Banquet With The King

Monday, August 26, 2024

Are You Trusting God?

Lord Jesus, You are my God and I trust You. Your promises are new every morning and I know that the Lord God Almighty has a plan for the future with promises by which to live. Please give me wisdom and understanding that I would understand His plan, trust in You Lord with all my heart, and lean not on my own understanding. Thank you.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:1-4

Meditate on God’s word and promises.

Do you ever wonder what God Almighty looks like? How do you picture Him?

To whom can you compare God? What image can you find to resemble him? Isaiah 40:18

If God created man in His image, do we look like Him, or is that only a spiritual aspect of His being and our being?

So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Snowy White Egret
Mary Jackson Rickard photo
Columbia River - Richland, WA

The focus passage for today from Psalm 91 describes God with wings—which I imagine to be snowy white, pure and glistening. But God is not an egret!

Isaiah had a vision in which he describes God in the Temple, wearing a long flowing robe.

It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. Isaiah 6:1

If God is love…how do you picture LOVE?

I was initially interested in this passage from Psalm 91 because of the verse…His faithful promises are your armor and protection. To be prepared for the days ahead we may need armor and what better “armor” than that of God’s promises which offers spiritual protection. In the next few days, we’ll be looking at the armor of God.

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12

For today are you making a choice to trust God and His promises?

Verse of Salvation ~ I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness. LORD, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. Psalm 119:40-41

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

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Sunday, August 25, 2024

How to Escape

Prayer – Lord, when I am tempted, You provide me with a way of escape. Show me each step of the way. Thank you.

Snake on Candy Mountain trail.
Near Richland, Washington.
Is there a way out?

Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. And don't grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:9-13

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture. Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

Look back for just a second. Do you ever see that…when you were tempted, God showed you a way out so that you could endure.

But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them. LORD, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart's desire is to glorify your name. Isaiah 26:7-8

Endure can be considered as persevere, be patient, remain or abide.

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:12-17

God helps or blesses those who believe in Him and hang in there; those who don’t give up when things get difficult. James tells us that God Himself isn’t tempted and doesn’t temp others. He also explains that temptation is something that comes from within us. Is this a new idea to you? James continues…don’t be misled. When sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. Don’t be led into temptation—just as Jesus taught His disciples in what we know as the Lord’s Prayer.

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV (Underlined for emphasis.)

God will provide that way out. Will you listen to Him…and choose to follow His lead? Lead us not into temptation. There is a way of escape.

Verse 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

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

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Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Don’t Fall

Prayer – Lord, falling is a hazard for us older folks. Balance is an issue, but the key is to keep moving so that we can keep moving! Is it the same way spiritually? Help me to stand strong and never fall. Give me strength to not be deceived or to give into temptation. You’ve promised that temptations will not be more than I can stand and that You’ll provide a way of escape. Thank you.

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance and promises in scripture.

Young Zander - Don't Fall
Cartwheels on the South Carolina beach.

Don’t fall. How many times have you said that to others or thought it for yourself? Falling is one of the greatest hazards of life. Physically falling can break bones…or even result in death. Don’t hit your head! Spiritually, falling can be just as devastating.

Paul was addressing Jewish people in Corinth reminding them about their ancestral exodus from Egypt. There were some who fell from God’s grace all along the way. God reminds us about their degressions and rebellious spirits. They really struggled with obedience—over and over throughout the Old Testament and then everyone, both Jews and Gentiles, continued to contend with rebellion throughout the New Testament and today. It is a warning for us. How often do you find yourself doing something your way instead of God’s way? That would be sin.

Sin is just simply a voluntary violation of a known law of God by a morally responsible person, or as Suzanne Wesley said… “Whatever weakens your reasoning, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes away your relish for spiritual things, in short, if anything increases the authority of the flesh over the spirit, that to you becomes sin, however good it is in itself.”

We all sin and fall short God’s standards, just as Paul wrote to the church at Rome.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Romans 3:23-26 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Sin is falling…spiritually. But God provided a hand up…an opportunity to become right and pure in His eyes. That is what the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is all about. God doesn’t force us to choose Jesus as our Savior, but He allows us to choose for ourselves. What is your choice…day by day? Do you accept Jesus Christ as the One who Redeems you from your sins…as your Savior and Lord? I do. I’m no different than anyone else. I’ve fallen short of God’s expectations—but I accept the undeserved kindness of God through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. Be careful. Choose wisely. Don’t fall.

Verse of Salvation ~ Did God's people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. Romans 11:11

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Friday, August 23, 2024

Peanut Butter and Jelly With Jesus?

Prayer – Lord, I am dress for service, my lamp is burning. I'm ready and waiting for Your return. Please give me wisdom and stamina to endure.

Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. "Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected." Peter asked, "Lord, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?" And the Lord replied, "A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. But what if the servant thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful. And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn't prepared and doesn't carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. Luke 12:35-48 (Emphasis underlined.)

Meditate. Consider Jesus serving His servants.

Can you imagine Jesus serving you a meal? Remember how He washed the feet of His disciples at His Last Supper? Luke tells us in this passage that the Master, Jesus, will reward His faithful servants by putting on an apron and serving them dinner. What a wonderful meal that will be.

Did you notice that the Master will return and you will be ready and open the door when He knocks? There is one other reference in the Bible to Jesus standing at the door and knocking. He is addressing the saints at Laodicea, who were actually apathetic—neither hot nor cold.

I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches." Revelation 3:19-22

He stands at the door of your heart…at the door of each of our hearts. Listen to His voice. Answer His call. Wow! He’s looking forward to sharing a meal with those who open the door. A meal with a friend! That would be a great opportunity—another fine banquet. It will be a meal with the Master—not just a peanut butter and jelly sandwich—unless that is the comfort food that you desire.

Choices. Choices. Choices. Will you be ready for the Master when He returns? When He knocks at the door of your heart will you respond and invite Him into your life?

Verse of Salvation ~ (Jonah’s prayer) As my life was slipping away, I remembered the LORD. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple. Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God's mercies. But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the LORD alone. Jonah 2:7-9

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is harvest time and after picking some poblano peppers at my niece’s garden, I had to make my favorite homemade tabasco sauce.

Homemade Tabasco Sauce

1 pound poblano peppers, washed, seeded and chopped

2 cups white vinegar

2 teaspoons salt

Combine the ingredients in a medium sized sauce pan. Heat to a boil on medium heat. Simmer 5 minutes.

Cool. Strain the cooked peppers into a blender, saving the liquid. Add the liquid back into the peppers as you blend the peppers until you have the consistency that you prefer. It can be thick or runny—whatever you like. Pour into clean jars and refrigerate indefinitely. It won’t last long if you and your family enjoy a spicy sauce. Enjoy!

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Ready or Not?

Is Life a Puzzle for you?
What does your future hold?
Ready or not...here He comes!

Prayer – Lord, I still struggle with Your directive to “be prepared” or to “be ready” for…. What does our future hold? You’ve written in the book of Revelation and given us clues in Matthew and other books including those to the Thessalians, but still we have to decipher all that and put the puzzle together, so please give me wisdom and understanding for what I need to do to prepare for the coming days. Thank you.

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

This may seem like a long passage—but we are directed to be prepared and carry out God’s instructions. I was focusing on “be ready” because we don’t know when He will return, but as I read and re-read this story, I noticed the words “given” and “entrusted.” What is the difference? How do those apply to our lives—our situations? Given – to supply, provide, furnish, or commission. Entrusted – to set before, to deposit, to commend, commit, or set before. To me, given is like presenting someone with a gift, whereas entrusting to allow someone to take possession of something precious or of great value. God gives everyone the gift of life here on earth. We have the option or choice to make of it what we will. God entrusts wisdom and knowledge those who ask for it in Jesus’ name—to those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Everyone is given the gift—and those who make the most of that gift are entrusted with something even more valuable. Eternal life with Jesus Himself—in the very presence of the Almighty God.

Just as Luke wrote about this story that Jesus told describing the servants whose Master is gone and returns at an unexpected time, we have to be “ready” all the time for Jesus’ return. If He returns in our lifetime—it will be wonderful. If not, then we wait—and take what is given or entrusted to us during this time of our existence. Eventually, we will be with Jesus in Heaven, if we believe in Him as our Savior. A win-win situation for believers. Ready or not…Here He comes!

Verse of Salvation ~ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 1 Peter 1:3-5

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

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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, August 21, 2024

Bored?

Prayer – Lord, You experienced all the human emotions that the rest of us do. Boredom? Apathy? Discouragement? You were constantly busy—helping others. You had a mission here on earth—to do Your Father’s will—and nothing stopped You. I can’t imagine that You were ever bored. Show me what I need to do for You today. Projects may be seeking priority—but serving You is more important than anything that just fills up my time.

So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:31-34

Meditate. Yawn. Bored?

Are you bored? A friend of mine recently asked me if I ever get bored? She never gets bored. Me? Never! I have too many projects going and too many things to do—pictures and cards to paint…a quilt to finish…a hallway to paint…books to read and stories to write! Recipes I want to try…places to go, things to do. Yep! I’ve too much to do to get bored. Apathy and lack of motivation may set in at times...but not boredom.

Fill your water jug at the well at Sychar.
Israel

Was Jesus ever bored? I don’t think so. He got tired. Remember how He was weary—simply fatigued—and waited at the well near Sychar, Samaria, while His disciples were getting lunch. He visited with the woman at the well and revealed Himself as the Messiah. He wasn’t bored. He was doing His ministry work.

Apathy—like boredom—can keep people from seeing the truth. Jews during Paul’s time…and still today are not recognizing God and what He has done for His chosen people.

It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God's grace--his undeserved kindness in choosing them. And since it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it really is--free and undeserved. So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have—the ones God has chosen—but the hearts of the rest were hardened. As the Scriptures say, "God has put them into a deep sleep. To this day he has shut their eyes so they do not see, and closed their ears so they do not hear." Romans 11:5-8

Ask the Lord to open your eyes and heart—to seek Him and not be consumed by boredom or apathy.

This is a choice before you today…and every day. Seek first the kingdom of God as Jesus taught during His Sermon on the Mount as recorded in Matthew 5-7. No boredom in the Kingdom of God.

Verse of Salvation ~ This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ's suffering and his great glory afterward. They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen. 1 Peter 1:10-12

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

What Brings You Joy?

Prayer – Lord, You give me strength—a reason to live. I trust You, delight in Your word, and find joy in obeying You. As Jeremiah wrote…When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God of Heaven's Armies. Jeremiah 15:16. Please give me continued strength to endure any trial that come my way. Enlarge my faith.

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:6-7

Meditate on this scripture passage.

Quilted Prayer Pocket
Pocket on the backside holds prayers
for friends, family, and hope for
tomorrow.

What makes you truly glad? Is it the joy you share with family and friends? Is it traveling, hobbies, reading a good book, watching an exciting movie in a big screen theater, a tasty gourmet meal, or a sporting event? Do you find joy in the Lord?

The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

Peter tells us that we will have joy, but our faith will be tested by trials. We are to remain strong—don’t give into temptations and deception.

But be careful. Don't let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the LORD and serve and worship other gods. Deuteronomy 11:16

You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. Hebrews 3:13

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the LORD tests the heart. Proverbs 17:3

As always—we have a choice to make. Choose joy, strength in the Lord, and purity of the heart—don’t be deceived. Can you do that? I can—with the Lord’s help.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13.

Verse of Salvation ~ You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9

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

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

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