Banquet With The King

Monday, March 9, 2026

Where and Whom Do You Worship?

The Time is Here Now
Where, When, and Whom do you worship?

"Sir," the woman said, "you must be a prophet. So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?" Jesus replied, "Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:19-24

Meditate on God, who is Spirit.

In this continued dialogue between Jesus and the Woman at the Well, we read that Jesus is declaring that God is Spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. Do you worship God? Is it a private ritual, or do you join others and worship corporately? David taught his son, Solomon, the value of seeking and worshipping the Lord God. Jesus knew this scripture, lived it, and taught it by example to His disciples.

And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9

Additionally, Jesus encouraged and taught His disciples, who passed on this teaching, to worship corporately.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV

What do we learn about Jesus from the focus scripture passage today? God is spirit. Since Jesus is God, He is to be worshiped in spirit and in truth. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, the spiritual aspect of our lives is “born again” as described in the dialogue that Jesus had with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21). So, as born again Christians, we can spiritually praise God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That is an awesome concept. Can you grasp that—and live it? Where and whom do you worship?

Prayer – Lord God, You are awesome, and I worship You—here and now, as well as in church on Sundays—in spirit and in truth. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Light, giving meaning and hope to my life. Jesus, You said that salvation comes through the Jews. Since You were Jewish, I recognize that salvation comes through You. Thank You!

Verses of Salvation ~ Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant. Hebrews 9:14-15

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.

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Sunday, March 8, 2026

Who is Your Husband?

"Go and get your husband," Jesus told her. "I don't have a husband," the woman replied. Jesus said, "You're right! You don't have a husband, for you have had five husbands, and you aren't even married to the man you're living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!" "Sir," the woman said, "you must be a prophet." John 4:16-19

Meditate. Consider the truth.

Jesus didn’t ask her who her husband was. He just said, "Go and get your husband." He knew her history—five husbands! Jesus knows everything about us. Is that a scary thought to you? Jesus will be the ultimate judge one day. Later on, to a crowd of people, Jesus spoke about the coming judgment. He spoke about His role as Savior, not as a judge, but as one who shows the truth, points a light to the right way.

I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. I will not judge those who hear me but don't obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. I don't speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say." John 12:46-50

This woman was considered a harlot in her community and was convicted of her sin when speaking with Jesus. He exposed her way of life, convicting her of her lifestyle. She recognized Jesus as a prophet—but read on. He is going to reveal to her an astonishing truth.

The culture was different in Israel in those days. Women were subservient to men, dependent on them for daily life, and yet subjected to a slave type existence. So, the Woman at the Well was doing her daily chore, obtaining water for the home in which she lived with a man who wasn’t even her husband. Jesus knew her situation. Jesus didn’t ask this woman who is your husband? He knew what her life was like.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You know the thoughts and plans of my heart even before I think or act on them.

Verse of Salvation ~ How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don't let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:12-14

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

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Saturday, March 7, 2026

Please, Give Me This Water

Fountain of Living Water?
Is it a fresh, bubbling spring within you?
Waterfront Park, Charleston, SC

Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." "But sir, you don't have a rope or a bucket," she said, "and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? And besides, do you think you're greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?" Jesus replied, "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." "Please, sir," the woman said, "give me this water! Then I'll never be thirsty again, and I won't have to come here to get water." John 4:10-15

Meditate. Are you thirsty?

Jesus is offering the Woman at the Well living water. She was practical—no bucket, no rope. How could He get water out of Jacob’s deep well? Where would He get living water? Jesus assures her that whoever drinks the living water that He offers will never be thirsty again—in fact—that water will give eternal life. Can you imagine no thirst and living forever? That is just what the woman wanted—no thirst and never having to draw water again. She’s thinking about herself—no thirst, and she won’t have to go alone to the well or avoid the other ladies who drew water from Jacob’s well. That would be nice.

But what was this Jewish man talking about…a free gift of living water? Free is good…and life forever would be sweet. Yes, I want this water!

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage? He offers a free gift from God—meaning His Father. Living Water. Eternal life. Will He give the same gift to anyone who asks?

Prayer – Lord Jesus—please give us this living water.

Verse of Salvation ~ See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory." With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! Isaiah 12:2-3

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

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Friday, March 6, 2026

Please give me a drink.
Where can I get living water?

He had to go through Samaria on the way. Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Please give me a drink." He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food. The woman was surprised, for Jews to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, "You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?" Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." "But sir, you don't have a rope or a bucket," she said, "and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? John 4:4-11

Meditate on loneliness.

Where were all the other people from the village who needed to draw water? It was noontime, and all the other ladies had gone to the well to carry their water home much earlier in the day. This woman was an outcast. The other women scorned a woman like her, who had several husbands. Now this Jewish teacher was asking her for a drink of water. A Jewish man speaking to a Samaritan woman—an outcast no less! Since Jews considered Samaritans as half-breeds, dating back to when the Jews were taken into captivity in Babylon. Jews left behind married Gentiles and produced the Samaritan race. Jewish men did not speak to Samaritans, especially to women alone.

The woman alone. Alone at the well. Alone with no friends to chat at the local watering hole. She must have been lonely, but extremely surprised when a Jewish man spoke to her, “Please give me a drink.” How could this man speak to her and expect her to provide water to him? Then, He tells her about some strange living water. What is living water? That sounds intriguing. She’s thinking…living water?! Would I ever have to carry water again? Would He give me—a lonely, outcast Samaritan woman—this living water?

Jesus continues His conversation with the Woman at the Well. His dialogue with her probably lasted less than an hour—but it will take a couple of days for us to really delve into it.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage and the story so far about the Woman at the Well? He was not bound by Jewish customs, since He spoke to a woman alone, unescorted, and scorned by not only the Jews, but also by the Samaritans. He was compassionate. He was human, tired, and hungry. In many ways, we are just like Him at times—tired and hungry. Are we compassionate and willing to speak to those who are not accepted by society?

Verse of Salvation ~ "Listen to me, my people. Hear me, Israel, for my law will be proclaimed, and my justice will become a light to the nations. My mercy and justice are coming soon. My salvation is on the way. My strong arm will bring justice to the nations. All distant lands will look to me and wait in hope for my powerful arm. Look up to the skies above, and gaze down on the earth below. For the skies will disappear like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing. The people of the earth will die like flies, but my salvation lasts forever. My righteous rule will never end!” Isaiah 51:4-6

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Like Jesus, are you tired and hungry? When I am truly hungry, I get tired and a bit edgy. Is it the same for you? When dinnertime rolls around, it is time for food. I am tired out and ready to eat then. What would Jesus eat for His lunch? What did the disciples bring from Sychar for them to eat? Probably some pita-type bread, hummus, and some fresh fruit or veggie slices. There might be some olives or fresh almonds served, depending on the time of the year.

Hummus
2 cups cooked garbanzo beans (start with 1 cup dried, soak and cook in 4 cups of water for three hours) OR 1 can garbanzo beans (15 oz.), drained, reserve liquid
1/4 cup tahini (sesame butter)
1 Tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon or about 2 Tbsp
6 cloves garlic, grated with microplane grater (or more if preferred, never too much garlic)
1 tsp sea salt

2 Tbsp horseradish (optional)
pepper to taste
paprika or fresh parsley to garnish
Chop garbanzos in a food processor; blend in the rest of the ingredients, including some of the reserved liquid, until smooth, and it reaches your desired consistency. This gets better with age, so prepare it a day before, if you like. Pour into serving bowl & sprinkle with paprika or parsley. Serve with triangles of soft pita bread, crisp pita chips, sliced cucumber, carrots, celery, sliced fresh sweet pepper, or sliced apples.

Happy 80th Birthday, Marianne! Blessings.

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

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Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Who Baptized You?

Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John (though Jesus himself didn't baptize them—his disciples did). So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He had to go through Samaria on the way. John 4:1-4

Meditate. Consider what it means to be baptized.

Shultz Family - all baptized together
in the Atlantic Ocean!

Baptism. Have you been baptized? What does it mean to you? When were you baptized? Who baptized you?

In this scripture passage today John tells us that Jesus’ disciples, not Jesus Himself, were baptizing people. Interesting. John the Baptist had been encouraging people to repent and be baptized by him and then as Jesus came on the scene, John stepped back and as he said in John 3:30, Jesus must become greater and he must become less. He was there to “prepare the way” as stated in John 30:28.

Repent was the message from both John and Jesus, but those who came to believe in Jesus as the Son of God and their Savior were really entered into a spiritual realm—the beginning of their eternal life. John the Baptist indicated that he baptized with water, but Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. That type of baptism didn’t happen until after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension into Heaven. (See Acts 1 and 2.)

The reason we are baptized is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus as our Savior. We have repented of our sins and are forgiven. The water used in the ritual does not actually wash away our sins—we are forgiven when we confess. Being baptized doesn’t make us sinless. That is an ongoing process. Life—spiritual and physical—goes on. From this baptizing event, Jesus goes on to Samaria—the home of a mixed race of Jews and Gentiles that follow some of the Jewish customs, but are not particularly liked by the Jews.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage? Repent and be baptized?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for Your devotion to mankind—to being willing to teach and have Your disciples baptize those who repented long ago…and those who repent of their sins today. I confess that I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. Thank You for forgiving me…day by day…moment by moment. I am continually amazed by Your love and mercy. Please continue to bless me, my family, friends, and neighbors.

Verses of Salvation ~ words of Jesus ~ And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. Mark 16:15-16

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Who is the Messiah?

A debate broke out between John's disciples and a certain Jew over ceremonial cleansing. So John's disciples came to him and said, "Rabbi, the man you met on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us." John replied, "No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, 'I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.' It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. For he is sent by God. He speaks God's words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. And anyone who believes in God's Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn't obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God's angry judgment." John 3:25-36 NLT

Meditate. Consider the story of Jesus and John.

We don’t hear from Jesus here…just about Him. Sometimes others' words speak more loudly and directly to the heart. John was telling his disciples that Jesus came from Heaven. What a powerful revelation that must have been! Some of John’s disciples became Jesus’ disciples. John was not present when Jesus discussed eternal life with Nicodemus, but he relates the same message.

In this passage, John the Baptist tells us he is not the Messiah, then he gives a great testimony about who Jesus is, where He is from, and what He does. What a tremendous statement about God the Father, too.

The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. John 3:35

God has put the whole world in Jesus’ hands. The total love of God for His Son is well expressed. If only people believed the truth of God’s love.

What do we learn about Jesus from this passage? John tells us the truth about Jesus. He is the Son of God, sent by God from Heaven. John tells us what God wants us to know, especially that those who obey the Son will have eternal life and not God’s angry judgment. Who is the Messiah to you?

Prayer – Lord God, thank you for Your expression of love for mankind by sending Your precious Son to teach, heal, and sacrifice for us.

Verse of Salvation ~ Riches won't help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death. Proverbs 11:4

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Are You Following the Light?

But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God. John 3:21 ESV

But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants. John 3:21 NLT

Meditate on the light.

Consider the light. Who or what is it…where does it come from? Jesus was speaking with Nicodemus. As a Pharisee, he probably considered himself to be in the light—pure, righteous, and always right. Is he? Jesus is the light of the world, just as He told His followers.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12 NLT

But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world. John 9:5 NLT

Darkness indicates evil. Jesus is light, providing hope, security, direction, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, love, joy, and peace. No need for fear. Are you walking in His light?

As a person lives a Christ-centered life, they don’t have to boast, but just live with other people in mind who will benefit from being honored in the love of God. To love God and love others is an ideal command. If a person loves God, they are more likely to love others as themselves. Likewise, if someone loves others, they will love the creator…God. Jesus taught that we are to love God and to love others as ourselves. Doing things for others shows God’s love to them…as well as your own love. Is that easy for you to do? What stands in your way of obeying God?

Prayer – Lord God, show me when I miss the mark of meeting your ideals, whether in thought, words, or actions. You are the most important in my life and I just want to please You. I praise Your name.

Verse of Salvation ~ But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 NLT

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