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 195,000 page views by people in over 133 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.

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Mid-Year - Time to Evaluate

Prayer ~ Jesus, You experienced the passing of time when You were here on earth…and Your thirty-three years must have just flown by. For me the last thirty-three years raced away. Here we are with six months of the year past…and six months to go. You told Your followers to be prepared. To be ready for Your return. Good advice for all of living now. Be ready. Who is really spiritually ready?

God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 1 Corinthians 1:30

Meditate.

Pure and holy
Baptism in the Jordan River, Israel

Be ready. Some see that as a call to prepare for the worst—to stockpile food and water. We don’t know what the future will bring—and how long we will have to wait for Christ’s return…or for Him to call us to be with Him. We can only hope…and trust that as Paul wrote to the church at Corinth… Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Just knowing that we have been made pure and holy in God’s sight is a big step in being “prepared” since we must be sinless to stand before our Almighty God. Spiritually pure and holy so that we can serve as kings and in a kingdom of priests for Christ. What an honor and responsibility that will be!

…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. - Revelation 1:4-6

For now…consider if you are spiritually ready to meet your Lord and Savior…and serve Him. It is the middle of the year…time to evaluate what we’ve done with our time so far this year…and what we will do with the coming days, weeks and months left in this year.

Verses of Salvation ~ (Zechariah’s prophesy to his newborn son, John the Baptist.) We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live. "And you, my little son, will be called the prophet of the Most High, because you will prepare the way for the Lord. You will tell his people how to find salvation through forgiveness of their sins. Because of God's tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace. Luke 1:74-79

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Galatians 6:7 NLT

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

When You Run, You Won’t Stumble

Prayer ~ Lord, please give me wisdom—even during my ripe old years of life. Prepare me for the days ahead, and show me how I can guide my family and witness of You and Your glory. Inspire me with Your word.

Listen my children...
before you start this race...
Get wisdom--it is the wisest thing to do.

My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment, for I am giving you good guidance. Don't turn away from my instructions. ... My father taught me, "Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don't forget my words or turn away from them. Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. ... I will teach you wisdom's ways and lead you in straight paths. When you walk, you won't be held back; when you run, you won't stumble. Take hold of my instructions; don't let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life." Proverbs 4:1-2, 4-8, 11-13

Meditate. Think on wisdom.

Solomon wrote that “Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!” He was so wise. I want to be blessed with more and more wisdom—so I can teach it to others—especially my children and grandchildren. I love the promise that Solomon gives about wisdom…When you walk, you won't be held back; when you run, you won't stumble. How many of us in our older years go stumbling about with just walking—not even running? My husband was recently sick with a terrible cold, weakly stumbling about like a drunken sailor. Was it COVID? Who knows and what difference does it make?! He stayed away from everyone—me, too…mostly. I did have to go into a grocery store for a few necessary food supplies—but I kept my distance. This COVID virus has got everyone trained. At least with not wearing masks as much, we can see people’s faces and their smiles now. How encouraging that is!

Wisdom is the key to life. Without wisdom, would we see and understand Jesus’ sacrifice and dedication to His Father and to us? Those without wisdom are fools.

Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools. Proverbs 14:33

Choose wisdom to guide you—and develop good judgment. Those are the keys to a productive relationship with the Lord…and with others. How can you love God or others if you have no wisdom? That wisdom and good judgment will protect you. As you run, it will keep you from stumbling.

Verses of Salvation ~ But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:24

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Galatians 6:7 NLT

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Love One Another

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, just as You commanded Your disciples, I know that you are telling Your followers today to love God and to love each other, to put others first. That is what love is all about. Help me to do just that…and encourage others to do the same.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and foremost commandment. The second is like it, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39

Meditate on this teaching from Jesus.

Happy Anniversary Elizabeth and Ben!
Love builds relationships--
with family, friends and with God!
Blessings

Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Love one another. Pure and simple. That is just what Jesus wanted His followers—including us—to do. Love builds relationships with God and with others. Are you following His commandment?

Verses of Salvation ~ For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Galatians 6:7 NLT

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Coins in the Bible:

New Testament Stories

Have you ever looked

in the mouth of a fish

...for a coin?

Parenting Day By Day

- Daily Devotional for Building Character

How many characteristics of Jesus can you name?

Which ones are part of your own character?

Monday, June 27, 2022

What Are You Going to Harvest?

Prayer ~ Lord God, can I solve Your mysteries? Can I discover everything about You, Almighty? Such knowledge is higher than the heavens—and who am I? It is deeper than the underworld—what do I know? From Job 11:7-8. You are mighty and awesome, Lord. I know that You are greater, higher, fair, and just—so I have nothing to fear. Please show me how to please and worship You as You desire.

Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. Galatians 6:7-10 NLT

Meditate. Are you living to please God?

Job’s friend Zophar responds to Job’s tyrant with words wishing that God would speak.

Shouldn't someone answer this torrent of words? Is a person proved innocent just by a lot of talking? Should I remain silent while you babble on? When you mock God, shouldn't someone make you ashamed? You claim, 'My beliefs are pure,' and 'I am clean in the sight of God.' If only God would speak; if only he would tell you what he thinks! Job 11:2-5

It is good that God is so consistent, loving and fair. He does tell us what He thinks throughout His word—and if we are reading His word…the Bible…everyday then we have an opportunity to learn more about Him. I tend to babble on…but I can see value in being still and knowing God, reflecting on His justice for one day everyone will be judged. In any relationship it is essential to get to know the other person…and that includes knowing God. We have to know our spouse, our family, and our friends to have a good relationship with them. The same way, we need to know God. I’ve found that to truly know someone leads to loving them. You can think you love someone…but if you don’t know them—know their quirks, their dreams and ambitions, likes and dislikes—then you really don’t love them. You only admire them, respect them, or like in junior high or high school, you just have a crush on them. That’s not love. God is love…and you can see the qualities of love in 1 Corinthians 13.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

God will not be mocked. If someone doesn’t love and obey Him, then they will face a judgement they deserve…and it won’t be the merciful one that God will bestow on those who love and wisely follow Him. If you plant beans, wheat, and words of kindness you harvest beans, wheat, and kindness. But if you plant thistles, weeds, and words of discouragement, you’ll harvest weeds and God’s wrath. As always—you get what you deserve…and the choice is yours.

Are you living to please God? What are you going to harvest?

Verses of Salvation ~ I said, 'Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness (rain salvation - RSV) upon you.' Hosea 10:12

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7 NIV

Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Galatians 6:7 NLT

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Who do you want to be like spiritually?

Your grandmother?

Your pastor?

Jesus?

Coins in the Bible:

New Testament Stories

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

Sunday, June 26, 2022

Who Can Ever Praise the Lord Enough?

Prayer ~ Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Who can list the glorious miracles of the LORD? Who can ever praise him enough? There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. Remember me, LORD, when you show favor to your people; come near and rescue me. Psalm 106:1-4

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the LORD. Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him. ... He always stands by his covenant--the commitment he made to a thousand generations. Psalm 105:1-4, 8

Meditate. Sing praises to the Lord.

Praying praise to the Lord is just what He wants. That shows Him we love Him. A friend of mine recently shared that two years ago she and her husband started praying together every morning…and sometimes evening—not just at mealtimes, and they have become so much closer to the Lord and to each other. That is just what God wants. I know other couples who have that same daily prayer and scripture reading commitment. Such commitments deepen relationships with Him and with those He loves…and who love Him. Love, that is what life is all about. Praise the Lord!

Since Jerry and I have hit the 50 mark—celebrated our 50^th Wedding Anniversary, you may wonder what our key to a successful marriage is? I think it is COMMITMENT. There have been times when we have both wanted to throw in the towel…and just give up—but we made a commitment to each other…and to God. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” A long marriage is not just about being “happy.” It is about being content with what you have, making concessions and confessions as necessary in order to compromise, and of course, commitment. The big C’s.

Be committed in your marriage—to each other and to God. What God has brought together, let no one split apart (see Mark 10:7-9). Praise the Lord for His wisdom, grace, kindness, and love that draws us closer to each other and to Him. Can we ever praise the Lord enough?

Verses of Salvation ~ Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. Psalm 79:9

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, June 25, 2022

Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart

Prayer ~ Lord God—You are an amazing God…and You are my God and my Savior. This is an awesome world that You created—such a variety of plants and animals. I praise You and am eternally grateful for all that You have provided and done for me, for my family and for my friends. Thank You.

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2

Meditate.

How can we be anything but grateful for all that the Lord has done for us? Sure, we’ve had trials and tribulations…and tragically lost loved ones along the way…but God has always been with us, through the good times and the difficult ones. Feeling despair, depression, rejection, unloved, envy, strife? Feeling like you can do it all your own way? God is still there even if you don’t feel His presence. Paul tells us in the memory verse this week to be thankful in all circumstances. I remember praying before a meal with a group of people at my house years ago when we lived in Wichita Falls, Texas, and thanking God not only for the food, but also for the wind—and it had been very stormy. My husband’s boss said to me, “Are you crazy? Thanking God for the wind?” He was a devout Christian gentleman, so I was surprised at his attitude and I just replied, “We’re supposed to be thankful in all situations—and at least our house didn’t blow away in the storm!” It could have been much worse!

Look up the verse above in the Strong’s Lexicon (you can find it in the Blue Letter Bible) which refers to the phrase: an attitude of thanksgiving. Attitude is always important. I am grateful everyday—but especially for days when the sun is shining and the wind blows only with a gentle, clean breeze. It is easy to be spoiled and take our good weather and abundance of food, clothing, and safe shelter for granted. Not everyone has it as good as we do. Sometimes people, like the homeless we see on the street corners begging, make choices that directly result in no food, shabby clothes, or no home. They choose to live like that—and sometimes it is beyond their control. In any circumstance, you choose whether to be grateful…or not. You choose--your attitude and your decision impacts the outcome of your situation.

Stay on the path...that leads to Jesus.

Verses of Salvation ~ (Lord God Almighty speaking) But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Did you memorize this verse with a grateful heart?

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, June 24, 2022

The Joy of Laughter for Fifty Years

Prayer ~ Thank You, Lord, for fifty years of…wedded bliss…companionship…compromise…and enduring love. You have been part of our lives, joining us in these many years of laughter, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness (to You and to each other), gentleness, self-control, trials, tribulations, and hope. Hope always for a better tomorrow…and an eternal life with You.

This is what the LORD says: You have said, 'This is a desolate land where people and animals have all disappeared.' Yet in the empty streets of Jerusalem and Judah's other towns, there will be heard once more the sounds of joy and laughter. The joyful voices of bridegrooms and brides will be heard again, along with the joyous songs of people bringing thanksgiving offerings to the LORD. They will sing, 'Give thanks to the LORD of Heaven's Armies, for the LORD is good. His faithful love endures forever!' For I will restore the prosperity of this land to what it was in the past, says the LORD. Jeremiah 33:10-11

Meditate on the quick passing of time…and of God’s timing and laughter.

Laughter. Laughter is so important in life and in sustaining relationships. My father once asked me why I wasn’t dating a particular guy that I had dated for a while in college. I told him that that guy was just too serious…and I was too. I needed someone with a sense of humor…someone with whom I could laugh easily and often. I needed someone who loved to laugh and who loved me. I didn’t realize at that time that time that I just needed Jesus—He is the true source of joy and laughter. God certainly blessed me with a husband…and a family that eludes laughter. As I was sitting enjoying conversation with my husband’s cousins and our family, I realized how much God had given me just what I wanted. Laughter. A family filled with a joyous sense of humor…in all generations. All for the joy of laughter.

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

Memory Verse of the Week ~ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Surprise-surprise! An Anniversary Party--with cake and everything!

After some cake...eat of the bounty of the Lord’s table. Summer produce is here so be sure to visit your Farmer’s Market and enjoy all the great fresh produce. My favorites are zucchini, mushrooms, and green onions stirred-fried together…and Bing cherries. My mouth is watering just thinking of it.

See you at the Market!

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