Banquet With The King

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Nothing in Secret

Prayer ~ Jesus—I am hungry to feed on Your spiritual teachings. Show me something new in Your word today.

So the Roman cohort and the commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him, and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people. Simon Peter was following Jesus, and so was another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest, but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in. Then the slave-girl who kept the door said to Peter, "You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not." Now the slaves and the officers were standing there, having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves; and Peter was also with them, standing and warming himself. The high priest then questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching. Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; they know what I said." When He had said this, one of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus, saying, "Is that the way You answer the high priest?" Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?" So Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. John 18:12-24

Meditate.

Jesus always drew a crowd when He spoke and taught. Remember that at one time there were 5,000 men (Mark 6:44) who were following Him, listening to His teaching and then He fed them. Another time there were 4,000 men, plus women and children (Matthew 15:38) who He taught and then fed. People were eager to hear Him teach as illustrated by this scripture.

Now during the day He was teaching in the temple, but at evening He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet. And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him. Luke 21:37-38

When was the last time that you got up early to hear anyone teach? Of course, if you are a student and have an early morning class…or you went to an Easter Sunrise service you got up early. My family is notorious for not wanting to get up early for anything! I’ve gone to Sunrise services alone several times while family slept. Commitment to anything early is just that—commitment, a dedication. It takes persistence and perseverance within one’s own value system to motivate individuals to do something outside of their normal daily routine. Some people are more adaptable, more motivated. That is what the people described in the Luke passage were—motivated to hear Jesus speak. Even when Jesus challenged people to live better lives, like in the Sermon on the Mount, He was convicting them of past mistakes.

"But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘ You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Matthew 5:22. He continued to teach them… "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

People during Jesus’ time were hungry to hear about spiritual things—about the right way to live. People haven’t changed in 2000 years. We still have a void in our lives and Jesus fills that with His love and peace—still teaching from the Bible. Amazingly the Bible is considered a living document. I’ve found that no matter how many times I read a particular scripture passage, it still says something that I didn’t see or understand in the same way when I previously read it. Try it for yourself—see if scripture says the same thing to you when you read it even days, weeks or years later. Jesus didn’t speak in secret when He walked this earth—and He doesn’t speak in secret now. He fills the hungry with good things…His word.

Verses of Salvation ~ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:9

Memory Verse of the Week ~ For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:9

Happy Birthday Kay D. – May God bless you with a most wonderful day!

Life is Short - Celebrate while the Light is in your heart.

Revised and reused from December 15, 2012

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE,
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973 1975, 1977, 1995

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

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Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Flames of Fire?

Prayer ~ Lord God—When John saw You in the visions given to him on the island of Patmos, Your eyes were as flames of fire. Fire is powerful. You appeared to Moses in a burning bush—again a fire—and lead the Israelites in their Exodus from Egypt with a pillar of fire at night. David, when You, God, rescued him from his enemy Saul as written in 2 Samuel 22 and Psalm 18, described You with smoke pouring from Your nostrils and flames from Your mouth. That is powerful. Along with David, I sing praises to Your name for You are worthy of praise.

I love you, LORD; you are my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. …but in my distress I cried out to the LORD; yes I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger. Smoked poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from him. Psalm 18:1-3; 6-8

Meditate. Consider the power of our God who can be angry with our enemies.

God is powerful—and it is wonderful to see how He comes to David’s rescue when David calls out to Him. God is only a prayer away. The power that God uses to overcome the enemies is amazing. Read the whole chapter of Psalm 18—the same scripture is found almost word for word in 2 Samuel 22. So many verses in that chapter are encouraging.

Deer grazing on the Hanford Reach -
along the Columbia River north of Richland, WA

He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. (v. 33) Who but our God is a solid rock? (v. 31) The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! (v. 46) You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies; you save me from violent opponents. For this, O LORD, I will praise you among the nations; I will sing praises to your name. (vv. 48-49)

Imagine how David felt having God on his side against his enemies who want to kill him. God had chosen David, as a man after His own heart, to be in the lineage, a forefather of His own Son, Jesus. God chose David…and God has chosen you to be part of His family. If you are willing to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, the Messiah, He is willing to adopt you into His family even if you are not Jewish. God is loving…and all powerful. Read about Jesus every day…and find out just how much He loves you…what He has gone through for you…and how His story turns out for eternity. Will you be spending eternity with Him? The choice is yours. Do you have a brother and a friend who has eyes that are like flames of fire?

Verse of Salvation ~ The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! Psalm 18:46

Memory Verse of the Week ~ For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:9

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

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Monday, May 23, 2022

Are You Hungry or Thirsty....Spiritually?

The Jordan River - near the headwaters.
Israel

Prayer ~ Lord God, I am hungry for Your word—and long to just spend time studying and searching for words and their connections within different verses. Jesus, I recognize that You provide living water—You are the living water. From You flows streams of living water—a spiritually bubbling brook. You are the Shepard that leads me safely beside still waters—I don’t have to be afraid of falling in and drowning! Thank you for always providing food, water, and a safe environment for me, my family, friends, and neighbors. Fill all our hearts with Your love and spiritual blessings.

For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:9

Meditate. Are you hungry or thirsty…spiritually?

Thirsty or hungry? It seems like someone is always hungry or thirsty…or at least we can eat any time whether we are really hungry or not. I read once that often when someone feels hungry, they are really thirsty—so they need to have a drink of water rather than eat.

We can count on God to satisfy our hunger and thirst according to this scripture passage and memory verse for this week. Consider the verses before this verse in reading it in context. There are many verses after this selection, and it is always good to read scripture in context.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. For he has gathered the exiles from many lands, from east and west, from north and south. Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and homeless. Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress.He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live. Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:1-9

There was a great question in this passage above. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. If you have been saved, then tell others. Witness to others—in word and in deeds or actions. David said “speak out” and that is just what we need to do now. It is what Jesus commanded His followers to do just before He ascended.

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.

He has promised that He will always be with us, even to the end of time. How can others know about God and your relationship with Him, unless you tell them? So, if you are hungry or thirsty, you can assume that others are too. Trust that God will fulfill your needs and theirs.

Verse of Salvation ~ Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. Psalm 79:9

Memory Verse of the Week ~ For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:9

Happy Birthday, Zander!

Blessings

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 22, 2022

Will You Recognize Jesus?

Prayer ~ Jesus—I can hardly wait to see You. The song in my head lately is “I just want to see Jesus.” Wonderful song. Will I recognize You? Did John recognize You?

She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. John 20:14

Meditate. Consider how we recognize people that we know.

When you only see someone’s eyes, do you recognize them? We usually need their whole face. Think about when you were out and about during Covid masking you may have missed recognizing someone just because you didn’t see their whole face. In this scripture passage Mary Magdalene didn’t recognize Jesus. Were her eyes so filled with tears that she just didn’t focus? When He spoke her name, she knew who he was. Will we recognize Jesus when we see Him…or will we have to wait until He calls us by name?

As one of the first disciples that Jesus chose, John knew Jesus well. John was there with Jesus during His Transfiguration.

Six days 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. Matthew 17:1-2

John was with Jesus walking along the dusty trails as they traveled throughout Israel teaching, preaching and healing. He was apparently seated close to Jesus at the last Passover Meal. Then after that special supper, John went with Jesus and two other disciples into an inner area of the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, before His arrest and crucifixion.

Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. Matthew 26:36-37

At the cross before Jesus died Jesus interacted with John, asking him to care for His mother. Of course, John was there after Jesus’ resurrection when Jesus came into a locked room. Additionally, John saw the resurrected Jesus by the Sea of Galilee.

Fishing on the Sea of Galilee.
Will we catch anything?

Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee (that included John), and two other disciples. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” “We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night. At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. He called out, “Fellows, have you caught any fish?”

John must have known every detail of Jesus face—yet when he was on the Island of Patmos and has the visions recorded in Revelation, he doesn’t seem to recognize Jesus. He doesn’t call out—my Lord and my Savior. John just describes a man with unusual features like flaming eyes that he witnesses in these visions.

When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance. Revelation 1:12-16

Write this letter to the angel of the church in Thyatira. This is the message from the Son of God, whose eyes are like flames of fire, whose feet are like polished bronze…. Revelation 2:18

Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Revelation 19:11-16

I want to see Jesus—to fall at His feet, to worship Him, and to serve Him throughout all of eternity. Will I recognize Him when I see Him? Will you? At least we have the advantage of reading John’s description in Revelation. Note that He is similarly described in the book of Daniel.

I looked up and saw a man dressed in linen clothing, with a belt of pure gold around his waist. His body looked like a precious gem. His face flashed like lightning, and his eyes flamed like torches. His arms and feet shone like polished bronze, and his voice roared like a vast multitude of people. Only I, Daniel, saw this vision. The men with me saw nothing, but they were suddenly terrified and ran away to hide. So I was left there all alone to see this amazing vision. My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak. Then I heard the man speak, and when I heard the sound of his voice, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground. Daniel 10:5-9

Don’t have nightmares about flaming eyes tonight—just know that behind those flaming eyes is the God who loves you enough to die for you. Will you recognize Jesus?

Verses of Salvation ~ This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Romans 13:11-12

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

Biblical search from Bible Gateway – http://biblegateway.com and Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Saturday, May 21, 2022

If You Want to Know the Father, Listen to the Son

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I am listening. Speak to me through Your word that all that I think, say, and do would bring glory to You and to our Heavenly Father.

Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." Jesus replied, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don't know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don't you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. John 14:8-10

Meditate. Think about the relationship between the Father and the Son…and your relationship with each of them.

My sand castle is just like yours, Dad!
Kids mimic their parents,
Mike & Isaac at the Oregon coast beach.

Kids mimic their parents every day. Listen to kids…and you’ll know just what their parents are telling them! Parents—watch out what you say. Those little kiddos listen and watch closely and they will repeat verbatim your opinions, thoughts, dreams, and even actions.

Jesus listened closely to His Father…and did and said just what He was told to do. He was the ultimate OBEDIENT child! He even went obediently to the cross so that our sins could be forgiven. Do you think you don’t sin? Read what Paul wrote to the church at Rome…and take it to heart.

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

Jesus Himself took our sins to the cross—and paid the price of sin—death with His shed blood. His obedience canceled our debt, for the result of sin is death.

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

As He said, Jesus spoke just what His Father told Him to say. Just like children, He said His Father’s words. Now we can say…greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world (paraphrase of 1 John 4:4). If you want to know the Father, listen to the Son.

Verses of Salvation ~ 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. God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News (salvation) about his Son. Romans 1:8-9

Memory Verse of the Week ~ 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

Did you successfully memorize this verse? Review-review-review

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, May 20, 2022

What…or Where is Your Ministry?

Prayer ~ Lord, show me the ministry that You want me to do for You. How can I serve You in a way that brings You glory and honor? I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him…. 1 Timothy 1:12

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate again on this scripture passage. What is your ministry?

What do you do to serve the Lord? Some people may think that to serve the Lord they need to be a pastor or priest, missionary, music leader, Sunday School teacher, Union Gospel Missions director, serve hot meals to the poor and homeless, wash someone’s feet, or be a TV evangelist. But the truth is everyone can serve the Lord right where they are by cleaning toilets, sweeping floors, helping their neighbor, reading to kids at school or even at home, blogging scripture, cooking or baking for a family who recently lost a loved one, being courteous while driving, or even just smiling at some stranger in the grocery store. A smile can mean a lot to someone who is lonely or discouraged. If that is the “ministry” that God has called you to, then get out there and smile! God wants us to love Him…and love one another. Showing that love and concern for others is a form of ministry to the Lord—but it can be difficult to know just how to show love for others.

Are you like a prickly saguaro cactus
when you are trying to show love--
and bloom?

Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13

If you need wisdom on “loving others” then begin with prayer…ask God for wisdom, just as James taught Christians throughout the known world… 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

Jesus is going to judge the living and the dead, just as Paul wrote to Timothy and also instructed the church in Rome. Additionally, this was recorded by Luke, as preached by Peter, in the book of Acts.

- And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone's secret life. Romans 2:16

- And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all--the living and the dead. Acts 10:42

Are you ready to be judged for all you’ve done and said during your lifetime? Jesus, as Paul told Timothy, expects us to Preach the word of God. That in a nutshell is what having a “ministry” is all about. Preaching isn’t always words—it is thoughts and actions, too. You’ve probably heard the old adage that actions speak louder than words. The only Jesus someone may see is the Jesus in you…so be wisely and carefully prepared to represent Him—to give Him glory and honor as you serve Him in the best way you can. We should work for at anything as if we were working for the Lord…whether in we are employed or doing volunteer work. What…or where…is your ministry?

Verses of Salvation ~ Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. ... But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:21-22, 24

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

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Cold season is upon us once again…but it is Spring!?! It just seems that with all the pollen in the air, immunities are down and colds are invasive. My sweet husband seems to have caught one—probably from the grandkiddos. The best way to treat a cold is with lots of extra rest, extra fluids, some chicken soup, and some hot lemon and honey. A comfort drink.

Hot Lemon and Honey

Juice ½ of a lemon, pour into a large mug. Add a couple of teaspoons of honey and fill the cup with very hot, but not boiling water. If you use boiling water, it may kill some of the vitamins in the lemon juice. Here's to your health...and a healthier day tomorrow.

Blessings~

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