Banquet With The King: November 2025

Sunday, November 30, 2025

Where Do the Poor Stand With God? Where Do You Stand With God?

Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn't God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren't they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? But you dishonor the poor! Isn't it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself." But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. James 2:5-9

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

The poor are assumed to be rich in faith—and how are you treating them? Read the scripture again. James is asking about the poor people. I’m wondering if we can consider them poor financially or poor in spirit? He goes on to indicate that the poor have been promised to inherit God’s Kingdom. Jesus mentions God blessing those who are poor in the Beatitudes section of His Sermon on the Mount.

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:3

The Kingdom of Heaven will be given to those who are poor in spirit, seek God, and not only find Him, but love Him. The best thing to do is to follow God’s commandment to "Love your neighbor as yourself." Is it “loving” to give preference to the rich people who may be slandering our Lord Jesus Christ? Earlier in this chapter, James describes giving special attention to rich people over poor people (see verses 3-4). He suggests this is done because of evil motives and in the focus passage today he says it is a sin. A sin. Breaking the law. We’ve all heard that to break one law is to break them all. This shows a disrespect for God Himself. To love God is to keep His commandments, as Jesus instructed His disciples in this final teaching in the Upper Room.

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them. John 14:21

With God…and with all mankind, if they are really honest with themselves, the most important thing in life is to love God, to love others, and to be loved. Life is about love. Where do you stand with loving God and loving others?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching Your Disciples, the people of Egypt when Jesus was a little guy, and for those of us who love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Verses of Salvation ~ I am suffering and in pain. Rescue me, O God, by your saving power. Then I will praise God's name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving. For this will please the LORD more than sacrificing cattle, more than presenting a bull with its horns and hooves. The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged. For the LORD hears the cries of the needy; he does not despise his imprisoned people. Praise him, O heaven and earth, the seas and all that move in them. Psalm 69:29-34

Blessings on Bill & Patti as they start a new life together.

Good-bye November. Hello Advent.

Get Ready for the Celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ’s Birth.

Happy Heavenly Birthday to my sweet niece, Vicki.

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Don’t Stop Listening and Being Thankful

God speaks from Heaven.
There will be shaking—on earth and in heaven.
Be thankful...His Kingdom is unshakable.
Mount Rainier, Washington

Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: "Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also." This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire. Hebrews 12:25-29 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Thanksgiving Day in the United States is over—but it is always Thanksgiving Day with God.

Are you listening to God? Are you thankful for what you hear? God is speaking…all the time…anytime you read your Bible, remember a verse you’ve read, discuss some God things with someone else, read a religiously focused book, hear a sermon, or listen to Christian music. God is speaking. Are you listening? As the author of Hebrews tells us… Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One (God) who is speaking. He is indicating that there is going to be some earth shaking—but we don’t have to be afraid. God has a plan. A very important part of that plan, as we are told here, is that the Kingdom is unshakable. Now that is something for which to be thankful. It’s a promise from God that His Kingdom—which we know is not of this world—is a stable, reliable, and secure place. For that…let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. This is that time of the year where we focus on giving thanks…and God is certainly worthy of our thanks, as well as our worship of Him in holy fear and awe.

Are you in awe of God? For what are you thankful today…this year?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I’m gratefully thankful…eternally thankful for You and the sacrifice You made so that I can live forever with You. I’m looking forward to that “forever” part…but I know that it started the moment that I repented of my sins and accepted You as my Savior. I’m thankful everyday…not just during this “thankful” holiday tradition. Eternally grateful. I bow in my heart, mind, and soul to You, Lord.

Verse of Salvation ~ But God says to the wicked: "Why bother reciting my decrees and pretending to obey my covenant? ... Repent, all of you who forget me, or I will tear you apart, and no one will help you. But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God." Psalm 50:16, 22-23

Thankfully revised and reused. November 25, 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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, November 28, 2025

Are You Providing Flavor to the World?

You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. Matthew 5:13

Meditate. Consider God’s mention of foods and seasonings in scripture.

Flavor. Without flavor, food just doesn’t have any appeal. The smell of the food cooking—sometimes even just fresh and raw—are enticing and stimulating to our tastebuds. Does your mouth water just to think about, smell, or see some appealing foods.

Jesus told his followers in His Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew 5, Mark 9, and Luke 14, that they are the salt of the earth. In the Luke passage it likens the flavorful salt to be even worthless for the trash. Both the focus scripture and this Luke 14 passage ask the same question. Can you make salt that has lost its flavor salty again?

Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! Luke 14:34-35

Similarly, if a person spiritually loses their “flavor,” taste, or interest, how can they regain their spiritual flavor? Have they turned their back on Christianity and rejected Jesus? Jesus is teaching that people need to listen—use their ears—and understand that it is nearly impossible to get salty again—so don’t get into that position. Be flavorful to the world. Are you providing some zest, tang, piquancy to the world?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, help me to give to those around me—the world—an enthusiasm that engages their spiritual appetite to want to know more about You.

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

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Brussels Sprout Stalk
How should I cook it?

Have you ever tried to grow Brussel Sprouts? I tried to do that a few years ago and had such a problem with earwigs that I could only rescue a few little heads for us to eat. What a waste of time…and resources. When I saw them on the stalk, looking like a little Christmas tree, in my local grocery store, I was so elated! And they were on sale! Of course, I snatched one up and brought it home dreaming that I would make a little tree centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table! It was too big to fit in any of my pans—even my turkey roasting pan. Ugh! How would I cook this little beauty? I Googled it and came up with a roasting recipe using a large baking sheet. Perfect. I had one of those! Here’s what I did and we ate it as an appetizer for our Thanksgiving meal with some cheese dip. It was so good—a great start to a meal featuring smoked turkey and roasted vegetables with all the usual sides.

Roasted Brussel Sprout Stalk

1 stalk of Brussel Sprouts about 4 pounds

3 Tbsp Avocado oil

2 Tbsp Maple syrup

1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

Wash the stalk of Brussel Sprouts, rinsing with apple cider vinegar. Clean off any wilted leaves and stems. Allow to dry. Place on a large baking sheet covered with parchment paper.

The roasted Brussels Sprout Stalk
Tasty!

Mix the oil, syrup, and vinegar together in a small saucepan and heat until almost boiling. Allow to cool slightly, then spread on the stalk using a pastry brush. Roast in a 400 degree F oven for about 25 minutes using the convection option, if that is available. Remove from the oven and transfer to a large platter. Serve with a knife, allowing guests to cut off their own sprouts. Provide a cheese dip or Ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy!

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

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Thursday, November 27, 2025

Happy Thanksgiving!

Give Thanks.
Loaves and fishes.
Jesus gave thanks to the Father.
Are you giving Thanks today and always?

We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:14-18 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate on Thankfulness.

What are you looking at? Paul tells us that we need to fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. Such good advice for the people at the church at Corinth…and for us today. How can we “fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen” when we can’t see whatever it is that we’re “gazing” at? Focusing our attention on things that are important to God—being willing to serve Him…to be His hands and feet here and now. That is my best guess. Like Jesus taught His followers during His Sermon on the Mount.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

Live God’s way—righteously in a way that will please Him and He’ll provide everything we need. Note that it is everything we “need”…not necessarily “want.” That is the point at which we need to remember to be thankful. Not just today, but always.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Traditionally, my family, like so many others, each says what they are thankful for before dinner. It’s a good custom. I recently read about a family that has each person write in a journal what they are thankful for that year. Another group offers specific thanks for encouragement, help, or assistance to a person standing around the circle together before the big meal. Very touching idea. God is the one that ultimately deserves the “Thanks” and praise. All Glory be to God! What’s your family or friends group doing to express thankfulness?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, it is with a grateful heart that I give You “Thanks!” You are worthy of praise, glory, and honor—today and forever. I'm fixing my eyes on You--eternally.

Verse of Salvation ~ Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 1 Thessalonians 5:23

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Do You Need Instructions Today?

Preach & Teach the Word of God
Cross from Peru
Encourage Others

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Meditate. Consider God’s directive in scripture.

Paul wrote to Timothy about what God expects of His followers. Teach—patiently correcting and encouraging people—His people. Preach His word and be prepared. Jesus told His disciples the same things. For three years, He taught them just what to say and do. Be prepared. Be ready.

So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:42-44 NLT

Jesus has warned His followers…be ready all the time. Be ready—what does that mean? Is it more than ajust accepting Jesus as our personal Savior? Does it indicate that we need to be prayed up…to have every sin confessed? Does it suggest that we need to be good servants of the Lord…by doing the preaching and teaching that Paul specified in his letter to Timothy? Remember that right as Jesus ascended into Heaven, His final instructions were to go and make disciples.

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

Were those instructions to those who follow Him now? Yes. Make disciples—make more followers. Would that be done by preaching and teaching them—just as Paul instructed? Would that encourage more people to “be ready” for what comes in the future? Paul goes on to say that we need to keep a clear mind and be willing to suffer. Do you recall what Jesus suffered for you on the cross?

Now, a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. Is that time here? Do you see people doing that now? I do. People seem to go to churches where they feel comfortable—hearing what they want to hear—and having a social connection, not true Biblical teaching. For some people, they don’t seek God or go to church at all and we see the same thing around the world. Of course, technology reinforces that because we instantly know or can easily find out just what is happening anywhere in the world.

What ministry has God given you to do? Paul says that we are to work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. If we do that, will we be ready?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for the encouragement that You wrote through Paul to Timothy…and all of us. Preach, teach, and be prepared. Please give me wisdom to know just what to speak and to whom I am to speak, telling them the Good News about You. I trust You with all that I have and know so that I can be prepared—with whatever lies ahead. Help me to be like Paul, fighting the good fight and remaining faithful to the end.

Verses of Salvation (rescue) ~ The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen. 2 Timothy 4:16-18

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

How’s the Soil of Your Heart?

Wheat harvested.
Use those seeds to plant a new crop
...in good soil.

One day Jesus told a story in the form of a parable to a large crowd that had gathered from many towns to hear him: "A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on, and the birds ate it. Other seed fell among rocks. It began to grow, but the plant soon wilted and died for lack of moisture. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants. Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!" When he had said this, he called out, "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand." Luke 8:4-8 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Meditate. Consider what it means to use your ears and what it means to listen and understand.

Have you ever planted a field…or a garden? I grew up on a small farm and it seems to me that this farmer wasn’t very dedicated or well-prepared. Who would waste seeds on a footpath, or road? Who wouldn’t clear the rocks from the field so that the seeds could grow in good soil? Weeds and thorns? They don’t make good companion plants. At least some of the seeds landed in good soil—and resulted in a hundred percent success. That is good odds.

To plant seeds, one needs to prepare the soil. In the field, farmers disc the soil—and in our gardens we can simply use a shovel or a rototiller. Depends on the size of the garden. So, what was Jesus saying to that crowd of people? He goes on to explain it to His disciples in terms of spiritual growth. Think about how you heard about Jesus—the seeds of Good News. Is your heart, good soil, ready to receive the truth?

This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is God's word. The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God's word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. Luke 8:11-15

We don’t have to guess what Jesus meant. He told His disciples plainly and decisively. Be the good soil—good-hearted people who hear God's word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. That huge harvest is all the new Christians who listen, hear, and understand. Do you understand? Are you scattering “seeds”—concepts of Jesus?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I’m listening to Your words and I’m trying to plant seeds of Your words…and lifestyle…among those who don’t know You. Help me to live every moment following You and give us all understanding.

Verse of Salvation ~ The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. Luke 8:12

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