Banquet With The King

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Be Ready – For What?

Highlights from James Five – Read the chapter and pick out the verse that you can apply to your life.

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. Don't grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door! James 5:7-9

Meditate. Patiently.

Be patient. Take courage. There have been doomsdayers for hundreds of years who have said that on such and such day the Lord will return…or the Rapture will occur. Here James is encouraging us to be patient and take courage. The coming of the Lord is near…but remember that we don’t know the hour or the day…even Jesus said He didn’t know.

However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don't know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert! Mark 13:32-33

We do know that Jesus is the Judge about whom James was writing. Luke wrote about this in Acts and it can be noted in several other passages. Look in a Bible app, like the Blue Letter Bible or Gateway, for further examples.

The Name of Jesus
On a cross made of olive wood.
Israel

And he (God) ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name." Acts 10:42-43

The Judge is standing at the door…the coming of the Lord is near. Are you ready…remember Jesus said to be on guard. We need to be ready. Does that mean to stockpile food, clothes, and emergency supplies? Or how do we get “spiritually” ready? What are you doing to serve the Lord now? Are you reaching others for Him? That is the best thing we can do. Draw others to the Lord. Plant seeds and encourage growth. Can we do any less? Be patient. Take courage. Sometimes it takes patience and courage to inspire others to know our Lord.

Prayer – Lord, help us to wait patiently for Your return…and may we be prepared to encourage others to transform their lives to be pleasing to You. I praise You for all that You have done…from creation to walking alongside us. You are worthy of our praise and honor.

Verse of Salvation ~ For it was fitting for God [that is, an act worthy of His divine nature] that He, for whose sake are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the author and founder of their salvation perfect through suffering [bringing to maturity the human experience necessary for Him to be perfectly equipped for His office as High Priest]. Hebrews 2:10 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.

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Saturday, October 18, 2025

When is Your Sabbath?

"Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don't pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD's holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don't follow your own desires or talk idly. Then the LORD will be your delight. I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the LORD, have spoken!" Isaiah 58:13-14

Meditate. Consider what the Sabbath is to you.

When do you recognize the Sabbath? The Jews celebrate Shabbat beginning on Friday at sunset and ending at sunset on Saturday. It is their day of rest—just as God declared after six days of creation. He rested. One of the Ten Commandments is to keep the Sabbath.

Remember to observe The Sabbath by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. Exodus 20:8-11

The Day Begins at Sunset...
Sunset to Sunset.
When is the Sabbath for you?

Most Christians regard Sunday as the Sabbath since that was the day Jesus rose from the dead. But what about those whose jobs require them to work on Saturday or Sunday? The pastors at the church I attend celebrate their Sabbath on other days…Monday and Fridays. A friend of mine is very dedicated to observing her Sabbath on Thursday—a total day of REST beginning at sunset on Wednesday and ending at sunset on Thursday. Counting those hours is the same as the Jewish tradition of noting time—just as God did when He began Creation with the creation of light. See Genesis 1:5–evening passed and morning came marking the first day. My friend turns off her phone—no electronics—she rests, prays, and focuses on God and His Word. Another friend declared her Sabbath with no work—no play only solemn rest, and Bible study in devotion to God. Yet another acquaintance was all about honoring God on her Sabbath with no work and all play, rest, relax, and rejoice in God’s creation. Each honored God in their own way.

Personally, I observe the Sabbath on Sunday and I do no “work” —like housework, laundry, or strenuous exercise—but a good nap, reading a book by a Christian author, and enjoying God’s creation with a nice walk or family time is time well spent towards honoring our creator and my Savior. That provides us with a refreshing day—just like God. See Exodus 31:13-17. Still, I wonder if I’m keeping God’s Sabbath the way He intended. In that passage, the punishment for working on the Sabbath would be to put the individual to death. Is that a spiritual death resulting in eternal separation from God? God is a spiritual being and works in the spiritual realm. We can only trust Him…and obey. So—what is your choice? Will you observe the Sabbath this week…and if so, how and when?

Prayer – Lord, once again, I’m looking forward to the Sabbath Day. When? Where? What? These are all good questions. Please give me wisdom and understanding.

Verse of Salvation ~ This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. so remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and putting on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. Romans 13:11-14.

Recycled from an earlier Banquet With The King blog, May 10, 2024.

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

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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, October 17, 2025

Friends of God?

Highlights from James Four – May I suggest you read this chapter again…outloud? James has some amazing teachings for us. They might just be reminders, convicting, and a bit gloomy. Read it anyway, then comment and let me know which verse speaks to you.

Hand washing station in a Jerusalem hotel.
Wash before eating.
Purify your heart...and hands.
Don't have divided loyalty.

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." So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 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. James 4:4-8

Meditate. Consider how you will get closer to God.

Who are your friends? Can you be a friend of the creator of the Universe…the Almighty God? But who wants to be an enemy of God?

There were a few people who were considered friends of God. I immediately think of Abraham, Moses and then David. They were reverent towards God, and although they were sinners, they were repentant. Consider the whole David and Bathsheba fiasco. David took advantage of someone else’s wife, had him killed, and then went on with his life leading his troops into battle. When David was confronted with his sin, he changed his attitude and his actions. God forgave him, but ultimately, David was not allowed to build a house—the Temple—for God. Too much blood on his hands. Until I reread passages about David’s life, I thought that God called David “friend.” But that was not so. In a couple of passages, it says that God was with David, not that He considered David a “friend.” (See 2 Samuel 5:10) Read David’s story for yourself in various translations and see the relationship that David had with God.

Another “friend” is Moses, through whom God spoke to the whole nation of Israel. Moses was another person who was obedient…most of the time, but even he did not get to go into the Promised Land because of the disobedient action of striking a rock to get water, rather than just telling the rock to give them water as God had instructed him to do. (See Numbers 20:9-12) Obedience is important to the Lord God.

That same obedience is still very important to God today, and I think that we should recognize it for what it is. Respect for our God. That is the beginning and continued commitment to a friendship with God. Respect is key to any relationship. Contemplate your relationship with others. The more respect, the deeper the connection. There is our answer to any “friendship”—whether it is an association within the family, workplace, neighborhood, church, or directly to God.

Being an enemy of God is a scary thing. God is powerful and covers those who love Him with His grace and mercy. Life is tough for everyone, but it could be worse without God’s hand upon us. The commands to love God and love others makes a difference in all our relationships.

As James wrote…resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. That is good advice for us today. Get close to God…not the archrival the devil. Stay away from evil. Watch out…Halloween is coming. Resist the temptation to get involved in the evil of that day.

Prayer – Lord God, guard our hearts and minds that we would resist the devil and come closer to you every day. Thank You for Your mercy in our lives. You are worthy of our praise, honor, and respect.

Verse of Salvation ~ So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness. 1 Peter 2:1-3

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is apple time here in the Northwest USA! Harvest is underway and you can easily pick up a box of a variety of apples. Mine came from a school fundraiser. Worthy cause and tasty fresh apples! Other than just fresh apple slices with some cheddar cheese, here’s one of my favorite ways to fix apples. The recipe was originally from a dear friend, Marianne Newel, as published in a church cookbook. Enjoy!

Northwest Apple Cake
½ c oil or melted butter
2 eggs
2 c flour
2 tsp vanilla or grated lemon rind
4 c apples, unpeeled, coarsely chopped – any variety
1½ c sugar (use less if apples are very sweet)
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt
½ c chopped nuts – pecans or walnuts

Combine all ingredients, except nuts. Pour into a 9X13 inch pan. Top with nuts.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. This will store and keep fresh for a week or so.

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

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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

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Harvest What You Plant

Highlight from James Three

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18

Meditate ~ Do you consider yourself to be wise? Are you a peacemaker? Why/why not?

Are you looking for wisdom?
You'll find it in the Bible--God's word.

Are you looking for wisdom?

But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are his. Job 12:13

God is wise and He generously bestows His wisdom on those who ask for it….

He (Daniel) said, "Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power.” Daniel 2:20

The wisdom that God gives is pure, peace-loving, gentle, merciful, and sincere. Wisely, James tells us that those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and they will harvest righteousness.

In the New Testament, Jesus begins His Sermon on the Mount, talking to a large crowd of His followers, declaring that those who are spiritually poor, who realize their need for Him, will be blessed. Finally, He states that those who are peacemakers—working for peace—will be considered to be God’s own children.

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. ... God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. Matthew 5:3, 9

James gives us a good challenge and some spiritual food for thought. Look for wisdom—and ask God for it. Remember that He gives generously to anyone who asks Him…and as His holy children, we should ask Him for all that we need. He will provide wisdom. Ask and you will receive.

Prayer – Lord God, I praise You forever. Right now…I’m tired—please provide a good night’s rest for me and for my family and friends. Thank You for answers to our prayers, our heart’s desire. There are so many needs around the world, Lord, we put those in harm’s way in Your care and ask for Your mercy on them. May we plant an encouraging word in their lives—hope of a forever future with You.f

Verse of Salvation ~ One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: "Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus replied, "What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?" The man answered, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" "Right!" Jesus told him. "Do this and you will live!" Luke 10:25-28

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Can You Keep God’s Laws?

Highlights from James Two

For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God's laws. James 2:10

Meditate. Consider God’s Ten Commandments.

Whenever I hear someone accuse a person or group of breaking God’s Commandments or degrees, I cringe. There but by the grace of God go I. I cannot judge someone for their actions because I am not perfect. Usually, the rational is that God loves the sinner, but hates the sin. If the sinner were repentant, they would change their ways. But in reality, they don’t change. They may seem happy—content—in their current lifestyle.

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. Philippians 4:11

They may even feel close to God. Are they are fooling themselves—or society has deceived them? Deceived. We are told repeatedly in the Old and New Testaments not to be deceived.

But be careful. Don't let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the LORD and serve and worship other gods. Deuteronomy 11:16

But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. 2 Timothy 3:13

Be careful. Follow God’s Commandments and guidelines on how to live. Encourage and warn others about being ethical in the

You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. Hebrews 3:13

Have you warned anyone today…at any time in your life? Can you keep God's Laws?

Prayer – Lord God, help me to be bold in warning others that we all need to follow Your Commandments.

Verse of Salvation ~ Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. I long for your rescue, LORD, so I have obeyed your commands. I have obeyed your laws, for I love them very much. Yes, I obey your commandments and laws because you know everything I do. Psalm 119:165-168

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, October 14, 2025

Be Quick

Highlights from James One

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. James 1:19-21

Meditate. Consider listening and speaking.

We just finished going through the book of James. What was it all about? Each of the next few days, I’ll repeat a passage from each chapter highlighting the instructions from James.

The Gossips
The Arches National Park
Utah
Be quick to listen, slow to speak...
...slow to get angry.

James said…You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. I feel like he is talking to kids—not grown adult Christians. When I was growing up I had a bad temper, that I blamed on my Irish heritage. Mostly, I would blow up at my brothers and sister…and myself—then at my children later in life! Poor kids. When I became a Christian and later as I rededicated my life to Christ, God really got hold of my tongue and my temper. I praise Him for the grace He has shown to me…and the taming of my temper. I am a good example that human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. It is by God’s grace and mercy that I am saved…and that my language and life are more worthy of Him today than fifty-some years ago.

How about you? Has God transformed your life? Are you listening to God and applying His words to your life? Are you angry with someone…God…or yourself? Here’s additional advice from Paul.

And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:30-32

Forgiveness is the answer to lots of problems. Forgive yourself, forgive others. Then God will forgive you. Jesus taught that in His Sermon on the Mount.

If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15

Forgiveness is the key to allowing you to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Forgiving myself opened the door to listening—and actually hearing others. Then I could think before speaking—slowly, without anger.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, help me to listen and not get angry—but to really hear what others are saying. Thank you for Your grace and mercy. Additionally, I have searched my soul…and forgiven those who offended me. Stupid—that anger was hurting me, not them! Thank you for wisdom in applying Your word to my life. Please continue to guide me…that I might not sin against You in thought, word, or actions.

Verse of Salvation ~ And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all

bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:30-32

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