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.

Saturday, April 30, 2022

Praying Continuously

Prayer ~ I pray to you, O LORD, my rock. Do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you are silent, I might as well give up and die. Psalm 28:1. Lord hear our prayers for those in need physically and spiritually now. Have mercy.

God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son. Romans 1:9

Prayerfully Meditate.

Paul prayed for his friends and Christians all across his missionary journey area as evidenced by each of his letters, the epistles, to the churches in those cities.

- I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly….Ephesians 1:16

- I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power. Ephesians 1:19

- I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon…. Philemon 1:4

- Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy…. Philippians 1:4

- We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature. 2 Corinthians 13:9

- I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. Ephesians 1:19

- I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Ephesians 3:16

- Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy….Philippians 1:4

- We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ... - - We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy…Colossians 1:3, 11

- Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:10

The Rock - pointing the way...the right path.

Precious letters prayerfully declaring love for the Lord by lovingly encouraging others, joyfully thanking God and recognizing His power. There are so many to pray for now.

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

Memory verse of the week: Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Did you memorize the scripture passage this week?

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org

Friday, April 29, 2022

How Does Anxiety Impact Your Relationships?

Prayer ~ Lord, I certainly don’t want to offend You and intentionally sin—but what is sin to one person is just life’s misery to another. Open my eyes and heart to see things as You see them. Cleanse my heart and guide me down the path of righteousness that my life would be pleasing to you.

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 meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:12-14

Meditate. Consider your sins.

What is sin? It is the breaking of a moral standard or transgressing a divine law. Is it just breaking the Ten Commandments…and the 613 Jewish laws written in the Bible? Susanna Wesley, mother of John Wesley, wrote to her son about sin. “Take this rule:whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off your relish of spiritual things; in short, whatever increases the strength and authority of your body over your mind, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it maybe in itself.”

In her book, “I Stand at the Door and Knock,” Corrie Ten Boom wrote that anxiety is a sin.

So, whatever keeps you from focusing your life—your very thoughts—on God…and away from your relationship with Him…is sin. If we confess our sin to the Lord and repent—turn away from our sin, God will forgive us. That will be the beginning of a wonderful relationship with Him.

Does anxiety keep you from God, or does it make you want to trust in Him even more? Anxiety has been a troublesome thorn in the flesh of many people during the recent pandemic no matter whether it has driven them to or away from the Lord. Choose for yourself how you see anxiety in your life…just as you ultimately choose whom you will serve. Is that thorn like this blooming prickly pear cactus in Utah? Choose how or if anxiety will impact your relation with the Lord and with others.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Cinco de Mayo is coming up soon. Goggle some prickly pear recipes for tasty Mexican food experiences. You’re sure to find some using fresh cactus or the pickled variety. I once asked a young Hispanic lady how her family ate fresh cactus. Her mother mostly used it in salads. I’ve used it pickled in a pork stew. It is cooked low and slow so the meat is very tender. That stew will be on my menu for May 5th.

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

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

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Love God - Love Your Neighbor

Prayer - Lord God, I love you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength—and I love my neighbor as myself…just as you taught-but I do struggle with the “loving myself” part. Help me to love myself…as You love me. I am your creation—created in your image.

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul, and all your mind. Matthew 22:37

That about covers it. Love God completely.

Verse of Salvation ~ But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children. Psalm 103:17

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Honor the Lord by Praying as He Did

Prayer ~ (Yawn) Oh Lord—sometimes I feel like I’m just too tired to concentrate on praying—but please know I love You and am willing to serve You. Give me strength to stay awake—all night if necessary…just like Jesus…and pray.

One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. Luke 6:12

Meditate. Stay awake.

Jesus prayed all night before He chose the twelve disciples. He wanted to be sure that He heard from God the Father just who was to be chosen. It was an important decision.

When was the last time you prayed all night? Have you ever prayed all night? A few years ago, we had a couple of all-night prayer vigils. We signed up for an hour-long “shift” committing to pray for an entire hour so that there was someone at the altar of our church for 24 hours. Some people didn’t think that they could pray for an entire hour so the sweet lady who organized the vigils printed out prayer prompts to that the individuals praying could have some focus and guidance with their prayers. It was good. We should constantly turn to the Lord in prayer—but especially when we are faced with an important decision or a change in our life. Allow Him to help you. Remember you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13).

Old Olive Trees
Garden of Gethsemane
Jerusalem, Israel

Consider how Jesus asked three of His disciples to watch and pray…to stay awake while He went further into the Garden to pray.

Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, "Sit here while I go over there to pray." He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." ... Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, "Couldn't you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!" Matthew 26:36-38, 40-41

He asked them three times to keep watch and pray—but they fell asleep. Could you do any better than they did? I’m not sure I could—but I challenge you to try to pray for an hour…or all night. Put it on your bucket list if necessary…but try to honor the Lord by praying as He did.

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

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV

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

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 26, 2022

As You Listen to Each Other

Prayer ~ Lord God, do You hear my prayers? I am reverently calling out to You—pleading for You to intervene in my life and the lives of my family, friends, and neighbors. —I give thanks to You, LORD, for You are good! Your faithful love endures forever. From Psalm 118:1

While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Hebrews 5:7

Meditate. Are you listening to God? Does He hear your prayers?

God hears our prayers just like He heard Jesus’ prayers.

· The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29

· In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. ... The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:6, 17

· I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1

· Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the LORD hears my voice. Psalm 55:17

· If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Psalm 66:18-19

Tulips blooming in my yard.

Listen to the Lord your God. In communicating with Him, your relationship will blossom—just as the spring flowers are now blooming. Bask in the glory of His love as you listen to each other.

Verse of Salvation ~ Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:16

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV

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 25, 2022

Hang in There

Prayer ~ Lord, I continually am in prayer—talking to You—speak to me through Your word.

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV

Meditate. Keep on praying as never before.

I have known several people who are constant talkers. That is even a quality I note sometimes in myself! Note that I said…note not admire. Verbal diarrhea. It really isn’t necessary. I once admonished one of my granddaughters when we were walking that it might be beneficial for her not to talk—just enjoy the quiet for about 15-20 minutes—and I did the same. Needless to say, her mother was not happy with my suggestion, but I think that being able to control one’s tongue is essential to the Christian life.

- Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. Proverbs 13:3

- If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. James 1:26

That pretty much says it all for watching what we say. When should we pray? Constantly—continually—ceaselessly. Day and night. Always.

- O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray day and night, continually. Take no rest, all you who pray to the LORD. Isaiah 62:6

- One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. Luke 18:1

What are we supposed to pray about? Everything. Giving thanks and letting God know our needs. Search out the scriptures for yourself. Keeping in constant contact with the Lord will certainly grow your relationship with Him…and you’ll find that He will give you peace—even during times of stress, anxiety, or disappointment. Don’t give up—keep praying. Constantly. Continually. Ceaselessly. Just hang in there.

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

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Sunday, April 24, 2022

Prayer ~ Jesus, I rejoice in knowing You…in having You for a friend.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:6-11

Meditate. Do you see God as a friend?

No fear of darkness or falling.
Jesus is my friend.
Is He your friend, too?

Rise above with the Lord.
Prosser, WA Balloon Festival.

There was a lady who used to attend my Sunday School class but has moved away. She was offended that people would consider themselves a friend of God…of Jesus. She was a very devout and a person who was deeply respectful of God, but she just couldn’t consider God her “friend.” Did she grow up singing the song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” like so many people of our age? I don’t know, but I do know that was an important song to me. It brought scripture alive…we could carry all our hopes and fears to Jesus and He would bear them. We didn’t have to have fears—although I was still afraid of the dark and of falling. Knowing who Jesus was gave meaning and hope to my life, even before I accepted Him as my Savior. There were a lot of building blocks associated with becoming a “friend” of Jesus. I had to get to know Him…not just in Bible stories, but as a person who cared about me—and eventually I was able to confess my sins and be forgiven. God had indeed sent His Son, Jesus, at just the right time for me…while I was still a sinner. Having the weight of those sins removed was enormous. I remember just feeling lighter—no heavy burden hanging around my neck. Singing that song about Jesus being my friend—whether I went to church or not—was all about my relationship with Him. It still is. I’m so glad that I have a friendship with Jesus and with God our Father. I rejoice knowing that Jesus is my Savior and my friend. Do you rejoice in your relationship with God, with Jesus, or even with other Christians?

Verse of Salvation ~ For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. Romans 5:10

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Saturday, April 23, 2022

You May Ask…What is God’s Purpose?

Prayer ~ Lord God, I see Your purpose is for us to praise and glorify You! So that is what we…or at least I…desire to do. You are an awesome God—worthy of praise, glory, and honor! I magnify Your name—King of kings and Lord of lords. Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit!

God's purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him. Ephesians 1:12-14

Meditate. How can you glorify and praise God?

Flag of Israel flying over the Sea of Galilee.

To the Jew first…and then to the Gentiles. That is a familiar phrase. God chose Abraham and Sarah to be the ancestors of the family of Israel—and thus the Jewish nation. They are the chosen people still—and when some of the Jews rejected Jesus, God grafted in the Gentiles. Well…actually He chose to have a few Gentiles, like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba, be part of the genealogy of Jesus. The Gentiles were ministered to and brought, adopted, into God’s family in a massive way by Paul in his missionary journeys from Israel to Italy. Then the church spread to the north and eventually around the world. One of my favorite verses that indicates that the Jews are first…then the Gentiles is below.

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. Romans 1:16

So, whether you are a Jew or a Gentile, as long as you believe in Jesus as your Savior, you are chosen to be part of God’s family. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Glorify and praise Him! That is God’s purpose.

Verse of Salvation ~ After this, I heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting, “Praise to the Lord! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God. Revelation 19:1

Memory Verse of the Week ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Do you believe what this verse says? Did you memorize this verse?

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, April 22, 2022

Encourage Others

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are my refuge and I find great strength in You. Strength to do everyday tasks—and to do things that I don’t think I could ever do—things like talking to strangers about You…and even writing a book. You are awesome and I look to You to help me encourage others. There are so many people with anxiety, loneliness, apathy, and just plain frustration in life today. Help me to show them that life can be better…because of You. We are always going to have times of trouble—be we don’t have to be afraid. You give us hope and renewed vigor in this life we have day by day with You.

Mt. Rainier
Will it someday crumble
into the Pacific Ocean?
No Fear!

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Psalm 46:1-2

Meditate.

God is our refuge and strength…. Our strength. He gives us strength…as we develop our relationship with Him. That takes us back to our memory verse of the week…I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. Yet it is not me…but God—Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit working in me who does these things…even writing this blog. I am amazed by the things I’ve written over the past ten years, but it hasn’t been me that said awesome things…it is the Holy Spirit. Do you ever feel that way—that it wasn’t you who said just the right thing at the right time, sang a song that touched people’s hearts, or even just encouraged someone when they were down? It is the Holy Spirit working in and through us.

But I will send you the Advocate (Comforter, Encourager, or Counselor)—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry. John 15:26-27

The Holy Spirit encourages us…and we can encourage others as we seek refuge and strength in the Lord.

Verses of Salvation ~ We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5

Memory Verse of the Week ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

We can’t live on bread alone. Bread is a craving food for me—especially a nice whole grain, with lots of seeds and nuts incorporated into the dough. Yum. But even that seemingly healthy bread just makes me want to have more bread and then some sweets—ahhh, chocolate! Please! If those carbs don’t cross my tastebuds, I’m OK. I can go without. But taste them and I just want more. Do you ever experience that craving—and you just can’t even count those cookies once you get started eating them! So, what is the solution? It is probably different for each person. Mine is to avoid the carbs, to begin with…have a limited amount of fruit and then lots of veggies and some meat. Dieting should be enjoyable—and part of a way of life, not something we dread having to live with or without. Enjoy those veggies—there is such a variety that God has created for us. Find your creativity in eating them raw and cooked, combining the flavors with different herbs. Wander along the produce aisle of your favorite grocery store and be amazed at the variety of foods God created and that has been delivered nearly to your doorstep. Enjoy something new and tasty today…and every day. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength—even the strength to avoid foods that are not good for you.

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