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.

Friday, January 31, 2025

Who Are the Two Witnesses?

Have you ever been on a jury or in court? I’m sure you’ve seen some television show or movie where there were witnesses in a court case. If you’ve ever explained how Jesus has made a difference in your life…or what God has done in your life, you have given a testimony.

You must not convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of only one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. Deuteronomy 19:15

Are the Two Witnesses already in Jerusalem?

Who are these two witnesses that John is indicating in this focus portion of scripture? One is a guy who shut up the sky so that no rain fell.

Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops. James 5:17-18

Look at Moses. He had the power to turn water into blood and to send numerous plagues onto Egypt. So, these “two witnesses” appear to be identified in this scripture passage as Moses and Elijah. They are the two prophets, the two olive trees, and the two lampstands. These two men were both prophets—well known as devoted men of God in their respective times. They were prophesied in the book of Zechariah.

"What do you see now?" he (an angel) asked. I (Zechariah) answered, "I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl of oil on top of it. Around the bowl are seven lamps, each having seven spouts with wicks. And I see two olive trees, one on each side of the bowl." ... Then he said to me, "This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies. ... Then I asked the angel, "What are these two olive trees on each side of the lampstand, and what are the two olive branches that pour out golden oil through two gold tubes?" ... Then he said to me, "They represent the two heavenly beings who stand in the court of the Lord of all the earth." Zechariah 4:2-3, 6, 11-12, 14

The oil of the lampstands represents the Holy Spirit. Matthew Henry, well known commentator, suggests that the seven lampstands represent the seven churches. The olive trees are the source of olive oil that is used in the lampstands. This all seems to revolve around the Holy Spirit.

The two witnesses testify to Jews in Jerusalem—and Israel for 1,260 days…that is 42 months or three and one-half years. Could they already be ministering and testifying somewhere? We don’t know…and they are telling the whole world! When they do come, it is to prophesy to the Jewish community—not the Christians. Note that when the beast comes out of the pit, he kills them. Then sadly, they will lie in the streets of Jerusalem for three and one-half days, and are not respectfully buried. You know that their bodies will be smelly by that time. Miraculously, they will then live again. God Himself will resurrect them, just as He did Jesus. He will breathe life into them…and then call them to come up into heaven. What a witness that will be as undoubtably many people will see this happening. Would this resurrection convince you of their authenticity and of their testimony about Jesus Christ who rose from the dead—was resurrected—nearly two thousand years ago? Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God--your Savior? Do you have God's love in you?

And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will be clothed in burlap and will prophesy during those 1,260 days." These two prophets are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of all the earth. If anyone tries to harm them, fire flashes from their mouths and consumes their enemies. This is how anyone who tries to harm them must die. They have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall for as long as they prophesy. And they have the power to turn the rivers and oceans into blood, and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish. When they complete their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the bottomless pit will declare war against them, and he will conquer them and kill them. And their bodies will lie in the main street of Jerusalem, the city that is figuratively called "Sodom" and "Egypt," the city where their Lord was crucified. And for three and a half days, all peoples, tribes, languages, and nations will stare at their bodies. No one will be allowed to bury them. All the people who belong to this world will gloat over them and give presents to each other to celebrate the death of the two prophets who had tormented them. But after three and a half days, God breathed life into them, and they stood up! Terror struck all who were staring at them. Then a loud voice from heaven called to the two prophets, "Come up here!" And they rose to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched. Revelation 11:3-12 (Emphasis mine.)

Prayer – Lord, please give me insight into the mystery of these two people.

Meditate. Consider what it means to be a witness.

Verse of Salvation ~ (Jesus speaking to the Jewish leaders.)

You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life. Your approval means nothing to me, because I know you don't have God's love within you. John 5:39-42

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

What are you preparing for lunch on these cold winter days? Probably not just a sandwich or a salad. It is always good to have something warm to eat or drink. Lately, at lunch or supper time or anytime I’m just cold I’ll fix myself a warm cup of Turmeric milk, also known as Golden Milk. Turmeric is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that can boost brain power, lower the risk of heart disease, prevent cancer, and is useful in the treatment of arthritis, depression, and possibly Alzheimer’s or other dementia problems. The other spices are equally important to aid digestion.

Golden Milk

8 ounces of your favorite milk – I use oat milk

½ tsp turmeric powder

½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground ginger

1/8 tsp ground pepper

1 tsp local honey

Mix all together in a microwave safe cup and microwave for about 1 minute 45 seconds or until hot, but not boiling. Alternatively, you can heat this on the stove. Stir again, and enjoy.

Partially recycled from September 13, 2023, 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

Thursday, January 30, 2025

The Grief of Adam and Eve

Can you imagine how Adam and Eve must have felt when their son Cain killed their son, Abel? This is the first recorded death in the Bible. How heart breaking for Adam and Eve. They would never again speak to Abel--thank him for his work—praise him for a job well done—tell him that they loved him. He was gone from them. His blood has been spilled in the field where Cain had left him to die. How sad for them all. Grief. Heartfelt grief.

Love. To love and to be love. That is what we all seek in life. Love. Acceptance. Cain didn't feel God's love...or felt that Abel was pleasing God more...so in his anger and jealously he killed his brother. No love there. Cain created grief. No one could express their love to Abel—he was dead to them...forever. At that point they probably didn't know about salvation—but God already had a plan. The LORD, Jesus, spoke to Cain and he left the presence of the LORD—banished as his punishment.

God had a plan for those who love and seek him. You are part of that plan—His plan to offer mankind spiritual salvation from sin. That is Love—offering salvation to a sinful and rebellious mankind—individually. God gives us an opportunity for restoring a relationship with Him. That is love. If we respond to His love by accepting His offer of salvation, then we are showing love in return. Seek God. Seek Love, for God is Love.

One day Cain suggested to his brother, "Let's go out into the fields." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him. Afterward the LORD asked Cain, "Where is your brother? Where is Abel?" "I don't know," Cain responded. "Am I my brother's guardian?" But the LORD said, "What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground! Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother's blood. No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth." Cain replied to the LORD, "My punishment is too great for me to bear! You have banished me from the land and from your presence; you have made me a homeless wanderer. Anyone who finds me will kill me!" The LORD replied, "No, for I will give a sevenfold punishment to anyone who kills you." Then the LORD put a mark on Cain to warn anyone who might try to kill him. So Cain left the LORD's presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. Genesis 4:8-16

Prayer – Dear Lord, You told us that You are love in 1 John 4:7-8. Continue to show us Your love—as well as Your grace and mercy. Especially touch the hearts and lives—the very souls of those who have lost loves ones recently—particularly my niece Michelle and her siblings, Nikki, Ken and Chris. Give them Your strength and peace. May they feel Your presence and love.

Meditate. Consider God’s plan for salvation.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

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 29, 2025

Who Can You Trust?

Starting a new journey. START.
Trust the Lord.
He will show you which path to take...
where to go...
what to do to serve Him.
Show Him your love and service.

Trust is a big issue with a lot of people. Who can you really trust? Family? Friends? Neighbors? Co-workers? Strangers? Your own decisions? Often it depends on the situation. Are you reaching out to help someone…like a homeless person…and just don’t know if you can trust them? They are probably feeling the same way. Can they trust you? In all that we do we know that we can trust in the Lord. If we are doing what He wants us to do, then we can be assured that it is the right thing. Just trust Him. There are lots of verses to remind us of His promises about Trust, as inspired by the Holy Spirit written in the Old Testament. We can trust that the LORD is our Jesus. He will direct our paths, our way…if we trust Him.

Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing. Psalm 34:10

Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. ... For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land. Psalm 37:3, 9

Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:4

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7

The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.” Psalm 91:14

Do any of these verses speak to your heart? Can you experience more trust in your relationship with the Lord? I find new strength…knowing that as I trust the Lord—I will not faint. I’ve been dealing with some health issues that make me a little weak sometimes. But I know that the Lord is my strength—and He does give me joy. I’m trusting Him to protect even the inner workings of my body…and when the time comes for this life to be over I know and trust that the Lord has a plan and a great reward for the future for me and for all of us. As our Pastor reminded us recently…we don’t have to wait for a “someday” heaven experience. It starts immediately when we accept Christ as our Savior. Trust Him. Enjoy heaven on earth…now. Rejoice…find joy in your relationship with God and with others.

My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. 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. Proverbs 3:1-8 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Prayer – Lord God, I trust in You with all my heart…and find not only new strength, but Your protection. Thank you for creating heaven…right here for us now. Please continue to bless me, my family, friends, neighbors and all those reading this blog. Give us Your peace and wisdom as we follow the road or path that You show us.

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture.

Verse of Salvation ~ 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

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Auntie Merc

Recycled from May 6, 2019 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

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Was Jesus the Passover Lamb?

Moses gave very specific instructions for observing Passover. There was a pure and spotless, sacrificial lamb for each household that was taken in like a family pet. Blood from that sacrificial lamb was sprinkled on the doorposts providing that family protection from the angel of death. Historically that was the first Passover. Jesus is that sacrificial Lamb—taking on the sins of all mankind. His blood was shed for us…so that the angel of death passes over us just like it did in Egypt before the great exodus. Passover provided freedom to the Hebrew people. Freedom from the oppressive slavery that they had endured for years under the Egyptians. This observation is still an important Jewish festival celebrated every spring.

Traditionally, the bread will be unleavened bread since at the original Passover Moses told the people to eat in haste—no time for the bread to rise. That is still part of the Passover custom. A Seder plate of special food items symbolic for remembrance of particular things associated with the Passover or life in Egypt. That would include things like haroset, apples, nuts, and spices, representing the mortar that held together the bricks that the Hebrew people had to make for the Egyptians. Other items on the Seder plate include a roasted egg, representing sacrifice; bitter herbs signifying bitterness of slavery; and a roasted bone, also symbolizing the sacrifice.

Have you ever celebrated Passover? Since Christianity has its background in the Jewish roots, the Jewish festivals are associated with Christian heritage. Jesus is definitely part of this Jewish festival—in the Old Testament and He actually becomes the Lamb of God, sacrificed on Passover as recorded in the New Testament. Celebrate!

Then Moses called all the elders of Israel together and said to them, "Go, pick out a lamb or young goat for each of your families, and slaughter the Passover animal. Drain the blood into a basin. Then take a bundle of hyssop branches and dip it into the blood. Brush the hyssop across the top and sides of the doorframes of your houses. And no one may go out through the door until morning. For the LORD will pass through the land to strike down the Egyptians. But when he sees the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe, the LORD will pass over your home. He will not permit his death angel to enter your house and strike you down. "Remember, these instructions are a permanent law that you and your descendants must observe forever. When you enter the land the LORD has promised to give you, you will continue to observe this ceremony. Then your children will ask, 'What does this ceremony mean?' And you will reply, 'It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. And though he struck the Egyptians, he spared our families.'" When Moses had finished speaking, all the people bowed down to the ground and worshiped. So the people of Israel did just as the LORD had commanded through Moses and Aaron. And that night at midnight, the LORD struck down all the firstborn sons in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn son of the prisoner in the dungeon. Even the firstborn of their livestock were killed. Exodus 12:21-29

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for the Passover tradition…and for Your ultimate sacrifice.

Meditate. Consider Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.

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

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 27, 2025

The Greatest Gardener—God

Date Palm Trees
Israel

Are you a gardener…or a wanna be gardener? What is your favorite vegetable or fruit to grow? Even though we are in the midst of winter, it is time to consider what to plant in the garden when Spring arrives. Scripture tells us that the LORD God planted a garden in Eden. Jesus is the LORD God, the Creator. He produced the greatest garden of all times. There was nothing growing. Not wild plants, grains, or trees and then boom—boom—bang! Jesus creatively made trees that produced tasty fruits. They just appeared with fruit. Yum! Adam had just been created and evidently, he didn’t have to wait months or years between when the trees were planted and when he was able to harvest the fruit. The most significant trees were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Very special trees. Read about them for yourself in Genesis two and three. They had quite an impact on humanity.

We have to wait months—well at least a couple of months—between when we plant the seeds and when we can “harvest” the vegetables. How long will it be before the LORD God is able to “harvest” believers as He mentioned to His disciples?

You know the saying, 'Four months between planting and harvest.' But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, 'One plants and another harvests.' And it's true. I sent you to harvest where you didn't plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest." John 4:35-38

Will you be among those “harvested?” Are you a believer? Could you be considered a “worker” serving the LORD God in His harvest?

These were his instructions to them: "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Luke 10:2

Time to plant…time to harvest. In the spiritual realm, that happens continually. Plant, water, grow, harvest. Where are you at in the process? Are you planting seeds, encouraging and discipling others, helping in the harvest, or letting the weeds grow in your own spiritual life?

This is the account of the creation of the heavens and the earth. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, neither wild plants nor grains were growing on the earth. For the LORD God had not yet sent rain to water the earth, and there were no people to cultivate the soil. Instead, springs came up from the ground and watered all the land. ...Then the LORD God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made. The LORD God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:4-6, 8-9

Prayer – Lord God, Your garden and all the plants You created and planted in the Garden of Eden are amazing. Thank you for Your creativity. You told Your disciples and us to “go and make disciples”—and those are not plants, but people. They are those who believe in You as their Lord and Savior. Then You commanded them to “teach” the new disciples to obey all of Your commands. Help us to teach at a level that new believers can understand, apply to their lives, and that they, too, can go and make disciples.

Meditate. Consider God’s creative creation.

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

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, January 26, 2025

Are You the One?

Reenactment of Jesus and His Disciples
Richland Nazarene Church

Jesus went about doing good—helping and healing others. But He was more than just a healer.

When the men came to Him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to You, to ask, 'Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?'" At that very time He cured many people of diseases and afflictions and evil spirits; and He gave sight to many who were blind. And He answered and said to them, "Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM. Luke 7:20-22 NASB

This was predicted in the Old Testament.

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3. NASB

Jesus was who He said He was…the I AM of the Old Testament, incarnate God in human flesh—living out the Old Testament promises, fulfilled in the New Testament writings. Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one can comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6. Do you believe that? Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? That He is God? If not, search the scriptures again, and pray as you do, that God will reveal the truth to you.

Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through You. I claim this promise that You said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. ...I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!" John 14:6, 12-14. Please continue to bless my family and friends, guide them and help us all to make good decisions, moment by moment, that we would be pleasing and bring glory and honor to You.

Meditate. Consider the evidence of the Truth, the Way, and the Life in your life.

Verse of Salvation ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

Recycled and reused from August 18, 2014, Banquet With The King blog

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

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®,

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