Banquet With The King

Thursday, November 24, 2022

Are You a Glutton?

Prayer – Lord, show me in Your word how I can please You, not just today, but every day. I’m so thankful for all that You have done for me…after all You saved me from my sins...just as if I’d never sinned. No other god can claim that. You alone are my God and my Savior. Now that I am saved, the Holy Spirit is guiding me—renewing my mind so that I can please You in whatever I do. Thank you!

How many desserts will you have today?
Are you a glutton?
Happy Thanksgiving!
Give thanks to the Lord...for He is good!

Praise the LORD! I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with his godly people. How amazing are the deeds of the LORD! All who delight in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our LORD! He gives food to those who fear him; he always remembers his covenant. He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations. All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity. He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has! Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever! Psalm 111:1-10

Meditate. Consider God’s guarantee.

This psalm, like many others, is done as an acrostic with each line starting next letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Since that doesn’t translate into English resulting in an alphabetical acrostic. The message gives us a wonderful reminder of the Lord’s attributes and on this Thanksgiving Day in the United States. It points out how God gives food to those who respect Him. Lots of people today are depending on God to provide their holiday meal. Lines are long at the food giveaway distribution sites. People are hungry…although most of us are so blessed and well fed. An overabundance of food—resulting in weight gain. Gluttony. That is a sin. Jesus was accused of being a glutton by the Pharisees. But He wasn’t one to overeat…just accused being indulgent with sinners. I praise Him…even if He was accused of being a glutton. He was sinless…so He is no glutton.

He wrote the Commandments—and they are good and true. Just a part of Him. I want to obey them…and please the Lord…in all that I think say and do. How about you? Do you want to please God? Or will you be satisfied to become a glutton?

Verse of Salvation ~ For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

It is November – consider daily: What are you Thankful for today?

Happy Thanksgiving – Everyone!

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

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Who is Melchizedek?

Prayer – Lord, open my eyes, my mind, and my heart to understand details in the Bible.

The Lord will be refreshed from brooks---
like the Bumping River in Eastern WA.

A psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet." The LORD will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem; you will rule over your enemies. When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly. You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew. The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek." The Lord stands at your right hand to protect you. He will strike down many kings when his anger erupts. He will punish the nations and fill their lands with corpses; he will shatter heads over the whole earth. But he himself will be refreshed from brooks along the way. He will be victorious. Psalm 110:1-7

Meditate. Consider God’s protection.

Who is Melchizedek? A priest forever. He is mentioned in seventeen verses in the Bible. The first time we see Melchizedek, he comes as the king of Salem (Jerusalem) and a priest of God to Abram (before he becomes Abraham) serving him bread and wine, followed by giving Abram a blessing. Abram likewise blessed Melchizedek bestowing him with one-tenth of the spoils from a recent battle. Melchizedek was a priest before the lineage of priesthood through the family of Levi was established. It makes you wonder just why and how Melchizedek became a priest.

So if the priesthood of Levi, on which the law was based, could have achieved the perfection God intended, why did God need to establish a different priesthood, with a priest in the order of Melchizedek instead of the order of Levi and Aaron? Hebrews 7:11

So many questions…so little time! Jesus was a priest in the order of Melchizedek—but He was not in the family of Levi, but a descendant of David and the line of Judah.

And if the priesthood is changed, the law must also be changed to permit it. ... This change has been made very clear since a different priest, who is like Melchizedek, has appeared. Jesus became a priest, not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. ... This new system was established with a solemn oath. Aaron's descendants became priests without such an oath, but there was an oath regarding Jesus. For God said to him, "The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: 'You are a priest forever.'" ... There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. Hebrews 7:12, 15-16, 20-21, 23-25 (Read all of Hebrews 7 for yourself.)

Note that David wrote in this Psalm about the Lord not breaking this promise, this oath. It is quoted in Hebrews 7:17. The priest he was referring to was Jesus.

The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek." Psalm 110:4

Jesus is our priest…as well as the King of Kings, and our Savior. Seek Him…and you will find Him. He is our priest and king—like Melchizedek. So does this answer the question…Who is Melchizedek?

Verse of Salvation ~ And no one can become a high priest simply because he wants such an honor. He must be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was. That is why Christ did not honor himself by assuming he could become High Priest. No, he was chosen by God, who said to him, "You are my Son. Today I have become your Father." And in another passage God said to him, "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek." While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. And God designated him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:4-10

It is November – consider daily: What are you Thankful for today?

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, November 22, 2022

Do You Use the Lord’s Name in Vain?

Prayer – Lord, it offends me when people use Your name in vain. That’s one of the big Ten that You don’t want people to do…and yet it is so common. Why is that? Is it a learned habit? I would like to think that they really don’t want to offend You…but maybe they just don’t care. You know their hearts. I cannot judge others. I’ve slipped along the path many times—but You have been gracious to me and cleaned up my mouth…bridled my tongue. Thank You.

“He loved to curse others; now you curse him. He never blessed others; now don't you bless him. Cursing is as natural to him as his clothing, or the water he drinks, or the rich food he eats. Now may his curses return and cling to him like clothing; may they be tied around him like a belt." May those curses become the LORD's punishment for my accusers who speak evil of me. But deal well with me, O Sovereign LORD, for the sake of your own reputation! Rescue me because you are so faithful and good. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is full of pain. I am fading like a shadow at dusk; I am brushed off like a locust. My knees are weak from fasting, and I am skin and bones. ... Then let them curse me if they like, but you will bless me! When they attack me, they will be disgraced! But I, your servant, will go right on rejoicing! May my accusers be clothed with disgrace; may their humiliation cover them like a cloak. But I will give repeated thanks to the LORD, praising him to everyone. For he stands beside the needy, ready to save them from those who condemn them. Psalm 109:17-24, 28-31

(Psalm 109 is too long to print all of it here. Read it for yourself in your favorite translation.)

Meditate.

David was seeking, once again, God’s mercy—His help against David’s enemies. David must have had a miserable life with all his prayers to God for His help! Here in this Psalm, David is pleading with God against those who are cursing. Cursing is common these days among non-Christians. I guess that is one way we can easily tell the Christians from the non-Christians. Their foul mouths give them away. I do find their cursing and swearing obscene and disrespectful to our Lord, but I don’t want to offend anyone—especially some stranger in Home Depot, so I don’t usually let them know how rude they are. Actually, by speaking to them, I would be just as rude. It really depends on the situation. Sometimes I do speak up and stand up for God. It doesn’t sound like David is standing up to his accusers…to those who would be offending God Himself. Where do you stand on this issue? Do you use the Lord’s name in vain?

Verse of Salvation ~ 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

It is November – consider daily: What are you Thankful for today?

Happy Birthday Blessings, Brother Barry.

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, November 21, 2022

God Has A Plan

Prayer – Lord, I have confidence in You. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart! Wake up, lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, LORD, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth. Now rescue your beloved people. Answer and save us by your power. God has promised this by his holiness: "I will divide up Shechem with joy. I will measure out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh, too. Ephraim, my helmet, will produce my warriors, and Judah, my scepter, will produce my kings. But Moab, my washbasin, will become my servant, and I will wipe my feet on Edom and shout in triumph over Philistia." Who will bring me into the fortified city? Who will bring me victory over Edom? Have you rejected us, O God? Will you no longer march with our armies? Oh, please help us against our enemies, for all human help is useless. With God's help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes. Psalm 108:1-13

Meditate. Awake the dawn singing.

When was the last time you watched the sun come up—the dawn of a new day? I like to check on the sunshine every morning—to see if it is cloudy or sunny. Sometimes I start the day off with the song in my head—usually one that is left over from the previous Sunday worship. Today it will be “Amazing Grace” or maybe “Silent Night” since one of our Grandgirls just played that song for us on her violin. That is my husband’s favorite song—whether it is near Christmas or not. Our Grandgirl is learning quickly on that little violin of hers! It’s not a lyre or harp of David’s time, but she can make her violin sing a joyful song. I’m so glad that she loves to practice and play—and loves music as much as David, our Psalm writer.

Once again, David was asking God to rescue him. He mentions ancient area of the Promised Land, in or near Israel: Shechem, the valley of Succoth, Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim, Judah, Moab, Edom, and Philistia. Can you locate those areas on a map? Most study Bibles have maps of ancient and modern-day Israel. Google or Bing can provide maps, if you don’t have others available.

Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth. Now rescue your beloved people. Praise the Lord God. His beloved people—His chosen people are the Israelites—descendants of Abraham. David was asking God to rescue them…even today most of them still need to be redeemed—in salvation. God is merciful and has not forgotten His people. He has saved them over and over. They are still part of His plan. With His help they will do mighty things. I’m looking forward to seeing how history plays out. God has a plan for eternity—for them and for all the world.

Verse of Salvation ~ For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. 2 Timothy 1:9-10

It is November – consider daily: What are you Thankful for today?

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, November 20, 2022

Has the LORD Redeemed You?

Prayer – Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Lord, You are the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us all. I give thanks to You, for You are good and Your love lives on forever.

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. ... "LORD, help!" they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor! Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. Let them exalt him publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation. He changes rivers into deserts, and springs of water into dry, thirsty land. He turns the fruitful land into salty wastelands, because of the wickedness of those who live there. But he also turns deserts into pools of water, the dry land into springs of water. He brings the hungry to settle there and to build their cities. They sow their fields, plant their vineyards, and harvest their bumper crops. How he blesses them! They raise large families there, and their herds of livestock increase. ... The godly will see these things and be glad, while the wicked are struck silent. Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the LORD. Psalm 107:1-3, 28-38, 42-43

(Psalm 106 is too long to print all of it here. Read it for yourself in your favorite translation.)

Meditate. Consider wisdom.

The Land of Milk & Honey
productively produces fruit and veggies
and you can find them and bakery at the market.
Shuk Market, Jerusalem, Israel
Give Thanks to the Lord God!

The productive land of Israel is described in this Psalm as God rescued His chosen people and returned so many of them to the Promised Land. They are still being resettled there from all over the world. They can see in their history how faithful the Lord God has been…and is being…to them. But the majority still do not see Jesus as their Messiah.

To accept Jesus as the Messiah, people have to repent and turn to Jesus—allowing Him to take their sins upon Him as He went to the cross two thousand years ago. That act of obedience, on the part of Jesus towards His Father’s plan for rescuing mankind from hell, allows anyone in all of history who believes to spend eternity—forever—in the presence of God Almighty. Will the Lord redeem His chosen people who have yet to believe? Has the Lord redeemed you?

Verse 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

It is November – consider daily: What are you Thankful for today?

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, November 19, 2022

Amen! Praise the LORD!

Prayer – I give You thanks LORD, for You are good! Your faithful love endures forever. I’m not an Israeli, but I do believe in You Jesus, as my Lord and Savior—thus, I am adopted into God’s Family…into Your family, Jesus. Let me share in not only the prosperity, but also in the inheritance of the first born. Show me what I need to learn and apply to my life, that I may responsibly please You and our Heavenly Father. I want to serve You and thus serve others for You. You alone are worthy of praise and adoration. Fill my life with joy.

Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Who can list the glorious miracles of the LORD? Who can ever praise him enough? There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people; come near and rescue me. Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones. Let me rejoice in the joy of your people; let me praise you with those who are your heritage. ... Save us, O LORD our God! Gather us back from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you. Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting! Let all the people say, "Amen!" Praise the LORD! Psalm 106:1-5, 47-48

(Psalm 106 is too long to print all of it here. Read it for yourself in your favorite translation. The Psalmist covered once again some of the history of the Israelites.)

Meditate. Consider God’s chosen people and His faithfulness to them.

Joy. That is what Jesus promised His disciples when He was preparing them for His death.

So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. John 16:22-24

Let me rejoice in the joy of your people; let me praise you with those who are your heritage. Rejoice in joy—surrounded by joy of believers. Yes. That is just what I want to experience. Rejoicing with thanksgiving. People who believe in Jesus as their Savior can rejoice—they will live forever. Everlasting to everlasting! I rejoice with them, since I am part of that group. Amen--so be it! Amen! Praise the Lord!

Verse of Salvation ~ But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! Psalm 103:17-18

Memory Verse of the Week ~ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV

Have you shared this memory verse with others this week? How many can you share it with today?

It is November – consider daily: What are you Thankful for today?

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

Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.

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, November 18, 2022

Tell Everyone About God’s Wonderful Deeds

Prayer – Lord, thank you for all that You’ve done. You are awesome.

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the LORD. Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given, you children of his servant Abraham, you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones. He is the LORD our God. His justice is seen throughout the land. He always stands by his covenant—the commitment he made to a thousand generations. Psalm 105:1-8 (Read all of Psalm 105.)

Meditate. Consider God’s greatness and your thankfulness.

Only a week until Thanksgiving. Have you been considering something daily for which you are thankful?

Over and over throughout the Bible we are told to give thanks to the Lord.

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. ... Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. - 1 Chronicles 16:8, 34

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

And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

And they said, "We give thanks to you, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who always was, for now you have assumed your great power and have begun to reign. Revelation 11:17

I think I got the message…Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, merciful, faithful, and unfailingly loving. Believe in Him—trust in Jesus as your Savior and you will find more and more for which to be thankful. For what will you express as your heartfelt thanksgiving this week? It has been my experience that when I look for God working in my life…I find Him. Then I can share with others what He has done in my life. Tell everyone about God’s wonderful deeds.

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 ~ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV

Gobble - Gobble
I'm not planning on Turkey at my table!
I'll have some Brussels sprouts and
Pumpkin Pie, please!

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Plan your Thanksgiving menu…and shop for bargains today.

What’s going to be on your table next Thursday?

Meat—turkey, ham, roast beef or seafood?

Potatoes—mashed, au gratin or sweet potatoes?

Vegetables—corn casserole, green bean casserole, asparagus, or brussels sprouts?

Bread—rolls, whole wheat buns, cornbread or traditional stuffing?

Salad—Waldorf, pickled beets, cucumbers and tomatoes, pickles or a veggie platter?

Beverage—water, cranberry juice, sparkling cider, or wine

Dessert—pumpkin, pecan or apple pie with ice cream or whipped cream?

Whatever is served…be thankful.

It is November – consider daily:

What are you Thankful for today?

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

Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.

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