Banquet With The King

Daily Devotional focusing on spiritual "food" at the King's Banquet Table. In 2025 this blog will explore verses to meditate on as we search for Jesus in the Old and New Testaments, pursuing a deeper relationship with God as we grow in Christian maturity. This web page has had over 302,975 page views by people in over 140 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, May 6, 2025

How To Obey

The butterfly represents a new life in Christ.
Will you listen and obey like Jesus Christ did?

How to obey? I think that is to do what you are told to do…what is expected of you. Choosing to do the right thing at the right time.

And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, "I know God," but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 1 John 2:3-6

While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. Hebrews 5:7-9 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Obedience, according to Strong’s concordance, G5218, is compliance and submission.

Here are some tips from Peter on obeying.

So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God's obedient children. Don't slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:13-16

Think clearly. Keep thinking—and focus your thoughts on the good stuff in life. This is one of my favorite verses.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

Have self-control. That is part of the fruit of the Spirit. Don't let others manipulate you. Do what you know is right to stay pure and undefiled. By having self-control, one can be obedient to the Lord God.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23

No law against doing what is right—thinking what is right—living in the holy way that God expects. Love God and love others. Obedience. Did you obey your parents, teachers, coaches when you were growing up? Can you obey God, now, day by day? The choice is yours.

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you—don't let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word. Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Psalm 119:9-18 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Read God’s word and listen obediently to what He is saying.

Prayer – Lord, how can a young person…or an older person…stay pure? What do I need to do…and how can I help others to seek and find purity in their lives? What must I do…as you told people, LORD, You require us: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. From Micah 6:8

Verse of Salvation ~ Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:10-12

Partially revised from June 17, 2024, 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

Monday, May 5, 2025

What is Your Responsibility to God?

Responsibility. We each have a responsibility to God—our Creator, Savior, Lord, Protector, Redeemer, and Friend. Actually, the list of God’s attributes is endless and has filled many books. We’ll just start with those. Most of all, He holds us accountable for our actions. Paul wrote about this in Romans.

For the Scriptures say, "'As surely as I live,' says the LORD, 'every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God.'" Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. Romans 14:11-12

By giving a personal account, we are being held accountable for our thoughts, words, and actions. That should encourage each of us to be careful about what we even think, say, and do—day in and day out.

Constantly and consistently. Can you be accountable to God in all of that?

Caption on the wall at the House of David.
Jerusalem, Israel

God expects us, just like He did of Abraham, to obey Him. Sure, we haven’t had a personal encounter with God like Abraham did—but we do meet with God each time we read His word—which should be every day. God promised to make a great nation of Abraham’s descendants, and He surely has done that. In return, God expected Abraham to keep the covenant—to obey. What does it mean to obey God?

It is recorded in the book of Luke when Jesus spoke to a crowd and then His disciples about faithfulness including that the servant of the master (us) has the responsibility to managing or influencing others for the Lord. For me, it is writing this blog to tell others about Jesus and to encourage them in their walk with the Lord. Consider what you do for the Lord. Initially, you may have to think about how you see Jesus working in your life—and how you are responding to what you feel He wants you to do. You know that He expects your obedience to the commandments—love God and love others. Then what specific actions do you do to satisfy that directive? The choice is yours to listen and obey. How are you doing with that?

Then God said to Abraham, "Your responsibility is to obey the terms of the covenant. You and all your descendants have this continual responsibility.” Genesis 17:9

And the Lord replied, "A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them.” Luke 12:42

Prayer – Lord Jesus, inspire me to be more responsive and responsible to You. I know the day will come when I will be held accountable for all my actions—but I want to please You now, too.

Meditate. Read God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

Verse of Salvation ~ For we don't live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if we die, it's to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose--to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. Romans 14:7-9

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, May 4, 2025

Maybe?

Fire for Elijah
"Maybe?"

How many times lately have you responded to someone’s request with…“Maybe?” “Maybe.” Is “Maybe” in God’s vocabulary? The word “Maybe” does appear several times in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament. There is a story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal trying to each get his God is to bring down fire onto an altar. Read about that in 1 Kings 18. Elijah taunted the Baal prophets by saying “maybe” statements, but our God is not indecisive.

One New Testament passage involves the Pharisees suggesting that Jesus might be going to teach the Greeks after He told them that He was going away. They just weren’t listening to what He was saying. There was no “maybe” involved in Jesus’ actions. Like always, God has a plan. There is no Plan B or “maybe” involved. No alternatives. Our God is omniscient. He knows everything and that includes knowing and planning what will happen. No “maybe” involvement on His part.

Just say a simple, 'Yes, I will,' or 'No, I won't.' Anything beyond this is from the evil one. Matthew 5:37

Is your answer to God Himself, “Yes, No or Maybe?” The choice is yours whether to choose Jesus as your Savior and Redeemer.

You may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say "Yes" when they really mean "No"? As surely as God is faithful, our word to you does not waver between "Yes" and "No." For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between "Yes" and "No." He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God's ultimate "Yes," he always does what he says. For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding "Yes!" And through Christ, our "Amen" (which means "Yes") ascends to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:17-20

Prayer – Lord, I hear You saying that I should simply—yet decisively and intentionally—say “Yes” and “No” without wavering. There is no tossing about like a windy wave. I’ll let You be my guide—as well as my provider and sustainer. All that I have comes from You and I am grateful for that.

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

Verse of Salvation ~ In that very hour He was overjoyed and rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and He said, "I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things [relating to salvation] from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants [the childlike and untaught]. Yes, Father, for this way was [Your gracious will and choice, and was] well-pleasing in Your sight. "All things have been transferred and turned over to Me by My Father and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him." Luke 10:21-22 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

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Result of Eating Forbidden Fruit

Before Adam and Eve ate their forbidden fruit meal, all their food was provided for them, fresh and juicy. Little effort was involved in cultivating what God had already planted and He took care of the watering. There were no weeds. Adam and Eve merely reached out and picked what God so generously provided.

Genesis 3:17-19 “The ground was cursed.” Men throughout history since Adam have had to work for their food. Backbreaking toil. “Thorns and thistles shall grow for you,” said the Lord. The weeds vied for the growing space, the water and the nutrients with the grain. Harvesting the grain was more difficult with the presence of weeds. Then there was the toil in grinding the grain, preparing and baking the bread. Toil and sweat. Separation from God. Adam and Eve were not exactly “feasting” at God’s table. Do you ever feel separated from God? Rejected like the tares—the weeds—in the wheat?

And to the man he said, "Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat, the ground is cursed because of you. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. It will grow thorns and thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains. By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return." Genesis 3:17-19

Prayer – Dear Lord – I don’t want to feel separated from you. Thank you for sending Jesus to save us—to restore our relationship with you.

Meditate. Consider God’s punishment for mankind because of Adam and Eve's disobedience.

Verse of Salvation ~ For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. John 3:16-18

Comment from a reader: I often wonder if I had been in Adam's place could I have resisted the temptation. Or what if there had been more people at the time of Adam and Eve's sin. Could they have resisted the temptation after they saw what the consequences were for Adam and Eve. It might have been nice if God would have built a wall around the tree so that it was impossible to sin. Though without sin certain attributes of God would never be demonstrated like grace and mercy. I guess it is all part of the plan. Do you think God conquering our sin and showing grace and mercy draws us closer than if we had never sinned in the first place?

Original post: January 2, 2012.

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, May 2, 2025

Are You Following the Light?

At the very beginning of creation, God declared…

Then God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. Genesis 1:3-4

This beginning of the Bible passage shows us a glimpse of the first the use or reference of light in the Bible. During His ministry, Jesus Himself declared that He was the light of the world.

We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world. John 9:4-5 (Underlined for emphasis.)

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

He tells us that we can have the light of the world that leads to life…everlasting life…if we believe in Him.

Even in the Old Testament it is recognized that the LORD—being Jesus—lights up the darkness. David knew. God inspired him to write about his relationship to the LORD. David had been through some deep struggles, and he was acknowledging the LORD’s help. Being a light—in that day it wasn’t an electric light, but a clay lamp--David received help and strength as he was rescued by the LORD. Rescued. Set free. Jesus does that for all of us. He rescues us from the miry pit and from our enemies. Are you following the light...Jesus?

You light a lamp for me. The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness. Psalm 18:28

He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel! Luke 2:32

Prayer – LORD God, thank you for Your wisdom and now for Your protection, compassion, mercy and grace. Please continue to heal physically and spiritually those who are struggling with health issues, healing from surgeries, and even from addiction. We give You the glory for the food we're receive God is good.

Meditate. Consider the influence of light in your life.

Verse of Salvation ~ A psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27:1

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

We’ve seen that plants grow better in combinations. Turns out that vegetables also have “flavor-mates.” I ran across an old newspaper article that indicates some good herb combinations for specific vegetables enhance the flavor of the veggies and add spark to your meals. It doesn’t take much of herbs or spices—use ¼ to ½ teaspoon dried or ¾ to 1 teaspoon fresh herbs added to two cups of vegetables. You can chop the fresh herbs and add to the veggies or stir the chopped herbs in butter into cooked veggies.

       Parsley is a good general herb that can be combined with most any vegetable. Here are some more specific combinations for a few common vegetables.
       Carrots: minced fresh dill, parsley, thyme, or dried mint or marjoram.
       Green beans: minced garlic, dried oregano, dried sage, dried basil, crushed rosemary, fresh dill.

       Green peas: thyme, powdered fennel, or crushed anise seed, or mint.
       Lima beans: crushed caraway seeds, oregano or thyme, or fresh parsley.
       Beets: minced fresh dill or parsley, or crushed cardamom.
       Cauliflower: tarragon, rosemary, caraway seeds, minced parsley, or dry mustard.
       Broccoli: parsley, dried mustard, minced fresh chervil, and a pinch of ginger.

These combinations were likely discovered somewhat by chance. Don’t be afraid to try different herbs or spices with the vegetables you are eating tonight. Enjoy the foods that God has given to us to eat!

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, May 1, 2025

Flowers for May Day!

Joy in Flowers
Welcome summer!

Do you celebrate May Day? It is more of a European holiday celebration than an American one. My Mother-in-law recalled that as a child and teenager she celebrated the Bohemian tradition with dancing and wrapping of the May pole. When we saw a May Pole at Leavenworth, Washington she was delighted.

My daughter has joyously celebrated May Day by anonymously distributing flowers to friends and neighbors. She started it when she was about eight with another neighborhood girl. Now she secretly delivers flowers with her own daughters. It is the most fun if it can be done without the recipients catching you as you put the flowers on their doorstep and run on down the street undetected.

Paul wrote about things done in secret. Some things are done secretly to hide evil actions—but May Day secret Flower delivery is an honorable action.

And this is the message I proclaim--that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life. Romans 2:16

May Day secret life will certainly result in a joyous reward!

Praise God the creator of all beautiful flowers and from whom all blessings flow! Can you praise the Lord for the flowers, for creating you, and for the forgiveness and hope He offers you?

Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one! Song of Songs 2:11-13

Meditate. Consider the joy that flowers bring.

Verse of Salvation ~ 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. 1 Corinthians 1:18

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

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Is Jesus Finished With You?

This month of April is finished...over...completed. When was the last time you “finished” some long-time task or project? We have a great example right at the beginning of the Bible about a completed task. God finished what He started.

So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. Genesis 2:1-2

God not only started a good work of creating the earth and finished it, He has started a good work in each of us…and will finish it.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6

It is finished.
Jesus on the cross.
Holy Family Shrine - Gretna, Nebraska

Here are a few verses that indicate what Jesus came to earth to do.

· Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. Matthew 5:17

· Don't imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34

· But Jesus replied, "We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came." Mark 1:38

· I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.... I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me. John 17:4, 6-8

· Then he told John's disciples, "Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. Luke 7:22

His job on Earth was being the sacrifice for mankind’s sin so that we could be reconciled to God…as well as teaching people how to live to please God, healing the sick, lame and blind, and preaching the Good News…the Gospel that there is eternal life available to those who believe. I’ve heard that the “It is finished” depicts reaching the lost even today.

Jesus gave us words by which to live. Are you reading His words today…and living by them? How will you respond to Him today? The greatest question in life then is: Do you believe?

Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, "I am thirsty." A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. John 19:28-30

Prayer – Lord Jesus, it was finished for You. Your work on earth was completed. My continues. I live to serve You…to share You with others that they too will live someday in eternity with You. Guide my thoughts, words and actions that this goal of serving You would bring You glory and honor.

Meditate. Focus on completion.

Verse of Salvation ~ "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Revised and reused from several earlier Banquet With The King blogs.

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