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, December 16, 2024

How to Glorify God’s Name.

Prayer – Lord, I want to give You my best! I trust You to guide and correct me—Yes, even to correct me, because I want healing for my body…physical and spiritual. I want to honor You in all that I think, say, and do. You are worthy of my love and adoration. I trust in You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Go ahead and correct me—I need it.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. My child, don't reject the LORD's discipline, and don't be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. Proverbs 3:5-13

Meditate. Consider trust.

There are over one hundred verses that include “trust” and the “Lord” in the New Living Translation of the Bible. That is a lot of trust. That can bring Him a lot of glory. So, what does it mean to “trust” in the Lord? To rely on Him…to have confidence in Him…or to be confident in Him…and to feel safe. God can be trusted—we are safe in His protection, even when He is correcting us or disciplining us. Think about how a child reacts to correction. They hang their head, knowing that they’ve done wrong. That’s just how we look to God when He corrects us. But stand up and take your correction to heart. God wants the best for you…and from you. He expects the best. Give it to Him. Isaiah says it well when he writes that our heart’s desire is to glorify God’s name.

What path will you follow...
if your feet are not even headed in the same direction?
Trust in the Lord.
Let Him show you the right path.

Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock. He humbles the proud and brings down the arrogant city. He brings it down to the dust. The poor and oppressed trample it underfoot, and the needy walk all over it. But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them. LORD, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart's desire is to glorify your name. Isaiah 26:4-8 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Towards the end of the New Testament God has once again given us some wonderful promises.

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. "For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away." But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved. Hebrews 10:35-39

Don’t turn away from God. Good advice in the coming days when trials may make us discouraged and if we aren’t careful, we may blame God for those very trials and think that is punishment. Is it? Consider what Jesus Christ endured on the cross for you.

We have to decide for ourselves. We have choices to make every day. Choose whom you will serve day by day. As you choose to serve God, you make an eternal choice that is pleasing God and honors Him. Just like Joshua as he was leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, I choose to serve God. I trust in the Lord with all my heart. He is the best of the best—worthy of the best that I have, give, and do.

Verse of Salvation ~ (Some of Abraham’s last words spoken to his sons.) I trust in you for salvation, O LORD! Genesis 49:18

Revised and recycled from July 14, 2022, 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

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Sunday, December 15, 2024

Third Sunday of Advent - JOY

Prayer – Lord, Joy to the World. For all who are reading this blog around the world…I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Praise the LORD! Let all that I am praise the LORD. I will praise the LORD as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath. Don't put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them. But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The LORD frees the prisoners. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down. The LORD loves the godly. The LORD protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. The LORD will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the LORD! Psalm 146:1-10 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. This begins the third Sunday of Advent. Light a candle for Joy.

Do you have Joy at this Advent time?

Rejoice – be glad or have joy overflowing.

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

This is a day—Sunday—in which Christians normally attend church and worship the Lord. It is not only a day that the Lord has made…it is the Lord’s day. Rejoice. Let your joy show. Even from behind your mask—you can be filled with joy…and let it flow from your heart and soul.

Joy. There is a lot of “joy” in the Bible—in 260 verses in the New Living Translation. One of the most remembered verses for this time of the year is related to the birth of Jesus Christ. The wise men were filled with joy.

When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! Matthew 2:10

Did the camels rejoice? They are God's creation.
Camel crossing the Judean desert.
Israel

The King James Version says that the wise men rejoiced with “exceeding great joy.” That is the feeling of real rejoicing—true joy. Exceeding great joy! Not a happiness kind of joy that we get with getting just what we want…but the joy of receiving the best gifts—salvation and eternal life. Those wise men had been following the star for probably months, maybe even two years…and then they got to see the baby—Emmanual—God with us. They were very blessed…and they knew it. They were honored to be in the presence of the very God Almighty—in human form. Then Jesus grew into a young boy…and into a man. A man who was willing to lay down His life sacrificially for His friends…for all mankind. He was and is the Messiah—King of kings and Lord of lords. The amazing part of Jesus' story is that He didn’t stay in the grave—dead—after His crucifixion. He rose from the dead and is still living. He is the very living Word of God. Yes. He is God. Can you rejoice with me because of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection?

Personally, I am rejoicing with exceeding great joy because of the hope I have in Jesus. I joyfully serve a risen Savior. This is His day… every day is His day. Rejoice and be glad. Choose to rejoice!

Verse of Salvation ~ But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "God is great!" Psalm 70:4

Revised and recycled from December 12, 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

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Love—Do You Give and Receive It?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are love. As my shepherd I am grateful that You have been willing to give up so much of Your life for all of mankind. You willingly and obediently sacrificed Your life just so that we could one day stand pure and spotless before the Lord God Almighty. What an awesome gift! Thank You. I look forward to spending eternity—forever—living in the Lord’s house. From a stable to a throne—You are a blessing. May Your name be honored forever.

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 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 (Verse 6 underlined for today’s focus.)

Meditate. Consider God’s home in Heaven—the house of the Lord.

Do you feel that goodness and unfailing love…or mercy…are part of your daily life?

Herod's Court with the Wise Men

The Shepherd—Jesus, the Good Shepherd—takes care of us…if we choose to believe in Him. This is the time of the year when we celebrate His birth. I just went to an awesome dramatic presentation of the “Journey to Bethlehem” at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Kennewick, Washington. In November there had been a tragic fire that destroyed a storage shed where many of their costumes, sets, and props were stored. Not much was saved, but miraculously those items were replaced, and the show went on as scheduled. Love prevailed…and many people were allowed to take the pilgrimage to Bethlehem, pay their taxes, just like Joseph and Mary, and then, along with the shepherds, visit the stable where Jesus was born.

Bethlehem Stable
Mary & Joseph with Baby Jesus
Kennewick, Washington Drama

The love of Jesus is unfailing. He died on a cross for the sins of the whole world—throughout history. That amazes me—all the people in any time since creation—can be forgiven of their sin. It is the choice that we all must make. Repent and be forgiven…or not. Those who choose to repent and be forgiven will be the ones that will live in the house of the LORD forever. Personally, I choose that. The Lord’s goodness and unfailing love has pursued me all the days of my life. I know that God loves us…Jesus loves us (Revelation 1:4-5)…and the Holy Spirit continues to remind us of scripture that support these promises (John 16:5-15). God is love (1 John 4:8). Love is the most important feeling, action, and emotion that exists. Without love babies don’t thrive people are isolated, and life is lost. We must have love—but it is our choice to give it and receive it. What is your choice today?

Verse of Salvation ~ Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation. Psalm 85:7

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

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, December 13, 2024

Is It Time for a Feast?

Prayer – Lord, you honor me with anointing oil…and a feast! I’m the one who should be honoring You in all that I think, say, and do. You are continually worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. Thank you for bringing people into my life that remind me of Your sacrifice, Jesus, and with whom we can share what You are doing in our lives. You have so richly blessed us. We are nothing without You. You are our shepherd…and our Savior, our Redeemer, our Teacher, the one who admonishes and corrects us, and our friend. The list of Your attributes is endless. Thank you, Lord God for who You are…and all that You do. Open our eyes and our hearts that we would see others as You do and that we would minister to them as You would. 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 (Verse 5 underlined for today’s focus.)

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture.

How is God blessing you today?

Is it time for a feast? What are you celebrating today? Every day is a day to celebrate God. He is worthy of our praise and adoration. How do you honor Him in your life?

Even in the presence of my enemies--
like this snake...
I will fear no evil.
The rod and staff of my Shepherd protect me.

Psalm 23 tells us that this shepherd of our lives…Jesus…prepares a feast before us, anoints us with oil and blesses us beyond measure. This translation of the Bible just uses “feast” whereas some other translations use the word “table” which is “mesa” in Spanish. Table…feast…they are so related. You have to have a table to have a feast, and if there is a feast, there’ll be a table. So, load it up with some good food. The Lord, our shepherd, sets His sheep on the mesa—the table—even preparing a feast of the best grassland and protecting them from wild beasts—the enemies of the sheep. He is the true shepherd.

This shepherd cares for His sheep—pouring oil over their heads to remove fly infestations and moisturize their head—just like He would ours in a dry climate. Sheep are prone to bug infestations that can drive them crazy. Those bugs are an evil enemy to those poor sheep, but the shepherd cares and rescues them.

Blessing upon blessings. That is just what the shepherd does. He pours out the blessings on His sheep. We are the sheep of the Lord our God—and He blesses us. Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us…and to be with us until the end of the age. What a comfort to know that in the trials, turmoils, and temptations of life, Jesus is with us. That is just how the shepherd is with His sheep—always there for them. He doesn’t abandon them—but is right there with them day and night. He provides all that they need and cares for them in storms and scorching sunshine.

The Lord is my shepherd—I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, leads me by still waters, and He restores my soul. He shows me the right path to take—the path of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death—like we all must someday—I’m not afraid—no fear—because Jesus is with me.

When was the last time you experienced real fear? I almost got hit while driving earlier today…and fear jumped up and yelled in my face—STOP! I did—just in time so that I didn’t crash into another car. Jesus was with me—and even if a disaster had occurred, I would still have had Jesus and the Holy Spirit right there with me. I choose to know and claim that promise. How about you—what is your choice? Are you ready for a feast?

Verse of Salvation ~ And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-28

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

This is an original recipe developed in a Home Economics food class at Central Washington State College (now CWU) by my sister, Shirley Jeske Woody. She loved to cook as much as she loved to play the piano—which was a great passion for her. One day we will feast together around the King’s Table. When it is time for a feast, maybe she’ll create another dish, make one of her blue-ribbon winning apple pies, or just for that occasion, play “Flight of the Bumblebee” on the piano one more time for us.

Krautburger Casserole

1 lb. hamburger

Salt and pepper

1 1-lb can sauerkraut, drained

1 can diced or stewed tomatoes

8 oz. mozzarella cheese, grated

Brown hamburger in skillet. Drain off excess grease. Season with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes. Add sauerkraut. Stir together. Stir cheese into mixture. Pour into greased 1½ quart casserole dish. Bake in 325 over for 20 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. This casserole may be prepared entirely in a skillet by heating thoroughly before adding the cheese. It will be juicier unless some of the tomato liquid is reserved before the tomatoes are added. This is good served over toast, brown rice or wide egg noodles. Feast on this some cold winter day and enjoy!

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, December 12, 2024

Are You Walking Through a Dark Valley?

Prayer – Lord, there have been days when I really feel like I’m walking through the valley of the shadow of death…but I know You are with me. Thanks for always being with me. Your promise means so much to me. I truly am never alone. No fear—You are with me and protect me. Your shepherding comfort is beyond any expectations.

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 (Verse 4 underlined for today’s focus.)

Meditate. Feel Jesus’ presence with you.

Is there darkness all around you?
Let the light of Jesus shine in your life.
He promised to always be with us!

Are you walking through a dark valley?

My sister and her family were killed in a domestic violence situation thirty-five years ago—and at that time I definitely walked…and crawled…through the valley of the shadow of death. Recently on the anniversary of their death, I again traveled along that dark valley. Prayer of friends and family—together lifting each other up—was my saving grace. Jesus paid it all—He suffered the loss along with us and for us. I cling to His promise, day by day, for all sorts of reasons but thirty-five years ago it was very real to me. I was not alone as I dealt with my sister’s estate. I was not alone as I cleared out all the treasures she had accumulated in the years they had lived in that house. I was not alone. Jesus was with me. He continues to be with me—He has promised.

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 (Emphasis mine.)

Even when you go through the darkest of valleys—Jesus is with you. Choose to let Him walk alongside of you…to comfort and strength you. You can depend on Him. He keeps His promises.

Verse of Salvation ~ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

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

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, December 11, 2024

Renewed Strength

Prayer – Lord, I want my strength renewed—revived. I’m just tired and weak—but I know that You have overcome and are strong. You guide me along Your path—the right path. I understand it is the narrow trail that may not be an easy route—but it leads to the right place with You forever. That’s where I want to be. Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayer and for all that You provide and do for me, my family and friends. I want to honor You…and Your name…forever.

Just like Kim guided Amelia on the narrow path,
The Lord guides us on His narrow path.
The right path, bringing honor to His name,

Hiking Badger Mountain, Richland.

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 (Verse 3 underlined for today’s focus.)

Meditate. Consider God’s strength.

How strong are you feeling today?

Shepherds had to be pretty strong back in David’s day. Think about how he fought off lions and bears and then the great Philistine, Goliath.

"Don't worry about this Philistine," David told Saul. "I'll go fight him!" "Don't be ridiculous!" Saul replied. "There's no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You're only a boy, and he's been a man of war since his youth." But David persisted. "I have been taking care of my father's sheep and goats," he said. "When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I'll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The LORD who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!" Saul finally consented. "All right, go ahead," he said. "And may the LORD be with you!" 1 Samuel 17:32-37

In Psalm 23 David writes that his shepherd, the Lord God, renews his strength and guides him on the right path. We can be assured that God will do the same for us…if we are obedient to His will and if we ask.

When was the last time that you choose to ask God to give you strength? It is surprising how strength in older hands gets weaker and weaker. As I recently tried to open a jar that was being very stubborn, I prayed for God to give me strength. Sure enough! God answered my prayer and gave me a mighty force to get that jar of pickles open. God is good!

Do you ever ask for spiritual strength? Pleading for wisdom and understanding would be good examples of desiring spiritual fortitude. That is my frequent prayer.

In the focus verse (v.3) David emphasizes walking on the right path which is the narrow path that leads to eternal life with Jesus Christ. By allowing our Shepherd, Jesus, to guide us on this path of His we give honor to Him and to God the Father. Jesus always points us to the Father, but we have a choice. What is your choice today? Will you walk on that challenging, narrow path and honor God—or will you take the easy route on the wide path?

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

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