Banquet With The King

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Happy New Year!

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. I'll say it again--it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!" The disciples were astounded. "Then who in the world can be saved?" they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God, everything is possible." Matthew 19:23-26

Meditate. Consider your view of God and His capabilities.

With God...
All things are possible.
Rise Above.
Prosser Hot Air Balloon Festival.
End of September annually.

With God, everything is possible. Jesus Himself said that. It is a good way to begin the New Year. Think positive. The angel that came to Mary to tell her that God was impressed with her and chose her to be the mother of Jesus, the savior of the world, said the same thing.

For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37

God is powerful. Things have not changed, so it is still “nothing is impossible with God.” We can trust Him to use His power and might to rule the spiritual world with His mighty hand. God has a plan for the future, and He is in control. We just have to wait on Him and watch His revelation unfold before our very eyes. God’s timing is not our timing—remember…

But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. 2 Peter 3:8-10

God is patient. He is kind. God is love. He doesn’t want anyone to perish, but to be saved. Everything is possible with Him.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for continually having a positive attitude. Instill that positive thinking each minute of each day, within my heart, that I can face the day and encourage others to seek and serve You.

Verse of Salvation ~ So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

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, December 31, 2025

Are You Blessed to be a Blessing?

Blessed with full silos
after the grain harvest.
Eastern Washington state.

If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. You will experience all these blessings if you obey the LORD your God: Your towns and your fields will be blessed. Your children and your crops will be blessed. The offspring of your herds and flocks will be blessed. Your fruit baskets and breadboards will be blessed. Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed. The LORD will conquer your enemies when they attack you. They will attack you from one direction, but they will scatter from you in seven! The LORD will guarantee a blessing on everything you do and will fill your storehouses with grain. The LORD your God will bless you in the land he is giving you. Deuteronomy 28:1-8

Meditate. Count your blessings.

Blessed. Blessed. Blessed. That’s me.

I am blessed to know God and to be known by Him.

I am blessed to live in a country with such freedoms—although with freedom comes responsibility.

I am blessed to live in a community that is clean, safe, friendly, and compassionate.

I am blessed to have a loving and nurturing family that shares my values, love, and concerns.

I am blessed to have friends who truly care about each other.

I am blessed to have a good husband and a home where we are comfortable and content.

Above all—blessed is the name of the Lord, for He is worthy of our praise and adoration.

Are you blessed to be a blessing? Blessed is an expression of good wishes, as in showing favor, providing for, endowing, rejoicing, hoping, giving God thanks for what He has done, or asking for God’s mercy. What is a blessing to you?

As we look back at this past year of 2025, may we see all the ways that God has worked in our lives--blessing us. As we look ahead, let us look forward to the feasts we’ll have at the Lord’s table with each other, savoring His word. My hope is that your joys be overflowing and your love abound in God’s grace. May He have mercy on us as we live to obey His commandments, to seek and serve Him. This year 2025 is over…and I have reached my goal of blogging this devotional for another year. I will continue blogging—so please do keep reading. Blessings and love to you all.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are the best blessing we can ever have. Thank you for all the ways…small and enormous that have blessed us. Please continue to have mercy on us…to forgive our sins daily, and to stand before the throne of our Heavenly Father, interceding for us. You are awesome. We praise Your name.

Verse of Salvation ~ But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.' Matthew 25:31-34

Goodbye 2025 – Hello 2026

Just finished 14 years of blogging Banquet With The King.

Happy New Year!

Reused portions of December 31, 2012, 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

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Heavenly Bodies?

For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it's not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee, he has given us his Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 5:1-5

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

I chose this scripture passage weeks ago to use at the end of 2025—now here we are and I’m wondering why I chose these verses. I'd love to have a new body—this earthly one is starting to show its age! But am I really ready to die? A lot of people I know really have a fear of dying. Not me. I’m prepared to go…especially if it is the rapture. A couple of YouTube end time prophesy teachers were just sure that we’d be raptured this past fall—but we weren’t. God has a plan, and as we search His scripture, we find little hints of the coming future. But no one knows the hour or the day…or even what year…of Christ’s return. We just look forward to new bodies, no sin, no tears, and the joy of being 24/7 with the Lord.

And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. Romans 8:23

New bodies, as described by Paul in his first letter to the church at Corinth, will be heavenly and will be instantaneously obtained. Remarkable. What a great plan that God has devised—just so we can come join Him in Heaven, and we can live eternally with Him.

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. (Isaiah 25:8)" 1 Corinthians 15:51-54

We will be transformed. This will be exciting; I can hardly wait! How about you?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, are You as anxious for this transformation to start…like many of us Christians are? You told us…"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Matthew 6:34.

Verse of Salvation ~ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

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 29, 2025

What Were Your Goals for 2025?

So then, being always filled with good courage and confident hope, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord—for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God's promises]—we are [as I was saying] of good courage and confident hope, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore, whether we are at home [on earth] or away from home [and with Him], it is our [constant] ambition to be pleasing to Him. For we [believers will be called to account and] must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be repaid for what has been done in the body, whether good or bad [that is, each will be held responsible for his actions, purposes, goals, motives—the use or misuse of his time, opportunities and abilities]. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 AMP

Meditate on your goals.

We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, and we will be held responsible for our actions. Did you note those statements? Some people say that Christians will never have to face judgment, but Paul is saying to the church at Corinth—hey, guys, you are going to have to be accountable for your actions, purposes, goals, motives, and how you spend your time. Nothing has changed. We will be held accountable for our actions, too.

Archeological dig at Capernaum in Israel.
Looking back.
Does knowing the past help build the future?

Sometimes we must look back to look ahead. What were your goals for 2025? Where are you at with the Lord now? Have you repented of your sins…up to today? Is your purpose for your actions, your goals, motives, and use of your time worthy of the Lord? Think and plan. Make it your goal for 2026 to be pleasing to the Lord in all that you think, say, and do.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, help me to see my life the way that You do. I want to please You in all that I think, say, and do—so please give me wisdom and courage to do the right thing ALL the time. I can do all things through You as You give me strength. In Your grace and mercy—please do give me strength. Thank you.

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.

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

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 28, 2025

Are You Truly Glad?

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. 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 1:6-9

Meditate. Consider trials and tribulations.

Life can be like a rose--
Beautiful and joy-filled....
but watch out for the thorns.

Peter writes about the wonderful joy ahead and enduring many trials. We can see those in our lives. Life is tough. Few people have an easy life. As we get older, there are more disappointments and tribulations we have to go through that are just part of life. Unmet expectations and the loss of jobs, of loved ones, of general frustrations and defeats during our existence. Our bodies just wear out. Those are just some of our trials. Keep on going. Persevere. God wrote to the church of Philadelphia in the book of Revelation about persevering and the protection He promises those who keep going.

Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. Revelation 3:10

Paul also wrote to Timothy, in the book of First Timothy, concerning pursuing righteousness, and about trials, in the book of First Thessalonians.

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12

Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God's co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come--and they did, as you well know. That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless. 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

So, keep on keeping on. Christmas is over, but let the joy remain and grow in your heart. Don’t be discouraged by the daily troubles of life. Endure and overcome! Trust in the Lord—with all your heart.

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

As you trust in the Lord, letting Him guide you through each hour and each day, may you be truly glad. Glad to have Jesus as your Savior. Glad to be part of God’s family. Glad that the joy in your life doesn’t have to be left behind at the end of this year. Take it with you into 2026.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, joyful, joyful we adore You, Lord of Glory and King of kings. Our hearts are full of praise for You. Today and always.

Verse of Salvation ~ But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "God is great!" Psalm 70:4

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 27, 2025

Time for New Goals

Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant. Galatians 1:10

Meditate on your goals.

Where are you going?
Signpost in Israel.

This year is drawing to a close. What is ahead for next year? In some regards, life is what we make of it. If we fail to plan…we plan to fail. What are your plans for the coming year? For the rest of the winter…for spring…for summer…for next fall? How about just your goals for January, for the first week, or the first couple of days of 2026?

So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 2 Corinthians 5:9

Goals are important. We need goals in lots of areas of our lives to challenge us—at work, at home, with physical fitness, and with diet or nutrition (how many pounds or inches do you want to lose this year?). Without goals, we have no vision, and we are more likely to be tossed about, wishy washy. That could be an opportunity for sin to enter. Keep the temptation of sin away by having Godly goals and concentrating on them. Once you have a goal, then there must be something done monthly, weekly, or daily to achieve that goal. When you reach your goal—celebrate. Party! Then set a new goal. Don’t let any joy in your life be taken away by sin.

What spiritual goals have you reached this past year? What spiritual goals are you considering or making plans for in 2026? Here are some things to consider when setting Spiritual Goals for the New Year:

1. What would you like to accomplish spiritually this year?

2. What attitude or habit needs to change?

3. How would you like God to use you?

4. What ministry could utilize your unique gifts?

5. What ministry could benefit from your leadership?

6. What level of intimacy would you like to have with God?

7. What friend or relative would you like to lead to Christ?

8. Who do you want to be your mentor…and who do you want to mentor?

As you consider these questions, think about what steps you can take on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis to attain these goals.

My goals include more writing…continue this blog for another year, another children’s book and beginning my Legacy—which is not just the story of my life as told for my grandchildren, but the story of God working in my life…drawing others to Himself. Other goals are doing a watercolor painting each month and decluttering my home! I will continually remember…For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13.

Let me challenge you to seek to set some spiritual goals for 2026. Without a goal, we fail to attain anything. As Lawrence J. Peter said…

If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else.

Is your goal to please God?

Prayer – Guide me, Lord, to see what You want me to accomplish for You in the coming days, weeks, months, or years until You call us to be with You…forever!

Verse of Salvation ~ 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. 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 1:6-9

Reused and revised from December 27, 2021, 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