Banquet With The King

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

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, 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

Saturday, June 21, 2025

What is it Going to Cost You?

Everything costs something. Look around you. The chair you are sitting in had a price…and the space it takes in your home cost you an amount of money to purchase and maintain.

Consider the situation in the world today—especially between Israel and Iran. Jesus gave some applicable advice. Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? And if he can't, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. Any president or national leader considers the cost before sending his troops, planes, or drones into battle. War is expensive—in terms of lives, of dollars for equipment and weapons, and then the consideration of the aftermath destruction. Yes. There is an outlandish cost involved in conflicts.

Take up your cross.
Can you trust Jesus to be your Savior?
What is it going to cost you?

What is it going to cost you to become a disciple of Jesus? What are you going to have to give up, do without or leave behind? Jesus tells us in the focus passage below that you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own. Are you willing to do that? What are you going to gain by believing in Jesus as your Savior and following Him? You will gain an eternity with Jesus and benefit by having the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Who wouldn’t want those qualities in their life especially during times of turmoil. We all have turbulent times—some more than others—but Jesus is with us always. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. I claim that promise often. For me—the benefits of having Jesus as my Savior and being His disciple outweigh the cost. Have you considered what it is going to cost you to be a disciple of Jesus?

A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, "If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, 'There's the person who started that building and couldn't afford to finish it!' Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? And if he can't, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own. Luke 14:25-33

Prayer – Lord, show me the cost in my own life. Hate is a strong word—but love is even stronger and I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Thank you for being my Savior and guide me as I follow in Your footsteps as Your disciple.

Meditate. Consider what it means to be a disciple.

Verses of Salvation ~ Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. I long for your rescue (salvation), 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. Taw O LORD, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised. ... O LORD, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight. Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me. Psalm 119:165-170, 174-175

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

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

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, June 20, 2025

Hopeful Plans

Hope in the Promised Land--
--at the Sea of Galilee.

God made the promise of a plan for the Hebrew people while they were captive in Babylon—to bring them home to Israel and to restore their lives. A lot of Christians today use this scripture to remind each other of the hope that we all have today…and in our future. We can see how God worked in the lives of the Hebrew people in Babylon—after 70 years He brought them back home. Of course, we need to remind ourselves of why they were in Babylon in the first place—disobedience. It was a punishment for them to be taken captive to Babylon. After they had paid their dues—served their time so to speak—God brought them back to the Promised Land and instructed them to rebuild the Temple, the wall around the city of Jerusalem and their lives. Rebuilding their lives. That was important. They needed to focus on God. He was the source of their hope. Could they see that? So many of them over the generations had lost their vision. Did some of the Israelites ever have a vision of who God was and what He wanted them to do?

Relationship and Obedience. I think those are the key words. The words that foster and encourage hope. God promised that He had plans for them for a future…a future with Him. A relationship with Him in the Promised Land. A land that He had promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. A land that He had brought the children of Israel—those descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—out of bondage in Egypt to a territory flowing with milk and honey. A land where God expected them to worship Him, not idols. A land where obedience and respect were necessary. When that didn’t happen, God lost hope in His people and banished them to Babylon. Then it was time to start again. God had plans for them that included His promise of hope. Trust in Jesus.

Do you see God working in your life today? Do you see a picture of you and God together that includes hope?

For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer – Lord God, give us hope—and may we spread and share Your hope with others—who may be in desperate need of it. Hope is important for life.

Meditate. Consider God’s promise of hope.

Verse of Salvation ~ Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—"When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life." Titus 3:3-7

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Breakfast has the power to refresh us and provide energy for the upcoming day. Here's a family favorite that you can double or triple.

Dutch Baby Pancake – serves 2

3 eggs

¾ cup milk

½ tsp vanilla

¾ cup gluten-free flour blend or regular flour

½ tsp cinnamon plus more to garnish

¼ tsp freshly ground salt

2 Tbsp butter

1 apple, sliced thinly

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Melt the butter in a ten- or 12-inchc cast iron skillet. Add the sliced apples, sprinkle with a little cinnamon, and cook for a few minutes. Wisk or blend ingredients together in a blender beginning with the eggs and milk. Add flour, salt, cinnamon. Pour the batter over the apples. Bake for about 20 minutes or until lightly browned. If using a convection oven, it may only take 15 minutes. Divide the pancake into two portions. Serve with toppings of your choice like fresh chopped berries or fruit, peanut butter, jelly, syrup, powdered sugar, or brown sugar. Sprinkle more cinnamon onto the pancake if you like.

Doubling the recipe will serve about six. Enjoy!

Post revived and recycled from April 27, 2017 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

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Are You Faithful and Ready?

Are you a checklist person? Do you set goals…and then daily reach to attain some little action to reach that goal. So spiritually, what are your goals?

Are you ready for service?

Is your lamp burning—are you filled with the Holy Spirit?

Are you ready to open the door for Christ? Are you asking Him to be part of your life?

Do you trust God with the little details and the big decisions in your life?

How do you want to grow spiritually?

Do you want to help others grow spiritually?

What scripture do you want to memorize?

Are there things for which you need to repent?

Are you ready for Christ’s return?

Jesus told His disciples to be ready since they wouldn’t know the hour or the day that He would return. Those who are ready will be rewarded.

- You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Luke 12:40

- The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! Luke 12:37

- When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:3

So, it is time to be ready—and those who aren’t will be like dead vines—they’ll be trimmed off. Each person will make their own choice. Love God—and be a faithful follower or reject God and be thrown into the fire.

No fruit on this tree....so it was chopped down.
Are you producing fruit...love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?
If not...will you be cut down?
Are you faithful and ready?

Even now the ax of God's judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. Luke 3:9

Are you faithful and ready?

Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. Luke 12:35-38

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I feel like I am about as ready as I can ever be. Is there anything else I need to do to get ready for Your return?

Meditate. Consider how to prepare for the possible impending end times.

Verse of Salvation ~ For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. As the Scriptures say, "People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And that word is the Good News that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:23-25

Revised and reused from August 13 2023, 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