Banquet With The King

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Caution – Don’t Be Legalistic

On the seventh day, God rested.
He wants us to rest--physically and spiritually.
Do you rest and honor the Sabbath Day...
to make it holy?

So—everyday is the Sabbath. It is a day that is to be kept holy, as the LORD’s Holy day (Isaiah 38:13), observing it to honor the LORD God because He created the Sabbath. What should we do to observe the Sabbath, without creating rules and regulations that are legalistic like the Pharisees? God commanded the Israelites not to work. He created instructions for His promised people as He brought them out of bondage from Egypt. Although the Ten Commandments still require obedience, some specific guidance do not apply to Christians. Guidelines can become burdens when they are followed to the letter rather than from the heart. Jesus told us that…

Then Jesus said to them, "The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. Mark 2:27 NLT

And He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27 NKJV (also NIV)

From Jesus’ words we can assume that He meant that we don’t have to be legalistic about meeting the requirement of the Sabbath guidelines, if we choose to follow a Sabbath custom.

What should we do? No work was one of God’s commands. The American work week is loosely based on having Saturday and Sunday off—except for those with rotating schedules or those in service-related jobs like health care, food services or restaurants, rescue operations, and even public service centers like forest or state parks and libraries. There are people within all sorts of jobs or career fields that are required to work on weekends. They have alternate days off, but do they celebrate a sabbath on those days? If our Sabbath is every day, we cannot just stop working. Wouldn’t some lazy people just love that. God expects us to work—but He also expects us to rest.

No idle talk or following your own desires were other directives to honor the Sabbath to make it a holy day. What can you do to show God that it a special day in which you are setting time aside to worship and honor Him? The choice is yours—to celebrate a Sabbath day and to honor God.

Prayer – Lord, the Sabbath is to honor You. I worship and adore You—every day, not just on Saturday and Sunday.

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

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Saturday, February 22, 2025

What Day Do You Celebrate the Sabbath?

What day do you recognize as the Sabbath? I’ve been confused about this for years. As Christians do we celebrate the Sabbath on Saturday as God originally declared, or do we celebrate it on Sunday since Jesus rose from the dead on that day. Sunday is the Lord’s day.

Where do we see the origin of celebrating the Sabbath? In the beginning, after God created everything, He rested. He took a break from His work. Resting is an important part of the Sabbath Day. God declared that day—the seventh day—holy.

So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. Genesis 2:1-3

The first time we see an actual Sabbath Day declared is when the children of Israel on their Exodus pilgrimage complained because they were hungry. God supplied their needs with manna and quail for six days with twice as much on that sixth day to last them through the seventh day—the Sabbath.

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Look, I'm going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they will gather food, and when they prepare it, there will be twice as much as usual." ... He told them, "This is what the LORD commanded: Tomorrow will be a day of complete rest, a holy Sabbath day set apart for the LORD. So bake or boil as much as you want today, and set aside what is left for tomorrow." So they put some aside until morning, just as Moses had commanded. And in the morning the leftover food was wholesome and good, without maggots or odor. Moses said, "Eat this food today, for today is a Sabbath day dedicated to the LORD. There will be no food on the ground today. You may gather the food for six days, but the seventh day is the Sabbath. There will be no food on the ground that day." Some of the people went out anyway on the seventh day, but they found no food. The LORD asked Moses, "How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and instructions? They must realize that the Sabbath is the LORD's gift to you. That is why he gives you a two-day supply on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days. On the Sabbath day you must each stay in your place. Do not go out to pick up food on the seventh day." So the people did not gather any food on the seventh day. The Israelites called the food manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey wafers. Exodus 16:4-5, 23-31 (Emphasis mine.)

Then God gave Moses the Ten Commandments which specifically dedicated the seventh day as the Sabbath.

Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. Exodus 20:8-11(Emphasis mine.)

God was very specific about His people observing the sabbath and what would happen to them if they ignored His command. He gave these instructions to the Hebrew people through Moses at the time that He inscribed the Ten Commandments onto the sacred stones.

"Tell the people of Israel: 'Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy. You must keep the Sabbath day, for it is a holy day for you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; anyone who works on that day will be cut off from the community. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the LORD. Anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death. The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time. It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.'" Exodus 31:13-17 (Emphasis mine.)

Death for not observing the Sabbath?! That seems pretty serious. Can we assume that God still holds us to that expectation? On which day are Christians to observe the Sabbath? Saturday or Sunday? Is another day that is appropriate? Pray about it and ask for God’s wisdom, understanding, and mercy as you contemplate the Sabbath. The decision is your own as to what you do to observe God’s Day and what day of the week is for your Sabbath. In a commentary in the Blue Letter Bible, Dr. J. Vernon McGee gives a good explanation about the Sabbath and concludes with his observation that every day is the Sabbath day—one that we should keep holy. That’s a good challenge.

Synagogue at Capernaum where Jesus taught.
Israel

"Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don't pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD's holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don't follow your own desires or talk idly. Then the LORD will be your delight. I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the LORD, have spoken!" Isaiah 58:13-14

Prayer – Lord God, I’ve been confused over the years about celebrating the Sabbath. Some people say that Christians don’t have to observe Your commandment about keeping the Sabbath on Saturday—as declared in the Ten Commandments, while others say that Sunday is the Sabbath since that was the day that Jesus was raised from the dead. Please give me insight into not only when to observe the Sabbath, but how to observe it. I certainly don’t want to “work” on Your Sabbath day…and be put to death for that!

Meditate. Consider God’s command about the Sabbath.

Verse of Salvation ~ Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, "It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles. For the Lord gave us this command when he said, 'I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.'" When the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers. Acts 13:46-48 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Revised and reused from May 4, 2024 Banquet With The King blog.

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, February 21, 2025

Are You on a Safe Path?

Safe. Safe from what or from whom?

Safety is paramount. Safety at home, at work, in public, in sports or recreation, on vacation, in schools, in colleges, at church, on the road, and everywhere. You name it. We need to or at least want to be safe. God’s plan is for safety for those who follow Him. Solomon wrote about safety at least a couple of times in the book of Proverbs.

Path to the Holy Family Shrine
Gretna, Nebraska
Trust the LORD - follow His path.

The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe. Proverbs 16:17

Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Proverbs 4:26

God wants us to follow His path that He has set out for the righteous ones—those who are seeking His will. Those who are developing a relationship with Him. Relationships with our Heavenly Father and with Jesus Christ our LORD and Savior are the most important things in life—at least I think so. How about you? Trusting the LORD gives us the safety and direction that is necessary for following the path designed by His will. He has promised that He will show us the right path to take. That trusting could be very important, not only in the physical being, but also in the spiritual realm.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

Can you trust the LORD to keep you safe from the evil one?

Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. John 17:13-17

Prayer – LORD God, I am trusting You to keep me safe from the evil one. I look to You and watch for Your guidance as to which path to take, what to do. I can see that I don’t belong to this world, but am listening and learning as You teach me Your word and all about truth.

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

Verse of Salvation ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Healthy Foods Menu

Since February is National Heart Month, it is a good time to consider eating good foods and exercising. Exercise at least 20 minutes every day and then feast—within reason—on the bounty God has provided for us. Many exercise enthusiasts are now saying that walking for 10 minutes after each meal will help burn off the calories.

Here are some healthy heart foods to consider in your menu planning:

Chick peas – hummus, minestrone soup

Sardines and salmon – high in omega 3’s

Leafy greens – contain magnesium essential to a healthy heart – includes spinach (beware of oxalic acid), kale, Swiss chard, broccoli, romaine lettuce

Milk – even nut, almond or coconut milk – high in calcium and Vitamin D

Walnuts

Oats and barley

Fresh vegetables and fruits – in the colors of the rainbow

What can you do with these food items? How about a tossed green salad with salmon, walnuts, chick peas with an apple cider vinegar and olive oil dressing? A little oatmeal with fresh blueberries, cinnamon, honey, and milk for dessert rounds out the food list. And you thought there couldn’t be just one dish/meal that would have all these foods!

So, choose some healthy foods and feast on them, not just today or during February, but include good fresh foods at every meal all year around. Of course, you can eat some other foods—moderate amounts red meat, as well as chicken. Shop the outside aisles of your supermarket—that’s where the fresh foods are located. Create and enjoy a Banquet at the King’s Table.

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

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Do You Feel Safe and Secure?

It is good to recognize where we feel safe. Do you feel safe at home, at work, in your community, in our country—or how about when you are traveling, in an unfamiliar place or in a foreign country?

You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Proverbs 3:25-26

Safety and security bring peace of mind. I find that security in God…knowing that He is always with me…and has promised that He will not leave me or forsake me. Hebrews 13:5. I lock my doors at night…and when I am gone, trusting that God will keep me—and my family—safe. There is an American proverb that says…It is better to be safe than sorry. To me, that is common sense. I feel like I’m trusting God as I sleep securely in my home and travel down the road with my doors locked. Knowing God is nearby providing security and safety gives me peace of mind. He promised that He is our security. Do you feel safe and secure?

Shelter Under His Wings
Protection - Safety and Security
Do Not be Afraid

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. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Psalm 91:1-6

Prayer ~ Lord, I am not afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for I am trusting You to provide security and safety for me, my family, friends and neighbors. Thank You.

Meditate. No Fear. Rest. Stay Calm.

Verse of Salvation ~ (Just before the Hebrew people crossed the Red Sea after leaving Egypt.) But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." Exodus 14:13-14

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

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Stay Safe

Rise above the evil one.
Do not fear--God is with you.
Prosser, WA Balloon Festival

Do you feel safe from evil in the world around you?

Jesus doesn’t want His followers to be harmed. One of His earliest prayers—when He taught His disciples to pray what we call the Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 KJV

Deliver us from evil. Look around you. There is evil all around us. There are places I won't go at night...or go alone anytime in the Tri-Cities where I live. There are just some strange people out and about. Turn on the radio, television, or look at the internet on your phone. Evil is happening in our community and around the world, but Jesus wants us protected from that evil. Ask God for His protection. Ask for whatever you want, in Jesus’ name…and God will answer, just as Jesus told His disciples.

At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. John 16:23-24 NLT

We can feel safe knowing that Jesus has our back. Sure, scary things may happen…but the light of the world is on our side. Walk in the light.

"There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants." John 3:18-21

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

We just have to trust the Lord. Keep your eyes open and use common sense. Don’t go where evil lurks—stay in the light. Choose to stay safe. Ask God to protect you from the evil one. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us.

"Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. John 17:13-17

Prayer – Lord God, protect me, my family, friends and neighbors that we would be safe from the evil one. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear before we get into a dangerous situation. Thank you for Your presence in our lives and the protection You provide.

Meditate on God providing safety and security.

Verse of Salvation ~ So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:13-16 (Underlined for emphasis.)

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

The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769.
Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain.

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 18, 2025

Do You Need More Wisdom?

Do any of you lack wisdom–or need more?

Tossed about on the Pacific Ocean waves.
Oregon Coast.

James wisely tells us what to do if we desire wisdom.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:5-8 (Underlined for emphasis.)

I like that description of God…generous. He wants us to “be wise,” so he will be kind and lavish us with the wisdom for which we ask. Actually, Jesus told His disciples—that is us, too, that whatever we ask for, in His name, our Heavenly Father will provide it (see John 16:23-24). We can assume that includes wisdom.

Where do you go for advice and instruction about wisdom? The Bible, especially the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Psalms, Job, and the Gospels—which recorded Jesus wise words of teaching. We can never have too much wisdom. Solomon, the wisest man besides Jesus, pointedly tells us in Proverbs to seek wisdom and stay away from foolish people and actions. Respecting the LORD—honoring Him—being loyal to our God is sure to bring confidence and safety. As always, love God and love others. That is wise. Do you need more wisdom?

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the LORD's purpose will prevail. Loyalty makes a person attractive. It is better to be poor than dishonest. Fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. Proverbs 19:20-23

Prayer – Lord God, forgive us our debts, as we forgive those who have offended us. Lead us not into temptation, but keep us from the evil in this world. Please give us wisdom that we would wisely follow You…into eternity.

Meditate on wisdom.

Verse of Salvation ~ I will give you praise, O Lord, among the peoples; I will make melody to you among the nations. For your mercy is higher than the heavens: and your unchanging faith than the clouds. Be lifted up, O God, higher than the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Let your right hand be stretched out for salvation, and give me an answer, so that your loved ones may be safe from danger. Psalm 108:3-6 BBE

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

The Bible in Basic English (BBE) was translated by Professor Samuel Henry Hooke (1874-1968)
This translation of the Bible is in the public domain.

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