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.

Monday, September 30, 2024

Choices – What is the Only One Thing Needed?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You told Martha only one thing was needed. As the Hebrews writer tells us—You are always the same—so that tells me that we need only one thing. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God's grace, not from rules about food, which don't help those who follow them.” Hebrews 13:8-9. Like Martha and Mary, You are all we need.

A buffet feast - like Martha was preparing.
At a Dead Sea Hotel & Spa - Israel

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me." But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Consider your choices.

What choices do you make when you entertain?

Here’s a lady who invited some travelers into her home for a big meal. She wanted to spend time with her guests, but she was distracted. According to the Thayer’s Greek Lexicon to be distracted is to be over-occupied, too busy, about a thing. That is just how Martha was reacting with Jesus and His disciples visiting her home. Distracted. Befuddled like Martha? That could easily be me. I have lots of things I want to do…some even definitely for the Lord! But soon I’m off down a rabbit hole like Alice in Wonderland. Feeling that God is calling me to start a Ladies Bible weekly Bible Study. Trying to finish my great-grandmother’s crazy quilt, wanting to measure windows for new blinds, weeding my little garden patch, continuously cleaning and cooking…planning to de-clutter and downsize! Mending. Blogging. Writing stories. Reading. Walking. Exercising. There is so much to do! Is there time to sit at the feet of Jesus? To be like Mary? Hmmm. I’m like Martha…cooking up more than one dish. Wanting to help someone and for someone to help me. Jesus noted, there is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.

Mary discovered that Jesus’ teaching was the thing worth being concerned about. It was rare that a woman, the unrespected gender of that era, would be in the honored place at the teacher’s feet. But there she was, soaking up the wisdom of our Lord. Was Martha listening as she worked? It is unlikely. Remember she was distracted. How often do you multi-task and not remember what you heard or overheard? What is your choice today? Sitting at the feet of Jesus, or being distracted with all the tasks of life?

Verses of Salvation ~ 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. 1 Corinthians 1:24-25

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Will You Stand in God’s Holy Place?

Prayer – Lord God, You are love…and I want to know You even better and be even closer to You than I’ve ever been. Bless me…and all those who seek You.

Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in His 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 God their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. Psalm 24:3-6

Capernaum synagogue
Jesus taught here.
The floor is still standing...
the columns and walls rebuilt.
Can we enter into His presence even in this place?

Meditate on standing in God’s Holy Place.

Only the holy can stand before God—hearts and hands pure.

Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Psalm 15:1-2.

David knew about purity before God and a right relationship. He was known as a man after God’s own heart. Like David I want a really good relationship—open, honest, pure. That is exactly what I am striving for with the Lord. The great thing is that He accepts us as we are…but doesn’t want us to stay that way. Holy. Holiness unto the Lord. That is how we must be. From early accounts, God wants His chosen people to be pure and holy, just because He Himself is.

You must be holy because I, the LORD, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own. Leviticus 20:26 NLT

We can only attain that holiness because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. His shed blood washes away our impurity—and gives us a pure heart. Worthy to stand before His Throne.

What a great promise He gives us—we will receive the LORD’s blessing and have a right relationship with God—our Savior. Blessing and relationship. That is love…and we know that God loves us. God is Love.

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:16

Where do you choose to stand with the Lord? Is His throne in your heart…approachable with holy purity?

Verse of Salvation ~ Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness. 1 Peter 2:2-3

Revised and reused from March 15, 2017 blog post: Banquet With The King

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, September 28, 2024

Show God Love

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You showed us the ultimate love by dying for our very souls. As we stand before You, may You see our love for You in that we love others. There is so much tension in our world right now—please be merciful to those that know and love you. Give us courage and strength to face the trials of life and to share Your truth with others. Thank You.

Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. 1 John 3:18-19

Don't be a self-center piggy.
Show your love for God by loving others.
Pig created by grandgirl Liberty.

Meditate on how you can show love in action.

What is love to you? A hug, or kiss, a kind word, opening the door, expressing an emotion, or a gift from the heart?

Several years ago, Gary Chapman wrote a book, “5 Love Languages” in which he lists and develops this idea that different people feel and express love in different ways. Those include spending quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. Expressing love can be as simple as opening a door, touching another on the shoulder, telling someone they are special to you, giving them a treasured book, or going for a walk together. Figuring out what someone or your own love language is may take some exploration, like taking a quiz available on-line. Discovering what someone else’s love language is can be the beginning of developing a stronger relationship with that person.

What about a stronger relationship with the Lord? Can you express love to God in these same five ways? Obviously, we can’t touch God, but a good place to begin is by showing love and respect for those He has created. Love one another—as Christ has love you. John told the Christians to whom he was writing that they should show, not just speak, of their love for one another. It’s easy to say…have a good day, God loves you and so do I, be warm, and eat well. But what are you doing to help others have that “good day” or be warm and fed? There are opportunities out there to minister to others in homeless missions, food banks, domestic violence service centers, veteran services, school reading programs, and an endless list of needs within your community. It is your challenge to find ways to serve—that would be loving God by loving others. How will you choose to love God by loving others today?

Verse of Salvation ~ But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! Psalm 103:17-18

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, September 27, 2024

It’s Not Thanksgiving Yet…Are You Thankful Anyway?

Prayer – Lord God, we are told over and over to be thankful. I am thankful—for You, for everything You provide and do for me, my family, friends, community, country…and the whole world. I praise You as my Lord, my Savior, my Creator, my Father, my guide, and my friend. You are an awesome God.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:16-17

Meditate on thankfulness.

Teach the little ones to "Give Thanks"
for everything.
Be Thankful.

How do you express your thankfulness?

Give thanks. Be thankful. God repeated this directive numerous times throughout the Bible.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12:28

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. 1 Chronicles 16:8

Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. - Psalm 106:1

And they said, "We give thanks to you, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who always was, for now you have assumed your great power and have begun to reign. Revelation 11:17

Singing praises. Giving thanks. Teaching others. That is what God wants us to do to honor Him. Can we do anything less? The choice is us to each of us. What do you choose to do today?

Verse of Salvation ~ (God says) 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

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Emergency Food List

What’s cooking at your house without electricity? If you have a gas stove, propane BBQ, a camp stove, or even a backyard firepit, you are probably able to prepare a warm meal for your family. Be safe. Be ready to share if the enticing aroma of your food draws in other people.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has prepared a list of foods to have on hand for emergency situations. Check it out at Food and Water (fema.gov) where you will find some no non-sense guidance as well as food suggestions. You could also Google “emergency food supply list” and choose for yourself a list to follow to be prepared for any crisis.

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, September 26, 2024

Does Christ Live in You?

Prayer – Lord. You live in my heart…and in my life. You are all that matters…but all the daily necessities barge in on my life. Help me to keep You first. Renew my heart daily so that I can become like You—filled merciful, kind, humble, gentle, patient, forgiving, loving, and peaceful.

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:10-15

Meditate. What does it mean to be Christlike?

Do you know that you are one of God’s chosen people?

To be part of God’s family…His chosen ones…is such a humble privilege. Chosen. The Jews were the first chosen people—and then the Gentiles were offered an opportunity to be part of God’s family. One just has to repent of their sins and accept that Jesus died on the cross for them. Simple, but humbling. Jesus Christ is all that matters once a person accepts Him as their Savior. Living or dying for Christ, as Paul wrote.

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don't know which is better. I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Philippians 1:20-24

God wants us to be and live like Jesus.

And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us. Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. 1 John 4:13-17

Forgiveness. That is one of the keys in a relationship with God…with Jesus. God has forgiven us…for so much. He expects us to forgive others the same way that He has forgiven us. As Paul wrote to the church at Colossi, we are to make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Forgive. That’s the fundamental important thing. Forgiveness. You know the Golden Rule…treat others they way you want to be treated.

Do to others as you would like them to do to you. Luke 6:31

Forgive others—since you would want them to forgive you…if you had offended them. Is that what Christ would do? Does Christ live in you? The choice is yours.

Verses of Salvation ~ Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:21-24

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, September 25, 2024

Omniscient

Prayer – Lord, You know everything…and see me when I’m sleeping and when I’m awake. Thanks for loving me and accepting me…just as I am…and for guiding and encouraging me to become more—spiritually. I am grateful that You hear and answer my prayers.

The LORD is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. ... The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous. Proverbs 15:3, 29

Meditate. Good versus evil.

Can you see everything at once? God can.

God sees everything. He is watching everywhere. Does that comfort or distress you? Do you know God and His Son, Jesus Christ—the Savior of the world?

God has promised to never leave us or forsake us—so I find His constant presence reassuring, protective, and comforting. He not only sees everything, but He hears us—especially those who are seeking Him, the righteous ones. Solomon wisely addresses God's omniscience in Proverbs.

Don't excuse yourself by saying, "Look, we didn't know." For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve. Proverbs 24:12

That “repay all people as their actions deserve” could be scary. We are accountable to God. Does that influence your decisions and actions? It does mine. I don’t want to intentionally displease God.

God is Light.
In Him there is no darkness.

Verses of Salvation ~ This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. 1 John 1:5-10

Happy Birthday Sweet Liberty!

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, September 24, 2024

Honor God and the Elderly

Prayer – Lord, I want to honor and worship You. I respect—even fear—You for You are worthy of all honor, power and glory. If only everyone would give You the honor and respect that You are due. You have value to me…the greatest of all.

Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:32

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

When was the last time you saw someone stand up in the presence of an older person?

This was a directive given by God to Moses for the Israeli people. It was not the first time, nor the last, that Moses told the Israelites to respect and love their God. (Underlined scripture below for emphasis.)

Ten Commandments
Love God and obey His commands

These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the LORD your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you. Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Fear, or respect, God. There are lots of other references to “fear” as wisdom throughout the Bible.

My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. Proverbs 2:1-9

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever! Psalm 111:10

Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. Proverbs 15:33

Don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

"Fear God," he shouted. "Give glory to him. For the time has come when he will sit as judge. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all the springs of water." Revelation 14:7

In respecting elders—especially our parents or their memories—we are honoring God since one of the Ten Commandments is to honor your father and mother. What is your choice today? What are you doing to honor elders and God?

Verse of Salvation ~ Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. Philippians 2:12

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