Banquet With The King

Thursday, February 22, 2024

You Are Wonderfully Created

Prayer – Lord, please allow mothers who see their babies in utero in an ultrasound not only desire to keep their babies, but to nourish and care for them and themselves. Let them know of Your love…and that they are wonderfully made.

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. Psalm 139:13-16 NKJV

Meditate. Consider God’s creation of human beings.

Life begins at conception. I recently heard Dr. Michael Turner of Kadlec Medical Center speak about the importance of life during a 40-Days For Life presentation. The heart within the fetus begins beating at 35 days after conception and keeps on beating for the person’s entire lifetime. Thump-thump. He squeezed his fist demonstrating the beating heart. There’s no shutting it off to take a rest. It just keeps on beating. It reminded me that God never takes a break or a little snooze. He with us 24/7. The heartbeat is like God…He never gives up, although the heart at the end of life does stop beating. Until then…thump-thump. If a woman chooses abortion—that little heart dies along with the baby. That is not what God intended for that mother or baby. We are all unique—that is how God created us. Wonderfully.

Zander doing cartwheels at Folly Beach.
Near Charleston, SC
Wonderfully made by God!

I remember seeing the ultrasound of my first grandchild—Zander—eighteen years ago. Tears were streaming down my cheeks. I was seeing what only God saw with billions of babies before ultrasound technology allowed us a peek at the baby while still in the mother’s womb. Along with the picture, there was the thump-thump sound. Fearfully and wonderfully made. God has truly created a marvelous creature in the human body. Praise Him.

Stop for just a second. Feel your own heartbeat. Know that you are wonderfully created.

Verse of Salvation ~ But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." Romans 10:8-11 NKJV

All scripture quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV) 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

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

More Heart Issues?

Prayer – Lord, You know me even better than I know myself. Examine my heart. Holy Spirit reveal to me any “heart issues” that I need to deal with today. Guide me in just what I need to do. I want to be right with You, God, and with others…and even with myself.

O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? Psalm 139:1-7 NKJV

Meditate. Consider your heart issues.

More heart issues?

Are all hearts clear?
Is your life pure?
Do you still have heart issues?

You know me well, Lord! That is just what David wrote. It is sort of humbling to know that someone knows me so well—knows my thoughts and what I’m going to say even before I speak. I’ve heard pastors and Bible teachers ask, “All hearts clear?” meaning is everyone right with God and with each other. That’s important. No sin or transgression, no bitterness or angry feelings are left on the table—all are released, confessed, and given to God. That is a big step for many people. Who wants to admit to themselves, God, and possibly others that they’ve made a mistake? That could be a real heart issue. As David wrote, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” We cannot run away from God. He knows where we are and what we’re thinking, saying, and doing. Any heart issues cannot be hidden. Deal with it.

Verse of Salvation ~ The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT

All scripture quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV) 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, February 20, 2024

Have You Got Heart Trouble?

Prayer – Lord, this is the American Heart Month. Give us wisdom to take care of these precious hearts You have created within us.

Spring of Living Water.
The Jordan River near its headwaters.
Israel

My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:20-23

Meditate. Consider the importance of the “heart” physically and spiritually.

How’s your heart? Physically and spiritually?

Heart statistics in the United States can be easily obtained at the CDC site. Google CDC and heart statistics. Those statistics show that one person dies here in the US every 33 seconds—that was 685,000 people in 2021 who died of heart disease. That’s a lot! If they are a Christian…then they are on their way home to Heaven, but if not? In cases where the person doesn’t die from a heart attack, but they may be physically impaired the rest of their life with a lower quality of life and possibly a burden to their family or society. That’s not good. We need to take care of our bodies by exercising and eating a healthy diet, since we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit—a very part of God.

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV

I love a couple of familiar verses concerning the heart. You probably know these, too. If not, consider them today and the choices that you make.

David knew the importance of having a clear conscience and receiving forgiveness with the Lord. He wrote this verse after he had had an affair with his neighbor, Bathsheba. That relationship changed his life, but he was repentant. Known as a man after God’s own heart, David was such a good example to us about repenting. The prophet Nathan challenged David about his indiscretion. Would he have had such a repentant heart if not challenged? How often are we admonished by family or friends about the poor choices in our lives or do we look at ourselves and desire change?

Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight--That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. ... Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Psalm 51:1-4, 10-11 NKJV

God is faithful to forgive us when we desire to change, to please Him, and live according to His standards.

Jesus demonstrated His compassion towards His disciples, and us, as He comforted them prior to His crucifixion. Troubled hearts are anxious—and that is not physically or spiritually healthy.

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:1-3 NKJV

A forever home in Heaven, in our Father’s house. What better promise is there? Believe in Jesus…and it will be yours!

Are all hearts clear now or do you still have heart trouble?

Verse of Salvation ~ Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. - Psalm 51:12 NKJV

All scripture quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV) 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, February 19, 2024

Who Do You Honor?

Prayer – Lord, show me who I should honor. It is Presidents’ Day and our nation is honoring George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Fine upstanding men who were great leaders in our country. You have given us directions to honor leaders in the Lord’s work. Are they leaders in our churches, those on YouTube, or even missionaries around the world? How should we “honor” these people?

Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NLT

Paul taught the church at Thessalonica to respect their leaders. He did the same, being very specific about the workers, with the church at Corinth.

I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints—that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men. 1 Corinthians 16:15-18 NKJV (Underlined for emphasis.)

Paul is teaching that we are to submit and to acknowledge those who are devoted to ministry, providing us with spiritual leadership.

A rose for my mentor.

Spiritual guidance is available in so many media today—books, magazines, radio, television including YouTube, other social media and of course our churches, Bible studies and friends. How do you honor those who are your spiritual mentors? Cards, gift cards, phone calls, txt messages, e-mails, a simple thank you, flowers, or a meal in their honor? This day, Presidents’ Day is usually focused on our nation’s founding father’s birthdays, but it could also be a day for us to consider the other leaders or mentors in our lives. Spiritual leaders. The spiritual realm is the most important dominion in our world. Sure, we have to live day by day in this physical world, but there is a spiritual kingdom that we are a part of, especially if we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, acknowledging God the Father, and the Holy Spirit as an eternal part of our lives. This “forever” kingdom will be without end. Everlasting.

Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10-11 NKJV (Underlined for emphasis.)

What are “these things” referring to? God’s word gives us eternal guidance. Read 2 Peter 1 for the answers. Will you be part of this “everlasting kingdom?” Yes, if you want Jesus to be part of your life. The choice is yours.

Verses of Salvation ~ Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath. Isaiah 45:22-23 NKJV

All scripture quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV) 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, February 18, 2024

Do You Get Your Strength from the Lord?

Prayer ~ Jesus, May the Lord our God show us His approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! Psalm 90:17. Successful—because we can do everything through Christ, who gives us strength. Please give Amelia a healing touch, comfort, and more strength today. Thank you, Jesus.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Meditate. What can you do without God?

Amelia's Self Portrait
several years ago
I can do all things through Christ
who gives me strength.
Thank You, Jesus.
More Strength Needed Today!

This is my granddaughter Amelia’s favorite verse. Rephrased. You can do everything through Christ, who gives you strength. Philippians 4:13. See that you can have confidence in God and seek that confidence in yourself, in the Lord. Ask Him to help you remember this verse, to hide it in your heart. You can do it! Try one more time. Have confidence in yourself…and confidence in the promise and power of the Lord.

Doesn't your reverence for God give you confidence? Doesn't your life of integrity give you hope? Job 4:6 NLT

But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7 NLT

So we can say with confidence, "The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?" Hebrews 13:6 NLT

Yes. Have confidence in the Lord for He is the source of all wisdom and understanding, power and grace, and most of all…love. He loved you enough to die for you, so He loves you enough to help you know that you can do everything through Christ, who gives you strength. Philippians 4:13. Do you desire and love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength?

Blessing on you today, as you bask in His love and grace.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Titus 2:11-14 NKJV

All scripture quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV) 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, February 17, 2024

Who is Guarding Your Heart?

Prayer ~ Lord, why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Psalm 42:11

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:20-23

Meditate. Consider heart issues.

Spiritual manifestations of the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, stroke and cerebrovascular disease, would be related to heart issues. This is so appropriate since we celebrated Valentine’s Day this week. Heart issues are not necessarily associated with the actual heart organ but can be within the inner heart of our lives where I think we perceive feelings. When I was in High School, I wrote a research paper for a psychology class, “Emotions Effect on the Heart” which as I recall revealed to me how feelings like anger and anxiety really do detrimentally affect heart health. Love, appreciation and caring for others…and ourselves…has a good influence on heart health. There is hope in love.

Doesn't your reverence for God give you confidence? Doesn't your life of integrity give you hope? Job 4:6

Take care of yourself and others…today and always. Guard your heart.

Verse of Salvation ~ But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. Psalm 13:5 NKJV

All scripture quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV) unless otherwise noted.

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

Reused and recycled from February 14, 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

Friday, February 16, 2024

What Cures the Inner Ills of the World?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, may You fill each heart with Your love and grace and guide each of us in living the way that You would have us to live…with LOVE.

Heart of Stone
found on the beach
Lincoln City, Oregon
Do you have a heart of stone?

"Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God." Ezekiel 11:19-20

Meditate. One heart with a new spirit.

What a promise from God…take away the heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh! That would be a loving heart. Good thing to reflect on this week of Valentine’s Day. My wish for everyone is a new heart—one filled with the Spirit of God—one that would make each and every one of us more loving. It is love that cures the inner ills of the world—that heals the brokenhearted and changes attitudes. Attitudes are what makes or breaks a relationship. How is your relationship with the Lord…and with others? Can you be accepting of others' faults? Are you willing to put others first?

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus…. Philippians 2:1-5 NLT

I hope you had a Happy Valentine’s Day. May God richly bless you as you serve others in His love.

Verse of Salvation ~ And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Romans 13:11-14 NKJV

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

We recently had small lobster tails for a special family meal. They were on sale and reduced even more with a special digital coupon—so why wouldn’t we have them? What a delectable treat--so sweet and tender! Yum!

Cooking small lobster tails is very easy. Simply cut through the shell on the top of the tail, brush with olive oil, and add seasons of your choice, or simply a dash of black pepper. Grill on the BBQ for 5-8 minutes on each side, starting with the top down, until they turn red and reach an internal temperature above 135 F. Serve with a little melted butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

We completed the meal with fried rice, a fresh veggie tray, and a fruit salad. It was wonderful! Bon Appetit!

All scripture quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV) 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