Banquet With The King

Thursday, June 23, 2022

The Card

Prayer ~ Thank You, Lord Jesus…for Your guidance, mercy, encouragement through others, and most of all Your love—that helps us preserve and unselfishly keep going.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7

Meditate on love.

When I took the envelope out of the mailbox, I knew it was a card and although she hadn’t written her name, only her address, I knew it was from my dear friend Mary Ellen. She just goes by Mary now, but her Mom always called her Mary Ellen when we were growing up and that is just who she is to me. That is especially true now that I have three close friends named “Mary”.

The card was stiff in its envelope and I tucked it in with the other mail—waiting until I got home to open it. I knew what it was. There is a big occasion about to happen and my friend won’t be with me in person so she is helping me celebrate early. At home I looked at the envelope and thought about what that card was commemorating. Jerry, my husband, and I are about to celebrate our 50^th wedding anniversary. Fifty years together. Mary had been there that day—playing the organ during the wedding ceremony at our church.

I opened the envelope and there it was a big, gold heart with the number 50 on the front of the card. It was real. 50 years! Our 50^th Wedding Anniversary.

I vaguely remember my paternal grandparents 50^th wedding anniversary. They looked so old. They were old. Grandma was very matronly and her hair was almost totally all white—well, mine is getting that way. And Granddad was stout, gruff, and bald as bald can be. At least Jerry has most of his hair! A gift of an enormous, gold starburst wall clock was given to my grandparents by their six children and all us numerous grandchildren. It hung on their wall for years and Granddad wound it up every Sunday afternoon. Sometimes we’d be visiting when he did that weekly chore. It was a seven-day clock. After he passed away one of the uncles would wind it up for Grandma—always on Sunday.

My own parents didn’t make it to their 50^th, since Mom died just three months before the event. On what would have been their big day, I called Dad who had gone to Arizona for the winter without her. He tried to be jovial, but he missed the party and his sweetheart.

Jerry’s parents celebrated their 50^th anniversary in Hawaii, watching Jerry run in the Honolulu Marathon. Great race—even though he walked part of it—he finished! They’d been married nearly seventy years the year they both died.

Fifty years. It’s real. We made it! We’ve finished the race—and we have the 50^th Anniversary Card now to prove it.

Thank you, Mary. We couldn’t have made it to this milestone without the encouragement and support of family and friends, like you. They say that it takes a village to raise a child. Likewise, I think it takes years of prayers and lots of encouraging words from others for any marriage to succeed and reach milestones of seven, ten, twenty, twenty-five or fifty years of devoted love, compromise, and companionship. The card with the big, gold 50 commemorates that milestone for us. 50 years. It is real.

Verses of Salvation ~ In that day the people will proclaim, “This is our God! We trusted Him. And He saved us! This is the Lord, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation He brings!” Isaiah 25:9

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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, June 22, 2022

For What Should We Be Thankful?

Prayer ~ Thank You, Lord Jesus for taking our place on the cross. You were sinless…but like all humans, we sinned. Romans 3:23. I believe that You are the Son of God and I declare that You are my Savior. From Romans 10:9-10.

As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

Meditate.

For what should we be thankful? This may seem like a time that you don’t feel thankful. Things may not be turning out the way you expected…politically or emotionally with the COVID-19 situation. It may seem counterintuitive to give thanks for things you didn’t expect…but look for the good and give thanks. But be thankful for all that God has done for you. God answers prayers…tell Him what you need and thank Him.

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

We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation…. This is the time of year to give thanks and what better thing to give thanks than for the people you about. This scripture gives us a clue that we need to be thankful to God for those He chose to save. Sure, He chose the Israelites to be His chosen people…but then He chose from among the Gentiles, too.

New Life in a Butterfly - like God's plan.
Christ is all that matters.

In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Colossians 3:11

Christ is all that matters. He is still on His throne in Heaven. He is still King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And best yet, He lives within the hearts of anyone who believes in Him as their Savior. He gave His life, allowed His blood to be shed on a cross for sins…yours and mine. Now that is something for which to be thankful. Can you give thanks with a grateful heart for Christ?

Verse of Salvation ~ But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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

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

Recycled and revised from November 10, 2020.

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, June 21, 2022

Show Your Thankfulness with Love

Prayer ~ Lord, like Daniel, I pray…I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. You have told me what we asked of you and revealed to us what the king demanded. Daniel 2:23 You have told me what You expect of me as Your follower. Help me to not only be thankful, but to be an obedient servant.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Meditate.

Be thankful for everything…no matter what…in all circumstances. God wants us to be thankful—to speak and show an appreciation for all that He has done for us…for all He has given us—especially for His Son, Jesus Christ, who actually gave His very human life sacrificially for our sins—for the sins of all mankind. By being thankful we are expressing our love and appreciation back to God. What great love.

There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:13

We are friends of Jesus…if we do what He has commanded (John 15:14) …to love God and to love one another Matthew 22:37-39).

That about sums up what is expected of us in our relationship with God: to show our thankfulness with love.

Verses of Salvation ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation--a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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

Monday, June 20, 2022

Need Wisdom? Ask.

Prayer ~ Lord, please give me wisdom. That is what Solomon prayed…and it is what I ask for, too, but give me only what I can wisely use to bring You honor and glory.

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalm 90:12

Lord, I exalt You…and have the upmost respect for You knowing…. Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever! Psalm 111:10

God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore. In fact, his wisdom exceeded that of all the wise men of the East and the wise men of Egypt. 1 Kings 4:29-30

Meditate on Wisdom.

Proverbs, written by Solomon who was the wisest man who ever lived, besides Jesus, is a great compilation and source of wisdom. See the list of verses…and look them up for a few examples.

Proverbs 1:7

Proverbs 4:7

Proverbs 11:2

Proverbs 24:3

Waves on the Pacific Ocean
Oregon Coast

Do you have wisdom…or do you need it or more? Ask God.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:5-8

You have just scratched the surface. There is so much wisdom out there…all provided by and associated with God. Do you want or need more? Just Ask God…and He will give you more of what you need.

Verses of Salvation ~ For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

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

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

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, June 19, 2022

Grandmothers’ Wisdom

Prayer ~ Lord, You blessed me with wonderful, wise Grandmothers, one of whom gave me and my siblings a great Dad. Thank you for those precious ladies who tried so hard to bestow me with wisdom from You. Please give me wisdom, like You gave them…and help me to wisely teach my family as they did.

I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 2 Timothy 1:5-7

Meditate on the value of wisdom.

Poppyseed and Cheese Kolache
Where is my cherry one?

The other day I returned a food container to a friend…and she said, “Ah. What’s this?” So, I said, “My Grandmother said to never return a dish empty.” She laughed and peeked inside to see that we had brought her some Czech kolache. Her favorite flavor, cherry. She was thrilled and all smiles.

My Grandmothers were so wise. Here are some of the nuggets of wisdom they impressed on me.

Love one another. That was from Jesus. (John 13:35)

Treat others the way you want to be treated. That was from Jesus. (Matthew 7:2)

Forgive others, even if you don’t want to. That was from Jesus. (Luke 6:37)

Sit with your knees together and ankles crossed…not your legs. Be modest. (1 Timothy 2:15)

Be ready to help others and practice hospitality. (Romans 12:13) From Jesus…through Paul.

Don’t be lazy. From Jesus through Paul. (Romans 12:11 )

Once isn’t enough…vacuum that area five times.

Don’t walk by a weed without pulling it up.

Wear an apron to keep your dress clean.

Don’t rush—take time to do it right.

Make your stitches small and straight.

The one drying the dishes should make sure everything is clean.

Study hard and avoid foolish talk. Wisdom from Jesus through Paul. (2 Timothy 2:15-16)

It doesn’t matter if you are not popular. Our purpose is to please God, not people. From Jesus through Paul. 1 Thessalonians 2:4

God is LOVE. From Jesus through John. (1 John 4:7-8)

God gave me such wise Grandmothers…and I didn’t realize it at the time. They were each loving in their own way. As they were building their relationship with me, they were helping me build a relationship with the Lord. I’m trying to intentionally do the same with my grandchildren.

Such Wisdom, based on Love. The love of the Father—our Heavenly Father. That was my Grandmothers’ wisdom.

Verses of Salvation ~ But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 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 3:14-15

Happy Father's Day!

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, June 18, 2022

How Do You Live?

Prayer ~ Lord, show me just how I should live to please and serve You.

Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:16

Meditate. Think about how you live.

Self-control is one of the Fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23. If you have self-control, you will keep a close watch on how you live. Paul was giving advice…teaching…Timothy in the focus scripture for today. Watch how you live and teach others. Your salvation depends on it. In addition, Paul taught Titus about right living and teaching others.

As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. Titus 2:1-6

That’s about it. Live wisely. James, the half-brother of Jesus, also give us good advice about living wisely.

If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. ... But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13, 17-18

It takes self-control to have an honorable life, to see the right way to live, and not to focus on our own selfish desires.

Partial rock wall in Jerusalem.

A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls. Proverbs 25:28

Defenseless before the enemy. Venerable. Weak. So, how do you live?

Verses of Salvation ~ So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 1 Peter 1:13

Memory Verse of the Week ~ 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

Did you memorize this verse this week…or did you already know Psalm 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

Friday, June 17, 2022

The House of the Lord

Prayer ~ Lord, I want to live with You…forever…in Your House. Help me to understand what the House of the Lord means to You…and where I fit into Your plan.

The LORD is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. The one thing I ask of the LORD--the thing I seek most--is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple. Psalm 27:1-4

Meditate.

In the Old Testament the “House of the Lord” was the Tabernacle and then the Temple. A sacrificial place. God gave specific directions to individuals and groups of people as to offering sacrifices and serving in the Lord’s House. (Verses underlined below for emphasis.)

As you harvest your crops, bring the very best of the first harvest to the house of the LORD your God. …. Exodus 34:26

The work of the Levites was to assist the priests, the descendants of Aaron, as they served at the house of the LORD. They also took care of the courtyards and side rooms, helped perform the ceremonies of purification, and served in many other ways in the house of God. They were in charge of the sacred bread that was set out on the table, the choice flour for the grain offerings, the wafers made without yeast, the cakes cooked in olive oil, and the other mixed breads. They were also responsible to check all the weights and measures. And each morning and evening they stood before the LORD to sing songs of thanks and praise to him. They assisted with the burnt offerings that were presented to the LORD on Sabbath days, at new moon celebrations, and at all the appointed festivals. The required number of Levites served in the LORD's presence at all times, following all the procedures they had been given. And so, under the supervision of the priests, the Levites watched over the Tabernacle and the Temple and faithfully carried out their duties of service at the house of the LORD. 1 Chronicles 23:28-32

The House of the Lord in heaven will certainly be a special place—but there is still so much to learn about it. God has some hidden nuggets of information for us. Keep searching! Note that in the New Jerusalem, described in Revelation 21, that there is no temple. The Lord God Almighty and Jesus are the Temple.

Then, in heaven, the Temple of God was opened and the Ark of his covenant could be seen inside the Temple. Lightning flashed, thunder crashed and roared, and there was an earthquake and a terrible hailstorm. Revelation 11:19

Then I looked and saw that the Temple in heaven, God's Tabernacle, was thrown wide open. Revelation 15:5

I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. Revelation 21:22

Build your relationship with the Lord, as He builds His Holy Temple within you, then you will dwell in the House of the Lord…forever.

Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Verses of Salvation ~ Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:16

Memory Verse of the Week ~ 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

Surprise! Czech Food!
Our family surprised my husband with his favorite.
Liver dumpling soup, boiled beef with dill gravy,
and...pork roast with bread dumpling.
Of course, sweet and sour cabbage, too!
Ahhh. Jerry was in heaven.
Not really. Just figuratively. He is still very much with us!

Eat whatever the Lord puts before you…as if eating with the Lord Himself.

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