Daniel was a Praying Prophet

Consider Daniel’s relationship with the Lord. What can you learn as you mediate on these verses?

During the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, learned from reading the word of the LORD, as revealed to Jeremiah the prophet, that Jerusalem must lie desolate for seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes. I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: "O Lord, you are a great and awesome God!

What have you learned from 
reading God's Word today?

You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands. But we have sinned and done wrong. We have rebelled against you and scorned your commands and regulations. We have refused to listen to your servants the prophets, who spoke on your authority to our kings and princes and ancestors and to all the people of the land.” Daniel 9:2-6 

Daniel was a good Bible student. He learned from reading God’s word. Then he obediently prayed, confessing not only his own sins, but those of his nation—even as they were in captivity. He recognized their rebellious attitude and actions. How can one person confess the sin for the whole nation? Daniel just did it—and it wasn’t just the actions of his nation during his lifetime, but for years before. Daniel was blessed to be a faithful follower, a humble servant and an obedient early disciple. We would do well to follow his example. 

How can you apply to your own life what you learn from studying this Scripture passage?

Prayer ~ Lord, help me to be obedient to Your word like Your servant Daniel. 

Verses of Salvation ~ Or suppose I were to pour out my fury by sending an epidemic into the land, and the disease killed people and animals alike. As surely as I live, says the Sovereign LORD, even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were there, they wouldn't be able to save their own sons or daughters. They alone would be saved by their righteousness. Ezekiel 14:19-2

Each person is accountable for their own actions…and saved only by their own belief in Jesus…their righteousness in the Lord. You can’t save your sons or daughters. They must choose for themselves. Pray for them that they would know the Lord as their Savior.

© 2020 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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How Can You Encourage Others?

Consider God’s word. Apply it to your life.

Encourage others.
Don't bite their head off!

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 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 10:23-25

Encourage others. Think about how others have encouraged you…and do likewise. It comes back to that “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The Golden Rule. Isn’t that just what most parents try to teach their kids? If you don’t want to be hit…don’t hit others!

Make a list…think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

It is sort of difficult to meet together during this COVID pandemic situation. The area where I live is still in a Stage 1…loosely 1.5. Groups still can only be ten people, but that is large enough for some Bible study groups to meet. The weather is good for meeting outdoors—so following the advice of this Scripture passage don’t neglect meeting together…especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Do encourage others…it will encourage you, too. 

Prayer ~ Lord God, during these days of isolation we praise You that You are with us as You have promised to never leave us or forsake us. You are such an encouragement to us. Show us ways that we can encourage others.

Verse of Salvation ~ In that day the people will proclaim, "This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the LORD, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!" Isaiah 25:9

 © 2020 Text, photos and paintings by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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What Should We Do?

Meditate on God’s Word…and then act on it.

Good fruit...from a good tree.

When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, "You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God's coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don't just say to each other, 'We're safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.' That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God's judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire." The crowds asked, "What should we do?" John replied, "If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry." Luke 3:7-11  

What should we do? John gives us good advice. Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins. Share. Pretty simple. Although during this time of isolation…and a slow return to a new normal…it may not be as easy to find ways to serve others. We can still give monetarily and now as things open up, we can be more of service to others. That phone is still there…waiting for you to use it to call others. What will you do today to produce good fruit?

Prayer ~ Lord God, we’ve been warned. I certainly don’t want to feel Your wrath—so please forgive me for_______(my sins today) and show me how I can serve You by helping others.

Verse of Salvation ~ I trust in you for salvation, O LORD! Gen 49:18

© 2020 Text, photos and paintings by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Pray…Build Each Other Up

Meditate and pray.

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. Jude 1:20-21

There is power in prayer. A good use of it is just as Jesus’ brother Jude describes here…build each other up. I find it so encouraging to hear others pray for each other. In this time of social distancing we don’t often get to hear others pray…but with Zoom and Bible Studies, we do just that. Paul wrote similar messages to the churches in Rome and Thessolonica.

So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Romans 14:19

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Encourage each other. That is a good thing to do…no matter the day or the hour. Don’t wait until Sunday to encourage others…and I know some ladies who are real night owls and chat on the phone well past midnight…just to encourage others as they recently went through the same loss of a loved one. Encourage. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to do the same…encourage others and to motivate each other to do acts of love and good works.

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 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 10:23-25

Bird of Paradise
Poised as if ready to fly...but it is a flower, not a bird.
Are you ready?

…especially now that the day of His return is drawing near. That is a familiar theme lately. Are you finding ways to serve others—to motivate others, while social distancing?

When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:13

Are you ready for Christ’s return? Remember He said that we should…

You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

Luke 12:40

Are you ready spiritually? We can’t pack our bags to take anything to the new Promised Land—Heaven. Things will be prepared for us there. Jesus promised.

Prayer ~ Lord God, as John the Baptist said…Even now the ax of God's judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. Luke 3:9. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, help me to be encouraging to others…and to bear good fruit for You.

Verse of Salvation ~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 1:5

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

The best summertime birthday cake is a cool, refreshing ice cream cake.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

1 package Oreo cookies, crushed or grated in the food processor

1 cube of unsalted butter, softened

2 cartons of Reese’s Peanut Butter ice cream, slightly softened

1 bag of large Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup candy bars (about 16 individual cups), frozen, and crushed

Chocolate fudge sauce

Cool Whip or canned whipped cream

Mix soft butter and crushed cookies. Press into a 9X12 inch glass casserole dish. Freeze for a few minutes. Cut one carton of ice cream in about ½ inch slices and spread evenly over cookie crust. Top with crushed candy. Spread remaining carton of ice cream over the crushed candy. Freeze until firm, several hours or overnight. Drizzle with chocolate fudge sauce. Garnish with whipped cream, or dollops of Cool Whip. Freeze again, or serve immediately. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Melissa!

© 2020 Text, photos and paintings by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Wait - God Waits for You. Do You Wait for God?

Meditate.

As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.  Micah 7:7

There is a lot of waiting involved between believers and God. Believers wait on God…and God waits on those who love Him.

You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress. Psalm 59:9

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. Psalm 62:1

And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. Romans 8:23

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. Isaiah 30:18

We wait for the Lord and He waits for us. Confidently. We have the hope of knowing that He will save and rescue us. Such an assurance. He has waited for us to come to Him. Now He hears our prayers…and we wait on Him. Have you ever done so much waiting in your life? His love and grace are worth the wait. Keep on hoping and waiting.

Prayer ~ Lord God, we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith what You, righteousness God, have promised to us.  From Galatians 5:5.

Verse of Salvation ~ And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as "foreigners in the land." For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days. 1 Peter 1:17-20

© 2020 Text and illustration by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Be a Good Worker

Memorize and you meditate on this verse.

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith. But God's truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: "The LORD knows those who are his," and "All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil." 2 Timothy 2:15-19

Study God's Word.
That is the key.

Work hard. The King James Versions says…

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. - 2 Timothy 2:15-16 KJV

Study. That is more than just reading. Get in there and look at the meaning of the words. Figure out not only what the verses mean—what God is saying—but how you can apply them to your life. Pray and pay attention. That is the key to understanding. 

One way to apply Scripture to your life is to simply avoid foolish talk and turn away from evil. That may seem easier said than done, but the choice is yours every moment of every day. Turn your tongue and heart towards God—and away from evil…or turn towards evil and thus towards hell. The choice is for each person to decide. Choose today whom you will serve with your thoughts, words and actions.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. Psalm 119:15

Verses of Salvation ~ For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." Acts 4:11-12

Read that again. It is simple. There is salvation in no one else—only in Jesus. Are you seeking Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind and strength?

© 2020 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Public domain.

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Prayer Produces Results

Meditate and consider the actions in these verses.

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16

Confess. Admit. Pray.

 Share a joy or sorrow as you kayak with a friend.
Pray as you commune with God in His glorious nature.

We all need a friend in whom we can totally confide. A pastor friend once told me if I had five friends I could count on then I would never need to go to a counselor! Who are your five friends in whom you can confide? Those may change over the years, months, even weeks due to changes in our lives—location, health, work situation, COVID isolation policies. Still there is one friend we can always count on…Jesus. But there is a need for human contact, fellowship, comradery, devotion and confession. Face it. We NEED people. We NEED prayer. Prayers to God for each other. It feels good to know that friends are praying. Prayer produces results. As in the scripture passage from James…prayer produces wonderful results.

Have you ever kept a prayer journal? How do you know when you get an answer to prayer? I get a reminder often of prayer results—a stop sign with no traffic in sight. Smiling grandchildren who have had medical issues…and are healthy now. An abundance of food on the table. Friends who text or call and care about what is going on in my life, and I show that I care about them in similar ways.

How can I pray for you?

Prayer ~ Lord God, Finally, I confessed all my sins to You and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD." And You forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Psalm 32:5. And I confess my sin to my brothers and sisters in Christ…that they would forgive me…as I have forgiven them, just as You have forgiven me. I praise You and thank you.

Verse of Salvation ~ And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. Ephesians 6:19

God’s mysterious plan isn’t such a mystery. It is the Good News of salvation and hope for everyone who believes in Jesus.

© 2020 Text, photos and paintings by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Power of Prayer

Consider and meditate on the power of prayer.

Joshua traveled all night from Gilgal and took the Amorite armies by surprise. The LORD threw them into a panic, and the Israelites slaughtered great numbers of them at Gibeon. Then the Israelites chased the enemy along the road to Beth-horon, killing them all along the way to Azekah and Makkedah. As the Amorites retreated down the road from Beth-horon, the LORD destroyed them with a terrible hailstorm from heaven that continued until they reached Azekah. The hail killed more of the enemy than the Israelites killed with the sword. On the day the LORD gave the Israelites victory over the Amorites, Joshua prayed to the LORD in front of all the people of Israel. He said, "Let the sun stand still over Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Aijalon." So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies. Is this event not recorded in [The Book of Jashar]? The sun stayed in the middle of the sky, and it did not set as on a normal day. There has never been a day like this one before or since, when the LORD answered such a prayer. Surely the LORD fought for Israel that day! Joshua 10:9-14

Time stood still. That was a very powerful prayer…and God answered it!

What is the “Book of Jashar?”  Google it and see for yourself. I found that it is a book that was written but not canonized, thus it was not included in what we now have as our Bible. It does record this incident of time standing still. The important thing to remember of this story is that God answered what seemed like an impossible prayer. If God would answer Joshua’s impossible prayer, can He answer our small seemingly insignificant prayers? Nothing is impossible with God! That is a promise we can count on.

For nothing is impossible with God.  Luke 1:37

Think big when you pray. We have a big God who is all powerful and can do anything! Remember He provided a hail storm, turned an enemy against itself, and made time stand still. Yes, we have a powerful God who uses unusual methods to reach His goals. We just have to trust Him. He has a plan. If we love and serve Him…then we’ll be part of His family and eternally with Him. Are you part of His family and His plan for an eternal future with Him? The choice is yours. God’s chosen His people…but each has to respond and make that final choice. Like Joshua, choose today whom you will serve.

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

Personally, I choose to serve the Lord, over the gods of pride, popularity, poverty, pollution, politics, ambition, or power. What or who do you chose to guide your life…your thoughts, words and actions?

How can I pray for you?

Prayer ~ Lord, in this time of uncertainty and stress, help me not be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. I won't believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from You. From 2 Thessalonians 2:2. You alone provide the guidance for me, Lord. Give me wisdom to hear You and courage to pray powerful prayers. You are the powerful God! I’m trusting that You will answer prayers for those You love just like You did for Joshua and the Israelites long ago.

Verse of Salvation ~ You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15

© 2020 Text and illustration by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Take a Good Look

Meditate on just looking. What are you looking for…what are you looking at?

"At that time I pleaded with the LORD and said, 'O Sovereign LORD, you have only begun to show your greatness and the strength of your hand to me, your servant. Is there any god in heaven or on earth who can perform such great and mighty deeds as you do? Please let me cross the Jordan to see the wonderful land on the other side, the beautiful hill country and the Lebanon mountains.' But the LORD was angry with me because of you, and he would not listen to me. 'That's enough!' he declared. 'Speak of it no more. But go up to Pisgah Peak, and look over the land in every direction. Take a good look, but you may not cross the Jordan River.”Deuteronomy 3:23-27

 

Near the Jordan River headwaters.
Israel

Once again Moses was pleading as he prayed to the Lord. He so wanted to go into the Promised Land, but God was angry with him. Moses was allowed to take a good look into the Land of Milk and Honey…but not to cross the Jordan River and live in the new land.

Actually, Moses died before the Israelite entered the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:5), but that wasn’t the end of his relationship with God. He comes back to see Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration.

…later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus' appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter exclaimed, "Lord, it's wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I'll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him." ...And when they looked up, Moses and Elijah were gone, and they saw only Jesus. Matthew 17:1-5, 8

We are privileged to know God, to have God’s word to read and from which to learn about Jesus, and to receive salvation from Him. Seek to know God…to know Jesus…while there is still time. When speaking with a crowd shortly after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem Jesus said…

"My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light." After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them. John 12:35-36

Is Jesus the light of the world for you? Are you walking in His light…or has darkness overwhelmed you? Seek Jesus with all of your heart…and you will find Him. What are you looking for in Jesus?

 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and knowing You will give me everything I need. I won't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. From Matthew 6:33-34. Thank You for so generously  providing for my needs…and those of my family, friends and neighbors.

Verses of Salvation ~ Jesus shouted to the crowds, "If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. I will not judge those who hear me but don't obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. I don't speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say." John 12:44-50

 © 2020 Text, photos and paintings by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Moses Prayed

Meditate…think about this.

Soon the people began to complain about their hardship, and the LORD heard everything they said. Then the LORD's anger blazed against them, and he sent a fire to rage among them, and he destroyed some of the people in the outskirts of the camp. Then the people screamed to Moses for help, and when he prayed to the LORD, the fire stopped. After that, the area was known as Taberah (which means "the place of burning"), because fire from the LORD had burned among them there. Numbers 11:1-3

Disobedience. Complaining. God was not happy with His chosen people! What did He do? His anger blazed and He sent a fire to destroy them. What a punishment! Sounds like hell—a raging fire.

Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

But I'll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he's the one to fear. Luke 12:5

If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It's better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands. Mark 9:43

Unquenchable fire. When a fire gets going it can get hot, like wild fires that can reach a temperature of 1,472 degrees Fahrenheit (800 degrees Celsius) https://nhmu.utah.edu/sites/default/files/attachments/Wildfire%20FAQs.pdf. That is pretty hot! Will that be how hot it is in hell? We can only hope that none of us ever has to experience that everlasting torment. Jesus told the story of a poor man named Lazarus and a rich man who died about the same time. Lazarus went to the bosom of Abraham and the rich man went to hell. The rich man is tormented in the heat of hell. Read the story for yourself in Luke 16. Hell is not a place that anyone wants to visit or live forever.

The rich man shouted, 'Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.' Luke 16:24

For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment. 2 Peter 2:4

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. Romans 8:38

Are you experiencing God’s love? Do you love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength? Do you know and love God’s Son, Jesus?

Prayer ~ Lord God, I am convinced that nothing can ever separate me from Your love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither my fears for today nor my worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate me from Your love. From Romans 8:38. Thank You that You are with me always…and that You, Jesus, are my Lord and Savior.

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

Choose today to ask God to give you a clean heart…and ask Jesus to be your Savior.

© 2020 Text, photos and paintings by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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What is This?

Meditate.

Then the LORD said to Moses, "I have heard the Israelites' complaints. Now tell them, 'In the evening you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will have all the bread you want. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.'" That evening vast numbers of quail flew in and covered the camp. And the next morning the area around the camp was wet with dew. When the dew evaporated, a flaky substance as fine as frost blanketed the ground. The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. "What is it?" they asked each other. They had no idea what it was. And Moses told them, "It is the food the LORD has given you to eat. ... The Israelites called the food manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers. Exodus 16:11-15, 31

Morning Light.
Time to gather manna.

What is this? Manna in the Morning. Manna…just what is that? I’ve heard people say that God hasn’t forgotten His recipe for Manna…so when times get tough, we may be out gathering manna in the morning!

Will times get that tough? It is possible.  Paul wrote to in his second letter to Timothy about conditions in the last days.

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Timothy 3:1-5

The Amplified Bible describes those last days using words…perilous times of great stress and trouble. Perilous times with great stress. Sounds like today! There have probably been plenty of times since Christ’s resurrection and ascension that there have been perilous, difficult times where proud and boastful people loved money, were reckless, unloving, unforgiving, cruel and ungrateful. That just seems to be human nature if left to its own devices. Paul advices Timothy and us to stay away from people like that!  What good advice! Once a person becomes a Christian that self-centered, ungrateful way of life seems less desirable.

So—gather your manna…or make some manna cookies and share them with others, explaining what manna is all about. God loving His chosen people. Seek God while there is still time.

Prayer ~ Lord God, How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. Psalm 119:103. I Seek the Your Kingdom above all else, and try to live righteously, knowing that You will give me everything I need. From Matthew 6:33. You provided manna for the Israelites in the desert before they reached the Promised Land. I’m counting on You to provide manna if necessary in the last days for Your people here. Thanks.

Verse of Salvation ~ To be in Heaven is to be saved, victoriously. Listen to this message from the Book of Revelation. Image how good that manna in Heaven will taste!

Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it. Revelation 2:17

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

What would be your manna? A special food that satisfies your hunger that the Lord provides for you.

MANNA COOKIES

½ cup butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 tablespoons guava (or honey)

¾ cup cane sugar

1½ teaspoon baking powder

2 eggs

2 cups flour

dash salt

½ teaspoon of ground coriander

Cream butter, adding sugar gradually, until light and pale.  Add eggs and beat thoroughly.  Add guava, salt and vanilla.  Combine baking powder, flour and coriander, add to butter mixture.  Drop by ½ teaspoon onto a greased or parchment lined cookie sheet. Flatten. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 8 minutes or until done.  Cool on wire racks. (If using honey…lower temp by 25 degrees—note that heating honey makes it toxic, so you may want to think twice before using honey.)

Enjoy with a cup of strong espresso coffee or a glass of milk.

Adapted from https://raesbooksandrecipes.wordpress.com/2017/03/26/recipe-manna-cookies-2/

If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, seek Him while there is still time. Consider the ABC’s of salvation.

A – Acknowledge or Admit that you are a sinner.

                        No one is righteous—not even one. Romans 3:10

                        For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

            B – Believe in your heart that Jesus is the Son of God

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10

C – Call on the Name of the Lord

            Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. Romans 10:13

Don’t wait…make your decision to believe in Jesus…in God… today. Life is short…we don’t know when our time will be up…or when the Lord will return for His church.

  

© 2020 Text, photos and paintings by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org 

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Moses Dared to Protest

Meditate.

But Moses protested to God, "Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?" God answered, "I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain." But Moses protested, "If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, 'The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' they will ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what should I tell them?" God replied to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you." God also said to Moses, "Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you. This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations. Exodus 3:11-15

Moses pleaded—he protested. He didn't destroy anything...he just verbally objected. He was speaking to God…almost face to face. They were having a conversation. That’s what we consider today as prayer…but Moses was right there in God’s presence. Actually, we are in the presence of God whenever we choose to pray, to read His word, worship or just focus on Him. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us—so He is always with us. We are in His presence…standing or sitting on Holy Ground.

God identified Himself as “I AM.”  He is God. He also told Moses to tell the Hebrew people in Egypt...Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you. This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations.

So God spoke…and Moses listened. Prayer is like that. We don’t need to do all the talking—we need to listen, too. Our God is a powerful and awesome God, living eternally. He was there for Adam and Eve. He was there for Moses, Job, Ruth, David, Jonah, the disciples, Paul and Timothy. He is here for everyone, for all generations. Do you believe in Him? Do you believe in Jesus—the Son of God who gave His life on a cross for all of mankind’s sin—for your sin and for mine?

God loves the world...and all the people.
Do you love Him?

God loves the world—this wonderful place He created…and the people He created.

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. John 3:16-18

Relationships are the most important thing on earth. Do you agree with that?

Your relationship with God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—is the most important thing you’ll ever experience. It is of greater significance than your bond with your parents, spouse, children, friends, other relatives, neighbors, co-workers.

How do you establish this relationship with God? You just talk to Him…recognize that you, like all humans, are a sinner. (Romans 3:10)  Confess that sin and turn away from it…that is called repenting. You’ll probably sin again…we all do, but you can ask for forgiveness for that mistake.

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9

Believe in Jesus as your Savior…that He did die on the cross for you. (Romans 10:9-10) Call on the name of Jesus…and you will be saved. (Romans 10:13) Things in life change quickly. Don’t put off making this decision to establish a relationship with God. Tell Him you love Him. He loves you.

Prayer ~ Lord God, while there is still time, hear the prayers of those seeking You as their Savior. Thank you for this plan for eternal life with You—all who believe in Jesus will have eternal life (John 3:16). I love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

Verses of Salvation ~ If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, seek Him while there is still time. Consider the ABC’s of salvation.

A – Acknowledge or Admit that you are a sinner.

                        No one is righteous—not even one. Romans 3:10

                        For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

            B – Believe in your heart that Jesus is the Son of God

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10

C – Call on the Name of the Lord

            Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. Romans 10:13

Don’t wait…make your decision to believe in Jesus…in God… today. Life is short…we don’t know when our time will be up…or when the Lord will return for His church.

© 2020 Text, photos and paintings by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org 

Follow And Like "Banquet With The King" on Facebook. 👍

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character available at Amazon.com