger. Job 17:9

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I am trying to focus my thoughts, words, and actions on ways that please You. Holy Spirit, show me and tell me what is good, and what the Lord requires of me so that I can do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with my God as it is written in Micah 6:8. Thank you.

Meditate. Consider if you are moving forward, are stagnant, or slipping backwards in your spiritual life.

Verse of Salvation ~ He (Jesus) was saying to them, "The harvest is abundant [for there are many who need to hear the good news about salvation], but the workers [those available to proclaim the message of salvation] are few. Therefore, [prayerfully] ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." Luke 10:2 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

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, July 11, 2025

Will You Live in the House of the Lord…Forever?

Has studying the Psalm 23 scripture passage transformed your life? We’ve heard the 23^rd Psalm recited, preached and sung so much that we may just ignore it…or take it for granted—but there is so much there.

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6

Modern Jerusalem
Israel

A reassurance that God will take care of us—providing everything we need, protecting and rescuing us. It is humbling to know that God in His perfect love is pursuing us…searching for us. The best part is knowing that we will live with Him…in His house forever. Eternity is unmeasurable. It is hard for us mere humans to truly comprehend not only that we will live forever…but that we can and will be in God’s home all of that time. Endlessly.

"This is my resting place forever," he said. "I will live here, for this is the home I desired. Psalm 132:14

We wouldn’t have this assurance of eternal life if it weren’t for Jesus. He is our resting place.

Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 1 Thessalonians 5:10

Will I see you in the air…or up there?

For the LORD has chosen Jerusalem; he has desired it for his home. "This is my resting place forever," he said. "I will live here, for this is the home I desired. I will bless this city and make it prosperous; I will satisfy its poor with food. I will clothe its priests with godliness; its faithful servants will sing for joy. Psalm 132:13-16

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I don’t know how you could do it…do life? I get so tired that I can hardly function…but You kept going and got up early to pray. Oh, to be like You.

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

Verse of Salvation ~ Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Chia Seeds – How good are they for you? (From healthline website)

A couple of tablespoons of chia seeds have these nutritional levels.

protein: 4.7 g

fat: 8.7 g

alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): 5 g

carbs: 11.9 g

fiber: 9.8 g

calcium: 14% of the Daily Value (DV)

iron: 12% of the DV

magnesium: 23% of the DV

phosphorus: 20% of the DV

zinc: 12% of the DV

vitamin B1 (thiamine): 15% of the DV

vitamin B3 (niacin): 16% of the DV

How do you eat them? Stay tuned for thoughts on this next Friday.

(Revised from January 19, 2019.)

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, July 10, 2025

Death – Ceasing to Exist

The Cemetary--a Holding place
for those waiting for Christ's Return.

Death is ceasing to exist—but we know that our spirits will live on. Yesterday I heard a clip of a country western song that said something like “I’m not afraid to die… but I just don’t want to die right now.” Isn’t that probably true for most people—Christians anyway. I am not afraid to die and know that I’m going to a better place when my life in this mortal body ends. It’s going to be wonderful, but am I ready to go today… or even tomorrow?

I have seen everything in this meaningless life, including the death of good young people and the long life of wicked people. So don't be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself? On the other hand, don't be too wicked either. Don't be a fool! Why die before your time? Pay attention to these instructions, for anyone who fears God will avoid both extremes. Ecclesiastes 7:15-18

Get ready today… since we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. We do know that believing in Jesus will result in eternal spiritual life. Are you following Jesus? How do you feel about dying and death?

Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. 1 Corinthians 15:22

Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?" John 11:25-26

Prayer – Lord Jesus, guard my heart and mind, giving me wisdom to live in a way that is pleasing to You—because life in You is really what matters.

Meditate. Consider life and death.

Verse of Salvation ~ O LORD, I give my life to you. ... Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:1, 4-5

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

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Time to Pray?

When is the time to pray?

Prayer is important to all Christian’s lives. It is our way to communicate with and relate to God. Lots of people, even non-Christians, pray to God—pleading for His help. He has told us not to worry…don’t be anxious about anything, but let Him know what we need. Honestly, He already knows what we need and what we think, but He wants us to tell Him anyway. Like any person with any kind of common curtesy in their life, thank the man for what He did for you. God has done a lot for each and every person in this world—so Christian or not, we need to thank Him. A simple expression of gratitude goes a longways. Think about how you feel when someone expresses appreciation for even some small little thing you did or how you feel when you appreciated what others did for you.

So, what should we pray about? Everything. When is the time to pray? Always.

One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. Luke 18:1

Give it a try. Don't give up. Find time to pray…always.

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6

Prayer – Lord Jesus, please forgive me when I don’t “always” pray…or when I forget to thank you. You are awesome. Thanks for being You.

Meditate. Consider your prayer life…and be thankful

Verse of Salvation ~ But I keep praying to you, LORD, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation. Psalm 69:13 NLT

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, July 8, 2025

Ready? What’s Next?

Are you still celebrating?
Rejoice and be glad if you are headed
to Heaven one day--not just a vacation but
Forever!
Tell someone where you are going!

Cleansed heart. What is next as you get prepared for Christ’s return? I heard a great analogy recently about getting ready to Jesus’ return is like getting ready for a vacation. When you are planning a trip somewhere you tell everyone who will listen to you about the great adventure you are going on. When, where, and how you’ll get there. So, to get ready for our trip to be with Jesus…the “when” is in God’s hands. the “where” is HEAVEN, and the “how”…well that depends on the “when,” It could be when we die—which we are all going to do someday…or in the rapture—which will be an exciting way for those who believe in Jesus to go. The key is believing in Jesus as one’s Savior. Then zip-zap the adventure begins. Actually, the destination is determined immediately when a person repents of their sins and chooses to allow Jesus to save their very soul. Eternal life begins with that decision and Heaven is the end point.

One simple choice makes an eternity of a difference. Can you share that with someone? Can you tell them what you know about Heaven? Tell them we will have new bodies—transformed like Jesus’ resurrected body (Philippians 3:20-21). The Main Street of Heaven will be made of gold (Revelation 21:21). There will be a river with the water of life, with Trees of Life on each side of its bank (Rev 22:1-2). People will wear robes of the finest pure white linen (Revelation 19:7-8). There will be a new Jerusalem and new Heaven (Revelation 3:12 and Revelation 21:1-2) where God will live with His people. Yes. It will be a glorious place—where we will live and serve with Christ, forever (see Daniel 7:27).

Christians are called to be witnesses—although with different spiritual gifts some are better evangelists than others. That is OK. Still, we can tell others what we know…and share about the wonderful place where we will someday live forever. Can you do that? Begin by just discussing it with your family and friends…and as the Holy Spirit leads you, you can share the Good News with others because you want to take as many people to live in Heaven with you as possible. Don’t let them or you be left behind or cast into the outer darkness. Are you ready for what is next?

And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 8:11-12

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I look forward to the time when You will call the believers to come join You…and we will spend an eternity serving You. Come quickly, Jesus.

Meditate. Consider God’s plan for mankind, what you know about heaven, and how you can tell others about the coming days.

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