Banquet With The King

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Christmas Day

Prayer – Lord Jesus, Happy Birthday! I celebrate You today! You are my Lord and Savior. Thank You for all you have done for all of mankind! You are worthy of all praise and honor. Open my eyes to see You more deeply—and to worship You in spirit and in truth.

Baby Jesus...in the Manger
No room in the inn.
Is there room in your heart?
Celebrate Jesus today...and every day.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven's Armies will make this happen! Isaiah 9:6-7

Meditate. Celebrate Jesus.

Who is Jesus to you?

A baby in a manger. The Messiah. The Son of Almighty. I AM. Teacher. Prophet. Rabbi. Healer. The Son of God. The Son of Man. Sacrificial Lamb. Resurrected Savior. The Light of the world. The Way. The Truth. The Life. The Good Shepherd. The gate or gatekeeper. The Bread of Life. The resurrection and the life. The King of kings and Lord of lords. The bright morning star.

Celebrate Jesus—this is His birthday. To give Him glory and honor on this special day is your choice.

Verse of Salvation ~ At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way." My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Luke 10:21-22

Merry Christmas to All!

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, December 24, 2024

Whose Birthday are we Celebrating at Christmas?

Prayer – Lord, You are worthy of our praise, honor, respect, and love. Happy Birthday to You! May you rejoice with us as we celebrate Your birth—as well as Your resurrection!

The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 2:11

Meditate. Consider honoring Jesus on His birthday.

Whose birthday are we celebrating on this Christmas?

A friend of mine just shared that a young Chinese Christian told her that many Chinese people think that Christmas is a celebration of Santa Clause’s birthday. What? So, I Googled it out of curiosity. Google reported that many Chinese, especially in larger cities, have Santa parties with the streets filling with people in Santa costumes. Interestingly, Santa, or Old Man of Christmas as they call him, is often depicted playing a saxophone and is portrayed with his sisters, not elves and reindeer. Only about three percent of the population is Christian, so the “birthday” is not in recognition of Jesus, but often of Chinese rulers like Mao Zedong. Additionally, in Hong Kong it is a celebration of peace and renewal. Still, it is not Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior that they celebrate.

Although it is not a recognition of a birthdate that the Jews celebrate in late February or March, they commemorate Purim as the day that the Jews were set free from the anticipated annelation by the wicked Hamen. It is celebrated with gifts and food, just like we celebrate Christmas and other birthdays.

He told them to celebrate these days with feasting and gladness and by giving gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. This would commemorate a time when the Jews gained relief from their enemies, when their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy. Esther 9:22

How do you “celebrate” our Savior’s birth? Lighted trees? Decorations of wreaths, pointsets, garlands, and light displays on your home? Singing Christmas carols? Playing Christmas songs on the radio and watching Christmas movies? Attending Nutcracker ballet or Holiday Symphonies? Special meals with friends and family? Attending Christmas Eve Lighting service? That last one is my all-time favorite. Whenever possible and wherever I am, I always try to go to light a candle and honor Jesus.

How do you observe your own birthday, the birthdays of friends and family members? The choice is yours how you honor our Lord on His birthday. Honoring Him is essential aa Christian life. He honored you by dying a sacrificial death on a cross for your sins. How can you give Him the respect and reverence to which He is entitled?

Verse of Salvation ~ Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. Psalm 79:9

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

Monday, December 23, 2024

Have You Chosen Your Word of the Year for 2025?

Prayer – Lord, does time really matter? Does anyone really know what time it is…does anyone really care? We can only wait for time and use our time wisely—seeking You, Lord.

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

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

Seek God's Blessing--New Life in Christ.

Are you seeking God’s blessings?

What were you doing twelve years ago? It had been a year since I had started writing this blog—and last year I looked at the twelve days of Christmas. Twelve is an important number in the Bible. Note that it is in 163 verses in the New Kings James Version. It is noteworthy that Ismael, firstborn son of Abraham and Sarah’s maid Hagar, had twelve sons—who became the nations surrounding the current nation of Israel. Abraham’s grandson, Jacob’s twelve sons became known as the twelve tribes of Israel. History playing out before our eyes. Wars and rumors of wars resulting from centuries of sibling and family rivalries. What other twelves do we see in scripture? There was frequent mention of twelve gold or silver utensils in the temple and twelve oxen, rams, goats or other animals offered before the Lord as sin offerings. There were also twelve thousand soldiers and twelve hundred chariots. Twelve months, twelve years, twelve cities, twelve disciples, twelve baskets. Even in heaven there will be twelve gates. Search for yourself how many times twelve is significant throughout the Old and New Testaments.

Is twelve significant in your life? Twelve years of school. Who were the twelve most influential people in your life? How about five or even two most important individuals? Yes, twelve is an important number. There are twelve months ahead of us in this year of 2025. What impact will you make in other’s lives during this coming year? How will you serve the Lord by serving others? It isn’t too late to set goals and make choices about what you do—rather than just drifting through life and letting others tell you what to do and when to do it. Choose for yourself.

Choice. That was my word of the year for 2024. We all have a choice each day in hundreds of little things—that often result in a lifetime direction. Consider and choose wisely whom you will serve and what will you do with the time you have left here on this earth. Joshua encouraged the Israelites to choose before they crossed into the Promised Land.

"Now therefore, fear the LORD, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD! "And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:14-15 NKJV (Underlined for emphasis.)

I’m still considering my “word” for next year. Possibly, “undecided,” “invincible,” “peace,” “patience,” or “obedient.” What is your “Word of the Year?” Have you chosen a word to guide you and give you encouragement each day? Can you choose a word that will impact on your life this year…and twelve years from now?

In choosing your word of the year, pray, then consider how you’ve seen God working in your life this past year. What were the highlights and joys of this year? What were your challenges and what did you learn from them? Where do feel that God is leading you? What area of your life need growing or healing? What is God calling you to focus on this coming year? God wants us to have a plan—He does. Embrace your word and focus on it trusting God to use it to guide you through each day. I’m going to follow this design. You can too; the choice is yours.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the Scriptures say, "If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil." 1 Peter 3:10-12

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

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, December 22, 2024

Fourth Sunday in Advent - LOVE

Prayer – Lord. You are my Messiah...my Lord...my Savior. I praise You and look forward to celebrating Your birth—as the shepherds and wise men did. Holy. Holy. Holy—are You, Lord God Almighty. Open the eyes of anyone reading this—and reveal Yourself as their Messiah.

No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:12-16

Meditate. Consider God’s love in scripture.

Love is born. God is love and loved us so much…that He wanted to show us His love by giving us His Son as a sacrifice for the very sins of mankind.

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

These verses out of Isaiah 9 are classic. The Savior and King that the world was waiting for was born as a little baby…in of all places a stable in Bethlehem. Bethlehem was a shepherd’s town. David, an ancestor of Jesus, had been a shepherd and at the time of Jesus’ birth sheep were raised in Bethlehem that were used for sacrifice at the Temple in Jerusalem. So this baby was wrapped in swaddling cloths, just like a baby lamb that would one day be sacrificed.

From Bethlehem, David’s hometown, came this Holy baby—part of the Trinity so that He would be part of: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. When we think of the Wonderful Counselor, we think of the Holy Spirit. The Mighty God and Everlasting Father invoke thoughts of our Heavenly Father, and Jesus Himself is our Prince of Peace. As you contemplate and meditate on the names of Jesus…and of our God, consider the other names of Jesus, besides Lord, King and Savior. Creator, Redeemer, Righteousness, Morning Star, Alpha and Omega, Messiah, Rabbi, Jehovah, Jehovah Jirah (Lord Provides), Jehovah Rapha (Healer), Yahweh, Yahweh Jireh (Provider), Yahweh Nissi (Banner), Yahweh Shalom (Peace), Yahweh Sabbaoth (Lord of Hosts), Sanctifier, Yahweh Ro’i or Jehovah-Raah (Lord is my Shepherd), Righteousness, Yahweh Elohim Israel (God of Israel) Adonai, Theos (Greek for God), Kurios (Greek for Lord), Despotes (Greek for Master), and Jehovah Shalom (Lord of Peace). Do some studies for yourself in the Blue Letter Bible, other on-line resources or in a concordance to discover more information on the names of Jesus. Seek to know more about Jesus. He has promised that if you seek Him, you will find Him. The choice is yours.

Verse of Salvation ~ Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. Psalm 79:9

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

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Note to Self—Don’t Get Sick!

Prayer – Lord Jesus, did You ever catch a cold? Were You ever sick? You healed so many people—from Peter’s mother-in-law who had a fever, to lepers, lame, blind, and even raising people from the dead. You are an awesome Healer. Please even now…heal the sick, help and strengthen the broken hearted, and give us Your peace. We know You are with us always…even to the end of the age. Thank You!

Rest. Sit a minute and pray.
Bench in the Gaiser Conservatory.
Spokane, Washington

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. James 5:13-15

Meditate. Pray.

Note to self—don’t get sick! Ah…but you’ve a sore throat—is it the beginning of a cold? I’ve learned, once again, that if I don’t slow down and rest, that my body will make me rest…and then I’m sick! Ugh. I know that I forget what to do when I have a cold or am just plain sick. Here’s a checklist of things to remember.

o   Pray. Ask others to pray for you. Jesus is with us where two or more are gathered together—even over the phone or texting messages.
o   Take your vitamins and supplements, so you don’t get sick. Take extra if you are sick.
o   Take allergy medicine as directed by your physician.
o   Exercise and walk outside at least 20 minutes a day. Rain/snow/heat/wind. Walk anyway!
o   REST! That is the best preventative and healer. Sick—put an extra blanket on the bed and sleep!
o   Drink plenty of extra fluids besides your 8-12 glasses of water each day.
o   Make some hot tea with lemon, honey, and fresh grated ginger. Drink it while it is still warm, adding just a little cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar for an added kick.
o   Drink a quart of orange juice every day while feeling sick.
o   Eat chicken soup. Ideally make the broth yourself pressure cooking the chicken bones.
o   Eat fresh pineapple and kiwi. They have more vitamin C an orange.
o   Eat oranges, lemons, and limes.
o   Sleep—sleep—sleep.
o   Use Vicks or Essential oils (Peppermint, Thieves or Immunity) on your throat and chest.

Always begin each day…each moment with prayer. Prayer is powerful. It connects us with our living God, not with worthless idols. Be careful to whom you pray. Remember, there is only one God.

Verse of Salvation ~ Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Welcome Winter!

Today is the shortest day of the year—the Winter Solstice

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, December 20, 2024

Who Can See God?

Faith...gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Hebrews 11:1
Drawing of an eye by Amelia
Who can "see" God?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I believe in You. You came as a baby…and people had to wait until you were about thirty years old before You started Your ministry. You defended God—You always listened to Him and told your followers that the only way to the Father was through You, the Son. You let us know that we needed to please God the Father and as Jude says, we need to defend the faith—not denying God the Father or You. Please give us insight into our own desires and commitments.

Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God's marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Jude 1:3-4 (Underlined for emphasis.)

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

Have you ever defended the faith—your faith?

Paul encourages us to do just that and directs us to live in a way that honors God, not being intimidated, overwhelmed or frightened by our enemies. He realizes and brings to our attention that we are in this together—and we still are in it with other Christians today.

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don't be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it. Philippians 1:27-30

Like Paul, I am not ashamed of God or the gospel.

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." Romans 1:16-17

Faith is the basis of our Christianity—actually an essential element for any belief. It is

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1

We are almost to Christmas. What do you believe? We each make a choice about…well, about anything. Stay holy.

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

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

What does your family have for Christmas Eve Supper? Over the years we’ve tried Chinese, Czech, a full turkey dinner, tacos, soup and sandwiches, fried chicken, breakfast for supper…whatever. The best supper is one that is done ahead of time…like this Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas which is just what my husband requested for Christmas Eve supper this year. Think about preparing this dish ahead of time for your family on Christmas Eve. Mine enjoys it…and it is easy to do so that we can spend time together…not slaving away in the kitchen. Enjoy and then head for your favorite church for a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas

One onion, chopped

2 Chicken Breasts, cooked and shredded

8 large tortillas (corn or flour)

1 pound mixed shredded cheese

1 can green chilies

White sauce gravy:

¾ stick butter

4-5 Tbsp flour

3½ cups milk

3 Tbsp chicken broth

1 can green chilies

Melt butter and stir in flour. Gradually add milk, chicken broth, and green chilies.

Line bottom of baking pan with thin layer of gravy. Warm up tortillas, by frying corn ones in a small amount of oil. You can microwave flour tortillas if necessary to make them pliable. Roll chicken into tortillas with some chopped onion and cheese. Place tortillas into baking pan. Pour remaining gravy over top of tortillas. Bake for 15 minutes at 350º. (Cook for 30 minutes if prepared ahead of time and refrigerated.) Serve with a tossed salad, chips and salsa.

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