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.

Sunday, June 30, 2024

Who Can Know the Lord’s Thoughts?

Prayer – Lord, please give me wisdom and understanding—spiritual understanding—of Your word and teaching. Help me not only apply it to my life—but share it with others that they would draw closer to You.

When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit's words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. For, "Who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?" But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:13-16 NLT

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

Seriously? Who could actually think that they could teach God anything? He is the source of all wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. For, "Who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?" Isaiah 40:13. I sure wouldn’t be so bold as to think I could know God’s thoughts or teach Him anything. No. I just want to learn as much as I can from Him!

Our life in relationship to God is totally spiritual—well, He does touch us physically for healing—but I think it still done at a spiritual level. We pray to ask God for His help, protection, and blessings—and that is all spiritual. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, it is the Holy Spirit—having the mind of Christ in us—who gives us understanding. Where are you at spiritually? It is our choice, day by day, to focus our lives on Christ—at a spiritual level.

Verse of Salvation ~ Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. God's purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him. Ephesians 1:11-14 NLT

Tomorrow the year is half-gone. What are your spiritual goals for the next half of this year?

Are you going to reach out to others—being a giver rather than a receiver?

Will you be more diligent about reading your Bible?

Prayer? How’s that going—do you need to make any changes?

Overall—how’s your relationship with God…Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Saturday, June 29, 2024

How To Understand God’s Word

Prayer – Lord God, reveal to me the meaning of the scripture I read today…and show me how I can apply it to my life. Thank you.

But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:10-12

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture.

Pray. Read God's Word
Use different translations.

Do you pray before you read God’s word? Try a little experiment. Don’t pray before you read some Bible passage. Do you get any inspiration from it? Then earnestly pray that God give you understanding, insight, and application of His word. Read it and see if God does inspire you. Just an idea. I have inadvertently done this and realized that prayer is powerful. Try reading different Bible translations for more insight.

The Holy Spirit does reveal to us what He wants us to know…to remember. Jesus told His disciples, and us, about God the Father’s plan to send the Holy Spirit to everyone who believes. The Holy Spirit teaches us and reminds us about Jesus’ teachings.

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 NLT

This is expressed in more detail in the Amplified version of the Bible.

But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. John 14:26 AMP

Paul continues telling the believers at Corinth about God’s secrets. Scripture reveals that to us. If it is still a mystery to you…then pray about it that the Holy Spirit would give you guidance as to what scripture to read and insight as you study His words.

Prayer is the key to understanding God’s word. Do you sincerely desire to know God through studying His word? It is your choice to pray…or not.

Verse of Salvation ~ But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23 NLT

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

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, June 28, 2024

Can You Imagine What God Has Prepared?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I am excited anticipating Heaven. What will it look like? Ultimately, what will we eat there? Since You ate food after Your resurrection, we can be sure that we will eat when we are resurrected, too. Is all this mystery about Heaven part of God’s plan?

No cobblestones as in Jerusalem now.
In the New Jerusalem
we will praise and dance...
on a street of gold.

Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:6-9 NLT

Meditate. Consider God’s plan.

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." Isaiah 64:4 When I’ve read that verse, I think about what God has prepared for us…what Jesus promised to prepare for us—a place in Heaven. We can’t see what Heaven looks like—and it hasn’t been described in detail in the Bible, although Revelation 21 describes the city of New Jerusalem that comes down out of Heaven. I’ve always been impressed that there will be streets of gold as described by John.

So he took me in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious stone--like jasper as clear as crystal. The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. ... The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. ... The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass. Revelation 21:10-12, 18, 21 NLT

Heaven will be a wonderful place. It is a favorite topic among some mature believers—as well as salvation, God’s plan—and the wisdom and obedience of the Lord Jesus Christ. One topic that some Christians are enthralled with is the end times and the return of Jesus. It will happen. Many say we are in the end times and that the Rapture is eminent—but it could be months or even years before that happens. The conditions of world right now are ripe for a major change to occur. What do you believe will happen? Are you searching God’s word for end times insights? Have you made the choice to follow Jesus—to accept Him as your Savior? Do you see yourself walking down the main street of the New Jerusalem on a street of gold? The choice is yours.

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 NLT

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Thinking of heavenly food? Will Heavenly Hash—also known as Glorified Rice—be served in Heaven?

Lots of family and friends love it especially at Thanksgiving or for potlucks.

Heavenly Hash

¾ cup uncooked rice cooked in 1½ water (should yield 1½ cups cooked rice) – cook the day before or cool before making this recipe

2 cups crushed pineapple, drained

1 (10 oz) package miniature marshmallows

1 (4 oz) jar maraschino cherries, halved, plus 1 Tbsp cherry juice

1 cup heavy cream, whipped

½ cup powdered sugar, or less to taste

Mix cooled rice with pineapple, cherries and cherry juice. Fold the sugar into the whipped cream. Add to the rice and fruit mixture. Chill four hours or overnight. Like many foods, this gets better with age, but eat it up in three days. It can be used as a salad or a dessert. Enjoy. For variation, some people like to use peaches or canned mixed fruit instead of pineapple.

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, June 27, 2024

It’s a Secret!

Prayer – Lord God, I simply rely and trust in Your power and wisdom. Just as You revealed Your plan—a mysterious plan for mankind—to Paul as he wrote to the church at Corinth—You have given everyone an opportunity to know about the Good News of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Messiah. He is the secret plan. It’s not a secret anymore. Thanks for revealing it to us. Please give us wisdom and understanding that we would be able to intentionally share this with others that they would inherit eternal life, too.

The Cross
Jesus came for all the people...
in the world.,,
including Peru.

When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn't use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God's secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Meditate. Consider trust.

A Secret Plan. It sounds like something out of a thriller movie or mystery novel, but there is nothing fictional about this plan. It is the real deal—the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It is Jesus Christ. He is the one who was crucified on a cross as a sacrificial lamb to take away the sin of the world. All sin for all mankind throughout history. The “secret” is that it is a free gift—we cannot do anything to earn or buy it—we merely need to accept God’s gift. This plan has been shown to us by the Holy Spirit. So, the whole “plan” is not a secret anymore.

For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 AMP

Now it is a choice for those who have heard about Jesus to either accept Him as their Savior, or reject Him. What is your choice?

Verse of Salvation ~ Now to Him who is able to establish and strengthen you [in the faith] according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery [of the plan of salvation] which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now has been disclosed and through the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all the nations, according to the commandment of the eternal God, leading them to obedience to the faith, to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forevermore! Amen. Romans 16:25-27 AMP

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

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

What Can You Boast About?

Crow or brag like this
Rooster!
Joppa, Israel

Prayer – Lord, I don’t think I boast very much—but then I realize that I do chat about trips I’ve taken, places I’ve been…and that is prideful boasting since not everyone can travel. But I rationalize it thinking there are others who have gone where I haven’t been…and take extravagant trip routinely. I’m looking forward to the greatest trip ever…Rapture! Can I not boast about that? Some people, with whom I regularly talk about spiritual things, don’t think that this will happen soon…or even in our lifetime. Only God the Father really knows. I just am hopeful that it will be sooner rather than later. I do hope that there will be lots of people going, Heaven is going to be amazing! Come quickly, Jesus.

God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, "If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD." 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NLT

Meditate. What do you boast about?

Boast or brag? It borders on a haughty, selfish spirit. That is not what the Lord wants. He wants a humble and obedient spirit.

And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. Deuteronomy 10:12 NLT

…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 6:8 NLT

It is interesting to read what the prophet Jeremiah wrote and to consider that boasting can also be translated as praising.

This is what the LORD says: "Don't let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the LORD, have spoken!" Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT

As you consider your choices, remember that Jesus paid for your sins so that you can be pure and holy. Boast in the Lord…or not. There is no half-way in living for the Lord. Either you are for Him or against Him.

Verse of Salvation ~ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Who Can Boast in God’s Presence?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are power and wisdom! Creator, Sustainer, Teacher, Rabbi, Counselor (along with the Holy Spirit), Super Hero, Messiah, Savior, Lord, King of kings. You are the living God, the Son of God. You are the great I AM. I bow before You in my heart and on my knees. I will never boast in Your presence—although I long to live eternally in Your presence.

Sunflower
Boasting of God's light and love.

But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:24-29 (Underlined for emphasis.)

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

God chose. Paul wrote that three times in this portion of scripture. God didn’t just let the world choose—He chose. He knows what is best. No matter how smart we may think we are, we are not wise in the world’s eye…or in God’s viewpoint. God gives wisdom to those He wants—like Solomon. But what did Solomon do with that? He made a fool of himself with having so many wives and worshipping their gods. Ultimately, he threw away God’s gift of wisdom.

Do you boast about your life and what you’ve done, about how smart or wise you are? Who can boast in the presence of God? No one. Is that your choice?

Verses of Salvation ~ For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. Titus 2:11-14 NLT

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Monday, June 24, 2024

How Do You View The Cross?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are the source of all wisdom. There is no foolishness in what You have accomplished. I am humbled to even think of the sacrifice You made in my behalf. Thank you.

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent." So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense. 1 Corinthians 1:18-23

Meditate. What do you think of when you see The Cross?

Foolishness? No. I see an empty cross on which Jesus obediently sacrificed His life—for my sin. I am eternally grateful for His obedience. That cross is empty because after His crucifixion He was taken down, laid in a tomb, and then mercifully raised from the dead. The only god in history to be resurrected. He is in Heaven now, seated at the right hand—the favored place—of the Almighty Heavenly Father. Jesus is preparing a place for all His followers—those who believe in Him. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God; He is God; and He is my Lord and Savior. No foolish ideas. No offense nor nonsense.

Everyone has to make a choice to believe in Jesus as the Son of God, the Messiah for the world, or to consider this as foolishness, and thus head for destruction. What do you choose?

Verses of Salvation ~ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance--an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 1 Peter 1:3-5 NLT

Happy Anniversary Hunasan!

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