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.

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Last Words: Joy, Maturity, Encourage, Harmony, Peace and Love

Prayer – Lord, above all I find that the most important things is being filled with Your love—which brings joy to life. Even when things aren’t going well a person can have joy in their life—by the grace of God. When I have joy, I also find peace and contentment that allows me to encourage others. Thank You, Lord, for Your love and the fellowship that we share.

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. ... May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:11, 14

Meditate. Consider how you can live in harmony and peace with others.

The strength of encouragement for and from others results in harmony—the blending together of our thoughts and lives—and give us the peace of the Lord, just like in this song.

Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!

Lyrics from the song “Wonderful Peace” written by Warren D Cornell and William G. Cooper in 1889, now in public domain, describes the peace we can all feel because of the love of God. It is like God Himself blows a gentle breeze down on us—giving us a quiet calmness in a cloud of pure tranquility. If we are seeking to love others—and live in harmony with them—it can be attained through the wisdom that Paul gives us in his second letter to the church at Corinth. Be joyful. Grow to maturity. These were not the very last words that Paul ever spoke…just his last words in this letter—his last letter to the Corinthians.

Morning light on the Columbia River
Blue Bridge - Pas
Cross over the bridge into Fellowship with God

Good advice. Can we take it to heart? Can we… Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. I think these are really only attainable through the grace…the unmerited favor…of God. Joy happens sometimes when we least expect it. To become “mature” takes time and commitment…giving up childish selfish ways and seeking to please God in all that we think, say, and do. Encouraging others—goes back to Jesus’ words that we should treat others the way we want to be treated (See Matthew 7:2). If we long for others to encourage us, then we need to encourage others. That in itself can come as a gift of the Spirit…or through the undeserved kindness of God. We can intentionally inspire or cheer up others, but when it is done in love and sincerity it will go forth like a ripple in a lake touching others in a wider and wider circle. Good stuff bringing peace. These may have been Paul’s last words…but as you rise in the morning may they be your first words as you cross a bridge into fellowship with the Lord God Himself. Joy and Peace be yours.

Verse of Salvation ~ And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. 1 John 5:20

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, January 30, 2023

Who Would Want to Lead You Astray?

Prayer – Lord, open my eyes to anyone would be trying to deceive or lead me astray. Who would want to lead me astray? That’s the problem…I can’t always tell just who is to be trusted. The world out there is not trustworthy—about like it was in Your day…and in the time of Noah. Put a hedge of protection around me, my family and friends…and my neighbors—whoever they are.

I am writing these things to warn you about those who want to lead you astray. But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:26-27

Meditate. Consider the Holy Spirit in scripture and in your life.

John was “warning” young Christians…and us…about being led astray—same as being deceived. Don’t let that happen to you! Remember that God told Adam not to eat of the Tree in the middle of the Garden of Eden—but he and Eve were deceived by the wily serpent, and they ate from the tree of Good and Evil. Wrong thing to do! They ruined life for all humanity. This warning not to be deceived continued during Moses’ time when he cautioned the children of Israel before they went into the Promised Land.

But be careful. Don't let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the LORD and serve and worship other gods. Deuteronomy 11:16

Don’t be misled. He was telling them not to turn away from the truth. In our focus scripture for today John was pointing out that the Holy Spirit teaches us everything we need to know which is the truth. It is by being in fellowship with God, with Jesus, and with the Holy Spirit that we learn about truth. This is just as Jesus told His disciples about the Holy Spirit, known in some translations as the Advocate, before He was crucified.

But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26

Are you listening to the Holy Spirit?
Can you bridge a relationship with the Holy Spirit?

So, we need to listen to the Holy Spirit. How do we do that? Reading your Bible is a good start. Then listen carefully to that still small voice within you, for it is the Holy Spirit. He will teach us, disclose to us, who just might be trying to deceive us.

Verse of Salvation ~ So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us. 1 John 2:24-25

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, January 29, 2023

Blessed 97th Birthday

Prayer – Lord, it is so wonderful that You have brought friends and family into our lives. For me—my life is richer and I’ve learned more about You through them. Thank You.

"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." Psalm 46:10

Meditate. Keep still and listen to the Lord God.

Don’t fidget, be nervous, self-conscience, loud, mouthy, or indulgent. Be still. How can we focus on God if we are so self-absorbed that we don’t even honor Him with our time and attention?

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. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God's voice thunders, and the earth melts! The LORD of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude Come, see the glorious works of the LORD: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. "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 46:1-11

Today is my Auntie Mercedes’ 97^th Birthday. She is a remarkable lady who, although she was an only child, she took herself to Sunday School and Church when she was just a few years old. Her parents didn’t go, but she felt a strong desire to be in church and learn about God…and so she did. Her family was well off and they didn’t go without meals or any necessities during the depression. Watching the hard times around her, helped her develop a strong work ethic and she eventually became a good business woman helping her husband build their farm into a successful endeavor. Seeking the Lord daily helped her get through a couple of really tragic and traumatic times when her first husband died unexpectantly during a heart procedure and her daughter died from pneumonia, leaving behind Merc’s developmentally handicapped grandson, as well as the full responsibility of running the farm. She’s a strong person—brilliant, funny, honest, loving, and compassionate. Walking at least two miles a day for over twenty years kept her in good shape…and although her body is wearing out, her mind is still sharp. This “be still and know” verse is her favorite and I think it has been a guiding light for her for many years. It among the values that she has passed down to three generations of her nieces and nephews. Her advice, "Take your vitamins." By doing that she has beat COVID when others around her got it!

One bridge we shared was going to the same church for many years. The Warden Community Church. It was our connection to God...and to others in our farming community--family and friends. We are all blessed to know and love this cherished dear lady!

Verse of Salvation ~ This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11

Happy 97^th Birthday, Auntie Mercedes!

Blessings on this special day!

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, January 28, 2023

He is Revealed…Are You Looking?

Prayer – Lord, reveal Yourself to me and to all who read this blog, giving us wisdom and understanding.

And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts. 1 John 5:20-21 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Think about how God revealed Himself to you.

The Son of God is Jesus—and He is God. Read the Book of John, one of the gospels recording Jesus’ life on earth. Here are a few verses from that first chapter that describes who Jesus is and how He reveals God the Father to us. It may seem confusing…just pray about it and trust God to give you wisdom and understanding. Jesus is the Word.

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. ... He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. ...From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God's unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father's heart. He has revealed God to us. John 1:1-5, 10-13, 16-18

Jesus Himself also spoke of revealing God to His disciples as He prayed to God in the Garden of Gethsemane shortly before He went to die on the cross.

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began. "I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me. John 17:1-8

Old Bridge
Crossing the Yakima River near Benton City, WA
Reflections reveal to us another dimension.
Cross the bridge to a better relationship--
with God and others.

Jesus revealed God to us and has given us the opportunity for eternal life. That choice is up to each of us. We can choose eternal life and fellowship with God and with Jesus, or we can reject the whole idea of God. Which do you choose? Personally, I have chosen God and am trying each day to build my relationship with Him, to cross a bridge into

spiritual realm, for God is spirit…and truth. It is only by His grace that He has been revealed to me…and to you.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. Titus 2:11

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, January 27, 2023

Where Can I Find Wisdom and Power?

Prayer – Lord, I’m getting older—but I’m not always wise about the things I say and do. Please give me wisdom and understanding that I would bring You honor and glory…which will likely be a given if I can just keep my foot out of my mouth!

Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old. But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are his. What he destroys cannot be rebuilt. When he puts someone in prison, there is no escape. If he holds back the rain, the earth becomes a desert. If he releases the waters, they flood the earth. Yes, strength and wisdom are his; deceivers and deceived are both in his power. Job 12:12-16

Meditate. Consider God’s power as shown to us in scripture.

Where can I find wisdom? Job told his friends and us that true wisdom and power are found in God. Good advice. Solomon wrote in the book of Proverbs several times about wisdom. His father, King David, wisely raised him with words of wisdom.

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.” Proverbs 4:4-8

Solomon went on to write…

My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. 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. Don't do as the wicked do, and don't follow the path of evildoers. Don't even think about it; don't go that way. Turn away and keep moving. ... The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over. My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:10-15, 18-23

A Railroad Bridge along Columbia Park Trail.
Richland, Washington.
A strong foundation in necessary for the heavy trains.
Do you have a strong spiritual foundation?

Listen to…read closely…the wise words that the Holy Spirit gave Solomon to write. Whether it was during Solomon’s time or ours, wisdom and understanding are very important in life—providing a strong foundation to the relationship bridge to God and others. Job wrote that wisdom belongs to the aged, but wisdom is available to anyone who seeks it…who asks for it from God, the source of all wisdom.

Verses of Salvation ~ But LORD, be merciful to us, for we have waited for you. Be our strong arm each day and our salvation in times of trouble. ...Though the LORD is very great and lives in heaven, he will make Jerusalem his home of justice and righteousness. In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD will be your treasure. Isaiah 33:2, 5-6

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Spice and Herb Combinations

Here’s a suggestion for mixtures if you’ve run out of or just don’t have a particular combination blend. Just mix together theses spices and herbs for each teaspoon of spice or herb called for in your recipe.

Apple Pie Spice

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

Pumpkin Pie Spice

1 tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp ginger

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1/8 tsp allspice

Italian Seasoning

¼ tsp EACH

Oregano leaves

Marjoram leaves

Basil leaves

1/8 tsp rubbed sage

Poultry Seasoning

¾ tsp ground sage

¼ tsp ground thyme

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, January 26, 2023

God is Light

Prayer – Lord, shine Your light into my heart and life. Wake me up—cleanse me from any darkness and sin—so that I may reflect Your light as I fellowship with others.

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7

Meditate. Fellowship.

God really wanted to get His point about light and darkness. He had both John and Paul write about those elements that we generally take for granted in our daily existence. Here’s a passage from one of Paul’s letters.

For God, who said, "Let there be light in the darkness," has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

God is light--illuminating our bridge to Him.
Crossing the Columbia River at Richland, WA.

As always, the choices we make are the ones that guide our lives. We can choose light and thus fellowship or an abiding relationship with God and with Jesus. If we lean towards…or choose…darkness—it could allow evil to creep into our lives and thus our relationship with God would fade away. I think through these and other scripture passages, God is telling us to keep our hearts pure. He wants us to have a relationship with Him…and with each other. Pure hearts give us a strong foundation on that bridge we cross over in our fellowship with Him and with others.

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

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, January 25, 2023

Don’t Be Deceived

Prayer – Lord, open my eyes and my heart to Your truth that You and I will have a strong relationship—and teach me all that I need to know. Please put a hedge of protection around me, my family and friends—and my neighbor, too, that we would not be deceived.

I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning. I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward. Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:5-9 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Consider loving relationships with other Christians.

Don't let the fog deceive you.
Rely on a strong foundation with the Lord.

Lots of questions to consider when reading this scripture passage. You could ask “how should we show love to others?” “What would deceivers look like, or say about Jesus, today?” “What have we worked hard to achieve?” “What is our full reward?” “Is my relationship with God and with Jesus as good as it can be?” May I ask... how is the bridge you are building in your relationship to God?

John goes on to encourage Christians not to get involved with false teachers.

If anyone comes to your meeting and does not teach the truth about Christ, don't invite that person into your home or give any kind of encouragement. Anyone who encourages such people becomes a partner in their evil work. 2 John 1:10-11

Such good advice. We need to be discerning about those giving instructions—whether it is on YouTube or in our own church.

But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 2 Peter 2:1-2

Test what they say against God’s word. Is it true, is it reliable, is it honest and of good repute? Dig into the scripture for yourself—don’t just take other’s word and interpretation as gospel truth. Don’t be deceived.

Verses of Salvation ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation--a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

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