Are You Kidding?

​Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Matthew 7:1-5 (Also Luke 6: 37-42.

Mediate. Think on these verses.

     It’s just a speck—a little bitty sliver. Here. Let me get it out for you. Wait… I can’t see it very well. I’ve a log in my own eye. Just a chunk, not the whole branch. That speck and my chunk of wood are like sins. You’ve a little…and whoa..I’ve a lot. I’m trying not to judge you…but yours is pretty obvious.  No one can look you in the eye with seeing your sin. I’ll just turn my head, so you won’t see my sin. It is horrible—but…yours! Oh, my. Sinful.

     Jesus was still teaching His followers that they needed to get rid of the sin..that great log in their own eye—stop judging others. You’ll be judged the same way that you judge others. Get rid of your sin. How? Confess your sin and you will be forgiven. 

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9

Once the sin…that chunky log…is gone, you’ll be able to help your friend with that tiny little speck of sin in their life. With the log I’m my own eye gone, I can see clearly now. How’s your vision?

     What do we learn about Jesus from these verses? Jesus wants us to not judge others…ultimately that is His responsibility. Don’t be a hypocrite. You’ve sin in your life…just like your friend, maybe even more. Get rid of your sin…by confessing it. Then you can help others deal with their problems—that speck in their eye.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, help me not to be a hypocrite—or just kidding others’ about their sin…while ignoring my own. Forgive me for being phony and discounting my own shortcomings in Your eyes. Thank You that You gave Your followers…and even everyone now…Your wise and judicious teachings. 

Verse of Salvation ~ For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 

 Please comment below. 

© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.  All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.  New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

No Worries — You Can Feast Today

That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.​ Matthew 6:25-34

     No worries. Life is good. For me…that is because God is good. All the time. Thinking and planning ahead for what you will eat, drink, and wear is good resource management. If you know what you are going to eat and drink for the next week you can make one trip to the store and save yourself so much time and money. No waste…or at least less wastefulness with time and money, if you plan your meals and even your wardrobe ahead of time. Jesus was teaching His followers to NOT WORRY—but to just trust God. He will provide all you need. He provides for the bird…and flowers—so why wouldn’t He provide for you, His chosen creation? Paul, too, encourages the believers in Corinth to trust God. He provides.

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 2 Corinthians 9:10

     Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. These are part of the lyrics to an old chorus from the 1970’s. These “things” include the food, drink, or. clothes…even shelter. God provides. 
     What do we learn from Jesus in this passage? Don’t worry about everyday life. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table
   

 Figs are one of the seven healing foods of Israel. 

I love figs and it wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized that figs come from more than Fig Newton packages. Fresh ripe ones are so good. I’m sure that Jesus mouth was watering too, when he anticipated eating a fresh fig. When you are hungry---look for food in season, then ask, give thanks, and receive. Jesus was God---yet He was man and experienced things like we do---hunger. He made the fig tree---yet He cursed it when there was no fruit. See Matthew 21:17-22. You may ask—was this a time of the year that figs were ripe for harvest?  Good question.
      Fig trees actually have fruit at two times during the year. The first crop of the year, called the breba crop comes in the spring about the time when the tree gets its leaves. The fruit is very soft, exceptionally sweet and is usually a delicacy eaten directly from the tree since it does not keep long. In the late summer or fall the common figs ripen on the tree and are harvested before they dry. The fruit has a uniquely sweet taste with a delightful crunchiness of the small seeds inside, which are actually the flower. The fig is the only fruit that has no waste, the skin as well as the flesh with the seeds are eaten. Medicinally figs are good for treatment of asthma, constipation, hemorrhoids, boils, and infections of the stomach, intestines and urinary tract. Additionally in Japan and Europe a chemical (benzaldehyde) found in figs has been found to be effective against cancer. With the highest mineral content of any common fruit, including, potassium, calcium, and iron, figs are exceptionally good for us. Watch for them in your local supermarket and enjoy them fresh.

© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

Portions from Banquet With The King blog,  April 19, 2017.

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

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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

Who is Your Master?

No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. ​Matthew 6:24

Meditate.

      

Who is your Master? Your Lord?

      In this day and age, especially here in the United States, we consider ourselves free and independent. We don’t have anyone controlling us. Oh sure, we pay our taxes, mortgages, and hopefully debts, but we don’t bow down to anyone. We are not the property of anyone. As Christians, we “submit” to the authority of Jesus and we look to Him for guidance and direction in our lives. We call Him Lord, therefore, He can be our “Master.” Other religions have similar views. Is Buddha, Mohamed, Allah, Brahman, or even Zeus considered a “Master?”

     Money. How does it control and influence our lives? Our desires—what we want in life—determines how we spend our money. Is it our Master? How much power do you give the wants/needs in your life? How much time do you devote to shopping on Amazon in comparison to how much time you spend reading your Bible? Ahhh. That is convicting! Just shopping…not even buying. It is so easy to put things in that basket and purchase them with the click of a key. Too easy. Whether it is Amazon, the Dollar Tree, Macy’s, or Walmart, it is way too easy to spend money on things we want—whether it is cash or credit. Is it your own power or the mighty dollar that is controlling you…and me? Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount that people will love one “master” and hate the other. Do you agree? Do you experience this? Can you love God and money at the same time? Choose wisely.

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, be the LORD of my life…moment by moment throughout my day. It is Your day. I want You as my Lord and Master…not money. I give You my heart and my time…and all I have. It is Yours. 

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, “The LORD is great!” As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay. Psalm 40:16-17 

Comment below.

© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.  All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.  New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

Is Your Light Shining?

​Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!  Matthew 6:22-23

Eye Self-Portrait by Amelia

Meditate.

     Lamps provide light. Jesus told us that He is the light of the world.

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

Living without light can be a scary thing. Do you remember a time when you had to live without electricity even for a short time? Was it night time and you were without lights—scrambling to find a flashlight or some candles? Dark. Spooky. Frightening. Without electricity, usually it is surprisingly quiet, eerie. Then, do you hear sounds you can’t identify? 

      Jesus told the crowd gathered by Him that when they are spiritually healthy, their eyes are filled with light. To me that indicates no fear when Jesus is near. No fear—how comforting and strengthening is that?! The opposite—spiritual weakness results in darkness, fear. Have you noticed whether people’s eyes sparkle or not? Are they sparkling with love, humor, or mischievousness? Dull eyes may indicate an unhealthy state of mind. Darkness may dwell in their hearts. 

      We have a choice here. Believe in Jesus—He’s the light of the world. When a person believes, Jesus lives within and through them. His light will shine in them—in me and in you. Believe. Don’t believe. That is the choice. Choose light or darkness.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, let Your light of salvation, honor, and love shine brightly in my life.

Verse of Salvation ~ The LORD is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27:1

© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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

Where is Your Treasure?

​Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:19-21

Don’t store up old coins—for robbers to break in and steal.

Collect heavenly treasures instead.

Meditate.

Jesus continued His lengthy discourse near the Sea of Galilee. Text also in Luke. 

Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Luke 12:33-34

Later in His ministry I recall that Jesus was asked by a rich young man who kept the commandments, what more should he do to enter God’s kingdom. Jesus answered with this same response about selling your possessions and giving to those in need. Can you do that? Where are your treasures—in heaven or your bank safe deposit box?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You are what I treasure most in life. Side by side and within my heart,You are with me always. I cannot sell or give You away. I can share You with others…as I am doing now. 

Verse of Salvation ~ Though the LORD is very great and lives in heaven, he will make Jerusalem his home of justice and righteousness. In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD will be your treasure. Isaiah 33:5-6

See February 10, 2018, Banquet With The King blog for other thoughts on Biblical “Treasures” that we can apply to our lives. https://kingstablefeast.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2018-02-14T03:00:00-08:00

© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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

When was Your Last Meal?

And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18

Meditate. Focus on God…not food.

Jesus was continuing to encourage the Jews who were seated on the hillside near the Sea of Galilee. As Jews they knew some principals of fasting like when and where to fast. God had declared the Day of Atonement as a day of fasting.

Ten days later, on the tenth day of the same month, you must call another holy assembly. On that day, the Day of Atonement, the people must go without food and must do no ordinary work. Numbers 29:7

The Jews had historical examples of fasting. David fasted when his son was sick and dying as recorded in 2 Samual 12. He knew he had sinned against God, but was pleading with God to spare his son’s life. Another of their historical examples was Queen Esther who fasted to save the Jews from annihilation. Read about that in the book of Esther. People responded to Jonah’s message from God by fasting. Fasting was a tradition as noted in other books. 

The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow. Jonah 3:5

They were to ask this question of the prophets and the priests at the Temple of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies: “Should we continue to mourn and fast each summer on the anniversary of the Temple’s destruction, as we have done for so many years?” Zechariah 7:3 

So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes. Daniel 9:3 

This why the LORD says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Joel 2:12 

Here we see the Pharisees confronting Jesus about fasting principles. 

One day some people said to Jesus, “John the Baptist’s disciples fast and pray regularly, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees. Why are your disciples always eating and drinking?”  Luke 5:33

His response is the classical answer we read in Matthew 6:16-18. Fasting is really an individual response to one humbling themselves before God. It can be done with a group of people, but no one needs to draw attention to themselves. Jesus provided good practical instruction in this passage that was good for people at that time and now. 

Prayer ~ Thank You, Jesus, for teaching us to humble ourselves before You and our Heavenly Father as we seek Your will in some particular way. Be a blessing today in the life of those who are crying out to You and pleading for mercy. Reward them in Your grace with love. 

Verse of Salvation ~ For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. Titus 2:11-14

© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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

Pray to the Lord

​Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:9-15 

Meditate reverently.

     

Teach your children and grandchildren to fold their hands in prayer.

During His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His disciples and followers just how to pray. This is also sustinctly recorded in the book of Luke and books have been written on this subject, so I’ll just add a couple comments of my thoughts on this topic. Prayer to God is the backbone of communication and a relationship with Him. How?

Jesus said, “This is how you should pray: “Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. Give us each day the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation.”  Luke 11:2-4 (NLT) 

First, reverently and respectfully honor and acknowledge our Holy God. His will and Kingdom are important to Him and should be of utmost importance to each of Jesus’ followers…then and now. Jesus next point was to ask for a daily portion of food. As a kid, my sixth grade Sunday School teacher suggested that this was not just the three square meals we each hoped for, but spiritual food as well. Spiritual food. That was a new concept to me and has intrigued me ever since. Spiritual food. God’s word. It is importantly to “be fed” spiritually every day. Just like we need food physically, we need spiritual food daily. How’s it going with your spiritual diet these days?

Forgiveness is essential. Jesus advised His followers to forgive others and to ask for forgiveness. Can’t have one without the other. Similarly, the next part of the prayer model is to ask for protection against temptation and the devil. God is all powerful and we can trust Him to protect us. Just ask. That is the key: ask. Jesus mentioned and clarified this later.

Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen.  You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” Matthew 21:21-22 (Underlined for emphasis.)

This simple plan, designed and provided by Jesus, can give your prayer life a boost and as you rely on the Lord, trusting Him. It surely will strengthen your relationship. Blessings.

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, Thank You for this practical lesson on praying. Help me to improve my prayer life and my relationship with you. 

Verse of Salvation ~ But I keep praying to you, LORD, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation. Psalm 69:13 (NLT)

© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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

Graduation Goal

Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NLT)

Meditate on goals and God. 

                 Amelia and Kim hiking Badger Mt.

 Kim and Amelia strolling down the hall 

 

      Amelia with siblings Zander and Liberty

Congratulations on your AA Graduation from Trident College, Amelia! We are so very proud of you!

Paul intructed the church at Thessalonica to live a quiet life. By nature, Amelia has a gentle quiet spirit. She has endured a lot of medical issues beginning with the diagnosis of Juvenile Arthritis when she was barely two. Have you ever heard of dysautonomia, POTS, MALS, or gastroparesis? She knows them well…and others. You’d think she would want to be a doctor since she is already so knowledgable of rare conditions, but ever since she was just a little tyke she has loved books and reading. She wants to be a librarian…but also now because of paralegal courses she’s taken, her passion is to be an attorney and a law librarian. Great goals. With her AA under her belt—she is now headed to Lander University in the fall…actually late summer to continue her studies. 

Paul’s encouragement to live a quiet life is congruent to that of Jesus’ teaching of being kind and compassionate. The important thing is to believe in Jesus as Savior, just as Amelia does. 

You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Luke 6:36

Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:29

Our future is in God’s hands, no matter what our goals are. God has a plan. We can merely trust Him. Rely on Him to guide us in the way we should go. Pray…and find your peace in His word. 

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. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Proverbs 3:5-9

Trust God and wisely choose your goals. No plan is a plan to fail. 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Thank You for the peace and quiet in my life that only comes from devoting my time and energy to You. Please continue to guide me along the narrow path that You have provided that began when I first believed in You as my Lord and Savior. My goal is to be in You, always.

Verse of Salvation ~ Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16

© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

Partial reuse of September 10, 2014, Banquet With The King blog.

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

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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

How’s Your Prayer Life?

When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! Matthew 6:5-8 (NLT) 

Be like the humble turtle and pray quietly.

Meditate. Pray.

Jesus knew that people who had come to hear Him needed to learn about prayer. Who did they have as examples in their community? The babbling, hypocritical scribes and Pharisees?! They were looking for rewards, praise, acknowlegements, or public accolades. Their public prayers were actually acceptable at the synagogue. Private prayer was to be just that, private, but these hypocrites were doing the private prayers on busy street corners where everyone could see them. They were chanting like pagan did to their gods, and babbling on in nonsense to impress others of their piousness. Jesus was stressing that our Heavenly Father knows what we need—and I would presume, want— even before we begin to pray. Prayer is our way to communicate with God. Reading His word and discussing it with others is one of God’s way of communicating with us. Have you spent time praising Him—for His creation, life, and thanking Him for all He has done lately?

This is how we will know that we belong to the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows all things. 1 John 3:20 

This reminds me of a parable that Jesus told later about the prayer life of two very different men. He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and looked down on everyone else: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee was standing and praying like this about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I’m not like other people -- greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes to heaven but kept striking his chest and saying, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner! ’ I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather than the other, because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”  Luke 18:9-14 (CSB)  What is Jesus teaching us from these passage? Which of the men are you like? How is your prayer life? © 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.  All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.  New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture labeled CSB are from the Christian Standard Bible, Copyright (c)  2017, 2020. By HolmanBible Publishers. Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Are You Silently Giving?

​Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:1-4

Mediate — humbly.

     If everyone were to boast about their good deeds—good works—then those actions would become meaningless. No reward—not even any self-satisfaction when someone has to boast about themselves. Look what I did…how great am I?! What kind of person is so egotistical as that? Pharisees? That is probably who Jesus didn’t want His followers to imitate…to become. Self-righteous. Self-righteousness is not rewarded by the Heavenly Father. No bragging.

     Additionally, besides doing these good deeds secretly, you may want to consider your own motivation. Are you doing… whatever… just to get God’s attention or to truly help others? Is knowing that you will ultimately get an award from God spurring you on or enticing you to seek His treasure? Are you giving of your time, talents, and money quietly or proudly?

     What do we learn from this passage? Jesus is telling His followers not to be braggers…to be humble and that the Heavenly Father would reward them for their actions…good deeds. How will He see your good deeds today?                                                                                              

Prayer ~ Jesus, let my light shine before our Heavenly Father…not before men. May the things I do for You not draw attention to me…but to You.    

Verse of Salvation ~ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:9 (NLT)

Can You Love Your Enemies?

​You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you. In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48

Meditate.

      

Archway looking out to the Sea of Galilee

Church of the Beatitudes - Israel 

      Jesus is still teaching this crowd of followers who are sitting around Him on the hillside above the Sea of Galilee, hanging on His every word and learning from His teachings as He is bringing the words of the Torah to life—to their life and emphasizing how to treat even those they don’t like—their enemies and those who have persecuted them. Persecuted—treated poorly, harassed, beaten, or even killed.

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18 (Underlined for emphasis.) 

Love your neighbor as yourself…love your enemies. Jesus teaches more than just being kind to our enemies. 

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Luke 6:35. 

Who are our enemies? Those who are doing battle/fighting with the United States…but closer to home, those who just have different goals and ideals than we have. They may be of another religion—wanting to persecute the Christians. Yes. I’d agree that they would be my “enemy” but we can even see enemies as subversive groups who would want to change the American way of life…and seek a communist agenda for our nation. Pray for those who would persecute you. That was Jesus’ advice—good for His followers then and good for us now. Pray.  

     Jesus is telling us to love even our enemies…love—do good for them—lend or provide them food, clothing, shelter and expect nothing in return. Treat them with respect and pray for them. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, there are people with whom I don’t feel comfortable and it’s hard to love an enemy. But because You’ve directed us to “love your enemies” I will do what I can to show them grace, compassion, and to do good things for them. I pray that they would come to know You as their Lord and Savior. That is more important than anything in life. Thank you for hearing my prayers.

Verse of Salvation ~ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Cry out, "Save us, O God of our salvation! Gather and rescue us from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you." 1 Chronicles 16:34-35

© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

Partial reuse of September 10, 2014, Banquet With The King blog.

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

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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

Carry My Backpack …for Just a Mile?

​You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. Matthew 5:38-42

Meditate.

Punishment must match the injury.

    - But if there is further injury, the punishment must match the injury: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise. Exodus 21:23-25

     - Anyone who takes another person's life must be put to death. Anyone who kills another person's animal must pay for it in full--a live animal for the animal that was killed. Anyone who injures another person must be dealt with according to the injury inflicted-- a fracture for a fracture, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Whatever anyone does to injure another person must be paid back in kind. Leviticus 24:17-20    

- But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need. Deuteronomy 15:7-8

  - Remember, do not charge interest on money you lend him (another Israelite) or make a profit on food you sell him. Leviticus 25:37

      

Walking along a dusty road in Eli, Nevada

On a hot day along a dusty road it may be difficult to walk one mile…carrying someone’s pack. So going two miles or more may be even more arduous. But that is just what Jesus is suggesting…go the extra mile—turn the other cheek—do more than is expected of you. At work—give extra effort. If something seems “good enough,” it isn’t. Do your best, not just good enough. I like this verse…

 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 NLT. (See December 29, 2013 blog post.) 

      It reminds me of the first time I heard that verse and was battling with a bad attitude about ironing my husband’s work shirts. When I started ironing them, as if ironing them for Jesus Himself, suddenly it wasn’t such a horrible task and my servanthood attitude changed. I try to apply that same attitude to all my housework…even cleaning toilets. If it seems just good enough—it isn’t. Clean the floors, toilet, and walls as sparkling clean as I would if Jesus were going to visit today. Is that like going an extra mile?

     Jesus is calling us to do more than is expected of us. What can we do beyond what He wants us to do for Him? Helping others, serving, giving, and teaching others about Him? How will you respond to Him today? Respecting and serving others is respecting and serving Him.

Prayer ~ I thank you Christ Jesus my Lord, for You have given me strength to do Your work. You considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve You…1 Timothy 1:12 NLT. Give me skill and vision to see beyond myself, to have a good attitude and be willing to give extra effort to anything I do.

Verse of Salvation ~  The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life

and give them my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16

© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

Portions reused from earlier Banquet with The King blogs. 

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

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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

Copyright ©2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. lockman.org

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016, 2025 by Crossway Books and Bibles, 

a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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