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 examine Jesus' command to "Go", pursuing a deeper relationship with God as we grow in Christian maturity. This web page has had over 288,000 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.

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Go…Tell. Tell What?

Have you ever been at a loss for words? I occasionally have a “Senior Moment” where I just can’t think of a particular word for a few seconds—and that can be downright frustrating and even embarrassing, but then the word comes to me…and I rejoice! Hurrah! I am not senile or even forgetful—just brain overload. It can happen at any age.

Jesus told His disciple, and that applies to us, to “Go” and “preach” but what are you going to tell others?

The rooster crows.
Do you?
Rooster in Israeli thrift shop.

"Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned." Mark 16:15-16

We are to preach the Good News. So, you may ask, isn’t this just for preachers…for ministers or pastors? No. Jesus expects us to share it with others…just as His apostles and Paul did. So, what is the Good News? The Good News is the gospel.

But we should and are [morally] obligated [as debtors] always to give thanks to God for you, believers beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through the sanctifying work of the Spirit [that sets you apart for God's purpose] and by your faith in the truth [of God's word that leads you to spiritual maturity]. It was to this end that He called you through our gospel [the good news of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection], so that you may obtain and share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 AMP

The Gospel…or Good News…is just what Paul wrote to the Thessalonians. In a nutshell, Jesus was born, lived, ministered to the people of Israel, was crucified, died, buried, resurrected, and rose to live eternally in Heaven. Beyond that, He has promised to come back to get His believers and take them to live with Him in Heaven forever.

For whom was the Gospel…or Good News…developed and written? Actually, it was God’s plan from the beginning. Probably even before Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, God’s plan was to sacrifice His Son, Jesus, for the sins of mankind. Paul wrote that the Good News is for the Jews and the Gentiles. It is for everyone. Believe. Trust. Share.

And this is God's plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God's children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. By God's grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News. Though I am the least deserving of all God's people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. ... This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence. Ephesians 3:6-8, 11-12

Go. Tell. Share the Good News.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are the Good News. Thank you for being an obedient Son…and for being a willing sacrifice. Help me to share the Good News today…tomorrow…all week…all year with anyone and everyone, but especially with those who have not heard of You or don’t know You as their Savior.

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

Verse of Salvation ~ He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:14

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, January 11, 2025

Don’t Be Ashamed

Go tell other people the Good News. That is what we’ve been commanded to do. Paul emphasizes that we should never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. Have you ever not wanted to share the truth about Jesus with someone? I’ve felt that way sometimes if I thought that person just didn’t respect God, Jesus, or Christianity. Then I thought about my reaction to their critical viewpoint and decided that God’s acceptance of me was more important than their bigoted views. Would my eternity with God could be compromised if I didn’t voice my true opinion—the true facts as I viewed them—about Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world and the resurrected Messiah? Jesus Himself told a crowd listening to Him the reason that they should not be ashamed of Him.

Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels." Luke 9:23-26

The bottom line is…don’t be ashamed of Jesus, or He will be ashamed of you. It is time to take a deep breath, and then, if necessary, ask God for courage. Go and tell others about Jesus without shame.

Rise above!
Don't be ashamed of sharing the Good News.
Jesus is the risen Savior.
Prosser, WA - Hot Air Balloon Festival

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:7-9

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You are worthy of my praise and adoration. Like Moses, I’m not a strong speaker—but I sincerely love You and want to serve You. Almighty God, please give me courage and strength to stand up for what I believe in—Jesus. If that mean suffering, then so be it. Jesus has already paid for my sins completely. Thank You, Jesus.

Meditate. God saved us and called us to live a holy life. Are you following God’s plan, allowing His grace to flow through you to tell others about Jesus Christ?

Verse 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

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, January 10, 2025

Saved!

Have you ever had someone throw you a lifeline? I’ve never been in a panic situation—although my son did save a little guy who walked out onto a pool cover and sunk right into the pool. Mike plopped down on the deck and stretched out his arms just barely reaching the two-year old to pull him out of the water. Saved!

Good News! Everyone will be saved…at least those who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. Saved! Can you throw a lifeline to those who are floundering in the sea of unbelief? Lacking knowledge of Jesus and belief in Him, they will face eternal death. How can we reach those folks? Can we stretch out our arms and reach them…or throw them a lifeline of truth. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)? Isaiah was called…and he responded:

Then I heard the Lord asking, "Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?" I said, "Here I am. Send me." Isaiah 6:8

Do you hear the Lord calling you? How would you respond? Do you have beautiful feet? Will you go? Lord, here I am. I'm willing to serve You...and tell others the Good News.

Tell of God's Glory among the nations.
Objective: to Save the Lost.

For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!" Romans 10:13-15

Prayer – Lord, I believe in You as my Lord and Savior. Thank you for hearing me when I called on Your name—and for saving me from an eternity without You. An eternity of gnashing one’s teeth in the eternal heat of a fiery furnace. I know You want all Christians—all Your followers to go and tell others about You. Where do You want me to go? Help me to throw a lifeline of knowledge about You to those who don’t know You. May those who hear, believe.

Meditate. Believe. Tell.

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

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Today would have been my Dad’s birthday…if he was still living. He loved sweets—but in his last years he started cutting back on desserts and eating more healthy. If you are trying to cut sugar out of your diet, finding or creating a sugarless dessert maybe a challenge. Oh sure, you can substitute sugar with Stevia or some other alternate sugar form, but to really take the sugar out of your diet may require a little more of a daring trial to the normal expectations.

Instead of pie, pudding, cheesecake, cake or cookies, consider fresh fruit, served with nuts or cheese. If you were going to spend ten or fifteen dollars on a cake or pie, just think how much fresh fruit that could buy. Fresh pineapple, mangos, strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries are always scrumptious. What are your family’s favorite fresh fruits? Serve those with mixed nuts and/or an assortment of cheeses alongside the fruit. Have you ever had a slice of fresh apple, like Honeycrisp, with a chunk of cheddar cheese? Yum! It is a combination I discovered with hot apple pie, which is not a part of my diet these days. Granulated sugar, that is used in making most desserts, is poison! Poison to our bodies and fuel for cancer proliferation. Research it for yourself and consider that as you plan your dessert this week, this month, and this year. On the other hand…sweets to the sweets. Life is too short not to enjoy some chocolate with that fruit and nuts!

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, January 9, 2025

Go Tell about Jesus—Paul and Us?

Ruins at the city of Capernaum, Israel
What was life like during Jesus' time?

Old ruins add intrigue to any adventure whether here in the states or overseas. We don’t have really ancient structure here in the States, but imagine what you could see where buildings were constructed before the time of Christ. I’ve traveled to a few other countries, including Israel, but never to Greece—which was Macedonia during Paul’s time. Paul and his companions were in the city of Philippi on the Aegean Sea. Philippi is now a tourist area with the ruins of the old city which stand in Kavala, Greece. It must be a beautiful place, but Paul wasn’t there for sightseeing. He was there to tell that city about Jesus. A little problem occurred for Paul when a slave girl taunted him. Read it for yourself in Acts 16:8-40. Scripture is always best read in context.

Have you ever had an adventure to an area with archeological significance? Paul’s story was recorded by Luke in the book of Acts.

One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a demon-possessed slave girl. She was a fortune-teller who earned a lot of money for her masters. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved." This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And instantly it left her. Her masters' hopes of wealth were now shattered, so they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities at the marketplace. "The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!" they shouted to the city officials. "They are teaching customs that are illegal for us Romans to practice." A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn't escape. Acts 16:16-23

This story records the brutal punishment that Paul and his companions endured for the Chrisitan cause. Would you have been able to endure the jeering that Paul did? I don’t think I would have. He was wise to recognize that the girl was demon possessed—but even more knowledgeable as to the action he needed to take. He followed Jesus’ command to “go into all the world” to teach others the Good News. When confronted with this conflict, he did what was necessary. Although it ruined that slave girl’s masters’ business, imagine the impact Paul had the community for Jesus. Innumerable people’s lives were touched there in Philippi and beyond. What can you and I do that would impact our communities for Jesus? Think about that…and use your gifts and talents for the Lord. Go tell others about Jesus.

Meditate. Get motivated to “Go.”

Prayer – Lord, You are the reason we live. Paul travel into the known world to tell others about You. Give us motivation to go and spread the Good News—no matter what happens to us.

Verse of Salvation ~ But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD's victory (salvation). He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!" 2 Chronicles 20:17

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, January 8, 2025

Where are You Going?

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Ride
A stoney trip!

My “vacation” last summer was a family trip to South Carolina for my grandson’s High School and Jr. College graduations, and recognition of his Eagle Scout achievement. Another highlight of our adventure was going to the famous Happy Place to continue our celebration at Disney World. It was an enlightening trip—and I actually passed a kidney stone after riding the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad rollercoaster! True. That action has been documented after a study by Michigan State University. What a great ride! When Jesus said to go into all the world, I don’t think He meant Disney World. I don’t recall actually “witnessing” to anyone while we were at the Disney parks—although I did have an encouraging conversation with a Christian young lady from Ethiopia who was working at Animal Kingdom. Sometimes we don’t have to “go” into the world—but God brings people of the world to us.

And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. ... When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God's right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs. Mark 16:15-16, 19-20

“Go into all the world” is what Jesus expects of us—whether it is across the street or around the world, in grocery store lines, coffee shops, schools, basketball games, music or dance recitals, to homeless, rich folks, immigrants, or politicians. Anyone. There are people everywhere who need to hear about Jesus or to be encouraged in their walk with the Lord. Those disciples went everywhere, sharing about Jesus and the Lord worked through them. How is the Lord working through you? I am an encourager…and I don’t have to take a trip—or go beyond my computer to inspire, reassure, or support others.

Where and when was your last “vacation?” Any plans for a trip in the coming weeks or months? Where are you “going” to share Jesus with others? Are you prepared?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, open my eyes for opportunities to tell others about You—Your miraculous ministry, Your death, Your resurrection—and Your promises for an eternal life with You. You are amazing...and I want to live out Your commands and promises by encouraging others.

Meditate. Focus on the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Verse of Salvation ~ For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9

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

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

How to Know…

Prayer – Lord, help me to be a good witness. Bring to my mind times when you have worked in and through my life—that I might share these stories…anecdotes…with others to encourage them to know You and to trust You. Where do You want me to go…to tell others about You?

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, "Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?" He replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:6-8

Meditate. Consider Jesus’ words.

Will we ever “know” the date and time?

Jesus told His disciples that He didn’t even know, but that The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. We really don’t need to know…just trust. The important part is that we will be witnesses, telling people about me (Jesus) everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

I’ve lived in a few different places—including Chicago, Illinois; Oscoda, Michigan; Naha Air Force Base, Okinawa; Wichita Fall, Texas; Clovis, New Mexico; and Sumter, South Carolina—as well as on a farm in eastern Washington State and now in the Tri-Cities, Washington. Everywhere people are different…and everywhere people are the same. Everyone is searching for something to fill their lives, to give them purpose for living. A lady in Okinawa actually said, "I want what you have." For me, I found that is Jesus Christ—and He’s been with me everywhere. There were times that I wasn’t “with” Him…but I discovered that He never left me or abandoned me. There were times when I asked tough questions…and like He told His disciples—that is not for you to know, at least not now.

The Tomb is Empty.
Jesus is Resurrected.
Jerusalem, Israel

My job…my task is to tell others about Jesus. Do you know Him? How will you know unless someone tells you about Him? So, let me tell you simply that Jesus is for real. He is the Son of the Almighty God in Heaven—yes, I do believe there is a Heaven. Jesus came as a human to earth—His birth is what Christmas is all about. He lived and experienced all that we experience. Then although He was sinless, He was brutally crucified on a cross for the sins of all mankind. But that is not the end of the story. He rose from the dead and now is living in Heaven—preparing a position for us to serve Him for eternity. He promised that He will take us to Heaven one day…and I’m counting on Him fulfilling that promise, just like the promise that He would die for our sins was accomplished. Each person has to believe for themselves that Jesus is who He is. There is an unending amount of knowledge about Jesus in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Start in the beginning. Dig in. Go and discover Jesus for yourself. Challenge yourself to read your Bible for 5 minutes today...and every day this week. That is how you’ll know.

Verse of Salvation ~ Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him. All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen. Romans 16:25-27

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, January 6, 2025

Epiphany – What is it?

Prayer – Lord, I celebrate You. No matter when gifts are given…You are worthy of gold, frankincense, myrrh—and my heart. You sent the wise men home another way. Likewise, show me what You want me to do and where You want me to go.

Camel Crossing
The Judean Desert in Israel
On the way to Bethlehem.

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. ... After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. Matthew 2:7, 9-12

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture.

The wise men were filled with joy! When was the last time you were filled with joy?

These wise men may have traveled for a couple of years from the time they saw the star until they arrived in Bethlehem where they saw the child and presented Him with gifts. This day--Epiphany—is the celebration of the Three Kings Day. A couple of the customs of this day are star singing—sort of like our Christmas caroling—focusing on walking from house-to-house singing songs that tell about the Christmas story. Another tradition is to eat a special Kings Cake that is round, crown-like and typically has a hidden object like a bean, small toy, or almond, that represents who will be the king or queen of the festivity’s celebration. Part of the celebration may include giving sweets, money or other gifts to children, just as the wise men did. Joy to the world!

In some countries around the world Epiphany besides noting the kings’ visit, they also celebrate Jesus’ baptism and the wedding at Cana. Often in some religions, they observe this as the gift giving time rather than at Christmas. For many this is the twelfth day of Christmas—the end of Christmas. For me…it is time to put away the Christmas decorations around the house…and get on with the New Year. What does Epiphany mean to you…and what do you do to continue to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Can you go and tell others?

Verse of Salvation ~ You, O God, are my king from ages past, bringing salvation to the earth. Psalm 74:12

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