Banquet With The King

Daily Devotional focusing on spiritual "food" at the King's Banquet Table. In 2024 this blog will explore verses to meditate on as we examine our "choices" daily, pursuing a deeper relationship with God as we grow in Christian maturity. This web page has had over 230,000 page views by people in over 135 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.

Monday, January 31, 2022

What Will You Do When You Find God?

Start with Prayer ~ Lord God, I am looking to You for my hope for the future. I know You have a plan…and I am just waiting for it to be fulfilled. Will You call us to join You during my lifetime? I am so excited to see You at work fulfilling Your prophecies. As I read and study Your word today, show me what it is You want me to do today—show me how to serve You according to Your plan.

“For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13

Meditate.

Plans. Plans for good…not evil…not disaster. That gives us hope and security. A future. Knowing God, we know that He loves us—that gives us security and hope. To love and be loved is the greatest of all basic emotions. Once again, I recognize that love is essential to life. Without it babies fail to strive…and people can be so discouraged that they lose hope and may even consider taking their own life. This seems to be escalating during this COVID pandemic with so much depression, loneliness during isolation, fear, and insecurity. Now is the time to reach out…at the very least to pray…for those who don’t have the hope and security that each of us has who knows God. Pray. Pray for others. Pray for yourself. God promises to listen. God has a plan—a hope for the future for all who believe in Him. So, believe. Trust God for your future. Seek Him. Look earnestly for Him…and you will find Him.

What will you do when you find God? When you find Him, don’t reject Him. Accept His plan and love Him with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength. That is just what Jesus said to do…love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. Mark 12:30

Verses of Salvation ~ Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. I have sworn by my own name; I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess allegiance to me. Isaiah 45:22-23

Memory Verse of the Week ~ “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Unless otherwise noted, all scripture is quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT).

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories (Children’s storybook)

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 both God and money. Matthew 6:24

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Sunday, January 30, 2022

Is God Blessing You Now?

Prayer ~ Lord God, bless me, my family, friends and neighbors as we read and study Your word. Help us to understand it, obey it…and apply it to our lives. To know You…and serve You…is the essential thing of life.

God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. Revelation 1:3

Meditate. Do you really understand this prophecy? Are you willing to be obedient to God’s word?

God wants to bless us. He blessed Adam and Eve. He blessed Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and even Laban. There are countless people who were blessed by Jesus, including little children, lame, demon-possessed, blind, lepers, dead, and hungry people. In addition, Jesus blessed food. Obviously, we aren’t food—but Jesus wants to bless us. Additionally, God is protective of the nation of Israel and has declared that He will bless those who bless Israel, whereas He will curse those who curse them.

Like a lion, Israel crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to arouse her? Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel, and cursed is everyone who curses you. Numbers 24:9

God expects His followers to be obedient…and promises to bless those who obey His commands.

You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today. Deuteronomy 11:27

Blessing will be on those who read the prophesy of Revelation…and on those who listen to it being read. That pretty much covers anyone who is willing to study the Book of Revelation. There are certainly blessing to reading and understanding this mysterious book. I think there is a peace in reading it, interpreting it and perceiving the meaning behind the symbolic language. There is a difference between studying historical books and studying prophetic books. It is reassuring to know what is going to happen in the future…and of course, we know that God wins, and Satan loses in the end. Then there really will be peace—on the New Earth and in the New Jerusalem. That will be the day—the best day ever. We will celebrate and rejoice, worshipping God and Jesus in this new place they are creating for us. God will surely bless us then—as the Bride of Christ. For now…as you obey Christ…you are pleasing Him. The time is nearer each day. Is God blessing you now?

Verse of Salvation ~ 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 51:6

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories (Children’s storybook)

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Saturday, January 29, 2022

Be Still and Know

Start with Prayer ~ God, I am listening to You today. I am waiting, quietly and patiently as I read Your word…so speak to me and show me something new and wonderful today. Bless my dear Auntie Mercedes.

May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. Numbers 6:25

Meditate on the tranquility and calmness you can have before the Lord.

"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Psalm 46:10-11

This is my Aunt Mercedes favorite verse. Be still, and know that I am God! She is 96 years young today—she’s not old—she is dear, kind, generous, loving, and spry! I love her dearly! Although she doesn’t claim these verses below…it is how she lives.

…use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:28-32

She has always been a hard worker, blessed with good business skills, and a generous heart. She helped her husband to be a very successful farmer. A while after he died, she married my uncle and they lived happily for many years. I loved to hear them laugh—even now I smile as I think of the two of them and their precious little dogs. Auntie Merc has been an encouragement to me over the many years that I’ve known her. We’ve shared Bible verses and she is honest about her searching for God and relying on Him in times of stress. She’s had more than her fair share of life stressors…but with God’s help she made it through those times, endured, and came out victorious. Stronger.

God is with us all…no matter where we are. He has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us—and that is a powerful promise. I claim it just about every day. Be still and know…. Know God. He knows you. Love God. He loves you. Serve God…He serves you. Be still and know.

Verse of Salvation ~ The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

Just like the butterfly has new life...
we have a new life in Christ.
Be Still and know that He is God!

Memory Verse of the Week ~ This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

Test yourself or recite this verse to someone. Did you memorize it? Does it mean anything different to you than it did at the beginning of the week?

Happy 96 Birthday Auntie Merc!

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories (Children’s storybook)

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Friday, January 28, 2022

Have Hope - With God as Your King

Prayer ~ Lord God, You have provided us with what we need. Help us to be content with what we have and not to desire to be like others—whether that is politically, socially, or materially.

Meditate. Consider the Israelites wanting a king…like other nations.

Finally, all the elders of Israel met at Ramah to discuss the matter with Samuel. "Look," they told him, "you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have." Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the LORD for guidance. "Do everything they say to you," the LORD replied, "for it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don't want me to be their king any longer. Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them." 1 Samuel 8:4-9

When and where did the desire for a king to rule over Israel begin to take a foothold among that nation? Judges had been ruling—now they wanted a king like other nations had. Did Israel at the time of Samuel really want a king? The Lord could see that they didn’t want Him to rule over them. They were rejecting God. Is that so different than many countries and individual now?

Do we ever act like that? Our nation was founded by those wanting not to be ruled by a king—the other end of the spectrum. Our ruling system with the Judicial, Executive, and Legislative branches is a far cry from being governed by a king. Things are changing in our country…but we aren’t headed for monarchy.

COVID isolation is still keeping some people at home…and away from church, but some pastors on YouTube have indicated that they think there are more people coming to the Lord now than in recent years. By the verse (Revelation 1:6) we have looked at and on which we have meditated, all believers will all be kings and priests serving our God. Since we have ears…let us listen to Him. We can only hope—with God as our King.

Verse of Salvation ~ There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

Memory Verse of the Week ~ This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

We can’t live on bread alone. I’ve been reading a great book, “Healing Foods” by Dale Pinnock. The book covers basically the body systems and healthy foods of all categories that are nutrients, and medicines to these areas of the body and to health in general. It is almost an overwhelming amount of information, and yet basically Pinnock encourages everyone to eat the rainbow of foods, stay hydrated, and avoid refined sugar and other processed foods.

What are you concerned about? Heart health? Reduce your saturated fat intake and focus on a plant-based diet, as well as increased high-fiber foods. Similarly, for skin issues staying hydrated is important, eating good fats—not saturated fats—and reduce sugar intake. Some of what he writes is just common sense. Even God, through the prophet Isaiah, focused on the importance of eating good food…food that give you strength.

Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. Isaiah 55:2

Remember Daniel and his friends ate wholesome fruits and vegetables when they were taken captive to Babylon. They flourished on a vegetarian diet. Using common sense to balance those vegetarian foods in the proper amounts can even provide the protein the body needs. Still, I will admit that I enjoy chewing on some meat or fish regularly. We just can’t live on bread alone…although someday we might just be glad to have some bread to eat. Choose wisely…and thank God for what He has provided.

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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories (Children’s storybook)

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Are You Ready to Respond?

Prayer ~ Lord, cleanse my heart and make me new that I would be worthy to be a king or priest for You in Your Kingdom.

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:8-10 KJV (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Consider what it must feel like to be a king or a priest—serving God on earth.

Different translations give this verse a bit of a different meaning. In the King James Version above, indicates the believers (twenty-four elders) will be kings and priests serving or reigning on earth, whereas the New Living Translation indicates this group of believers will be a kingdom or group of priests. At any rate, believers will be serving God on earth. That is an interesting concept in itself—not raised from the dead and raptured to just be in heaven, but to serve God on earth.

And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God's people. And they sang a new song with these words: "You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And you have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth." Revelation 5:8-10 NLT

There is still so much to learn about God and His kingdom…His plans for the future of believers. We can spend countless hours studying the Bible—and that is never time lost. Be careful about to whom you listen for interpretation of scripture. Don’t be deceived.

Don't be deceived like Adam & Eve.
Satan is cunning and a liar.
Keep watch - Be ready.

But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. 2 Corinthians 11:3

You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. Hebrews 3:13

We need to listen to the same words that Jesus taught His disciples and take heed.

"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

Keep watch. Be ready. To be ready to become a priest or a king in the Kingdom of God we have to first believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior. Are you ready to respond to His call to come and be with Him…in heaven or on earth?

Verse of Salvation ~ If you confess with your mouth 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 confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10

Memory Verse of the Week ~ This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

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. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories (Children’s storybook)

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Jesus is the High Priest

Prayer ~ Lord, open my eyes and heart to see ways that I can serve You now…and someday possibly as a priest in service to Your eternal Kingdom.

He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Revelation 1:6 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. What does it mean to be a priest in God’s kingdom? What are the qualities and responsibilities of a priest?

As I’ve meditated on this verse and thought about just what it means to be a priest—I’ve gone back to the Old Testament to see what they do. Who were the priests? The family of Aaron, Moses’ brother, were the initial priests, serving God by offering the sacrifices of the Israelites in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. So, what is a priest? Webster dictionary tells us that a priest is one who is authorized to perform religious rites.

Priests had to be males from the lineage of Aaron (Exodus 28:1), between the ages of 30 to 50 years old (Numbers 4:3), have a good marriage (Leviticus 21:9), and properly dressed (Exodus 28:1-4). There were other considerations dealing with health and not cutting one's hair that imposed on priests.

Their responsibilities included teaching (Leviticus 10:9-11), serving as judges (Deuteronomy 21:5), offering sacrifices (Exodus 29:38-42), blessing God (Deuteronomy 10:8), blessing the people (Number 6:22-27), caring for and preparing the Tabernacle when they were traveling, and blowing the trumpets (Numbers 10:1-10).

The most notorious priest in the Old Testament is Melchizedek who was a priest-king from Salem—better known as Jerusalem. He doesn’t seem to have a beginning—he just appears in scripture ministering to Abraham, yet this was before the time of Aaron and Moses.

And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you." Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered. Genesis 14:18-20

Jesus Christ is a king-priest in the order of Melchizedek as noted by the scripture in Hebrews.

This change has been made very clear since a different priest, who is like Melchizedek, has appeared. Jesus became a priest, not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. And the psalmist pointed this out when he prophesied, "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek." Yes, the old requirement about the priesthood was set aside because it was weak and useless. For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God. This new system was established with a solemn oath. Aaron's descendants became priests without such an oath, but there was an oath regarding Jesus. For God said to him, "The LORD has taken an oath and will not break his vow: 'You are a priest forever.'" Because of this oath, Jesus is the one who guarantees this better covenant with God. Hebrews 7:15-22

Since the old priesthood system requirements have been set aside people don’t have to be in the ancestorial family of Aaron. Now God names the priests just as He has chosen Jesus to be the great High Priest.

Stone anchors used on ancient boats
in the Sea of Galilee.
Israel

Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:16-20

Verse of Salvation ~ In this way, God qualified him (Jesus Christ) as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. Hebrews 5:9

Memory Verse of the Week ~ This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories (Children’s storybook)

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Will You Be a Priest or a King in God’s Kingdom?

Prayer ~ 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. Matthew 6:9-13

This letter is from John to the seven churches in the province of Asia. Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him--even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen! "I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end," says the Lord God. "I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One." Revelation 1:4-8 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. What does it mean to be a king or a priest in God’s Kingdom?

Initially, God chose only to have Aaron, brother of Moses, and his sons serve as priests. They were wandering in the desert still as part of their Exodus from Egypt. God instructed Moses…

Call for your brother, Aaron, and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Set them apart from the rest of the people of Israel so they may minister to me and be my priests. Exodus 28:1

This was the beginning of the priestly line for the children of Israel, namely for Aaron’s family. Only men were allowed to be priests. They were ministered to or assisted by the Levites who actually did the sacrifices at the Tabernacle and the Temple. Since the Temple was destroyed in 70 AD, there is no need for Priests or Levites and their sacrificial duties today. Some men, since God only ordained men to be priests, still trace their heritage to Aaron and are considered “priests” although their responsibility may only be to pray for their congregation. It is not a religious occupation as that of a Rabbi.

Let’s jump back to chapter one of Revelation and look at this being made a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. It appears that the priesthood designation will change after the Rapture of the Christians when Jesus is going to make some of the raptured saints be priests and some to be kings serving God on earth. Teachings on this subject may seem controversial since it is not spelled out in a verse-by-verse command. As John wrote for Jesus, He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God his Father. We, I’m hoping to be in this group, will serve our Heavenly Father as priests…and kings, yet there won't likely be any sacrifices involved.

In Isaiah scripture mentions that when Israel is restored, which could refer to after the Babylon captivity or to the time now when Israel has gathered back in their land from all over the world, they will be served by kings and queens.

Kings and queens will serve you and care for all your needs. They will bow to the earth before you and lick the dust from your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD. Those who trust in me will never be put to shame. Isaiah 49:23

I would like to think that if God wants us to serve as kings on earth, during the Millennium kingdom, we would be caring for the needs of others as in the Isaiah scripture. This subject is going to require some more focused study and prayer. Sometimes the mysteries of God’s word have hidden meanings and other times the message is straight-forward. At any rate, you may be challenged to dig into God’s word and find answers for yourself. May His Kingdom come soon. Will you be a priest or a king in God’s Kingdom?

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

Memory Verse of the Week ~ This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 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

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories (Children’s storybook)

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 both God and money. Matthew 6:24

Who do you serve?

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com