Banquet With The King: September 2025

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

What is Your Job?

Don't speak evil.
Don't judge. Just obey.
Hollyhocks - near Jerusalem, Israel

Don't speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God's law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor? James 4:11-12

Meditate. What is your “job” with God?

Are you listening closely to the Lord? What job is He asking you to do? James tells us that we are not to speak evil, criticize, or judge others. No assessing whether you or someone else is living by God’s laws. Our responsibility is to OBEY—no judgement. God is the judge. James tells us that God has the power to save or to destroy. He is all-powerful. Omnipotent.

The disciples were astounded. "Then who in the world can be saved?" they asked. Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible." Matthew 19:25-26

Prayer – Lord, You are Omnipotent—all-powerful. I am in awe of You. I feel as small as a grain of sand on the beach—but I know that You love me. Thank You. I love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Verse of Salvation ~ For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." Acts 4:11-12

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

Monday, September 29, 2025

Are You Close to God? Is He Close to You?

Worship the Lord
God...the Father, Son & Holy Spirit

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:8-10

Meditate. How close a relationship do you desire with God?

Is your loyalty divided between God and the world? Do you think you can serve two masters…God and money? Look again. It is time to repent—as James said, “Wash your hands…purify your hearts…Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy.” Cleanliness is important—although it never says in the Bible that cleanliness is next to godliness. Seeking godliness in life is associated with a clean heart…not specifically clean hands and a clean house.

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:10-11 (Underlined for emphasis of godliness.)

A relationship with God is important—and it is up to each person to desire and build their bond—the connection or affiliation with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. To seek that righteousness or to live a godly life. You may ask—how do I do that? By simply reading, studying God’s word, praying, and spending time worshipping Him. Acknowledge His presence in your life and apply Jesus’ teaching to your life, beginning with your thoughts, then words, and then actions. Just as you’d build a relationship with anyone—you can have a connection with God Himself. Personally, Jesus is my Savior and Lord. I trust Him with my life—all of it. Past. Present. Future. Thoughts. Words. Actions. That is close. I try daily to come close to God…knowing that He has promised to come close to me. How about you? Is God close to you?

Prayer – Lord God, Thank You for creating this world…and me. My relationship to You is of upmost importance—as I meet with You now…and all day as I pray continually…or try to do just that. I want purity in my life, so please forgive me for any sins I may have committed. Restore to me laughter and joy.

Verse of Salvation ~ Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12

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

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Can You Humble Yourself?

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

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

Jesus was a good example for us on how to handle an encounter with the devil. Jesus spent forty days in the desert, fasting and praying. Then the devil came to Him and tempted Him three times. Each time, Jesus used a scripture passage to defend Himself (Matthew 4:1-11). He resisted the devil. He actually told the devil to leave and the devil left. Be on guard—the devil lurks around trying to deceive anyone he can. Don’t be deceived. Be humble and rely on the Lord.

Camel Crossing at the Judean desert.
The Wilderness where Jesus was tempted.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread." But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say, 'People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, "If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, 'He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.'" Jesus responded, "The Scriptures also say, 'You must not test the LORD your God.'" Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. "I will give it all to you," he said, "if you will kneel down and worship me." "Get out of here, Satan," Jesus told him. "For the Scriptures say, 'You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.'" Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus. Matthew 4:1-11

Note that the devil quoted scripture, but it was misquoted. This shows us the importance of memorizing and correctly quoting the Lord’s words. Challenge of the day. Memorizing is a challenge for me—how about you?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You humbled Yourself—fasting and praying for forty days in the wilderness. Help me to face the enemy as You did with Scripture.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. Psalm 149:4 ESV

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Are You a Friend or Enemy of God?

You adulterers! Don't you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. What do you think the Scriptures mean when they say that the spirit God has placed within us is filled with envy? But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, "God opposes the proud but favors the humble." (Proverbs 3:34) So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:4-7

Jesus and His disciples--His closest friends.
Richland Naz Church Last Supper drama.

Meditate. Consider being a friend of God.

Are you a friend of the world…or a friend of God? You can’t be both. It is similar to serving God or money. You just can’t have everything. Do you really want just anything? Can money buy everything? Don’t seek out worldly, evil things. Check yourself. Do you see envy in your heart?j

No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24

Jeremiah gave some instructions to Baruch. Who is this Baruch? At Jeremiah’s request Baruch wrote down the words that the Lord had given to Jeremiah for the Israelites (Jeremiah 36.) Later, Baruch was given the responsibility to read the messages directly to the Israelites (Jeremiah 36 and 45.)

Baruch read Jeremiah's words on the scroll to all the people. He stood in front of the Temple room of Gemariah, son of Shaphan the secretary. This room was just off the upper courtyard of the Temple, near the New Gate entrance. Jeremiah 36:10

"Are you seeking great things for yourself? Don't do it! I will bring great disaster upon all these people; but I will give you your life as a reward wherever you go. I, the LORD, have spoken!'" Jeremiah 45:5

Be careful what you live for…and your hearts’ desire. David wrote a Psalm about the Lord recognizing and fulfilling one’s heart’s desire. Be careful that your hearts’ longing is not associated with envy, bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, idolatry, coveting, or evil desires.

In times of trouble, may the LORD answer your cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm. ... May he grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers. Psalm 20:1, 4-5

Is your heart’s desire more money, land, a bigger house, faster car, or prestige? Or is your heart’s desire to know God more completely and be filled with joy when you see Him working in your life? Decide for yourself whom you will serve today…God or your desire for money.

Prayer – Lord God, thank you for coming to earth and teaching people how to live. Help me to stand up against the evil situations in the world that are trying to entice me, as well as my family, friends, and neighbors into something immoral. I want You to be the center of my life. You are the center of my life. We can’t live without money, although everything we have is from You, God, and belongs to You. Knowing that takes it out of the equation. Thank you, Lord for opening my eyes once again to the reality that the money trail leads away from You.

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, September 26, 2025

What’s Next?

On the tenth day of the appointed month (Tishri) in early autumn, you must deny yourselves. Neither native-born Israelites nor foreigners living among you may do any kind of work. This is a permanent law for you. On that day offerings of purification will be made for you, and you will be purified in the LORD's presence from all your sins. It will be a Sabbath day of complete rest for you, and you must deny yourselves. This is a permanent law for you. ... This is a permanent law for you, to purify the people of Israel from their sins, making them right with the LORD once each year." Moses followed all these instructions exactly as the LORD had commanded him. Leviticus 16:29-31, 34

Meditate. Consider seeking God and coming close to Him during this holy day.

Yom Kippur begins and ends at Sunset.
Everywhere on October 1 -2
Schooteney Reservoir, Washington

Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year for the Jews. It is the Day of Atonement when people fast, pray, and seek forgiveness from God and others. This year it happens on October 1^st-2^nd, beginning at Sunset on Wednesday and ending at Sunset on Thursday. This is the tenth day of Tishri. No work is permitted on those days. They “get right” with God on this one day of the year. Can we do any less? We certainly can do more and get right with God daily! Our relationships with God and with others are what matter most in life.

A permanent law or statute. Can’t change it. God decreed it. That’s the way it is. Don’t work—just worship and honor God—atone for your sins for the year. That is what this Holy Day of Yom Kippur is all about—purification from sin. Note that it says “you will be purified in the LORD’s presence from all your sins.” This isn’t something that people can do for themselves. The Lord God purifies us—He removes the sin. That is atonement. But we have to come to Him, admitting our mistakes and humbly seeking forgiveness. Prepare your heart daily—continually praying to the Lord. Paul wrote such advice to the church at Thessalonica.

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

Pray continually and stay away from anything evil. Good advice then…and today. Are you seeking atonement? The Day of Atonement is next week. On that day offerings of purification will be made for you, and you will be purified in the LORD's presence from all your sins. An offering of purification will be offered for you. Your sins will be forgiven...just ask.

The shofar is sounded at the end of the final service in the synagogue on Yom Kippur, some say to represent the closing of heaven gates or the temple’s gates. It is significant of the reconciliation with God and with others that has taken place…or should have…in the last ten or more days.

This is only a few days off—so plan ahead. Consider who you need to forgive or haven’t spoken with for a while and reach out to them. Do you feel that during this time of Yom Kippur you’re seeking repentance and renewal?

Prayer – Lord God, strengthen us to continually be in conversation with You that we would be in Your presence and in that we would stay away from evil. I praise You for Your plan for our lives that we can stand before You one day, holy and pure. Atoned of our sin.

Verse of Salvation ~ Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Psalm 95:1

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Yom Kippur is a time of fasting—so plan ahead.

Fasting Tips:

In order for your system to be geared up for a fast it is good to do a couple days of intermittent fasting—the 16 or 18-hour fast followed by eating two meals, easing into a time of fasting. Of course, the actual day of fasting on the Day of Atonement needs to focus on God, not waiting to eat your next meal. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His followers about fasting, stressing that it should be a private thing—so don’t call attention to yourself.

And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18

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

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Feast of Trumpets

Blow the trumpet.

The LORD said to Moses, "Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. On the first day of the appointed month in early autumn, you are to observe a day of complete rest. It will be an official day for holy assembly, a day commemorated with loud blasts of a trumpet. You must do no ordinary work on that day. Instead, you are to present special gifts to the LORD." Leviticus 23:23-25

Blow those trumpets. The seventh month in the Hebrew calendar is Tishri. The Days of Awe or the High Holy Days, includes the month of Elul (prior to Tishri); Feast of Trumpets; and Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement, ten days after the Feast of Trumpets. The month of Elul is a time of preparation for atonement, a time of introspection and inspection. This year the Hebrew New Year, also called Feast of Trumpets or Rosh Hashanah, which is also considered a judgment day, is on September 22-24, 2025.

Blow those trumpets. God commanded the Israelites to blow their trumpets. Typically, the shofar horn or trumpet is blown every morning during the month of Elul, except on Shabbat. This is to wake people up to the coming judgment.

Also in the day of your gladness and in your appointed feasts, and on the first days of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be as a reminder of you before your God. I am the Lord your God. Numbers 10:10 (NASB)

God is Lord and King—He is the center of this feast—the center of life and judgment. As King he would be coroneted, as other kings and this often occurred in the fall.

Blow those trumpets. Have a holy convocation or sacred assembly. This would occur in the synagogue rather than in homes. The celebration would focus on the God and King who is creator and would continue to renew his creation. This commemoration of the birthday of the world is intertwined with God judging all living beings creating a period of repentance. That is what is occurring in this Days of Awe—personally looking into our hearts to see what we’ve done in our lives in this past year—and what we need to change to improve our lives in the coming year. Although this is a public convocation, it has personal time, too. So, during Elul the Israelites took time for inspecting their lives. Now celebrate the New Year with foods like apples dipped in honey to remind us of the sweet life we desire for the coming year. Feast on festive foods and on the Word of God, our creator and judge.

Are you looking into your heart, evaluating your actions in this past year? Need to repent?

Prayer – Lord God of Heaven and Earth—be merciful to us in your judgment.

Meditate. Consider God’s fall festivals. Listen for the trumpet.

Verse of Salvation ~ I love you, LORD; you are my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psalm 18:1-2

Revised from September 17, 2012, 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