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.

Friday, March 31, 2023

"I was only joking.”

Prayer – Lord, I’m not joking—You are the best for giving us wisdom—as well as eternal life!

Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors. Interfering in someone else's argument is as foolish as yanking a dog's ears. Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon is someone who lies to a friend and then says, "I was only joking." Proverbs 26:16-19

Meditate. Are you joking?

What is the difference between a “joke” and a good sense of humor? Are you laughing at someone…or with them? Have you ever had someone laugh at you or tell you a lie…only to have them say “I was only joking”? Tomorrow is April Fool’s Day. Are you planning to play a trick on someone? Do you need to be on guard for someone trying to make a fool of you? Liars never win.

"The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve." Like a partridge that hatches eggs she has not laid, so are those who get their wealth by unjust means. At midlife they will lose their riches; in the end, they will become poor old fools. Jeremiah 17:9-11

There are several verses in Proverbs, written by the wisest man in history except for Jesus, about the actions of wise and foolish people. Here are a couple.

Doing wrong is fun for a fool, but living wisely brings pleasure to the sensible. Proverbs 10:23

A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. Proverbs 12:16

Were you aware that Lot’s daughters’ fiancés were told to get out of the city of Sodom because it was going to be destroyed by the Lord? They thought Lot was joking. They didn’t leave and were annihilated. When you’ve been told to prepare for something do you think those who are warning you are just joking? Were you cautioned on April Fool’s Day? Think again. Maybe it is time to take those warning seriously.

Verse of Salvation ~ (Part of Moses blessing the people of Israel before he died.) How blessed you are, O Israel! Who else is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your protecting shield and your triumphant sword! Your enemies will cringe before you, and you will stomp on their backs!" Deuteronomy 33:29

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Eating out is a favorite pastime for so many people—any day of the week. Now that most restaurants have opened back up, post COVID, we can actually eat inside—not just take-away food. Lots of us are shaking our heads at the rise in prices, but eating out anyway! Time to rejoice! No joke!

What is your favorite food and choice of restaurants? Let me know in the comments section below. My family often opts for sushi when we go out. That is something that I don’t make at home—and almost everyone loves it. My favorite dish is actually not raw, but just a simple Japanese salad with lettuce and a ginger dressing, topped with thinly sliced avocados and several hibachi shrimp.

My family’s favorite sushi rolls include a Crazy Monkey Roll—with a fried banana, a Spicy Shrimp Crunch Roll, Las Vegas Roll, Eel Roll, Sashimi Roll, and Philadelphia Roll. How about a Yellow Taxi Roll with mango, Dragon Roll, Norwegian Roll, or Mediterranean Roll?

Top that off with some miso soup, seaweed salad and a few slices of pickled ginger. Yum!

End of March

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, March 30, 2023

Broken Spirit and Heart

Prayer – Lord, I hear You saying that You don’t want a burnt offering—but a broken and repentant heart. Usually, a broken heart is a sad thing…but with You, Lord, a broken heart yielding to You is a good thing. My heart yields to You—to Your will and Your way. I praise You—now and forever more.

Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:15-17

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance throughout scripture.

Jesus’ message at the beginning of His ministry was “repent.”

Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God's Good News. "The time promised by God has come at last!" he announced. "The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!" Mark 1:14-15

I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent." Luke 5:32

A Broken Heart allowing Christ in.

David wrote in our focus passage today about his own need for repenting—knowing that God wants a repentant heart. A clean heart and obedient spirit encourages a strong relationship with God. Other scripture throughout the Old Testament declares God’s desire for people to repent.

Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for me. If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to tell them to change their ways, then they will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. But if you warn them to repent and they don't repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself. ... Son of man, give your people this message: The righteous behavior of righteous people will not save them if they turn to sin, nor will the wicked behavior of wicked people destroy them if they repent and turn from their sins. Ezekiel 33:7-9, 12

Even to the end there will be people who refuse to repent. Read these verses from Revelation and hear once again how God wants individuals to repent, but He leaves the choice up to them. John sees these rebellious people in one of the visions God gives him about the future.

One-third of all the people on earth were killed by these three plagues—by the fire and smoke and burning sulfur that came from the mouths of the horses. Their power was in their mouths and in their tails. For their tails had heads like snakes, with the power to injure people. But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God. They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood—idols that can neither see nor hear nor walk! Revelation 9:18-20

Repenting is the key—in the past, in this present time, and in the future. Repenting means to turn away from current thoughts, actions, attitudes and habits—and follow God’s way. Once again, God wats us to worship Him, not idols. A repentant heart in those who know they are sinners is what God desires. Of course, according to Romans 3:23, everyone is a sinner—so everyone needs to repent to receive pardon for their sins, for the result of sin is spiritual death. The choice is up to each person. What do you choose today? Choose life…or choose death.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

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

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Don’t Be Discouraged

Prayer – Lord, You are a mighty God—no idols for me. So much is happening around the world—wars and rumors of war. You told Your followers not to panic…and not to be discouraged or deceived. Give me strength to keep my eyes on You, Jesus, as things change in this world today. Whether this is the beginning of the end or it takes another thousand year—I’m trusting You, Lord, no matter what or when, You are in control. Thank you for Your love and caring enough about us to warn us.

The Mediterranean Ocean at Tel Aviv.
The lands beyond the sea watch in fear.

No need to fear--God is with us.
He will never abandon us.

Who has done such mighty deeds, summoning each new generation from the beginning of time? It is I, the LORD, the First and the Last. I alone am he." The lands beyond the sea watch in fear. Remote lands tremble and mobilize for war. The idol makers encourage one another, saying to each other, "Be strong!" The carver encourages the goldsmith, and the molder helps at the anvil. "Good," they say. "It's coming along fine." Carefully they join the parts together, then fasten the thing in place so it won't fall over." But as for you, Israel my servant, Jacob my chosen one, descended from Abraham my friend, I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, 'You are my servant.' For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:4-10

Meditate. Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

Idol worshipers or makers actually encourage each other! As Isaiah wrote…idol makers encourage one another, saying to each other, "Be strong!" Are they mimicking God’s command to Joshua when the Israelites went into the Promised Land?

"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:6

Jesus told His disciples…and us…about the signs to watch for at the end of time. Wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes and famines. Do we see that happening today? It has occurred throughout time, but much more in the past year. Keep watching. Keep encouraging others.

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, "Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?" Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come." Matthew 24:3-8

If idol makers can encourage others, then surely Christians should be able to warn and encourage each other. Just as Isaiah wrote, the Jews have been called back into Israel. God is reminding them that they are His chosen people and He won’t throw them away. What comforting words. Jesus spoke to His followers to take the initiative to not panic…but to reassure fellow believers. Some people just have that gift of encouragement, but everyone can support others in their daily walk with the Lord. He promised Abraham—and thus all His followers—that He will strengthen you and help you. Don’t be discouraged.

Verse of Salvation ~ In that day the people will proclaim, "This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the LORD, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!" Isaiah 25:9

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

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Only One God

Prayer – Lord, I acknowledge that You are all powerful. Help me to see what it is You want me to do today…and how the strength of our relationship depends on my devotion to You through prayer. Bless me, my family and friends as we reach out to know You more and share You with others. We believe that You are the one and only God—who made heaven, earth and everything in it.

There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords. But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life. However, not all believers know this. Some are accustomed to thinking of idols as being real, so when they eat food that has been offered to idols, they think of it as the worship of real gods, and their weak consciences are violated. 1 Corinthians 8:5-7

Meditate. God made everything—including you—and He has given you life—eternal life.

Only one God. That’s just what God tried to tell the Israelites way back when He gave Moses the Ten Commandments. He told them the way it is…no idols. Only Him.

I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected--even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. Exodus 20:2-5

How can believers not realize this truth? How can they not know? Idols are powerless. Our God is powerful, just as Job’s friend declared. Likewise, King Jehoshaphat recognized the power of God.

Look, God is all-powerful. Who is a teacher like him? Job 36:22

He (Jehoshaphat) prayed, "O LORD, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! 2 Chronicles 20:6

I agree that people today—even believers don’t accept the fact that God is all powerful. Yes. Some don’t put their trust in the Lord God, and don’t pray expecting God to answer their prayers. Prayer—conversing with God—is the beginning of that power. Once again we see the wisdom that God gave James to write to his fellow Christians around the known world. Pray…and communicate with our one God.

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:13-16 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Prayer is powerful. It connects us with our living God, not with worthless idols. Be careful to whom you pray. Remember, there is only one God.

Verse of Salvation ~ What we do see is Jesus, who was given a position "a little lower than the angels"; and because he suffered death for us, he is now "crowned with glory and honor." Yes, by God's grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. Hebrews 2:9-10

What are you doing today to draw closer to God?

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

Are you allowing God to "parent" you and build your character?

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Monday, March 27, 2023

Calculate the Cost

Prayer – Lord, I understand that everything costs something. Stuff we keep has three expenses involved with it…the original purchase price (even if it is a gift), the overhead of maintaining the item, and the cost of storing the item—the price for the space it takes up. Spiritually, are there similar costs? You, Jesus, paid the ultimate price—Your death on the cross as a sacrifice for all mankind’s sin. Does our spiritual life continue to be an expense to us? Our obedience or disobedience costs us in our devotion to You. Guide my heart, as well as that of each of my family, friends, and neighbors, that I would live a life pleasing to You—bringing You honor and glory. Thank you for the cost You paid for us!

"But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, 'There's the person who started that building and couldn't afford to finish it!' Luke 14:28-30

Meditate. Count the cost—of life—of every decision.

Zander and Kim in the midst of the firepit project.
Building a tradition for Riverbluff Church.

A building…or a bridge…always has a cost. Nothing is free. No free lunch. My grandson, Zander, just finished his Eagle Scout project—a gravel path and firepit in the wooded area near his church. It will be so useful to that church for teens, kids, families…and even single adults. He had to count the cost, raise the funds for the project before he could start, and get people committed to helping him. Then he had to organize the volunteers. The last work day was a longer one, so he had to get hamburgers fried up to feed his workers. The whole project was good experience for him, his family, friends and fellow Scouts. What did it cost him? Well…less time on his phone, playing video games, or watching movies—but also humbling himself to ask for help, doing manual labor—a good workout—and managing his time and materials. It also involved obedience to the rules and regulations of the Scouting program. Yes. There is a cost to everything. He didn’t run out of money and the project is completed—so no one is laughing at him. Already people are praising him for a job well done…and looking forward to using that firepit.

Did you ever sit by a campfire and watch the flickering flames? Some of my favorite memories are sitting around a fire with family or friends, singing or just talking, swapping stories and laughing as we watched the sparks from the fire drift up into the sky…lit up with twinkling stars. What was the cost of that? The fuel getting to the more or less remote location—and giving up time spent somewhere else. The cost of the freedom in our country—so that we are free to do what we want and go where we wish. The cost that Jesus paid on the cross—for our spiritual freedom. That is the greatest benefit to life. The assurance of a task that was completed—the one Jesus finished on the cross. Are you reaping the eternal benefits of His gift to mankind? Did He count the cost? Of course, He did. You are worth it to Him.

Verse of Salvation ~ Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:10-12

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, March 26, 2023

Finish It

Prayer – Lord, You finished what You started. Help me, my family and friends to finish what we’ve started—especially sharing the Good News about You.

From Start to Finish...
Get right with God by faith.
No fear. No shame.

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. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life." Romans 1:16-17

Meditate. No fear. No shame.

No shame. I have faith…faith in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. This passage tells us that the virtuous, blameless, and respectable person has life—everlasting life, if they have faith and believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior. That certainly gives me hope—hope for an eternal future and a secure relationship with Jesus because of the Good News of Christ. That Good News, also call the Gospel, is Salvation—freedom from sin because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Don’t be ashamed of Jesus—or the gospel. Jesus Himself warned His disciples and the crowd following Him about that very thing.

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:34-38

Jesus promises us that if we profess to have faith in Him…or deny Him…He will do the same for us when we are standing before His Heavenly Father.

Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33

So, do you have fear or shame? With Jesus as Your Savior, you have no need for fear or shame. Just like Jesus, whatever task is put before you—be obedient to the Lord and…finish it.

Verse of Salvation ~ As my life was slipping away, I remembered the LORD. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple. Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God's mercies. But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the LORD alone." Jonah 2:7-9

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, March 25, 2023

Are You Being Tested?

Prayer – Lord, I love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Give me insight so that I am never deceived by friends or family. Provide strength that I can always stand up for You Lord…and endure any testing that You send my way.

Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, 'Come, let us worship other gods'—gods you have not known before—do not listen to them. The LORD your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul. ...Suppose someone secretly entices you—even your brother, your son or daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend—and says, 'Let us go worship other gods'—gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known. They might suggest that you worship the gods of peoples who live nearby or who come from the ends of the earth. But do not give in or listen. Have no pity, and do not spare or protect them. Deuteronomy 13:1-3, 6-8

Meditate—what a friend we have in Jesus.

Are you spending quality time
...with Jesus?

Do you consider Jesus a friend? How well do you know Him? Are you spending quality time with Him? Recently I mentioned in this blog that we are like those with whom we spend time. Be careful who you hang around. We can’t choose our family…although within “the family” or extended family we sometimes are selective who we hang out with. Who are your friends? To have a good relationship with someone, you really need to know them…and let them know you. What are your hobbies, their hobbies, favorite foods, colors, ideal vacation places, preferred time of day, best-loved books, movies, scripture passages or treasures you store up in heaven? Can you trust that this friend or relative believes in God the same way that you do? Don’t be enticed or deceived into following other gods…or have idols.

Are you spending time with your friend Jesus? Are you following the commandments and directives that the Lord has given to us? Is the LORD your God is testing you to see if you truly love Him with all your heart and soul? We see this edict in both the Old and New Testaments. Here is the first time it is given to the Israelites.

And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

Verse of Salvation ~ For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

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