Banquet With The King

Friday, April 17, 2026

Who Has a Pure Heart?

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8

Meditate - purity.

Pure. Clean. Wholesome. Untainted. Uncontaminated. Basic. Fundamental. Strong. Vibrant. Genuine. Natural. Complete. Uncorrupt. That’s what is pure. Pure uncorrupt heart—following God’s will, His plan for life. Those are the people who will be blessed and see God. Imagine actually seeing the Almighty God, the maker of Heaven and Earth. The one who designed mankind and has a plan for each person’s life. There is a verse in the Bible that describes God with feathers and wings. Is that what we will one day see as we gaze on Him face to face?

Is this God's feather...floating on the
Columbia River?
Will He shelter you with His wings?

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:1-4

Those with a pure heart will see Him, with or without feathers.

Prayer – Lord God, I long for the day that I will see You face to face—feathers and all!

Verse of Salvation ~ Because I love Zion, I will not keep still. Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch. Isaiah 62:1 NLT

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Barley is one of Israel’s seven healing foods. Many of the ways to use barley utilize barley sprouts. So, the best thing to consider here is how to sprout barley grain.

Steps in Spouting Barley Grain

First – choose whole-grain kernels, not pearl grains, those cracked, or treated with any chemicals.

Second - Rinse ½ cup of grain, remove any debris or dust, and place in a quart jar.

Third – Cover the grain with fresh water and soak for 6-12 hours.

Fourth – Drain the grain in the jar. Rinse and drain again.

Fifth – Invert jar in a bowl, allowing the air to circulate. Place in a dark, warm place. Rinse and drain 2-3 times daily.

Sixth – Watch the kernels and see sprouts after 2-3 days. When the sprouts are 1-2 inches long they are ready to use.

Seventh – Rinse and drain one last time. Can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Enjoy in salads, puree in a smoothie, or combine into bread dough for “sprouted” bread. Google barley recipes for more ideas on ways to use the vitamin and enzyme packed sprouts.

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Are You Merciful?

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:7 NLT

Meditate on mercy.

Don't be prickly like a cactus.
Be merciful.

There are countless…well, try 41 verses about being merciful in the New Living Translation of the Bible. Most of them are concerning how merciful God is. That is true. God is merciful. Here’s an example of that written by the minor prophet, Joel, as he called the Israelites to personal repentance

Don't tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish. Joel 2:13 (Underlined for emphasis.)

In the New Testament, we have an example of Jesus as our merciful High Priest. Although He was not of the tribe of Levi, the usual Jewish priestly family unit, Jesus became a priest in Heaven.

Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:17

God promises to bless those who have shown mercy to others. What is the result of not showing mercy? James writes that there is no mercy, which is compassion, pity, understanding, grace, kindness, or leniency, for those who are not merciful to others.

There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. James 2:13

When I was in grade school, there was a girl who accidentally got hit in the face with a tetherball. Accidents happen. I was the one who had hit the ball, so she felt like I had slapped her in the face. She had just heard the verse stated by Jesus about turning the other cheek, and she was determined that I needed to hit her again. Wrong. I just couldn’t do it, but she kept nagging me and wouldn’t resume our tetherball game until I slapped her other cheek. Well, I finally tossed the ball, lightly at her other cheek, and we laughingly resumed the game just as the recess bell rang. Was it merciful? I felt like it could only be merciful if she would just forgive me for the ball hitting her in the face.

But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. Matthew 5:39 (Jesus words.)

Let them turn the other cheek to those who strike them and accept the insults of their enemies. Lamentations 3:30

Many of Jesus’ teachings were based on Old Testament statements that He clarified and made practical to the people of that time.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You were merciful to so many around You. I particularly think of the Pharisees, who, although some believed in You, like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, were often challenging evil people, but You listened politely. Ultimately, You were merciful to all of mankind by obediently taking our sins to the cross. Thank You. You are such a good example—we should certainly be merciful to others around us!

Verse of Salvation ~ So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. Lamentations 3:26

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, April 15, 2026

Are You Satisfied with Your Life?

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. Matthew 5:6 NLT

Please God.
Be a sweet fragrance to Him...
like these lilacs.

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

Justice: fairness, impartiality, reasonableness, honesty, integrity, validity, and righteousness. This is also expressed in the Amplified Bible as those who actively seek right standing with God. Right standing. Doing what God expects. Being obedient. These are people who, deep in their heart and soul, want to please God, but I think that in seeking justice, they want what is fair for themselves and for others. Justice is a two-way street. Can you consider righteousness the same way? I think so. If a person is righteous, they are living right for God, and they are respecting themselves, too. That is an important quality in life. Respect.

God’s blessing on the righteous results in them being satisfied. Being content with their life. Paul expressed this well in his letter to the Philippians.

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. Philippians 4:11-12

Are you content or satisfied with yourself, your life, your home, job, food, and clothes? See what Paul also advised young Timothy.

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Does anything take your attention away from God? What keeps you from being content? God wants you to be satisfied with your life and with Him. Is it time to evaluate what you think, say, and do so that you can choose to seek righteousness and please God?

Prayer – Lord, guide my thoughts, words, and actions today as I seek to serve You.

Verse of Salvation ~ If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced (Isaiah 28:16)." Romans 10:9-11

Have you done your taxes for the year?

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

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Who is Humble?

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. Matthew 5:5 NLT

Meditate on humbleness.

Keep your ducks in a row.
Be humble.
Graciously let others lead.

Humble. Humble can be considered meek, modest, unassuming, unpretentious, respectful, or servile. It is also described as… inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled (AMP). The Bible is filled with verses about being humble. Was Jesus considering some of the Old Testament scripture verses when He advised His disciples and followers that God blesses those who are humble?

The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged. Psalm 69:32

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

The LORD mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble. Proverbs 3:34 (also quoted in James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5)

Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3-5

God appears to honor those who humbly put others first and live as His Son, Jesus Christ, lived and taught. Such a good example for us. Life is good, and better when one humbly lives to please God. There it is. Live humbly. Pray. Seek God. What more could we want in life but to please God? It is better than living to please ourselves. Do you agree?

God promises that those who are humble will inherit the earth. Inheritance is usually a delightful occurrence. This inheriting the earth may reference Psalm 37:11.

The lowly will possess the land and will live in peace and prosperity. Psalm 37:11

The land could be considered the earth now and in the future. It is encouraging to contemplate that God has promised this for those who humble themselves. Do you consider yourself humble? Do you see yourself as a humble servant of the Lord?

Prayer – Lord, You said to Daniel, “Don't be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.” Daniel 10:12. Thank You for hearing my prayers, Lord. I patiently wait for Your response and trust You, no matter what You do.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. Psalm 149:4 NKJV

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, April 13, 2026

Are You Mourning?

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 NLT

Meditate. Consider God’s comfort.

May I offer you a cup of tea as we chat?
Tell me about your loss.

Mourning. Who of us hasn't experienced mourning—with the loss of a parent, spouse, sibling, child, friend...job...opportunity...home or car...hoped for dream dashed—leaving us devastated? In the Old Testament comforting those who mourn can be found in Isaiah.

I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them. I will comfort those who mourn.... Isaiah 57:18

Shout for joy, O heavens! And rejoice, O earth! Break forth into joyful shouting, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted His people and will have compassion on His afflicted. Isaiah 49:13 (NASB)

God is tough on His rebellious people—casting them out of the Promised Land into captivity in Babylon. But He is also compassionate—comforting them. Isaiah wrote to the people of Judah about their exile and then predicted the coming of the Messiah—Jesus Christ our Lord and King.

Can we expect God to show us compassion if we are "afflicted" spiritually or physically—or even politically oppressed? If we are obedient to Him—then it is more likely He will be compassionate to His followers just as He promised in Isaiah 57 to comfort, heal, restore, and lead His people—the righteous ones. As I try to be intentionally obedient to the Lord, I am counting on His mercy and compassion. God comforts His people through His Word and through His people. Have you comforted anyone in God's family lately? Have you been comforted?

Prayer – Lord God, Thank You for Your promise to comfort those who mourn—for that is all of us—all mankind. It is part of our life—to live...and to die. May we die to self and may we be compassionate to those who mourn—God’s chosen people—Jews and Gentiles.

Verses of Salvation ~ Listen! The LORD's arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. It's your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore. Isaiah 59:1-2 NLT

Portions reused from January 19, 2020, Banquet With The King blog.

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

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®,

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, April 12, 2026

Do You Need God?

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:3 NLT

Meditate. What does it mean to be “poor”?

Like the butterfly -- experience a new birth.
Spiritually.
You are unique--created by God.

Poor in spirit. The Amplified Bible states this verse as…Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever]. This is not about being monetarily poor, lacking money, but about being spiritually poor. God is spirit. We can’t see Him, but we know that He is real—or at least those who believe in Him are assured of that. I trust that God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit made the heavens, the earth, and everything that is in, on, and around this universe. God is awesome and powerful. Not everyone believes in this Almighty God of mine, who warns that disobedience to Him results in wrath. Those who believe will be granted eternal life in His Kingdom forever. Spiritually blessed.

There are so many different religions in the world. That’s alright. Each person has to deal with their own relationship to a god…or to The God. Does everyone need a higher power in their life? Can those who don’t know God be considered as poor in spirit?

So, be happy if you know you need God. Seek Him, and you will find Him.

Prayer – Lord God, blessed are You for revealing Yourself to us. May Your name be continually honored throughout this world and in Your Kingdom, which will never end. Please give us a spiritual awareness of You and of Your Kingdom that we may seek and know You personally.

Verse of Salvation ~ Guard [with greatest care] and keep unchanged, the treasure [that precious truth] which has been entrusted to you [that is, the good news about salvation through personal faith in Christ Jesus], through [the help of] the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. 2 Timothy 1:14 AMP

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

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Blessed? Rejoice and Be Glad

Gate at the Mount of Beatitudes
Israel

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:1-12 ESV

Church of the Beatitudes
Looking towards the Sea of Galilee
Israel

When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and when He was seated, His disciples came to Him. Then He began to teach them, saying,

"Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].

Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God's grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].

Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed [joyful, nourished by God's goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.

Blessed [content, sheltered by God's promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Blessed [anticipating God's presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.

Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God's favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.

Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God's love] are those who are persecuted for doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].

Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God's goodness] are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of [your association with] Me.

Be glad and exceedingly joyful, for your reward in heaven is great [absolutely inexhaustible]; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:1-12 AMP

Meditate on being blessed.

Blessed. Happy. Content. Satisfied. Honored. Spiritually alive. Spiritually calm. What an extensive list of synonyms for “blessed” that are enumerated with the Amplified translation. Read that again a couple of times and contemplate all of those words for being blessed. What rings true for you? Are you feeling blessed or in need of God’s blessing? Jesus proclaimed these Beatitudes in His Sermon on the Mount on the hillside above the Sea of Galilee.

Rejoice and be glad. David wrote about rejoicing in the Lord in several of the Psalms.

I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. Psalm 31:7 NLT

So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure! Psalm 32:11 NLT

Rejoice and be glad. God is giving us an amazing opportunity to know Him and to be blessed—no matter in what state we find ourselves.

Poor in spirit.

Mourning.

Meek.

Hungry for righteousness.

Merciful.

Pure in heart.

Peacemakers.

Persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

Reviled.

God is with everyone—and blesses those who seek and serve Him. Jesus was offering comfort to those thousands who came to hear Him teach on that mountainside. He wasn’t just talking to His disciples—but to all who would hear Him, even us today as we read His words again. Blessings on you.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, Thank You for making it clear in these simple statements that God cares about mankind, no matter what their condition is.

Verse of Salvation ~ The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! Psalm 18:46 NLT

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