Banquet With The King

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

What Brings a Smile to Your Face?

Prayer – Lord, I know that You hear my prayers…my pleas for help to understand Your word…to make it come alive…and to apply it to my life day by day as I live to please You in everything that I think, say, and do. Help me and my friends to think before we speak or act that we would not offend You by offending others that are created in Your image. Once we’ve spoken words…we can’t take them back. We want to make You smile. What brings a smile to Your face, Lord?

O LORD, hear my plea for justice. Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from honest lips. Declare me innocent, for you see those who do right. You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say. I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people. My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you. I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. Protect me from wicked people who attack me, from murderous enemies who surround me. They are without pity. Listen to their boasting! They track me down and surround me, watching for the chance to throw me to the ground. They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart—like young lions hiding in ambush. Arise, O LORD! Stand against them, and bring them to their knees! Rescue me from the wicked with your sword! By the power of your hand, O LORD, destroy those who look to this world for their reward. But satisfy the hunger of your treasured ones. May their children have plenty, leaving an inheritance for their descendants. Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied. Psalm 17:1-15 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate.

Eyes are precious and important. I was recently chatting about eyes with a friend and commiserating about how children can go blind in an eye when the problem of “lazy eye” is not addressed. In this passage David is pleading with God for protection…guard me as you would guard your own eyes. No one wants to lose an eye—especially not God who watches over everyone, and see everything.

Heron in Flight
Can you spot the heron?

There is so much covered in this Psalm. Once again God is referred to as having wings. I love that image of being hidden in the shadow or under the very wings of our Almighty God. Whenever I’m out on the River kayaking I attentively watch the river banks looking for gray heron. I frequently see one…and am overjoyed. They are huge birds with a great wingspan. Although I can’t imagine “hiding” in the shadow or beneath the wings of those great birds. They are not the motherly type of birds like chickens or geese who hide their baby chicks under their wings—protecting them from any evil thing that might come along. Additionally, those chicken and geese lead their chicks down the right paths keeping them safe and secure. That is God’s plan for people, too. Lead them in godly paths. Paths are important to the Lord…so they should be important to us, too. Do a little Bible search and see how many times “path” is used in scripture.

For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. Psalm 1:6

So Moses told the people, "You must be careful to obey all the commands of the LORD your God, following his instructions in every detail. Stay on the path that the LORD your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy." Deuteronomy 5:32-33

For the LORD sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. Proverbs 5:21

I think the verse that impressed me most…jumped out at me…was: When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied. Jesus described death as being asleep.

Then he (Jesus) said, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up." The disciples said, "Lord, if he is sleeping, he will soon get better!" They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was simply sleeping, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died. So he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead." John 11:11-14

Someday we will all die…unless we are around at the time of the Rapture. Everyone who is dead will be resurrected, just like Jesus. If I die before the Rapture, then this verse that David wrote will be very exciting time to come alive. When I wake up. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied. Yes. I will be satisfied! I will be overjoyed to see Jesus, face to face. Now, even the very thought of it brings a smile to my face.

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. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. Romans 13:11-14

Memory Verse of the Week ~ For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. Psalm 1:6

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

What Do You Expect from the Lord?

Prayer – Lord, Thank You. I feel safe knowing that You are always with me—revealing Yourself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life—and allowing me to have the overwhelming joy of Your presence now and for eternity. You are my refuge and my strength.

Saint Francis Statue in the town of
Capernaum, Israel
Every good thing comes from God.

Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. I said to the LORD, "You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you." The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them! Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods. LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:1-11

Meditate. Consider how God provides and protects you.

God has your back. You can trust Him. David did…and he was known as a man after God’s own heart. That’s how I want to be seen…a person after God’s own heart—one who lives to please Him and succeeds. Like David, I know that everything good that I have comes from God. I am amazed everyday with all that God provides—a cornucopia of tasty, and healthy food from all over the world; a wonderful home; and wonderful family and friends that are a blessing. Realistically, life isn’t all roses, but He protects me and gives me joy. What else can I expect? What do you expect from the Lord?

Verse of Salvation ~ But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "God is great!" Psalm 70:4

Memory Verse of the Week ~ For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. Psalm 1:6

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Monday, August 22, 2022

Only Fools Say “There is No God”

Prayer – Lord, I am seeking You…and ask that You please give me wisdom and discernment. I am no fool—I just want to know You more day by day, to understand Your word, and apply it to my life. I rejoice in just knowing You…and knowing that I am loved by You. Thank You.

Only fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! The LORD looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one! Will those who do evil never learn? They eat up my people like bread and wouldn't think of praying to the LORD. Terror will grip them, for God is with those who obey him. The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed, but the LORD will protect his people. Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel? When the LORD restores his people, Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice. Psalm 14:1-7

Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever. Psalm 15:1-5

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

When you look at these passages of scripture, you can see that there are two groups: the corrupt, foolish people and the sincere, blameless people. The wicked and the faithful. It is God that delineates between these two groups…not David…not me. To which group do you picture yourself belonging?

Adam and Eve were tempted in
the Garden of Eden.
Their sin was on all mankind--
but Jesus paid the price of all our sins.

God is showing us here in Psalm 15 that those who will worship Him in His Holy Heavenly Temple must be pure and blameless. So how do we accomplish that? Everyone sins…we can’t escape that fact since Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and we are their descendants, so we have a sinful nature. The result of sin is death—so everyone will die, spiritually and physically. God loves the world—His creation—so much that He gave His Son as a sacrifice for the sin of mankind. Remember, the result of sin is death—but Jesus’ death for us erases our sin. Confess your sin. Repent and believe. That makes us pure and blameless so that we can stand before the Almighty God where we can worship Him in His sanctuary. This will only be true for those who believe. Not true for the fools—the unbelievers. Only fools say, “There is No God.”

Verse of Salvation ~ 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. Romans 10:9

Memory Verse of the Week ~ For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. Psalm 1:6

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day

Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Sunday, August 21, 2022

I Will Sing To The LORD Because He Is Good To Me

Prayer – Lord, I sing praises to You. Don’t forget me…but open my eyes to understand Your words and put a renewed spark in not just my eyes, but my spirit.

Help, O LORD, for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth! Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts. May the LORD cut off their flattering lips and silence their boastful tongues. They say, "We will lie to our hearts' content. Our lips are our own—who can stop us?" The LORD replies, "I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do." The LORD's promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over. Therefore, LORD, we know you will protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation, even though the wicked strut about, and evil is praised throughout the land. Psalm 12:1-8

O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand? Turn and answer me, O LORD my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. Don't let my enemies gloat, saying, "We have defeated him!" Don't let them rejoice at my downfall. But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the LORD because he is good to me. Psalm 13:1-6 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Sing to the Lord.

David wrote these two Psalms…to be sung, of course. God is so good and in this passage He is about to rescue the poor and helpless, just as they have desired. The Lord, in His pure promises, has assured not only David, but the oppressed, that He will protect them. David is trusting the Lord and about to rejoice and sing to the Lord because He is good.

Reflections
Columbia River near Richland

Kayaking is one of my favorite ways to exercise. Walking is good—but paddling is the best. Yesterday I went down a particularly serene and peaceful part of the Columbia River near Richland. The water was as smooth as glass—and I felt the presence of the Lord—as if in a hallowed place. I certainly didn’t struggle with anxiety, sorrow, or grief—I just rejoiced in knowing that God provides for and protects me. Without a doubt, He has not forgotten me. As I glided over the water, I kept repeating Psalm 23 over and over…and sang part of it—actually meditating on that scripture passage. There is real value in memorizing God’s word. I wouldn’t have taken my Bible along in the kayak. I am amazed at how God has so abundantly provided for me, my family, friends and neighbors. We all have strong secure homes, an overwhelming variety of food from around the country and the world, and clothes that are perfect for the current weather. Do you ever just rejoice knowing how much the Lord loves you, cares about you, protects you and provides for you? Do you ever want to burst out in a joyful song to the Lord?

Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power! ... Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Psalm 98:1, 4

Personally, I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me.

Verse of Salvation ~ Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him. Psalm 95:1-2

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, August 20, 2022

Will You See the Lord’s Face?

Prayer – Lord, I trust You to protect me. Open my heart and mind to understanding just why and what the righteous can do…and how You treat the wicked. Life is complicated—but I trust that You have everything under control. You are in Your holy Temple and judge or examine all mankind.

I trust in the LORD for protection. So why do you say to me, "Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety! The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right. The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?" But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence. He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds. For the righteous LORD loves justice. The virtuous will see his face. Psalm 11:1-7

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance, protection, and watchful examination of our lives.

We’ve had some pretty hot temperatures again this summer. More than a couple of weeks with temps above 100—that is hot. And even a gentle breeze on the hottest days can seem to be a scorching wind. Heat is one thing…but blazing coals and burning sulfur raining down on the wicked is pretty scary. I’m glad I’m not a “wicked” person, in fact, I count myself as among the righteous ones belonging to God. Is that being self-righteous? I certainly am not as humble about my faith as Paul…but none the less, like him I know I am a sinner, saved only by the grace of God. I’m trusting that God will count me among His righteous ones because I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Not many people would give their life for someone…for everyone…but that is just what Jesus did. He died for everyone. Of course, only those who actually believe will be counted as righteous and enter into the New Jerusalem with Him, seeing Him face to face one day…a thousand years or more from now! Where will you stand with the Him? Will you see the Lord’s face?

Verse of Salvation ~ There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

It is Jesus who saves us.

Memory Verse of the Week ~ The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Psalm 19:1

Did you memorize this scripture passage this week?

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, August 19, 2022

It is a Wicked World

Prayer – Lord, it is a wicked world out there! Protect us and show us how You are not ignoring the helpless—but are giving all of us who love You strength and hope.

O LORD, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble? The wicked arrogantly hunt down the poor. Let them be caught in the evil they plan for others. For they brag about their evil desires; they praise the greedy and curse the LORD. The wicked are too proud to seek God. They seem to think that God is dead. Yet they succeed in everything they do. They do not see your punishment awaiting them. They sneer at all their enemies. They think, "Nothing bad will ever happen to us! We will be free of trouble forever!" Their mouths are full of cursing, lies, and threats. Trouble and evil are on the tips of their tongues. They lurk in ambush in the villages, waiting to murder innocent people. They are always searching for helpless victims. Like lions crouched in hiding, they wait to pounce on the helpless. Like hunters they capture the helpless and drag them away in nets. Their helpless victims are crushed; they fall beneath the strength of the wicked. The wicked think, "God isn't watching us! He has closed his eyes and won't even see what we do!" Arise, O LORD! Punish the wicked, O God! Do not ignore the helpless! Psalm 10:1-12 Continue reading Psalm 10:13-18

Meditate. Consider God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

It’s a wicked world out there. Evil is lurking around the corners—so look out. Most of us—me included—live such sheltered lives. We have safe comfortable homes—secure. Yet cars are getting catalytic converters stolen from right in front of those very homes. How many people do you know who let evil movies right into their homes—it’s just entertainment, they rationalize. But is it? The people who make those evil movies, those involved in the crimes that inspire them, and the ones who act out those wicked things they watch on their TV screens are the ones who think, as David wrote, "Nothing bad will ever happen to us! We will be free of trouble forever!" Forever? Eventually, God will judge the wicked.

We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds. God says, "At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked. When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm. Interlude "I warned the proud, 'Stop your boasting!' I told the wicked, 'Don't raise your fists! Don't raise your fists in defiance at the heavens or speak with such arrogance.'" Psalm 75:1-5

When the day of judgment comes, where will you stand with the Lord? Where do you stand with Him now? I try daily to keep my relationship with the Lord going by reading scripture, thinking about that scripture in a meditative way, and praying, listening for that still small voice to answer me. What have you done today to build your relationship with the Lord? Take action. Be prepare to keep that connection with God open and growing. Don’t let evil deceive you or lead you astray. It is a wicked world out there.

Verses of Salvation ~ Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for me. If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to tell them to change their ways, then they will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. But if you warn them to repent and they don't repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself. Ezekiel 33:7-9

Memory Verse of the Week ~ The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Psalm 19:1

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Fresh Garlic

Garlic…How do you use it? Here’s some garlic—fresh from my garden.

Garlic is one of most health powered foods. I don’t know many people who can stand it just eat it fresh and whole, but it adds a tremendous flavor to so many cooked dishes—meats and vegetables. It is useful also in pickled foods. I start most cooking with sautéing chopped onions and grated garlic. The grating really releases the flavor. One of my favorite recipes with lots of garlic is Shrimp cooked in Olive Oil.

Shrimp Cooked in Olive Oil

1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil -EVOO – enough to cover the frying pan that you are using.

About six cloves of garlic, grated into the EVOO

1 pound of raw Shrimp, thawed, if frozen

Parsley for garnish

Fresh ground salt and pepper

On a medium high setting, heat a large frying pan, add the oil and then the garlic, sauteing for a minute. Then add the shrimp and cook, stirring until the shrimp are all pink and cooked through about 2-3 minutes per side. Add parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy. It is good served with rice, pasta, or even fresh grated zucchini.

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Sing Praise to the Lord

Prayer – Lord, I praise You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. You are an awesome God—worthy of praise. I know that You will judge me, but I humbly come before You confessing that I have sinned, and ask for Your mercy. Share with me Your joy as I draw closer to You…day by day, moment by moment.

I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. My enemies retreated; they staggered and died when you appeared. For you have judged in my favor; from your throne you have judged with fairness. You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked; you have erased their names forever. The enemy is finished, in endless ruins; the cities you uprooted are now forgotten. But the LORD reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you. Psalm 9:1-10 (Read Psalm 9:11-20) (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Sing praises to the Lord.

You know you WILL be judged one day for everything you think, say, and do now. You do know that, right? We are told many times in the Bible that we will be judged.

That's the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

So, what difference does it make in your life…in your thought, what you say, and how you treat others? You are accountable to yourself…and to God. This verse in Ecclesiastes implies that everything is recorded because God will judge everything. What a database God has at His fingertips! It must be right there with that Book of Life, in which all those who love the Lord have their names written.

Hollyhock flowers sing praises to the Lord.
Flowers in Israel
I'm singing praises to the Lord.

For now…I personally find myself wanting to please God in all that I do…and I frequently say in my prayers…let all that I think, say, and do be pleasing to the Lord. With that out of the way…as a sort of confession…now I can devote my day to singing praises to the Lord. How about you?

Verse of Salvation ~ Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Psalm 95:1

Memory Verse of the Week ~ The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Psalm 19:1

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories