Banquet With The King

Friday, June 27, 2025

Don’t You Understand?

Don’t you understand? Jesus declared all foods pure—acceptable to eat. It isn’t the food that defiles us, but the sin we maybe harboring in our hearts. He lists the defiling elements as evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. Guard your heart and life that you do not partake in those vile things. What should we do instead? Although it is not easy, my solution is to think and do the opposite. Only with God’s help can that happen. Replace those vile things with Godly principles and the Fruit of the Spirit.

evil thoughts – pure thoughts

sexual immorality – righteous living

theft – respect for property and personal integrity

murder - forgiveness

adultery – honesty, respect and faithfulness

greed – generosity and patience

deceit – truth, honesty and goodness

lustful desires – respect, love and self-control

envy – kindness, joy and gentleness

slander – truthfulness, encouragement and honesty

pride – compassion and peace

foolishness – wisdom and common sense

As Jesus said, “It's not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart.” We have to be sure that our hearts are pure…undefiled. We can’t do that on our own, but with Jesus and the Holy Spirit guiding us, all things are possible. Do you agree? Is that possible for you in your life? The choice is yours.

Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. "All of you listen," he said, "and try to understand. It's not what goes into your body that defiles you; you are defiled by what comes from your heart." ... Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd, and his disciples asked him what he meant by the parable he had just used. "Don't you understand either?" he asked. "Can't you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? Food doesn't go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer." (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable in God's eyes.) And then he added, "It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you." Mark 7:14-15, 17-23

Prayer – Lord Jesus, as David said… Don't keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Psalm 51:9-11. Thank you, Jesus, for teaching me this…and although You were sinless You gave up Your life on the cross for my sins.

Meditate. Consider understanding God’s guidance in scripture.

Verse of Salvation ~ Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Psalm 51:12

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Food for thought. What food comes to mind when you think of the fruit of the Spirit?

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! - Galatians 5:22-23

When you eat, give thanks and ask God to consecrate the food you are about to eat. Remember what Jesus has done for you, as you break the bread at each meal. It doesn’t matter if you are alone or if you are dining with family or friends, Jesus is with you and He recognizes how you feel in your heart—thankful and grateful. In his book The Jesus Diet, by Terry Toler, he suggests eating when you are hungry and stopping when you are full. That’s great advice that we’ve likely all heard before. The hard part is the stopping. When do you feel full? Usually, I’m past full when I realize it…and I’m past done. Not the ideal way to get to a good metabolism or normalize my weight. I’ll just need to slow down so that I don’t get too full. He had a hilarious idea about a soap diet where you wash your mouth out with soap every time you have a craving. Ha! That would curb anyone’s cravings although some of the soaps these days smell pretty good. Do they taste as good? I’m not going to try them out to see.

What food is it that makes you crave more? Carbs—like pasta and donuts. My theory is that if you don’t buy it, you won’t have it in your home to entice your cravings! Don’t buy it, don’t eat it. Seems simple, right.

Terry Toler shared an idea about making peace with one’s food. You can have whatever you want anytime with no restrictions. He reported one lady’s struggle that ended when she made peace with her food. Knowing that she could have that food removed the temptation. Sounds like a good plan. What is the particular food that is overwhelmingly tempting, with which you need to make peace? Ice cream, cookies, bakery, cake, or pie? Those are my “temptations” this week. Can you make peace with your food?

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

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Is All Food Good to Eat?

Any kind of food is acceptable to eat. Still there are some foods that you want to be sure to pray over…to consecrate…before you eat them. By this scripture it is all right to eat foods that you wouldn’t normally eat…like my grandson suggested when he was much younger…fried tarantulas, gator kabobs, silkworms or even grilled chicken feet. Once a friend of mine found a chicken foot in the tasty soup she was enjoying in Portugal, that was the end of the meal for her. Even some people in the old days flavored their chicken soup with chicken feet. I discovered that you can buy them today in some stores, like a local Mexican grocery. Do you want to try some?

Does your diet honor the Lord? How many candy bars have you treated yourself to this month? Do you give thanks before chomping down those chocolates? What foods do you refuse to eat? Brussels sprouts? Try cooking them in chicken broth (without chicken feet!). It is amazing how they are not bitter when cooked that way. Like many vegetables, brussels sprouts are also good roasted at 400 degrees for about twenty minutes. Just give thanks and enjoy.

Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. Romans 14:6

It is interesting to note that in the Old Testament people were encouraged to give thanks…a blessing…after the meal and it was actually for the land, not for the food.

So obey the commands of the LORD your God by walking in his ways and fearing him.

For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land of flowing streams and pools of water, with fountains and springs that gush out in the valleys and hills.

It is a land of wheat and barley; of grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates; of olive oil and honey. It is a land where food is plentiful and nothing is lacking. It is a land where iron is as common as stone, and copper is abundant in the hills. When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. Deuteronomy 8:6-11

Now the Jewish ritual is not just a simple prayer but depends specifically on the foods that were consumed. There is a long list of foods and blessings available in Jewish resources and on-line. Google it.

Mosaic near the Sea of Galilee - Israel
Commemorates the Feeding of the 5,000
Loaves and Fishes

Jesus gave thanks…a blessing to the Lord God, before the meal, like when He fed the five thousand men and their families. Jesus seems to have initiated the pre-meal blessing routine that most Christians follow today. This type of blessing consecrates, makes holy, the food before it is consumed.

Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. John 6:11

Jews today have a traditional blessing before their meal that is dependent on the food that is to be served. Likewise, after the meal a specific grace is offered for the particular foods eaten, particularly in accordance with the seven food groups listed in Deuteronomy 8. No matter whether you give thanks before, after, or both, and no matter what you eat or drink…

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Can you choose to share that bounty of food with others? Do you give thanks for your food?

I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don't let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. Don't tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. You may believe there's nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don't feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning. Romans 14:14-23 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Prayer – Lord, we focus on food—day and night. I want to refocus on to thinking, preparing, and eating Your food—Your very words. Guide my heart that I would feast wisely today…and every day.

Meditate. What are you eating? You are what you eat.

Verse of Salvation ~ 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 50:23

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

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, June 25, 2025

Do You Call God Abba?

Gate at the Garden of Gethsemane.
Does that gate separate you...
from God's love or will you
follow God's plan for your life?
Jesus did.

Abba Father. God is our Abba Father. Jesus Himself called God the Father, Abba, as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. It would be like us today saying Daddy. This passage shows the ultimate submission of Jesus to His Father. Your will…not mine…be done.

"Abba, Father," he cried out, "everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." Mark 14:36

Paul reminds the church at Galatia that they are God’s children. Today, as believers in Jesus as our Savior, we are God’s children, too.

And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." Galatians 4:6

One of my favorite memories of my paternal grandfather is that of a big group of family all gathered around the kitchen table at Grandma and Grandad’s house and Grandad asked the blessing for the lunch we were about to receive. His prayer in German, his native language, was Alle Liebe Unser Abba Vater (All Love Our Abba Father). He was a man of few words—but these were heartfelt. We all enjoyed a wonderful meal together. Where did we all sit since it was a small house? That is a good question—but the food and our time was blessed. We loved God. He loved us.

Do you have a special memory of the realization that God is your Father? Let that recognition or awareness sink into your very being. He is a loving Father. Our Abba Father.

So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. ... And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. ... For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:6-8, 10, 14-17

Prayer – Abba Father, I love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I wait patiently for Your plan to be fulfilled here on earth…as it is in heaven. Thank you for the daily bread…food for our bodies and our spirits. I praise Your very name. Surround us with Your love which is an assurance of Your promise of eternal life with You. We are heirs with Christ Jesus only in your grace. For that we are forever thankful.

Meditate. Consider the Abba Father’s influence in your life.

Verse of Salvation ~ While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. And God designated him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:7-10

Partially recycled from February 10, 2021 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

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Don’t Be Shaken

Aura Borealis near Pasco, Washington
Is it a message from God...
or scientific phenomenon?

A spiritual vision? Is that from the Holy Spirit? Test it before you believe it.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. 1 John 4:1-3.

There is so much hype—almost to the point of hysteria—on YouTube and in Christian circles now about the Lord’s eminent return. Be careful. Does the person prophesying believe in Jesus as their Savior? That alone does not give them the truth about Jesus.

Read your Bible—really study it for yourself. Consider Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24, including the following verse concerning His return and reign during the Millenium.

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. Matthew 24:36.

The Father alone knows. We just have to trust Him. No one knows or can tell us. The timing of the rapture confuses people, too. Will the rapture be with the next blood moon…or at the next Feast of Tabernacles? We are told by Jesus to be ready.

For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. Matthew 24:44.

What will you be doing when Jesus returns? That thought has got me to thinking that I need to be sure that whatever I’m doing, it is honorable—to do only things that are worthy of the Lord—continually.

Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him. Don't be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don't believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2

Prayer – Holy Spirit, guide my heart, thoughts, mind and words that whatever I think, say and do is honorable in Your sight—continually pleasing to You, my God, my Lord, my Savior. Whenever You return, Jesus, I want to be ready. Thank you for the good years of life, marriage, and companionship You have given us. We will not be shaken--knowing You and Your love in our life.

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

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

(From June 16, 2015 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

Monday, June 23, 2025

Can You Trust God?

Is God so awesome that you feel unworthy of His love…of having Him in your life? Do you feel like you can trust God with everything in your life? God knows everything about everyone. He is omniscient.

Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. 1 John 3:20

You’ve probably heard the adage “God is great…” Yep. He isn’t just great…He is greater. Greater than all our fears, hopes, dreams, and ideas. He is the ultimate in wisdom and knowledge. He created that…and everything. So, can we trust Him?

Isaiah was called to prophecy to the nation of Israel for that time…and beyond. Some of it is applicable even now. He trusted the Lord.

Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The LORD called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name. He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver. He said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory." I replied, "But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the LORD's hand; I will trust God for my reward." Isaiah 49:1-4

Another person who had a great trust in the Lord was David—a man after God’s own heart.

- I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people. Psalm 52:9

- I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:4 (Underlined for emphasis.)

In the New Testament there are additional examples of trusting God. Peter has advice that is still applicable today.

- Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory. 1 Peter 1:21

- So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Peter 4:19

Bottom line. If people like Isaiah, David and Peter can trust God, you can trust God with your life. Do you think you can do that?

But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded. Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path. God warned them of this in the Scriptures when he said, "I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. But anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced." Romans 9:30-33 (Underlined foe emphasis.)

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I trust in the LORD with all my heart, not depending on my own understanding. I seek Your will in all you do and know that You will show me which path to take. I’m not impressed with my own wisdom, but instead, I respect You LORD and turn away from evil. I claim the healing that You provide for my body and strength for my bones. From Proverbs 3:5-8

Meditate on trust.

Verses of Salvation ~ (In Jacob’s last words to his sons.) I trust in you for salvation, O LORD! Genesis 49:18

You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Sunday, June 22, 2025

What or Who is a Disciple?

Jesus had twelve disciples…and many followers. His lasts words just before He ascended into Heaven were specific directions to those who were gathered together—His disciples. Those same instructions are good for all followers of Jesus…Christians…today.

Signpost in Israel.
Go into all the world...all nations.
Teach others about Jesus and His commands.

…"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

Make disciples. Make followers. Teach them Jesus’ way of life. To be a disciple one must be disciplined—walking the path following the ideals of the leader. To me it is sort of like being mentored.

Everyone needs a mentor and needs to be mentoring someone else. Life is lonely—but with friends and mentors, life in Christ is good. I’ve realized the truth…you get out of life what you put into it. If your focus is on the TV, YouTube, and video games—then it is like Jesus said... Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. So, what does it take to follow Jesus? A decision and determination—a desire to learn more about Jesus and to have a relationship with Him. In doing that we begin “serving” Him, allowing Him to be the Lord of our life. Then we can “mentor” others and teach them about Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life that makes our lives worth living here and for eternity. That’s my thought…for today and forever.

Are you wanting to know more about Jesus? The first four books in the New Testament of the Bible document His life—but you can literally find Him all throughout the Old and New Testaments. Look for yourself. The choice is yours. You can choose to be a disciple of Jesus and follow Him.

I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me. John 12:24-26

Prayer – Lord Jesus, guide my heart, mind, and soul to understand You and how I need to live to please You. I want to continue to be Your disciple and serve You forever, planting seeds of Your truth in others lives so that they can become Your disciples, too.

Meditate. Consider what discipleship means to you.

Verses of Salvation ~ When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God's blessing. But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it. Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don't believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and endurance. Hebrews 6:7-12

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