Banquet With The King

Daily Devotional focusing on spiritual "food" at the King's Banquet Table. In 2025 this blog will explore verses to meditate on as we examine Jesus' command to "Go", pursuing a deeper relationship with God as we grow in Christian maturity. This web page has had over 288,000 page views by people in over 140 different countries who are seeking God through His Word. God has promised if you seek Him, you will find Him. May you be blessed reading Banquet With The King.

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Baby Lamb Born

Most lambs are born in the spring…actually most farm animals are born in the spring. That’s just a good time of the year when the weather is warmer and there is fresh green grass sprouting up feeding all the sheep. This is just a good time for birth. Was Jesus born in the spring? Are we missing the real date when we celebrate His birth at Christmas? Your guess is as good as anyone else’s.

We do know that Jesus was crucified on Passover—at the time of the lamb sacrifice.

When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn't want the bodies hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath, because it was the Passover). So they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down. John 19:30-31

The Jews were following the law that God had set into motion just before the Hebrew people left Egypt. The angel of death passed over the home of the Jews who had marked their door posts. The blood of Jesus marks the doorposts of our hearts so that eternal death passes over us—the second death or final death does not happen to us, but we will see Jesus, the Lamb of God. As the Light of the World, He will be shining on us.

Is this like the Tree of Life?
on the banks of the Yakima River
near West Richland, WA

Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:1-5

Jesus is the Lamb of God as testified by John the Baptist.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, 'A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.' I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel." Then John testified, "I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn't know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, 'The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God." John 1:29-34

The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! That Lamb is Jesus—born in a stable and wrapped in swathing clothes and laid in a manger. Sacrificed for the sin of mankind. He has died for you and for me. That is Jesus, our Passover lamb. Will you let Him take your sin upon Himself?

While the Israelites were still in the land of Egypt, the LORD gave the following instructions to Moses and Aaron: "From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you. Announce to the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each family must choose a lamb or a young goat for a sacrifice, one animal for each household. ... Take special care of this chosen animal until the evening of the fourteenth day of this first month. Then the whole assembly of the community of Israel must slaughter their lamb or young goat at twilight. They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the animal. ... These are your instructions for eating this meal: Be fully dressed, wear your sandals, and carry your walking stick in your hand. Eat the meal with urgency, for this is the LORD's Passover. On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn son and firstborn male animal in the land of Egypt. I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt, for I am the LORD! But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt." Exodus 12:1-3, 6-7, 11-13

Prayer – LORD Jesus, shine on us! May Your glory be forever and ever.

Meditate. Consider Passover.

Verses of Salvation ~ And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as "foreigners in the land." For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 1 Peter 1:17-19

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, March 25, 2025

Contemplate the Wind

Do you hear the voice of God—of Jesus—in the wind? Elijah was hoping to do just that…but that didn’t happen.

Early in Jewish history Jacob had heard the voice of God directing him to take his family to Egypt. This was God…not necessary the LORD God as we would identify as Jesus—but Almighty God the Father giving guidance to Jacob. If you read between the lines, you’ll hear what God was saying. Hey, go down to Egypt. I’ll take care of your whole family. I’ve already sent your son, Joseph, there to get things started by saving up lots of food. Follow him. No fear.

During the night God spoke to him in a vision. "Jacob! Jacob!" he called. "Here I am," Jacob replied. "I am God, the God of your father," the voice said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make your family into a great nation. Genesis 46:2-3

The Forsythia are in full bloom--announcing
Spring is Here and God's Love!

In this passage below where the LORD, Jesus, is speaking to Elijah, we’re told that the LORD was not in the wind. I guess that means we can’t expect to hear God speaking to us in these 40-50 mph winds we’ve been having the last couple of days. We can’t hear Him—but He is speaking to us in the beauty of the Spring that has just suddenly appeared. All the flowering bushes and trees are breaking forth in joyous bloom reminding us of God’s love and provision. No voice in the wind. Elijah listened carefully and heard the LORD in a gentle whisper.

How often are we quiet enough to hear God speak to us in a gentle whisper? Focus on the scriptures that you’ve read and with which God is using to guide you. As you recall those scriptures, you may just hear a quiet whisper reminding you of His love, of what He expects of you, of His grace, His forgiveness…and what you need to do next or always. Love one another.

"Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 1 Kings 19:11-13

Prayer – LORD God, I am listening for Your gentle whisper. Calm my heart—take away my anxiety, so that I may not only hear You—but respond in complete obedience. In Your mercy, love, and grace, fill the hearts of my family and friends…as well as me…with the trust and assurance that You will overwhelmingly give Your peace and strength to those who need it most today.

Meditate. Consider God’s voice—proclaiming His peace and strength.

Verses of Encouragement and Salvation ~ But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God's Spirit in them. But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love. Jude 1:17-21

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, March 24, 2025

March Winds Bring April Showers…Bring May Flowers...and the LORD

Wind. It is just part of living in the Tri-Cities…actually of living in Eastern Washington State. East of the Cascade Mountain range. We get wind. Lots of it. From what David wrote in Psalm 18 and is elaborated on historically by Samuel in Second Chronicles, David was rejoicing on being saved from his enemies, including Saul—by the LORD mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind. What an awesome sight that must have been! The wings of the wind.

David declares that the LORD supported him. Can we count on the LORD—on Jesus—supporting or strengthening us? If we belong to Him—if we know Him personally, not just know “about” Him, then, yes, we can count on Jesus to stand by us—to protect, guide, council, and just help us. This relationship that we form with God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is the most important connection or bond that we create with anyone or anything. No idol. Just Almighty God Himself as our creator, redeemer, confidant, guide, supporter, encourager, and friend. Yes. What a friend we have in Jesus! He does bear all our hopes, dreams, and has borne all our sins already when He was on the cross. What other “friend” do you have that would give up his life for you…that would take on your sins, faults, mistakes, and pay the punishment for those mistakes in your life? Look to Jesus. He’s not still on the cross… nor in the tomb. Both are empty. Will you find Him in your heart? Or is that empty, too? Ask Him to forgive you—repent from your sinful ways and let Him live forever within you—in the very heart of your being. The choice is yours.

What do the Wings of the Wind look like?
Cloud in our windy sky.

David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He sang: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. ... Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the heavens shook; they quaked because of his anger. ... He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet. Mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind. ... He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the LORD supported me. He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me. ... "The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted! 2 Samuel 22:1-4, 8, 10-11, 18-20, 47

Prayer – LORD, You live. Forgive me for my trespasses of yesterday…and so far today. I am unworthy of You—but I rejoice knowing that You have rescued me from my enemies…even from myself. You are worthy of praise. You are the Rock of my salvation. The strength and power for all humanity. Thank You. I praise You. May You be forever exalted!

Meditate. How do you exalt the Lord?

Verse of Salvation ~ The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted! 2 Samuel 22:47, Psalm 18:46

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, March 23, 2025

Dreaming Your Life Away?

When have you woke up in the morning and remembered a dream? I recently dreamed about some food…and standing around sampling different food with someone—chatting about the food. I must have been hungry…and I’m trying to change my diet habits to be slimmer and more healthy! Now, I’m dreaming about food—and it looked tasty! Eek! It is a good idea to keep a notebook and pencil handy by your bed so you can record dreams right away when you wake up…or better yet, just record them into your phone Notes.

There were several people in the Bible had dreams. We think of Joseph, Daniel, and the Wise Men who visited Baby Jesus. Joseph’s dreams are recorded in Genesis 37, 40-4 and deal with relationships between him and his family and then things that occurred in Egypt. God used Joseph in a powerful way to take care of his family that became the nation of Israel. It is as good a read as any novel today…but it is actually history.

God is the Light of the World!
Kayaking on the Columbia River

The story of Daniel and his dream interpretation is equally fascinating. God blessed him—and helped him save some astrologers of that time from an untimely death. What a great witness to his God…our God. Could it be that it was Jesus--surrounded by light--who was actually helping Daniel explain king Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams? Daniel was a strong Jewish believer and had a great prayer life. He trusted the Lord totally and praised God for the wisdom that He imparted. Do we give thanks and praise to the Lord when He is working in our lives?

One night during the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had such disturbing dreams that he couldn't sleep. He called in his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers, and he demanded that they tell him what he had dreamed. As they stood before the king, he said, "I have had a dream that deeply troubles me, and I must know what it means." Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic, "Long live the king! Tell us the dream, and we will tell you what it means." But the king said to the astrologers, "I am serious about this. If you don't tell me what my dream was and what it means, you will be torn limb from limb, and your houses will be turned into heaps of rubble! But if you tell me what I dreamed and what the dream means, I will give you many wonderful gifts and honors. Just tell me the dream and what it means!" ...That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. He said, "Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. You have told me what we asked of you and revealed to us what the king demanded." ... Daniel replied, "There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune-tellers who can reveal the king's secret. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future. Now I will tell you your dream and the visions you saw as you lay on your bed. "While Your Majesty was sleeping, you dreamed about coming events. He who reveals secrets has shown you what is going to happen. And it is not because I am wiser than anyone else that I know the secret of your dream, but because God wants you to understand what was in your heart. Daniel 2:1-6, 19-23, 27-30

Daniel wisely tells us that God wants us to understand—to have some idea about coming events. Peter preached words from the prophet Joel to the newly formed church in Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts.

'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:17

There we go. Are we in the Last Days? Some people think so. Young men will see visions and old men, as they nap and sleep a lot, will dream dreams. Have you had any interesting dreams lately…or are you just dreaming your life away?

That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. He said, "Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. You have told me what we asked of you and revealed to us what the king demanded." Daniel 2:19-23

Prayer – LORD, You are wisdom…and we thank you for sharing that with us…for revealing our dreams. Just to remember what our fleeting dream is sometimes awesome. Show us what it is You want us to know…about the future and how we can apply these deep and mysterious things wisely to our lives. Give us strength to endure whatever lies ahead.

Meditate. Think about your recent dreams.

Verse 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

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, March 22, 2025

Life and Death

Life and Death. Time goes on whether we are ready or not. Jesus told us to “be ready.”

So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:42-44 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Today is sort of an important day for my family. My second grandson turns 16 years old today. Hurrah for Isaac—and look out world, he’ll be driving BY HIMSELF! But I’ve ridden with him…and he is a good driver. I just worry about others out there on the road! What are the burdens with which they bogged down…and their own turmoil and strife? Are they paying attention to others…or driving blindly just getting to where they need to go?

Another event in my extended family is the Memorial…or Celebration of Life for my ex-sister-in-law, Vicky. It is a milestone for her four children—now all adults. One is even a grandmother herself. Life. Death. We all live. We all die…sometime. We just don’t know when that end of time will happen. Be ready. Vicky had open heart surgery a few weeks ago and never woke up. Now she is sleeping until the LORD causes her and others to rise up and sing for joy! That will be a marvelous time!

Are you “ready” or not? The LORD will be coming sometime and those who die in the LORD will live; their bodies will rise again! For now, I’m with the living…but I’m ready. Each person has to decide for themselves…ready or not? We're given advice not to indulge in evil desires, immoral living, or even jealously. Wise advice from the Lord through Paul.

Graves at the Mount of Olives
Jerusalem, Israel
Will the people there rise up and sing for joy?

But those who die in the LORD will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! For your life-giving light will fall like dew on your people in the place of the dead! Isaiah 26:19

Prayer – LORD Jesus, I think You are waiting for our Heavenly Father…God Almighty…to give that call. Then we will rise up and follow You. Have I got it right? Just waiting for that “call” but as You said… I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. Matthew 24:34-36

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

Verses of Salvation ~ This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. Romans 13:11-14

Happy 16^th Birthday, Isaac!

Fairwell to Vicky J. Rest in Peace

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, March 21, 2025

Searching For Truth?

Are you searching for truth and guidance from Jesus…for ways to apply His commandments to your life?

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

From the New Testament we get guidance and warnings…be on the lookout, be strong and courageous. And the eternal constant associated with Jesus…do everything with love. He loved first so that we can love others. In searching for these key phrases, I found similar guidance throughout the Old Testament.

Be on guard! Turn back from evil, for God sent this suffering to keep you from a life of evil. Job 36:21

But the LORD's plans stand firm forever; his intentions can never be shaken. Psalm 33:11

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Joshua 1:7

No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Do we see Jesus in these verses from the Old Testament? Sure. His commands from the Old Testament times are repeated in New Testament guidance. Nothing has changed. Are you still looking for guidance? As written by Moses in Exodus…just stay calm and watch the LORD save you. He will.

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Prayer – Lord, I am standing firm in my faith and love for You. Help me to be strong and courageous—like You told Joshua.

Meditate on strength and courage.

Verse of Salvation ~ But Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue (save) 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

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Is there still time to get a corned beef on sale? This is really the most economical time to get a corned beef brisket, so it is time to stock up. We recently had a nice traditional corned beef meal—slow cooked with potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and rye bread, but not actually on Saint Patrick’s Day.

The leftovers from a corned beef brisket make a wonderful Corned Beef Hash breakfast. If there is still leftover meat, you can create a Reuben Sandwich with sliced corned beef brisket, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, on toasted rye bread. Three favorite meals for March for my hubby. He lives to eat…and eats to live.

Crock-pot Corned Beef

4 large carrots, peeled and cut into matchstick pieces

10 baby red potatoes, quartered

1 onion, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

5 cups water

1 (4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spices

1 medium sized head of cabbage, chopped, (optional)

Place the carrots, potatoes, and onion into the bottom of a slow cooker, pour in the water, and place the brisket on top of the vegetables. If a spice packet was provided with the meat, sprinkle on the spices. If no spice packet was provided, add a heaping tablespoon of pickling spice. Cover, and set the cooker on Low. Cook for 10-11 hours.

Serve with cooked cabbage—my family enjoys sweet and sour cabbage, so I cook it separately from the corned beef. If preferred, during the last hour or two of simmering the corned beef, you may add a head of cabbage, quartered.

My Mom, Dorothy Jeske, developed this hash recipe and she was actually chosen to be on a cooking show at KXLY TV station in Spokane, Washington in about 1956 to share her original recipe for left-overs.

Baked Hash

2 cups ground or diced left-over roast beef (or corned beef)

½ cup minced onion

1 cup left-over cooked potatoes, or other left-over vegetables, chopped or diced

1 cup left-over gravy or 1 cup white sauce

1 egg, well beaten

Salt & pepper to taste

Mix together and bake in a loaf pan at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Enjoy any meal of the day.

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