Banquet With The King

Friday, October 25, 2024

Encouragement for the Persecuted

Prayer – Lord, there are people around the world who are persecuted because of their belief in You, and we’ve been warned that there are days ahead where we will likely be mistreated and harassed because of our faith. I’m holding onto the promise that You will never leave us or forsake us…so I can endure whatever comes my way—because of You. I can do all things through You, Christ, because You give me strength. Help me to help others as we face the coming days.

Dear brothers and sisters, we can't help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. We proudly tell God's other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you. And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don't know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. When he comes on that day, he will receive glory from his holy people—praise from all who believe. And this includes you, for you believed what we told you about him. So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12

Meditate. Consider God’s provision in scripture.

Are you being persecuted?

Times may be tough ahead of us…but as Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, just as to us, God will use us for His glory. We need to continue to be obedient. Those who don’t know the Lord and those who don’t obey will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. No fun—no feast with the Lord for them. It will be utter darkness for eternity. How devastatingly heartbreaking. So, as Paul’s hope for the Thessalonians, my hope for all reading this post is that you know the Lord God as your Savior, that our God enables you to live a life worthy of His call, giving you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.

The choice is ours today…choose God. Choose to obey.

Verses of Salvation ~ I have heard all about you, LORD. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy. ... Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! Habakkuk 3:2, 17-18

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It’s Friday. What is on your table…or menu plans for today? Is it time to order a pizza or go to a local restaurant?

We were traveling recently and hoped to visit a great seafood buffet—but it had briefly closed due to norovirus. It was open again…but was it safe to eat there? Ugh! Like any other virus, that is one that I certainly want to avoid. According to the trusted Mayo Clinic website, the norovirus can last weeks on a surface and people can carry the virus without any symptoms. They recommended washing your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds and reported that even hand sanitizer doesn’t kill the virus. Yes—ugh! We didn’t go to that buffet…and avoided others in that area, too. No matter where you go…or what you eat, cleanliness is next to godliness. Through Moses, God taught the Israelites the importance of hand washing—but the Pharisees took it to the extreme.

Just wash your hands before you prepare food or eat. Safety first.

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

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Thursday, October 24, 2024

Transformation

Prayer – Lord, I remember when transformer cars were so popular with the kids—cars changed into robots. Such fun. Someday people will be “transformed.” You were changed from a mortal body to immortal when You were resurrected. We will be changed someday just like You…mortal to immortal…in the blink of an eye. I’m ready when You are for this transformation. I’m so excited that our bodies will be gloriously transformed—whether we are living or have died. It’s going to be so wonderful to see You…and to be reunited with loved ones who have gone before us! Thank You for this marvelous plan.

Transformed
Prism rainbow

But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:51-58

Meditate. Consider your own transformation.

How do you feel about being transformed? If you have become a believer in Jesus as your Savior, have you changed? I did—I became less critical, more forgiving.

Jesus went through a transformation during an encounter with God, Moses, and Elijah, as Peter, James and John watched and reported later in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus' appearance was transformed, and his clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them. Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus. Mark 9:2-4

After His resurrection Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, to two people on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:35), then to the disciples in the Upper Room (John 21:14). He served the disciples breakfast on the beach and notably appeared to five hundred other people. He also was with Paul on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9:17). He was recognized—although not immediately—by everyone. Had His appearance changed? He had the marks in His hands or wrists from being hung on the cross. It was not reported that Jesus was glowing after His resurrection—He appeared to be visually like any other human.

We will be transformed in the blink of an eye. God has promised that we will be changed from mortal to immortal. We will leave behind these earthly, fleshly bodies and He will give us pure, immortal bodies. Purity is what is important to God.

For I am the LORD your God. You must consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. ...Leviticus 11:44

What will our transformation be like? It will happen in the twinkling of an eye but note that it does not say we will be instantly raptured at that moment. Does this “be strong and immovable” pertain to the time after our transformation and before our rapture? Jesus had forty days between His transformation after His resurrection before He was taken up during what we know as His ascension. I’ve heard a Bible End Times teacher say that we will have eight days after our transformation before we are raptured—just as the male child is with his mother for eight days before he is circumcised and dedicated to the Lord God. Could it be that we will have forty days before our rapture, just like Jesus? We don’t know for sure, but I’m confident we’ll all be rejoicing when we realize that we have been transformed—glorified! Glory-glory-glory! It will be a wonderful day.

Don’t get carried away. If there is time between our transformation in the twinkling of an eye and our rapture then be on guard—Satan will be attacking all those transformed individuals so that they are not obedient to God during that time and causing them to lose their standing or position in their future service to the Lord. Be strong and immovable. Keep your eyes on Jesus and continue to be obedient to Him. That may be a time of great testing. Be ready. Don’t fear what is happening. Understand what is happening and be refined as in Daniel 12:10—not like the wicked who just don’t understand. Another thing…don’t get so giddy that you are not following the Lord’s instructions because He may have specific things for each of us to do during those last days. Stay focused. Transformation into glorified bodies may give us the ability to instantly go great distances or to do other things like Jesus did—just appearing in a closed room! This may be an ultra-exciting time. Remain vigilant. Be obedient.

Choose today…and every day…whom you will serve. We have that choice.

Verse of Salvation ~ 'Do not fear [anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].' Isaiah 41:10 AMP

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

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

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Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Be Careful How You Live

Prayer – Lord, I want to be careful, sensible, and cautious about how I live—and even how I influence others. You are such a good example to us, Jesus, in all that You did for others—and You said that we will do even greater things. Really?! We are told in Ephesians 5:1 to imitate You, God, in everything we do because we are your dear children. We need to be like Christ, living a life filled with love. Isn’t that just how a parent child relationship is—one filled with love—and the child imitating the parent. Parents need to be careful what they do—someone is watching and emulating them.

Kim & Amelia hiking Badger Mt.
Like father...like daughter
Kids will follow their parents
Be a good example.
Love one another. Love God.

So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:15-20

Meditate. Someone is watching—God and parents. Think about how you are living.

What are your goals for today? Have you checked with God—what are His goals for you today?

God has plans…for each of us. It’s so easy to make our To Do lists and check off the things as we accomplish them, but just what is it that God wants us to do?

From this passage today in Ephesians I see what He expects of me, so I've looked up some other scriptures to support those. Most of all I know what the Lord wants through reading my Bible daily. When God repeats things--He means for us to know it.

Be careful how I live. (Psalm 101:2)

Make wise choices. (Proverbs 2:11)

Make the most of every opportunity for Him. (Galatians 6:10; James 1:2)

Think before you act. (Proverbs 13:16)

Don’t be stupid and get drunk. (Been there…done that. Stupid!) (Proverbs 20:1)

Be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:52)

Sing joyfully unto the Lord—constantly, just like praying continually. (Psalm 95:1)

Give thanks to the Lord God—in Jesus’ name. (Colossians 3:17)

It is easy to make lists…and check them off—but are you really doing it for the Lord…or for yourself? I have to ask myself if I’m being legalistic. Motivation is powerful. God sees and knows our hearts. Be careful how you live. The choice is yours…and mine.

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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Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Don’t Be Cut Off from His Kindness

Family of Five Baptized
two years ago in the Atlantic Ocean.
Obedience.
Trusting in the Kindness of the Lord.
Praise, Honor, and Glory to Jesus!

Prayer – Lord, I know You are a loving God…but sometimes I just don’t get how You instructed the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land to destroy the people living there—and now I’ve grasp the truth that You desire purity. The inhabitants of that Promised Land were idol worshippers and they had to be annihilated for the land to be pure. Even all the times the Israelites rebelled or followed idols—You either banished them or obliterated them. Holiness is what You require. No idol worship. You are the one true God; that is the first of the Ten Commandments. You require obedience—to all of Your commandments. I trust You Lord God—with my life and with the love and mercy that You have bestowed on me, on my family, friends and neighbors. I trust You.

Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. Romans 11:22

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in this scripture.

Is God kind and severe to you? Are you trusting and obeying?

Trust is important. God sees everything we do and hears every word we think or speak. Can you trust Him with your very thoughts and actions? I just had the most amazing thing happen to us recently when we were traveling. My hubby loves Chick-fil-A and we don’t have one in our community, but he likes to stop whenever he can for a spicy chicken sandwich when we are nearby that chain. I thought…mind you just thought didn’t pray out loud or even ask hubby if he wanted me to locate one during our vacation trip. Next thing you know…Chick-fil-A popped up on the Navigator! Eeek! God heard my thoughts and answered me even before I searched and prayed. Is God good or what!? Needless to say…we stopped, and Jerry got his spicy chicken pimento sandwich, a kale salad, and a half-n-half tea with lemonade! Thrilled to pieces! Grin from ear to ear! Tummy more than satisfied. Yes. God know our every thought…and we can trust Him to be kind to us.

God is severe with those who are disobedient. Severe—what does that mean? That He is hard-hearted, unsympathetic, unyielding and punishes them in a harsh way? Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus about God being angry with those who disobey Him.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Ephesians 5:1-6 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Does Actually, Solomon wrote a list in Proverbs of the things the Lord God hates and it hasn’t changed since that time. This lists, along with following the Ten Commandments, might be good to keep in mind for those who want to be obedient to our Lord God. How many times do we need to be told to listen and obey?

There are six things the LORD hates—no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family. Proverbs 6:16-19

Living to please the Lord is challenging—but I think it will ultimately be rewarding to trust His kindness and the guidance that He provides us. Consider that the things He wants us to avoid are actually harmful to us or others around us. He is protecting us from ourselves…and encouraging the purity that He requires if we are to spend eternity with Him. Do you want to be cut off from His presence because you were disobedient? What do you choose to do?

Verses of Salvation ~ Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light." Ephesians 5:10-14

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

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Monday, October 21, 2024

Who Can You Trust?

Prayer – Lord, I think there has to be a level. of trust before someone can love someone else. And, likewise, there has to be love…or at least a relationship with understanding…in order to trust another person. I can trust You…because You love me enough to die for me…and I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).

The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation." Psalm 91:14-16

Meditate on trust.

We can trust that the sun will rise and set every day. We can trust that the seasons will change as the earth rotates around the sun. But sometimes it's a creepy world out there. Who can you trust?

There are 54 verses in the New Living Translation that have “trust” and the “Lord” in them, beginning in Genesis and continuing through the Bible to the book of Hebrews. Here are a few to guide each of us as we put our hope and trust in our Lord God.

- I trust in you for salvation, O LORD! Genesis 49:18

- Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:4

- Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Psalm 37:3

- Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. Psalm 37:5

- They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. Psalm 112:7

- Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

- Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be joyful. Proverbs 16:20

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

- So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Hebrews 10:35

Part of trusting the Lord is respecting—fearing—Him.

- Who among you fears the LORD and obeys his servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the LORD and rely on your God. Isaiah 50:10

- Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. 1 Peter 1:21

So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Peter 4:19

Who can we trust? God. Is He your Lord and Savior? The choice is yours.

Verse of Salvation ~ I trust in you for salvation, O LORD! Genesis 49:18

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

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Can You Understand the Truth?

Prayer – Lord, I turn to You…moment by moment throughout my day. Take away the veil—and inspire me with Your wisdom, knowledge and freedom. Freedom is so precious in this world today. Change me to be more like You glorious and radiant. May Your glorious image be reflected in my face—and shine on those around me that they would be drawn to You.

We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory, even though it was destined to fade away. But the people's minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only by believing in Christ. Yes, even today when they read Moses' writings, their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:13-18

Meditate. Consider God’s message in scripture.

Turn to Jesus.
Was this gentleman dancing for joy...
Does he know our Messiah?
Does he understand the Truth?
Dancing in Jerusalem, Israel.

Have you turned to the Lord? Is a veil covering your face?

Truth be known by the glory the Lord that is reflected in your face. Truth. It reminds me that Jesus is The Way, The Truth and the Life (John 14:6). Life and freedom. We all have the spiritual freedom to know the Lord…to turn our lives over to Him. Paul explained to the people in Corinth about that freedom and the removal of the veil that covers the heart and minds of those who choose to understand and believe in Jesus Christ. Turning to the Lord is a choice anyone can make for themselves. No one can do it for anyone else. Nope. You can’t do it for your sister or brother, son or daughter…or even for your best friend. We have to choose for ourselves.

As we learn more about Jesus and continue to focus our lives on Him, we are changed…transformed if you wish…into His glorious image. As Jesus lived an ordinary life—well it was actually an extraordinary life of healing and ministering to people, but it was a human existence—He had lots of followers. When did His face start to glow? Was it when He read from the Old Testament scrolls or Moses’ writings…or after He had spent time in prayer with His Father? Was it only after His resurrection? Did His disciples’ faces glow? None of this is recorded in the New Testament accounts of Jesus. We know that we will be transformed in the twinkling or blink of an eye. We will become immortal like Jesus after His resurrection.

Transformed—and no need for a veil—physically or spiritually. That is a wonderful truth and promise that we can cling to and rely on for God to fulfill to bring glory to Himself. In the blink of an eye. Do you understand this truth? Are you ready?

Verses of Salvation ~ I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians 1:9-11

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