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, June 30, 2023

To the Church of Brotherly Love

Prayer – Lord, You told us to love one another—so if we are obedient, we should be loving each other…and known to be part of the church of brotherly and sisterly love. In Greek Philadelphia means philos, love, and adelphos, brotherly. Our relationship with You is the most important thing in life, so help each of us reading this to be more loving…to obediently follow Your commandments and to honor You in all that we think, say, and do.

Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open: "I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me. Look, I will force those who belong to Satan's synagogue—those liars who say they are Jews but are not—to come and bow down at your feet. They will acknowledge that you are the ones I love. Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name." Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Revelation 3:7-13

Meditate. What are you learning about God and life from these letters to the seven churches?

What does a key do? Opens and locks a door. A door to what, you might ask? What door is Jesus wanting opened or locked?

The key of David is mentioned in a scripture passage where the Lord speaks about taking down and replacing a palace administrator.

I will give him the key to the house of David—the highest position in the royal court. When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them. Isaiah 22:22

Jesus reveals Himself here as Holy and True. We know Him as the Truth from other New Testament passages.

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

He is also called Holy and True in Revelation Six by the martyred souls.

They shouted to the Lord and said, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?" Revelation 6:10 (Underlined for emphasis.)

The Philadelphia church, like the church of Smyrna in Revelation 2:9, is opposed by the synagogues that belong to Satan. But this church doesn’t have to worry since Jesus promised that He will take care of them, to protect them during a time of testing that is coming upon the whole world. The Philadelphia church has persevered, being obedient by obeying Jesus and not denying Him. Jesus also wrote about obedience in response to words of prophecy in Revelation 22. He is coming soon.

"Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book." Revelation 22:7

He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon!" Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20

Hold onto what you have. Look at what you have and recall that Jesus told the church at Philadelphia to hold onto what they have so that no one can take away their crowns. Those crowns are important in that it declared a person’s power and majesty. There is a difference between the crowns being taken and casting or laying down their crowns before the Lord.

Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, "You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased." Revelation 4:9-11

In this church in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia, they are obedient to the Lord…and they will hang on to what they have—the promises of the Lord. Where do you stand today in your relationship with the Lord?

Verse of Salvation ~ 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 33:5-6

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Cattails nearby home.

Are you hungry?
God has not forgotten His recipe for manna, but you may have to find some local foods at some point if products on the grocery shelves get low. There are edible foods you can forage in your yard or nearby. Google “forage foods” and see what “foods” you have right there in your own yard or neighborhood. Some foods maybe nuts that grow on trees in your city—but that are a fruit that is produced at only one time of the year. Other foods appear as weeds during the spring and summer months.

Maybe you are blessed to live near an area that has cattails. These are usually found along wetlands, ponds, and streams. The shoots, stalks, green catkins—before they turn brown (boiled, buttered and eaten like corn on the cob), pollen (use in pancake batter or with flour in bread), and roots (boiled, baked or broiled) are all edible. They can be enjoyed raw in the spring when they are tender and fresh, and later in the summer they will taste best if cooked. Look on line for more specific ways to prepare and eat the different parts. God provides us with such an amazing bounty of food…and it may be right outside your door. Seek and you will find!

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

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Thursday, June 29, 2023

Behold the Beaver

Prayer – Lord, I am amazed by the wild animals that You created and saved on the ark with Noah. Having seen a beaver and animals, like deer, elk, and even a wolf, in the wild, I really feel like I am blessed. Sure, there are wild animal in the zoos and animal sanctuaries around the world, but to have seen Your creation, in creation is just awesome. Thank you for that opportunity and Your creativity.

So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that scurries and swarms in the water, and every sort of bird--each producing offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply. Let the fish fill the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth." And evening passed and morning came, marking the fifth day. Then God said, "Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind--livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals." And that is what happened. God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:21-25

Bring a pair of every kind of animal--a male and a female--into the boat with you to keep them alive during the flood. Pairs of every kind of bird, and every kind of animal, and every kind of small animal that scurries along the ground, will come to you to be kept alive. And be sure to take on board enough food for your family and for all the animals." So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him. Genesis 6:19-22

Meditate. Consider the creatures that God created.

Have you ever seen wild animals…in their natural wild habitat? While I was kayaking on a little lake called “Mallard Marsh” in northern Washington State, I was privileged to watch a beaver swim and then whack the water with his tail, assumedly to warn other beavers. SPLASH! It was awesome.

When we were camping in May near this same lake where there are actually two beaver lodges, I thought I could see a turtle on a log. It turned out to be a beaver and it made a huge SPLASH! And then disappeared. I was startled, but it was so thrilling to witness that splash!

We returned to the same campground and lake a few days ago and I went out in my kayak to check out the beaver lodges—being sure not to get too close or disturb them. No beaver out and about that first evening, but I did see a white-tailed doe standing in the lake taking a sip of the cool water. We were both shocked to see each other so close—about fifteen feet away. She turned and bounded up the hillside, stopped and looked at me. I sat motionless in my kayak. She waggled her ears, and then make a hissing bark sound. We continued to look at each other. Then she kicked up some dust with her hind feet, watched me silently for a couple more seconds and she was off into the forest. The sound she made was so unusual it really intrigued me.

Beaver's Lodge
...covered in mud, branches and sticks.

A couple of nights later—actually late afternoon—I headed back to the lake, hoping to see the deer, the beaver and a variety of birds that habitat that area, like heron, egrets, cormorant, several varieties of ducks and hawks, Canadian geese, bank swallows, blackbirds, plovers, and sea gulls. No deer, but I was treated to a spectacular siting of a beaver as I sat in my boat quietly a safe distance from the beaver lodge. You could tell this was an active lodge since it had fresh branches, leaves and mud on the top of it. The beaver swam along in the little rivulets within the marshy cattail area near the lodge, then into a reflective pond. It didn’t see me for a while as I started videoing it. You can see it swimming about in the photo, but unfortunately the BlogSpot doesn't support MOV format videos so you don't get to see it doing its warning Splash. There didn’t appear to be any other beaver out and about—but we all know that that whack of the water is the beaver’s warning system.

Behold the Beaver

The real desire of my heart was to see the beaver carrying some branches in its mouth to work on its lodge or take back to his family, but that wasn’t apparent until I zoomed in on a video. Yes, there in its mouth were branches! It was like that ole’ critter swam right towards me so that I would be able to see the branches in his mouth and one trailing behind him. I am so blessed. This encounter with God’s creation gives me hope. Hope of eternal security—and the fulfillment of God’s love. God cares about the animals--sparrows and beavers. He cares about me and you!

Verses of Hope and Salvation ~ We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn't live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, "The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me." Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Romans 15:2-7

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

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Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Eagle Scout Award - Congratulations Zander Shultz

Prayer – Lord, thank you for Your encouragement and direction in our lives—for those You put in our family and as our friends and neighbors—that we may see them grow and learn to love You and others.

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture.

Once upon a time—not so very long ago—a little seven-year old boy wanted to go camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and just playing with other guys outside. His wise parents signed him up for Cub Scouts and saw to it that he got to his weekly meetings. Sure enough, he made lots of new friends and they went camping together. They even went as far as the Florida Keys fishing, sailing, and snorkling. They hiked and even snow skied in the mountains nearby. They all learned useful skills that will help them be prepared all through their lives in areas like first aid, citizenship, communications, cooking, fitness, personal management, plumbing, carpentry, and emergency preparedness. Not all his friends stuck with the program—and he made new friends along the way. He became a leader within his group and took on a project to build a firepit and gravel path from his church into the woods nearby. Can you imagine the stories that will be told and the number of s’mores roasted over fires at that site? It won’t be just scouts, but lots of church teens and family groups will find companionship in a circle of friends there.

Ten years later, this little guy isn’t so little anymore, but Monday, June 26^th he achieved the honor of EAGLE SCOUT! Since only about three percent of all boys in the scouting program ever achieve this level it is quite an accomplishment—and we are very proud of Zander—and his Dad, Kim, and Mom, Lisa. Even his sisters, Amelia and Liberty, offered encouragement over the years and were blessed to take part in some of his activities. Way to go, Zander!

What is next? It is important to have always have a goal…a plan for the next thing in your life. Finish High School, graduate from college…and continue to encourage others along your pathway.

Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young, so he spread his wings to take them up and carried them safely on his pinions. Deuteronomy 32:11

Blessing on you, Zander, in whatever you do! We love you much!l

Verse of Salvation ~ Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. … Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart and always ready on your lips. I am teaching you today—yes, you—so you will trust in the LORD. I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge. In this way, you may know the truth and take an accurate report to those who sent you. Proverbs 22:6. 17-21

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 27, 2023

Are You Walking in White Clothes?

Prayer – Lord, what are those qualities, those requirements of our God? For Moses writes that the law's way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands. Romans 10:5

That would be obeying all of the Ten Commandments. Can it be done?

I know a lady who always wears white—year-round. You know her, too! It’s like she’s doing a dress rehearsal for the day when she walks with You in heaven. Her character is just what You are looking for in Your followers—blameless, helpful, sincere, honest, alive in the Spirit, joyful, peace loving, patient, kind, faithful, and self-controlled. Yes, her actions would meet the requirements of God the Father—keeping the Ten Commandment, but who am I to judge?

Those in White Robes
aren't just angels.

Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: "I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don't wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief. Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine." Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. Revelation 3:1-6

Meditate. Consider God’s requirements in scripture.

God’s requirements are pretty strict. Have you seriously tried to keep the Ten Commandments? It is not easy considering that Jesus taught that to think one of those actions, like adultery or coveting, is the same as to do it. We must be careful that we don’t set ourselves apart like the Pharisees—self-righteously making extra rules by which to live in order to appear to please God. No. That would not satisfy Him at all. See the scripture passage below that describes just what God desires, what He requires.

What can we bring to the LORD? What kind of offerings should we give him? Should we bow before God with offerings of yearling calves? Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:6-8

The beauty of God’s plan is that we are saved by grace—we can be forgiven for sinning…for not fulfilling the requirements that God set forth. Listen to what Jesus also said to the church at Sardis. Repent. He expects us to ask for forgiveness and to turn away from evil actions. Those that do…or who weren’t even involved in evil practice…will wear white robes. Robes of victory and purity. A second promise provides security to those who are victorious—their names will never be blotted out of the Book of Life. Eternal life guaranteed. It is an honor to have one’s name in the Book of Life—to belong to God as proclaimed and declared by His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. John wrote about the final judgment which occurs at the end of the Millennium—the thousand-year reign of Christ.

And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. - Revelation 20:11-15 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Are you listening? Are you a believer? Then your name is in the Book of Life and chances are you will be walking with Jesus wearing a white robe.

Verses of Salvation ~ For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4:11-12

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

Monday, June 26, 2023

Are You Tired?

Prayer – Lord, I am tired—bone tired—but rejuvenated remembering that You love me…and care enough about me to not only go to the cross for my sins, but day by day take me by the hand and lead me through whatever I’m facing for this day. That is a relationship that I treasure—day by day. Thank you.

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

He renews my strength.

He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.

You honor me by anointing my head with oil.

My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6 NLT

Meditate. Consider how much Jesus, our eternal and personal shepherd, loves us.

The twenty-third Psalm—no matter what translation is read is always renewing, comforting, and refreshing to my very soul.

A flock of sheep in Israel.
This is their green pasture.
The Lord is their Shepherd.

Shepherds care for their sheep, like they care for themselves and their own family, providing everything they need. Food—whether it is green grass or a rainbow of nutritious food from all over the world—Jesus provides. He protects His sheep by leading them to quiet streams of water—where they are safe. If they were to fall into rushing water, they would surely drown—they don’t swim. Are you a strong swimmer? Most of us don’t have to worry about water quality—we turn on the faucet and out pours fresh, pure drinking water. Even in a foreign country there are usually bottles of safe drinking water available for the visitors who would otherwise be plagued with the Turkey Trots or amebic dysentery. That is no fun. Rely on Jesus. He will renew your strength. I know that He gives me hope and the fortitude to keep going even if I’m oppressed—temporarily just down in the dumps.

Paths can lead us astray—but read His word and trust Jesus daily to guide you along the right path—the straight and narrow one. He will be by your side all the way. Just as David wrote in this Psalm, you’ll bring honor to the Lord by walking on the right path.

Has your life taken you into the Valley of the Shadow of Death? It can be disheartening to lose a loved one. We all are going to die someday—and even when we have time to prepare for the event—is can be a lonely, scary, depressing and discouraging time. Life changes—and for some, even with a new normal, it is still in that shadow of death. Part of that person dies along with the loved one. I’ve seen it recently in a few friends and although everyone is different—it is the same valley. When my sister and her family, and then my parents died, I experienced that veil that covers that sadness. It eventually lifts, but life isn’t the same. Relationships have abruptly ended. Life has changed, but God doesn’t change. He is the same yesterday, today…and forever, protecting and guiding us. He provides for us—even in the presence of those whom we fear or resent. Maybe it is not a who…but a what. An enemy can be a person, place, or even a disease.

Jesus, the great shepherd, was honored by being anointed with perfume from an alabaster jar. He will anoint you with the oil of His love, peace, joy and blessings. Loving Him will assure you of an eternal home in heaven—living in the house of the Lord forever.

Focusing on Jesus, I am less tired. A good nap also helped. How about you? Are you tired?

Verses of Salvation ~ I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ's return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation--the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ--for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians 1:9-11

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

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Wake Up

Prayer – Lord, I don’t want to sleep through anything that You have to teach or show me. Fill me with Your love and hope that I would be alert and a dynamic Christian for You—even if I am just quietly working in the background. You need all Christians…whether they are bold or unobtrusive. We need to be alive and active—not apparently dead to the world.

Meditate. Are you alive or dead…or just sleeping?

Tough words to grasp. God has requirements. Jesus said to the church at Sardis: I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Another church in this group of seven churches in Revelation, Ephesus, also was admonished for leaving their first love.

But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don't repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. Revelation 2:4-5

Morning Glories in Israel.
Awake early each day.
Not complacent.

Jesus was warning the people of the church at Sardis to wake up. Look at how they loved Him at first…and now they don’t. We need to examine ourselves in that same light. Are we really as fervently committed to the Lord as we were when we first believed in Him as our Savior? It is so easy to become complacent, but Jesus will be rewarding those who are victorious—and overcome that contentment or self-righteous attitude. I am in that category of complacency. Its easy to sit back—especially during Covid and now post-Covid and just watch church or Bible studies on YouTube. No need to get involved with any group, but that is not what God wants.

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25

Jesus describes Himself as one who has the seven-fold Spirit of God. Seven is perfection—so I think, as do other commentators—that He is expressing here the perfectness of the Holy Spirit. He us encouraging this church body, and us: Don’t be among the dead. Go back to your first love for Christ and others. Like the Jesus declared the two greatest commandments…Love God and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:28-31). Love is the key…and that is a notable reminder that “God is love” from 1 John 4:8. Jesus admonishes the people of church at Sardis to repent and turn back to Him. That is true for everyone today, also. Turn back to Jesus, because after all, He is our first love.

We love each other because he loved us first. 1 John 4:19

The city of Sardis is about thirty-seven miles from Thyatira, the last city Jesus mentioned. It was a pagan city, which like other cities in this Asian region, had an influence on the early Christian church. Jesus simply wants His followers to be encouraged to follow Him. Wake up.

Verses 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. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. Romans 13:11-14

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