Banquet With The King: 2026

Friday, March 13, 2026

Here’s a Miraculous Sign

Ruins of the synagogue at Capernaum
Was the boy's home nearby?
The entire household believed in Jesus
after the miraculous sign.

At the end of the two days, Jesus went on to Galilee. He himself had said that a prophet is not honored in his own hometown. Yet the Galileans welcomed him, for they had been in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration and had seen everything he did there. As he traveled through Galilee, he came to Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was a government official in nearby Capernaum whose son was very sick. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his son, who was about to die. Jesus asked, "Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?" The official pleaded, "Lord, please come now before my little boy dies." Then Jesus told him, "Go back home. Your son will live!" And the man believed what Jesus said and started home. While the man was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well. He asked them when the boy had begun to get better, and they replied, "Yesterday afternoon at one o'clock his fever suddenly disappeared!" Then the father realized that that was the very time Jesus had told him, "Your son will live." And he and his entire household believed in Jesus. This was the second sign Jesus did in Galilee after coming from Judea. John 4:43-54

Meditate. Consider miraculous signs.

Have you ever asked Jesus for a miraculous sign? Did you want Him to heal someone—instantly? The Jewish leaders kept wanting Jesus to show them a sign. Here, a Roman government official wanted a sign. He wanted Jesus to come quickly to Capernaum, which was about 23 miles from Cana, to heal his son before the child died. Jesus isn’t constrained by distance. He sent the dad on his way and healed the boy from right there where He was. I’d say that was a miraculous sign.

We see Jesus working in little and not-so-little ways every day. Have you asked for a good parking place…and the Lord provided one right there? I’ve been praying for my grandchildren…since the day they were born, for things like fevers, illness, mishaps of scrapes and sprains, and for major things like arthritis, MALS, a dislocated shoulder, and generally for making good decisions. We all have choices, multiple times a day—and it is so important to think things through, pray, and look to the Lord for guidance. Good decisions.

This Roman official trusted Jesus to heal his son. That trust was in the right place. Jesus did heal the boy. We’ve all had unanswered prayers—and that is part of life. Is it a trial for us? In some cases, it is. God didn’t create trials and tribulations. Those happen, and we can only trust God to help us through those troubles. One of my granddaughter’s favorite verses is found in Philippians.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Did the government official gain strength as he trusted Jesus? He was probably praising the Lord all the way home once he heard that his son was well. That is a miraculous sign.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage? He is in the miracle business! Jesus is reliable, compassionate, kind, and generous. He fulfilled the request of this Gentile government official, so He was not partial to only the Jewish community. He is the Savior.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank You for this example of the miraculous signs that You performed while You were here on earth. You are amazing, and I am bowing in my heart, praising You for Your compassion with this dying boy and for the prayers You’ve mercifully heard from my family and friends.

Verses of Salvation ~ Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don't be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it. Philippians 1:27-30

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

How are you doing with your New Year's resolutions and diet? Looking for a good way to prepare vegetables? Have you tried roasted veggies?

Roasted Veggies
Cover a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Heat oven to 450 degrees.

Choose one cup of raw vegetables per person for the list below:
Asparagus
Broccoli

Brussel sprouts
Cauliflower
Mushrooms
Sweet Potatoes
Carrots
Sweet Onion
Cut veggies into bite-sized pieces. Place veggies on a cookie sheet and sprinkle with olive oil. Roast for about 20 minutes or until browned. Sprinkle with freshly ground salt. Enjoy knowing that you are eating healthy.

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, March 12, 2026

He is Indeed the Savior of the World

Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, "He told me everything I ever did!" When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world." John 4:39-42

Meditate. Read God’s word and listen.

When Jesus was invited, He stayed for two days in Sychar with the Samaritans. During that time, He preached and taught just what God wanted them to know, His message. What was it? What convinced them that Jesus is indeed the Savior of the world?

Wisdom from the Bible
Jesus lived His word.

The Samaritans believed. They heard Jesus speak and teach. It wasn’t the testimony of one of their own, but hearing Jesus for themselves. Obviously, we don’t have the opportunity to see Jesus, but His very words are recorded for us in the Gospels. Have you read them for yourself? Do you believe? What convinces you that Jesus is indeed the Savior of the world?

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage? He is compassionate and willing to share His knowledge, wisdom, and His life with the Samaritans, a mixed Jewish race. He wasn’t here just for the Jews. He is truthful. He is the Savior of the world.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, Your life, teaching, miracles, sacrifice, death, and resurrection are astounding. What can I say, but I believe in You, as my Lord and Savior! Glory, glory, glory!

Verses of Salvation ~ For Moses writes that the law's way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands (Leviticus 18:5). But faith's way of getting right with God says, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who will go up to heaven?' (to bring Christ down to earth). And don't say, 'Who will go down to the place of the dead?' (to bring Christ back to life again)." In fact, it says, "The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart (Deuteronomy 30:12-14)." And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:5-10

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, March 11, 2026

Nourishment Comes From Doing the Will of God

Fruit for Eternal Life

Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, "Rabbi, eat something." But Jesus replied, "I have a kind of food you know nothing about." "Did someone bring him food while we were gone?" the disciples asked each other. Then Jesus explained: "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. 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 4:31-38

Meditate. Consider Jesus as human and divine.

We all get tired and hungry. Jesus did, too. The disciples left Him at Jacob’s Well to rest while they went into Sychar to get something to eat. When they returned, He didn’t seem to want to eat. Rabbi, eat something. His food was spiritual. I love that Jesus explains this…and talks about finishing God’s work.

My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.

This was early in His ministry, but He is looking ahead—saving the lost people of Sychar. Doing God’s will. How often do we wonder if what we are doing is “in God’s will,” and how do we determine that? Jesus focuses on God’s will throughout His ministry.

For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day." John 6:38-40

Doing God’s will. Love God and love others. Believe in His Son. I think that sums it up.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage? Jesus came to earth to do the will of His Father. To be obedient. Plant. Water. Harvest. From where does your nourishment come?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You’ve been a great example to us—from the beginning of Your ministry, all You wanted to do was the will of our Heavenly Father. Can we do any less?

Verses of Salvation ~ Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. ... "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. ... "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. John 10:9, 11, 14-15

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, March 10, 2026

Who said… I AM the Messiah?

For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth." The woman said, "I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." Then Jesus told her, "I AM the Messiah!" Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, "What do you want with her?" or "Why are you talking to her?" The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, "Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?" So the people came streaming from the village to see him. John 4:24-30

Meditate on who the Messiah is to you.

Old discarded water jar...in Israel.

The Woman at the Well left her water jar and ran to the village, telling everyone about the man she met by the well. Could he possibly be the Messiah? Did the Samaritans believe in the Messiah? Good question. In verse 25, she said to Jesus, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ.” So, the Samaritans did believe in a coming Messiah, though possibly they thought that He was more of a prophet than a king, that He would be a returning Moses. Like the Jews, they were watching and waiting for His return.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage? He declared that He is the Messiah. He doesn’t boast about that everywhere He goes, but He revealed it to this Samaritan woman and her town of Sychar. Do you believe that Jesus is the Messiah, our Savior? There are so many promises on which we can depend. He is the Way, the Truth, the resurrection, and the life. Search the Scriptures for yourself. Seek Him, and you will find Him. Are you watching and waiting for Christ’s return?

Prayer – Lord, I believe. You are the Messiah!

Verse of Salvation ~ …then He said, "BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL." [And so] He does away with the first [covenant as a means of atoning for sin based on animal sacrifices] so that He may inaugurate and establish the second [covenant by means of obedience]. And in accordance with this will [of God] we [who believe in the message of salvation] have been sanctified [that is, set apart as holy for God and His purposes] through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) once for all. Hebrews 10:9-10 AMP

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

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Monday, March 9, 2026

Where and Whom Do You Worship?

The Time is Here Now
Where, When, and Whom do you worship?

"Sir," the woman said, "you must be a prophet. So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?" Jesus replied, "Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem. You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about him, for salvation comes through the Jews. But the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:19-24

Meditate on God, who is Spirit.

In this continued dialogue between Jesus and the Woman at the Well, we read that Jesus is declaring that God is Spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. Do you worship God? Is it a private ritual, or do you join others and worship corporately? David taught his son, Solomon, the value of seeking and worshipping the Lord God. Jesus knew this scripture, lived it, and taught it by example to His disciples.

And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9

Additionally, Jesus encouraged and taught His disciples, who passed on this teaching, to worship corporately.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 KJV

What do we learn about Jesus from the focus scripture passage today? God is spirit. Since Jesus is God, He is to be worshiped in spirit and in truth. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, the spiritual aspect of our lives is “born again” as described in the dialogue that Jesus had with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21). So, as born again Christians, we can spiritually praise God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That is an awesome concept. Can you grasp that—and live it? Where and whom do you worship?

Prayer – Lord God, You are awesome, and I worship You—here and now, as well as in church on Sundays—in spirit and in truth. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Light, giving meaning and hope to my life. Jesus, You said that salvation comes through the Jews. Since You were Jewish, I recognize that salvation comes through You. Thank You!

Verses of Salvation ~ Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant. Hebrews 9:14-15

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

The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769.
Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain.

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, March 8, 2026

Who is Your Husband?

"Go and get your husband," Jesus told her. "I don't have a husband," the woman replied. Jesus said, "You're right! You don't have a husband, for you have had five husbands, and you aren't even married to the man you're living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!" "Sir," the woman said, "you must be a prophet." John 4:16-19

Meditate. Consider the truth.

Jesus didn’t ask her who her husband was. He just said, "Go and get your husband." He knew her history—five husbands! Jesus knows everything about us. Is that a scary thought to you? Jesus will be the ultimate judge one day. Later on, to a crowd of people, Jesus spoke about the coming judgment. He spoke about His role as Savior, not as a judge, but as one who shows the truth, points a light to the right way.

I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. I will not judge those who hear me but don't obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. I don't speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say." John 12:46-50

This woman was considered a harlot in her community and was convicted of her sin when speaking with Jesus. He exposed her way of life, convicting her of her lifestyle. She recognized Jesus as a prophet—but read on. He is going to reveal to her an astonishing truth.

The culture was different in Israel in those days. Women were subservient to men, dependent on them for daily life, and yet subjected to a slave type existence. So, the Woman at the Well was doing her daily chore, obtaining water for the home in which she lived with a man who wasn’t even her husband. Jesus knew her situation. Jesus didn’t ask this woman who is your husband? He knew what her life was like.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You know the thoughts and plans of my heart even before I think or act on them.

Verse of Salvation ~ How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don't let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:12-14

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

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Please, Give Me This Water

Fountain of Living Water?
Is it a fresh, bubbling spring within you?
Waterfront Park, Charleston, SC

Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." "But sir, you don't have a rope or a bucket," she said, "and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water? And besides, do you think you're greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?" Jesus replied, "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life." "Please, sir," the woman said, "give me this water! Then I'll never be thirsty again, and I won't have to come here to get water." John 4:10-15

Meditate. Are you thirsty?

Jesus is offering the Woman at the Well living water. She was practical—no bucket, no rope. How could He get water out of Jacob’s deep well? Where would He get living water? Jesus assures her that whoever drinks the living water that He offers will never be thirsty again—in fact—that water will give eternal life. Can you imagine no thirst and living forever? That is just what the woman wanted—no thirst and never having to draw water again. She’s thinking about herself—no thirst, and she won’t have to go alone to the well or avoid the other ladies who drew water from Jacob’s well. That would be nice.

But what was this Jewish man talking about…a free gift of living water? Free is good…and life forever would be sweet. Yes, I want this water!

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage? He offers a free gift from God—meaning His Father. Living Water. Eternal life. Will He give the same gift to anyone who asks?

Prayer – Lord Jesus—please give us this living water.

Verse of Salvation ~ See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory." With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! Isaiah 12:2-3

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