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, October 31, 2023

Die and Be Judged

Prayer – Lord God, I submit myself to You…to Your will and Your ways, knowing that I will one day I will die and face Judgment. May all that I think, say and do today be acceptable to You. If not, please forgive me and show me the right path to take that You would rescue me in my trials.

Graves at the Mount of Olives
Jerusalem, Israel

And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment…. Hebrews 9:27

For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment. And God did not spare the ancient world--except for Noah and the seven others in his family. Noah warned the world of God's righteous judgment. So God protected Noah when he destroyed the world of ungodly people with a vast flood. Later, God condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and turned them into heaps of ashes. He made them an example of what will happen to ungodly people. But God also rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day. So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment. He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desire, and who despise authority. These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at supernatural beings without so much as trembling. But the angels, who are far greater in power and strength, do not dare to bring from the Lord a charge of blasphemy against those supernatural beings. 2 Peter 2:4-11

God didn’t spare the angels who sinned…those are the ones who fell with Satan. God is pure. He can only have purity around Him—no sin. That was the whole purpose of Jesus being the sacrifice for our sin…so we can one day stand before God—sinless.

Gather before judgment begins, before your time to repent is blown away like chaff. Act now, before the fierce fury of the LORD falls and the terrible day of the LORD's anger begins. Zephaniah 2:2

For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God's household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God's Good News? 1 Peter 4:17

Judgment begins with God’s household—those who belong to Him. What a message Peter gives us! Judgment will be a terrible fate for those who have never obeyed God's Good News. Like those fallen angels, the non-believers, disobedient people will be cast into the outer darkness…or the fiery pit. That will be a terrible place to spend eternity. The choice is ours where we spend eternity…with God or away from Him. God’s judgment will reflect our choices…our obedience to Him…our willingness to serve…our attitude towards Him…our holiness and purity. Our holiness and purity are a reflection of Jesus’ sacrifice and our acceptance of His gift to us. That would ultimately be the gift of eternal life. Where do you stand with the Lord? We never know just when we’ll die and face judgment. Are you ready?

Verses of Salvation ~ When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:20-23

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:5

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

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

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Monday, October 30, 2023

Bright Light – No Death

Prayer ~ Jesus—You are the Light of the world. Shine brightly in my heart and life today that others would see You, be encouraged, make the right choice for You, and never see death.

The Jews answered and said to Him, "Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?" Jesus answered, "I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. But I do not seek My glory; there is One who seeks and judges. Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death." John 8:48-51 NASB

He will never see death. If you ask almost anyone today what they are afraid of, they may include death in their “fear” list. So, to never having to face death would be a wonderful thing. Here Jesus is talking about “spiritual death” which those who believe in Him—and keep His word—will never have to experience. Living forever is such a mind-boggling thought. It is beyond our comprehension. Forever. The last stanza of the song “Amazing Grace” tells about ten thousand years…being just the beginning of days that can’t be counted. That is what “forever” is—days we can’t count. We won’t even want to count them since they are all wonderful bright sun shiny days in the presence of our Lord.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Our Moon

Did you see the full moon setting early in the morning on Saturday? It was brilliantly bright, beautiful, and bold! It reminded me that John wrote in the book of Revelation that there won’t be a moon in the New Heaven, in the New Jerusalem. We will spend eternity without the moon…enjoy it now!

And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. Revelation 21:23

Jesus told people following Him…and us…that He is the light of the world.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12

Walk—live—with the wisdom and knowledge that Jesus gives you…and me. That light that He provides gives us inspiration, understanding, warmth…and above all, His gracious and enduring love. Bask in that love. He is the bright light and results is no death for those who keep His word—those who listen and obey.

Halloween seems to focus on darkness, grim reapers and scary things. But Jesus is the light of the world—so let His light shine in the darkness today, tonight, and tomorrow that His truth would be known by all. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33 (NASB). Choose to make good decisions today that you would encourage yourself and others.

Verses of Salvation ~ But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 1 Thessalonians 5:8-10

Reused and revised from October 31, 2012 “Banquet With The King” blog.

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

NASB - New American Standard Bible 1995 Copyright (c) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995
by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved https://www.lockman.org/new-american-standard-bible-nasb/

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, October 29, 2023

Respond to God’s Promises

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I am in awe of You—as You glorify Our Heavenly Father—who has given us everything—even You, His own precious Son. A promise that He kept…and You obediently honored. Thank you!

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. 2 Peter 1:3-9 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture. Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

Peter so wisely has written to open our eyes to encourage us to… make every effort to respond to God's promises. Surely, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. Everything we need…God provides.

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 2 Corinthians 9:10

So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:31-34

And look what God has given us! The greatest gift of all—His one and only Son. A gift isn’t a real gift until it is accepted. That is God’s gift of love—to us and for us. There is no greater love than that of someone laying down their own life…their desires for their friend…their loved one. That is just what Jesus did. Can you accept Jesus as your own Savior?

Spring Creek Suspension Bridge
Near Winthrop, WA

Now, look at all the benefits that God gives us with that love…moral excellence, knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection. These are like building blocks in our faith walk. Know God more each day…and build a strong bridge in a closer relationship with Jesus.

Are you ready for Jesus’ return? Don’t worry about tomorrow…but remember Jesus said that He was going to prepare a place for us…in Heaven…and that He would return for His followers to take us there. Be ready.

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

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, October 28, 2023

But Remember….

Prayer – Lord, my prayer is as Paul wrote to the church at Corinth… Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead. ... The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. 1 Peter 4:3-5, 7-9

Meditate on the changes in your life as a Christian.

Are you seeking purity and holiness?

Has your life changed since you became a Christian? Do you want purity and holiness in your life—instead of a wildlife? Are you encouraging others to seek God daily…and have a relationship with Him? It is important to really know God—to know Christ—and have a connection with them through the Holy Spirit. Why? I think because life is all about honoring God—loving Him and loving others. Why would an association with God be important to you? Each person has to choose for themselves. God has given us free will that way. He is a gentleman and doesn’t force Himself on anyone…but our choices will make a difference in where we spend eternity. Personally, I want to be in the presence of God, serving and worshipping Him forever. The alternative—forever in a dark place or in a lake of fire—is not pleasant choice that I prefer. My choice of Jesus as my Savior, I believe, will allow me to spend eternity in the New Jerusalem, in the New Heaven. The end of the world is coming soon…as Peter wrote. He also gave a warning to everyone…But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead. Everyone has the choice to make…and if they don’t choose, it is as if they are telling God, “No.” No one gets to decide if they will face judgment. Peter tells everyone…But Remember.

Verses of Salvation ~ Now I am glad I sent it (a letter from Paul causing pain), not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. 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 7:9-10

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

Friday, October 27, 2023

Do You Have a Godly Purpose?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, guide our hearts, thoughts and minds that we would focus our lives on living lives of purity and holiness.

But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness…. 1Timothy 4:7

Meditate on holiness in your life.

Is Halloween for you based on worldly fables or spiritual warfare? Do you take part in the Halloween celebration and party with your friends? Do you allow evil fables and evil forces to invade your home and your life…if even for just the day? Dressing up may seem like a fun activity but beware of the apparent innocence of the “fun” activities that have an evil connotation or just naively open the door to more demonic or wicked actions. Satan would love to have you play his evil games and laugh at goodness.

Consider your values. What do you teach your children by the way you acknowledge particular holidays? Do your actions reflect a desire for godliness—the purpose of holiness in your life?

Verses leading to 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. ... We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. We faithfully preach the truth. God's power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense. ... Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:2, 6-7, 14

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is definitely soup time! As the temperature drops, I just feel the need for a nice bowl of soup… just about every day! A friend of mine—who has already experienced a dusting of snow—yes, SNOW—sent me this soup recipe. It’s a great do ahead meal—perfect for a cold, cozy stay at home and read day! Enjoy!

Magic Beef Stew

2½ to 3 pounds of lean stew beef

6 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2” pieces

3 large Yukon potatoes, quartered

3 large onions, sliced

3 stalks of celery, cut into 2” pieces

1 Tbsp salt

1 tsp pepper

¼ cup tapioca

2 Tbsp cane sugar

1½ cups tomato juice or diluted tomato sauce

1 cup water

Layer first 5 ingredients in a casserole, preferably a cast iron Dutch oven. Sprinkle with mixture of salt, pepper, tapioca and sugar. Pour mixture of tomato juice and water over all. Seal with foil and lid. Bake at 275 degrees for 4 hours or until the beef is tender. Serve with salad and corn bread. Yields 5-6 servings.

Adapted from cookbook “Capital Eating in Kentucky”

Revised and renewed from October 31, 2013 “Banquet With The King” blog

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, October 26, 2023

Deceiver…Deceived?

Jerusalem -- The Holy Land

Prayer ~ Lord God…Who may climb the Your mountain, LORD? Who may stand in Your holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the LORD's blessing and have a right relationship with You, God, since You are their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. From Psalm 24:3-6

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

Meditate. Watch out…don’t wander away from love.

God wants to have a relationship with you…based on love. His love for you, your love for Him and your love for others. Seems pretty simple doesn’t it—but…and there always is a but…our own selfish desires get in the way of that love. Do selfish desires say or show that we love ourselves? Not necessarily. Think about it. If we are to love others as ourselves, we have to love ourselves. If someone has low self-esteem, then they won’t be fully loving themselves even if they are fulfilling their own selfish desires. Love things…or love God? Love things…or show some respect for yourself and others? A couple of times Jesus was asked what is the most important commandment.

"Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?" Jesus replied, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40

Over and over, we are taught to love God, ourselves and others. Love is an action verb. Just saying it is important, but showing it by spending time with others…getting to know what is important to them…is essential to any relationship. Find out what their 'love language" is by reading Gary Chapman's book "The 5 Love Languages." I'm sure the Lord treasures all five types of love languages. Certainly "time." What kind of time are you spending with the Lord…Father and Son…today? Have you learned anything new about them…about yourself…and your relationship with them? Don't be deceived or wander away from their love. Don’t be deceived or be a deceiver and wander or draw others away from God’s love.

Verse 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. Isaiah 33:2

Revised and reused from November 29, 2021 “Banquet With The King” blog.

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, October 25, 2023

Sign of the Dragon

Prayer – Lord, please give me wisdom and understanding about this sign of the dragon. The symbolism in Revelation is sometime difficult to discern…and this baby that is born? Is that the “first born”—Your faithful followers?

An ancient serpent...turned to stone.
The great deceiver.

Then I witnessed in heaven another significant event. I saw a large red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, with seven crowns on his heads. His tail swept away one-third of the stars in the sky, and he threw them to the earth. He stood in front of the woman as she was about to give birth, ready to devour her baby as soon as it was born. ... Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. Revelation 12:3-4, 7-9

Meditate.

Evil will not prevail ultimately, but as Satan and his demons are loosed on earth…it will be bad. Evil will be rampant. Destruction is Satan’s goal and he is mad! He wanted to be God and rule over heaven and earth. That is not going to happen. In this passage we learn that He just lost a spiritual battle in heaven with the Archangel Michael and the good angels. He was tossed out of heaven and note that it says he was thrown down to the earth with all his angels. I’ve underlined “all” for emphasis. All Satan’s angels…not just part of them. Ugh! Thrown down to earth—not into the pit or the Lake of Fire—that will happen later. For now, people on earth will have to put up with him…or call on the Lord to help them. It will not be easy or pretty for them.

Right before the war in heaven the woman gives birth to a male child who is caught up to heaven.

She gave birth to a son who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to his throne. Revelation 12:5

That “male child” is made up of believers who received their immortal bodies in the seven days prior to being called up…caught up to God in heaven. It doesn’t say “the church…or the bride” just the male child which is assumed to be men and women who are faithful followers of Jesus Christ who will “rule all nations with an iron rod.” They will rule with Jesus as described in the letter to the Church Thyatira.

To all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end, to them I will give authority over all the nations. They will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots. Revelation 2:26-27 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Those letters to the churches are said to have been written to the 144,000 Jews to advise them in the last days—but we can use this correlation to understand about ruling with an iron rod, which is ruling with a severe, rigorous rule as indicated by the Blue Letter Bible on line Lexicon. It won’t be a Sheppard’s rod that is just used to defend the sheep and fight off wild animals, but one of a weapon of strength for a ruler. Jesus will give such a rod to those who are obedient to Him. Which end of the rod do you want to be on? Are you an obedient follower of Jesus? Beware of that dragon—but choose to follow Jesus now and forever. You'll be snatched up before Satan can devour you!

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

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