Banquet With The King

Monday, July 7, 2025

Is Your Heart Clear? Forgiven?

Is your heart as pure as this water lily?
Photo taken at Bateman Island, Richland, WA
July 4, 2025

Is your heart clean and pure? David asked the Lord to purify his heart. He knew he had sinned and was repentant. God wants us to turn from our wicked ways and humble ourselves—just as He encouraged Solomon and the Israelites to do.

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

A clean heart is a forgiven heart within a person who humbles themselves before God, praying and seeking not only His forgiveness, but a deeper relationship with Him. Wicked way…or even thoughts…are not acceptable to God. It is an ongoing requirement. It didn’t stop with David or Solomon…or even when Jesus began His ministry and told people to “repent.”

From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Matthew 4:17

For now…we are to continue to be repentant and encourage others because as Jesus declared…and as we can see, the day of His return is drawing near.

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25

Are you prepared for Jesus’ return? He said to “be prepared” or “keep watch” because we don’t know just when He will return.

"So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. Matthew 25:13

A clean heart is the first step in being prepared. How’s your heart today?

Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice. Don't keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. 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. Psalm 51:8-11

Prayer – Lord Jesus, like David, I’m asking You to create in me a clean heart. Show me if there is any wicked way hiding in my heart or mind. I just want to live in harmony with others and please You in all that I think, say, and do.

Meditate. Continue to read God’s word daily and listen to what He is saying.

Verse of Salvation ~ Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:12

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

Sunday, July 6, 2025

How Are You Preparing for the Sabbath This Week?

Sunrise in Utah
Don't wait until the sun is up to start preparing
for the Sabbath.
Honor God in all that you do.

I recently saw a post on FaceBook that considered several things to do if you don’t want church to feel routine. These are also good things to do to prepare your heart for worship—no matter what day you celebrate the Sabbath. Put these on your “Things to Do” list to get you ready to honor the Lord.

· Pray before you go.

· Worship on the drive there.

· Get there early.

· Invite someone.

· Bring your Bible.

· Take notes.

· Talk to people.in all things

· Sing out loud.

· Join a team and serve.

· Apply the message to your week.

Good points. Can you do those…at five of the ten? The choice is yours as to how you worship and recognize God in your life.

But the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24

Prayer – Lord God, I want to honor You today…and every day. Help me to worship You in spirit and in truth. Thank you for teaching me more about Yourself every day.

Meditate. Consider how you prepare and worship God.

Verse of Salvation ~ "My wayward children," says the LORD, "come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts." "Yes, we're coming," the people reply, "for you are the LORD our God. Our worship of idols on the hills and our religious orgies on the mountains are a delusion. Only in the LORD our God will Israel ever find salvation." Jeremiah 3:22-23

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, July 5, 2025

Thank God For All He Has Done

God's love and faithfulness
is something to crow about.
Thank God for all He has done.

Decorative Rooster
Joppa, Israel.

Thank You God, for Your plan for all of mankind throughout the past, present, and future…and for all that You have done for each of us in our lifetime. Paul wrote additional letters to folks along his missionary journeys encouraging them to “give thanks to God” among other teachings as noted in the verses below. (Underlined for emphasis.)

Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. Romans 1:8

We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:3

Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. Romans 14:6

Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. Romans 7:25

Dear brothers and sisters, we can't help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. 2 Thessalonians 1:3

Don’t be anxious…just give God thanks because He is a generous, giving, and loving God. He loved us so much that He sacrificially gave up His own son so that we could have eternal life—forever with Him. That is the greatest love of all—besides Jesus voluntarily giving up His own life for us. Have you thanked God for the ultimate love that is Jesus Christ? Do it today, so tomorrow you won’t have any regrets or anxiety.

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 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Prayer – Lord Jesus, Thank You for all that You did for us.

Meditate. Thankfully consider God’s guidance in scripture.

Verse of Salvation ~ Cry out, "Save us, O God of our salvation! Gather and rescue us from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you." 1 Chronicles 16:35

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, July 4, 2025

Happy Fourth of July! Is Freedom Free?

We’re free—only because someone gave up something. The early settlers in the United States fought for freedom from the British. The British and Colonists fought, and people lost their lives for freedom. The British had to step back to give the Colonies their freedom.

Examples of freedom from oppression goes back in Biblical history to the Hebrew slaves in Egypt.

If you buy a Hebrew slave, he may serve for no more than six years. Set him free in the seventh year, and he will owe you nothing for his freedom. Exodus 21:2

Freedom in a Christian’s life means that sins are forgiven by God—because Jesus took our sins to the cross. Freedom means release from guilt and the peace that only God can provide. True Freedom!

Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God's grace. Romans 6:14

As Paul wrote to the church at Rome, we are…or were…slaves to sin.

Because of the weakness of your human nature, I am using the illustration of slavery to help you understand all this. Previously, you let yourselves be slaves to impurity and lawlessness, which led ever deeper into sin. Now you must give yourselves to be slaves to righteous living so that you will become holy. Romans 6:19

So is freedom, as the Lord challenged Job and his friends, like a stubborn, wild animal?

Wild donkeys in Arizona.
Who set them free?

Who gives the wild donkey its freedom? Who untied its ropes? Job 39:5

Who is like the wild donkey? Are you like a wild donkey and who tied you up? Who will untie you and give you your freedom?

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God's promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:22

I’m claiming this freedom for myself. You can too. Trust the Lord to provide freedom—spiritually and physically—for you.

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." "But we are descendants of Abraham," they said. "We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, 'You will be set free'?" Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:31-36

Prayer – Lord Jesus, Thank You for setting us free by going to the cross just for us. You are awesome. Freedom is truly a gift from You.

Meditate. Consider freedom.

Verse of Salvation ~ And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

No such thing as a “free” lunch. Is anything in this life really ‘free?’ Salvation is free…but it costs you giving up your sins. Does that include giving up old eating habits that are unhealthy? Can you give up sugar, white flour, and food additives? We don’t really need those things in our lives.

Can we substitute something else? How about replacing the sugar with local honey with its inflammation preventing properties? That seems like a good exchange. With what could you replace white flour? There are whole wheat or whole grain flour options, as well as gluten-free alternative flours. Food additives vary with their use, so we can’t just say do away them. If you are following the news, you’ve heard that European countries don’t allow some of the additives that we do. It’s good that we are looking at reducing the additives in our foods and the effect they have on our bodies. Continue to follow that issue. You might not get anything “free” by knowing about it…but it may set you free from the bondage of food additives and addictions.

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 3, 2025

Tell God What You Need

God knows your heart. He knows what you need in every area of your life, but He wants you to ask Him for it anyway. Pray.

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Psalm 17:6

Talk to God just like you would talk to any good friend. Simply lay out your wants and needs to Him listing them one by one, if necessary.

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Trust God that He will provide, although we all know that God answers prayers in His time—so what you ask for today, may not be answered today…or even tomorrow, but be assured that He has heard your prayers.

I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Psalm 116:1

Yes, trust God.

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. Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust God to hear your prayers and to answer them. Ask Him for what you need. Maybe ask for wisdom first…and He will give you that, too. Choose wisely the things for which you ask.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

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 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Prayer – Lord, hear my prayers. I’m unloading my heart to You. Forgive me for my sins…the unmet expectations…and unresolved conflicts I’ve had with You. Please give me wisdom and guide me as I’m walking with You day by day…moment by moment. Thank you for hearing my prayers…and for loving me in spite of my faults and shortcomings.

Meditate. Consider God’s response to your prayers.

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

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 2, 2025

Half-Gone or Half Still to Come

Light a fire...
within me, Lord...
that I would glow for You.
Help me set attainable goals.

The year is half over…or more, but who is counting? Where are you with reaching your goals? Did you set any spiritual goals at the beginning of the year? If not, will you establish some objectives for this second half of the year?

Personally, I feel closer to God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and it has been good to see God using me to touch lives of others around me. But more surprising is that God used others to touch my life in surprising ways. The Holy Spirit has consistently checked me when my attitude has not been what it should be.

What spiritual goals are you considering or making as mid-year resolution plans for 2025? Here are some things to consider when setting Spiritual Goals anytime:

1. What would you like to accomplish spiritually?

2. What attitude or habit needs to change?

3. How would you like God to use you?

4. What ministry could utilize your unique gifts?

5. What ministry could benefit from your leadership?

6. What level of intimacy would you like to have with God?

7. What friend would you like to lead to Christ?

8. Who do you want to be your mentor…and who do you want to mentor?

As you consider these questions, think about what steps you can take on a monthly, weekly and daily basis to attain these goals. We need goals in lots of areas of our lives to challenge us—at work, at home, with physical fitness and with diet or nutrition (how many pounds do you want to lose in the rest of this year?). Let me challenge you to set some spiritual goals for the rest of 2025. Without a goal we fail to attain anything. As Lawrence J. Peter said…

If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else.

Plan ahead. What is your choice? Where are you going in 2025?

The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. 1 Timothy 1:5-6

Prayer – Lord, help us to choose attainable goals with Your wisdom and vision. Guide us in the things we do with our family and friends, and others to reach those goals.

Meditate. Consider your purpose and goals. Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

Verse of Salvation ~ So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9

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 1, 2025

Pray About Everything

Fold your hands and pray.
You can start your kiddos praying today!
Don't wait. Train them to talk to God now.
Pray about everything!

Prayer is communication with God…Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Pray about everything. Don’t hold back when you pray—God knows your heart and wants to hear from you. Some people are intimated by praying in public…or even praying outloud. I was at one time, too—but with a little encouragement from other Christians, I’ve become comfortable praying. Give it a try.

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 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Prayers – Lord God—As Jesus taught, I honor You, hallowed be Your name. May Your kingdom come, soon, on earth as it is in Heaven. Pl ease provide food—both spiritual and physical—today for me, my family, friends, neighbors and others who are hungry. Forgive our sins—as we forgive those who have offended us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil—for Yours is the Kingdom, the power, and glory forever on earth as it is in Heaven. Thank You.

Meditate. Read God’s word, listen to what He is saying, and pray that scripture to Him.

Verse of Salvation and Promise ~ 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

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 Characte

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories