March 31 - How Many is Seventy Times Seventy?

Matthew 18:21-22

Peter asked, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?  Up to seven times?”  Jesus answered, “I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

My brothers were good kids—we fought a lot over little stuff, like who should do the dishes, feed the dogs or take out the trash. But I don’t recall anything over which I wouldn’t have forgiven them. There may have been stuff that they didn’t want to forgive me for…but they haven’t mentioned it to me. They certainly haven’t been keeping track over the years, nor have I. I haven’t felt any sins against my Christian brothers either---now there are a couple of people that I felt I just couldn’t forgive, but it was only a few counts, not quite seven. Although it wasn’t easy, over the years the Lord taught me to forgive those people for their offenses against me.

The rabbis taught that people needed to forgive three times, so Peter was being generous with the “seven” times. Seventy times seven is 490. That’s a lot of forgiveness!  I think I would lose track before I even got to seven---so Jesus was really teaching that forgiveness is endless. You’d think after a few times that the guy would get the picture and not sin against his brother. Look at it from both brothers’ sides---the sinner and the one sinned against. Get it together, guys. Stop sinning---but don’t stop forgiving. Remember also that without that forgiveness bitterness creeps into one’s heart. Bitterness is like swallowing poison expecting it to hurt someone else, and it only hurts you. Bitterness can cause diseases. When I was in high school psychology class I wrote a paper on “Emotions Effects on the Heart” and learned that emotions, including anger, can make the heart vessels constrict, thus increasing the blood pressure. So by getting rid of anger and bitterness, through forgiveness, a person can be healthier. Even professionals at the Mayo Clinic recognize the importance of forgiveness. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/forgiveness/MH00131 

Lord—I forgive…. Help me not to keep track, but to truly forgive with my whole heart. Please also forgive me.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 30 - Childlike Faith

Matthew 18:1-14

“And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me.” (v. 5 NASB)

I visited an orphanage in Israel that was unlike any orphanage in the United States. That particular institution had started after the 1967 war when children were literally homeless on the streets. A Jewish rabbi took pity on them and started a home for them where they lived for the rest of their childhood, then they went off to do their required service in the Israeli army. The children were never “adopted” like those in the US—it wasn’t that kind of orphanage. The other children became their “family.” The children at this Jewish orphanage in Israel (pictured below) were happy, attached to their friends and welcoming to visitors.

The disciples question to Jesus was, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?”  Silly question---it is the King. But Jesus doesn’t say that. He says you won’t even get into Heaven unless you become humble like a little child. He encourages them to welcome little children in His name and not to cause them to sin.

So sit at the King’s feet---imagine yourself like a child---and bring your friends. Greet them, receive them into your home or your life like other kids---and have a party. Kids love parties. Make every meal, every time you are together like a party. Jesus loved parties, too. He loved to sit around, or recline around, a table with friends and eat and teach. Be a kid again…or still. And while you are at it, keep yourself humble and holy.

Lord, let’s party! I rejoice in your presence and long to have you join my family, friends and me at a table filled with fun foods---kid foods.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 29 - Transfiguration of “My Beloved Son”

Matthew 17:1-13  

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain with Him and He was transfigured before them. Moses and Elijah appeared before them and spoke with Jesus.

Mt. Hermon

I wasn’t my father’s favorite child. My older sister was his favorite daughter. She was near perfect, easy to get along with, didn’t act up or make a lot of racket when we were away from home, pretty (no ugly acne when she was a teenager), listened attentively, had such good grades that she was Salutatorian of her High School graduating class, and although she married someone none of us cared for, she was still Daddy’s favorite. It has just been in the last couple of years by watching old home movies that I've come to realize how precious she was to him. I’m sure that he would have introduced her as “My Beloved Child” if there had been a chance to do that. They are both deceased now…so we’ll never know.

God was obviously pleased with Jesus to repeat what He had already said, “This is My Beloved Son.”  Remember when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (see Matthew 3:1-17) (February 4 Banquet With The King). The Spirit of God descended as a dove and a voice from Heaven spoke, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  Now God speaks again and says, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.”  LISTEN to Him!  God the Father wants us to Listen to Jesus. Jesus tells us in John 7:16-17 that His teachings are from the one who sent Him, the Heavenly Father. So when we listen to Jesus, we are listening to the Father. Along that same line in John 5:19-47 Jesus explains that He does nothing of Himself---only what He see the Father doing. Maybe that should be a clue to us that our children will do as we do. Are you careful what you do and say?

Lord, help me to be a good example to my children, and grandchildren, and to do and say things that are pleasing to you and nurturing to them.

March 28 - Who Do You Say That Jesus Is?

Matthew 16:13-20

Jesus took the disciples to Caesarea Philippi and asked them, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”  They thought John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or another prophet. Then Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  Jesus said, “Blessed are you Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. …upon this rock I will build My church and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it….whatever you shall bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

 At the headwaters of the Jordan River, Philip, a tetrarch ruler of Judaea from 4 BC to 34 AD who inherited the northeastern part of his father’s kingdom, built a massive city called Caesarea Philippi. He wanted that city to rival that of Caesarea that his father, Herod the Great, had built along the Mediterranean coast. Philip’s palace which stands in ruins (see the photo to the right) was an architectural marvel. The temple he built nearby was dedicated to Pan, an evil Greek god related to rustic music, nature and fertility. Pan is associated with the root word in pandemonium or panic. These ruins of the city still exist and it is there that we saw a cave that is referred to as “the gates of hell”. The entrance to that cave was actually where the temple was built, so that there was no back wall inside, but the just the opening into a deep cavern. This was fitting for worship of Pan in a natural setting.

Jesus took His disciples away from the Jewish region of Galilee to this Gentile region of Caesarea Philippi, about a day and a half walk from the Sea of Galilee, to teach them without distractions. He wanted to see who could “Hear.” He even spoke to them in Greek (a Gentile tongue)---not in Hebrew or Aramaic. Peter was the only one to “hear” the truth. Jesus is the Son of God!  Jesus gave the keys of heaven to Peter, like gifting him “salvation.” The Gates of Hell will not prevail---evil will not stand in his way. Simon in Hebrew is Shimon, meaning One Who Hears. Simon Peter was the first missionary to the Gentiles and it was here in Caesarea Philippi that Jesus commissioned him.

Visiting Caesarea Philippi was an awesome epiphany moment for me when we went to Israel. I knew that Jesus was the Son of God—but to hear it again in the place it was declared touched my spirit deeply. This was where Jesus told his disciples to reach out to Gentiles. Being a “gentile,” that meant me. If it weren’t for this event, maybe I wouldn’t know Jesus like I do.

Who do you say that Jesus is? 

Που λέτε είναι ο Ιησούς;
Kdo říkal že je Ježíš?

Wer sagt man, dass Jesus ist?

누가 예수님은 말합니까?

人はイエスだ？

Кто вам сказал, является Иисус?

Vous dites, qui qu'est Jésus ?

Hvem sier du er Jesus?

Vem säger ni Jesus är?

你說耶穌是誰？

Care vă spun este Isus?

Siapa yang Anda katakan Yesus?

¿Que dices que Jesús es?

Kim İsa diyorlar?

Ai làm bạn nói Chúa Giêsu?

Który trzeba powiedzieć, że Jezus jest?

Que dius que Jesús és?

מי אתה אומר שישוע הוא? 

If we declare that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of living God, then the Gates of Hell will not prevail against us. We can claim that promise today. Evil will not stand in our way. The Kingdom of God is within you---within us. We should go to Godless places to change their hearts. Evil will not prevent us from doing that. Don’t panic or run—don’t fall victim to terror. God wants you to get revelation in dark places. Be like Shimon---hear the Word of God and respond. Are you listening?

Lord, I’m listening---help me to hear and understand You.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 27 – Beware of Leaven

Matthew 16:5-12

And the disciples came to the other side of the sea, but they had forgotten to bring any bread.  And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (vv5-6 NASB)

Do you remember who the Pharisees and Sadducees are? I have to remind myself. Both groups were religious leaders. The Pharisees mainly taught in the synagogues and were know to the common man as hypocrites. Sadducees were aristocratic temple leaders and they were sad, you see, because they did not believe in the resurrection, angels, spirits, or in the oral tradition of the law. The Pharisee did believe in all these, so they were at odds with each other.  

Jesus was questioned by the disciples when they forgot to take along bread. Had they forgotten how Jesus fed five thousand and then four thousand men?  Jesus wasn’t even talking about “bread” but about “leaven” of the Pharisees. The teachings of the Pharisees were as leaven---something that puffs up, but does not give any substance.

Likewise we need to beware of teachings of others that may appear to be teaching about God---but they are distorting the truth, puffing it up. Don’t “chew” on the words or even the thoughts of those who just appear to be telling you truths about God. Seek the truth---as a workman, who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately (“rightly dividing”) the word of truth, 2 Timothy 2:15. Have you checked teachings against scripture lately?

Lord, help us to understand Your words and to apply them to our lives. We don’t want to be puffed up hypocrites or sad for not believing the truths in the Bible.

March 26 – Jesus Feeds Four Thousand

Matthew 15:32 (29-39) 

“And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, "I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way." (NASB)

When was the last time you had nothing to eat? We rarely go without food, except maybe to fast for a day or two. When we go camping we usually take enough food for an extra day, just in case. Last summer we’d been camping for about three days and supplies were getting low, but my husband had caught a mess of fish so there was enough just for the two of us. Then we talked to my brother on our cell phone and he could join us for dinner. Hmm…what to do? We met him at a restaurant about twenty miles away.

Jesus once again went up on a mountain and a crowd of people followed Him. He had compassion and healed the dumb (those who could not speak), the crippled, the lame, and the blind. They praised God for the healings. After three days Jesus was going to send them away, but wanted to feed them first so they wouldn’t faint on the way home. There wasn’t a restaurant nearby. He asked the disciples how many loaves they had, and they told Him there were seven loaves and a few fish. So He gave thanks and the disciples fed the four thousand men, plus women and children. When the people were satisfied, the disciples gathered up seven baskets of leftovers.

Jesus Himself even said, “I feel compassion for the multitude….”  He didn’t want them to suffer from hunger. Wow what a feast He provided!  This time there were only seven baskets of leftovers--- that could provide another great feast!  Bread that may have been three days old fed at least twelve thousand people. When was the last time you ate three day old bread and felt “satisfied”?

Thank you, Jesus, for the food you always provide for us…and for healing people now as you did then.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 25 - Throwing Bread to the Dogs?

Matthew 15:22-28

A Canaanite woman began to cry out, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.”  …Jesus answered, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”  She said, “..even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their master’ table.”  Then Jesus answered her...“O woman, your faith is great; be it done for you as you wish.” (from NASB)

I didn’t grow up with pets in the house. Outside, yes, but not inside and definitely not at the table. Some of my friends and family have pets that are even fed at the table. People food—not just scraps that are left-over. What privileged and precious pets! My Uncle Len would even save the best portions of meat from his dinner at a restaurant just for his little dogs Penny and Timmy. Oh how we all loved those dogs!

This was a Gentile woman and Jesus was explaining that He came to the house of Israel—but because of her faith in Him, He healed her daughter at once…not hours or days later…but right then. His love and compassion were once again mighty!  The children of Israel may have been the ones that Jesus came to help originally, but God had a plan—to feed, help, heal and minister to us all.

Thank you Jesus for caring about us Gentiles---and giving us more than crumbs from your table.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 24 - Heart Thoughts: Defiled or Tasty

 Matthew 15:16-20

“Are you still lacking in understanding also? …But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile man.” (NASB)

Defile—corrupt or to make unclean or impure. Jesus was teaching here that it isn’t what we eat and drink that pollutes us. It is evil thoughts that become rotten words---and those come from the heart. Just as it is important to wash our hands before we eat---to eliminate germs, it is also important to get our hearts clean. And how do we do that?  Confess our sins to God and to one another. Just as Jesus and John the Baptist taught---confess and repent. Turn from our evil ways.

I’m sure that bad words don’t taste good---I know, I’ve tasted them. Ugh!  Pure thought and good words are much tastier. I know---I’ve tasted them, too.

If you lack understanding of this, then ask for wisdom.  In James 1:5 it says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” So ask, and you will receive, wisdom to understand and apply Jesus teachings to your life that what comes out of your heart and mouth would be clean, uncorrupted, pleasing to the Lord, your friends  and family.

Lord, help me to eliminate the germy thoughts and words from my heart and mind today---and feast on some tasty words that bring joy to you, to me, and to those around me.
  

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 23 - Walking on Water

Matthew 14:23-33

Jesus was still seeking a quiet place and time to Himself. He sent the disciples on ahead in the boat while He went up the mountain by Himself to pray. So in the middle of the night (fourth watch which is about 3-6 AM) He walked out to the boat. The disciples were frightened until He said, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”   Peter walked out to meet Jesus, but he began to sink when he was afraid of the wind, and he cried out, “Lord save me!”  Jesus reached out and took hold of him, saying, “Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?”  When they got to the boat, the wind stopped.  

Jesus had such power---over the wind and the water. You may be thinking, “How could He walk on the water?”  We can’t do that!  He was and is God---He can do anything!  Only spiritual “food” involved here---and what an awesome “meal” to understand, is that Jesus truly is the Son of God. The disciples in the boat worshipped Him and declared that He was God’s Son. What a revelation for them. Let that sink into your heart and soul today. Jesus IS God. As creator He can do anything---even walk on the water He created. In this photo of the Sea of Galilee, it was a calm day—but it was windy the day that Jesus walked on the water!

Lord, I am not afraid in a storm because I know You are with me. You have power over the wind and waves, whether on a lake or in my heart.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 22 - More Compassion

Matthew 14:13-22 

When it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate and the hour is already late; so send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves." But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!” There were five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus blessed the food and five thousand men, plus women and children, were fed. Then He sent the multitude away.

Imagine reading the newspaper headlines the next day: FIVE LOAVES OF BREAD AND TWO FISH FEEDS FIVE THOUSAND MEN. Then the story follows: Five thousand men and their families picnicked on a grassy hillside near the Sea of Galilee. The food, bread and fish, was miraculously provided at suppertime for everyone by the local iterant storyteller and healer, Jesus of Nazareth. It seems that among all those people there were only five loaves of bread and two fish.  How can a supper for two people feed about 15,000 people?  It truly was a miracle, just like the healing of the sick that occurred earlier in the day. This Jesus is a man of compassion.

Jesus tried to find a quiet place to Himself, possibly to mourn the loss of His cousin John the Baptist (Matt 14:1-12), but people followed Him. He had compassion on those people, healing the sick…and then feeding them. Wow---five thousand men---and then add on the women and children. It could have been fifteen thousand people, or more. That’s enough to fill the Seattle Key Arena! Note that He gave Thanks, looking up toward heaven. He knew where the power came from---The Heavenly Father. What a banquet of fish and bread---a great feast with the King!  The disciples gathered up the leftovers and filled twelve baskets. One for each disciple---that showed each of them the power and compassion of the Messiah. Jesus just keeps on giving---and then He sent them away. We should model our compassion after His---keep on giving.

             60 Minute Yeast Rolls

2 pkgs. active dry yeast
3 Tbsp. sugar or honey
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. powdered milk (optional)
1 1/2 c. hot tap water

2 Tbsp softened butter, at room temperature
4 to 4 1/2 c. unsifted flour (half wheat and half white)

Thoroughly mix 1 cup flour and dry ingredients. Gradually add water and butter to dry ingredients and beat 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Add remaining flour and beat to make soft dough. Place in greased bowl, cover and rise 15 minutes. Turn out onto floured board. Knead about 5 minutes, until not sticky. Shape dough and place on greased baking sheet Cover and let rise again for about 15 minutes. Bake 400 degree oven about 12 minutes (depends on the size of the rolls). Makes 16-20 rolls.

I have a couple of rolls and some fish…please use these Lord to feed Your followers.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 21 - The Kingdom of Heaven is like...

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 

“Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.

Whenever someone asks me if I “understand,” I always want to respond “Sure---of course”. I don’t want to look stupid or dumb. But in reality I may not have totally processed the information or directions. In a few second, as I rethink it—I do understand. Have you felt like that? I certainly understand wanting to find hidden treasure or purchasing a fine pearl.  

Jesus gave several examples of what the Kingdom of Heaven is like: a mustard seed, leaven, hidden treasure, a pearl, a fishing net. He spoke in parables so that those who were paying attention would understand. He spoke about common everyday items that the people could relate to in a timeless fashion. We can still relate to some of these examples, although few people fish with nets today or even make their own bread.

This fish, below, was the “Peter Fish” meal at the Sea of Galilee in Israel, caught with a typical fishing net as shown in this other photo.

With the fishing net, lots of different fish were caught, just like lots of different people hear Jesus’ message today. The fish were then sorted out, the good ones in one pile and the others in another pile that were thrown away. That is pretty clear, just like the weeds and the wheat at the end of the age. The wicked will go into the fire and righteous into the Master’s keeping. To be the best and put into the Master’s good pile, we have to use our ears, listen closely, and choose to live right. “He who has ears, let him hear.”

Lord, I’m listening to your parables today. I choose to follow you and live in a way that pleases you. Righteous.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

 

March 20 - Wheat and Tares

Matthew 13:24-43 

Jesus told another parable about another sower, relating it to the Kingdom of Heaven. In this parable good seed was sown in the field, but the enemy came into his field while he was sleeping and sowed (tares) weeds among the wheat. When the seeds came up, there were wheat and weeds growing together. The slaves of the landowner wanted to gather the weeds out of the field, but the landowner said “No, the wheat would be pulled up with the weeds.”  So they waited until the wheat was ready to be harvested and then went in gathered the weeds and burned them, and then gathered the wheat into the barns.

Last summer when I was weeding my garden, I thought maybe I should leave the weeds so that the good vegetable plants wouldn’t be pulled up, too. NOT!  Sometimes it is just lazy to not weed. In the garden, the weeds will just take over if I don’t keep up with them---and they’ll choke the life out of those veggies---take up the nutrients, water, and sunlight that the plants really need. If I keep up with the weeding, the weeds won’t take over---but I have to be careful not to pull up the good plants with the weeds. Without the weeds, the garden provides good food to serve at the table. In this parable the young plants, wheat and weeds, are growing together, roots intertwined. The landowner made the right decision to not pull up the weeds until the harvest.

So like the weeding process, that is how it will be when Jesus returns. The tares---the bad people will be gathered up and thrown into the fire (hell) and the good people will be gathered up and put in the barn (heaven). Let’s be sure that we are among the good wheat gathered into our Heavenly Father’s barn. There’ll be a great party in that barn with lots of good food! I want to be there, how about you?

Lord, let us be like the good wheat that was gathered into the barn.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 19 - Parables Explained – Mysteries Granted

Matthew 13:10-23  

“To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven…. Blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.”

Jesus explained the parable of the sower to the disciples. It may be surprising that the disciples had to have Jesus explain the parable to them. Couldn’t they hear what he said?  Listen closely and keep an open mind to understanding. Be like the one who hears the word and understands it---and bears fruit. So what kind of fruit do you bear?   

You might think of fruit as apples or pears (as seen here in this photo of a Jewish market), but it likely is the Fruit of the Spirit. The Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22). Notice that it is one fruit, not fruits. Seek and feed on that fruit today.

I want to bear kindness, goodness, self-control, as well as the other fruit of the Spirit. Thank you, Lord for this lesson on being fruitful. You are truly kindness and goodness. You are Love.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 18 - Speaking in Parables – Can you hear?

Matthew 13:3-9 

The sower, representing Jesus, sowed some seeds. Some fell beside the road and the birds ate them up. Some fell on the rocky ground, where they sprang up, but didn’t have room for roots, so when the sun came out they withered away. Some of the seed fell in the thorns and they were choked out. Some of the seed fell on good soil and grew yielding a crop of thirty, sixty, or a hundred fold.

Jesus said, “He who has an ear, let him hear.”

Think of the veggies you’ll be growing this summer. Yum! It won’t be long and we’ll all be out working in our gardens. As the soil warms up the ground will be ready for all those cucumber, squash, lettuce, and carrot seeds~or whatever you are planning to plant. If you’ve been gardening for a while most of the rocks have probably been cleared from your garden plot. If not, you may have extra work to do besides just rototilling or turning over the soil with a shovel.

When Jesus speaks are you listening?  What kind of soil is in your heart?  Hard ground, like the roadside. Rocky? Or filled with thorns?  May it never be. Listen to Jesus words and let those words grow within you---don’t let Satan snatch those words away, or let the worries of the world be like the thorns and choke out Jesus’ teachings. Listen and understand. Keep an open heart and mind to the Word of our Lord; listen and let His teaching guide your spiritual growth---deep with good roots.

Lord, give us insight into your word and help us see ways that we can bear fruit for you.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 17 - Eating Words?

Matthew 12:35-37

“For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.”

We need to be careful what we say. Don’t even think careless words let alone speak them! We may be“eating” our words. If a person speaks carelessly, they’ll be held accountable for it in the judgment. The mouth speaks what is in the heart. How is your heart today?  How about you, are your words lately tasty and fruitful?

Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You and encouraging to others.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 16 – Blasphemy

Matthew 12:25-34

“…blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven.”

Those are pretty harsh words, “shall not be forgiven.”  Jesus was explaining that demons were not from God and teaching about casting out demons. The Spirit’s work should not be attributed to Satan. At any rate it is important not to speak against the Holy Spirit. Keeping one’s mouth free from profanity is of the upmost importance. Having reverence for God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit---should be of upmost importance in our lives. That is a spiritual feast worth considering.

Can you think of a word to say instead of using the name of God in vain? I'm reminded of a young man who became a Christian and fought to get his tongue under control. He started saying "popcorn" instead of his previous profanity. We all roared together when he  yelled "POPCORN" after he got a gutterball while bowling! I think God was even smiling at that one.

Lord, guard and guide my thought and words, that I would not sin against you.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 15 -Sabbath Controversy

Matthew 12:1-8
Jesus and the disciples walked through a grain field on the Sabbath, picked heads of grain and ate them. The Pharisees considered that unlawful. The Jews had a lot of legalistic rules about the Sabbath---what they could and couldn’t do. In Deuteronomy 23:25 it explains that it was lawful to pick and eat grain from someone else’s field, not to use a sickle, that would be harvesting. Exodus 20:10, one of Ten Commandments, specifies not to work on the Sabbath. So the Pharisees were interpreting that picking the grain was working. When David and his companions were hungry, they ate the consecrated bread, which was only lawful for the Temple priests to eat. (See 1 Samuel 21: 1-6)  Jesus was declaring that He was greater than the temple. Again Jesus quotes Hosea 6, “I desire compassion and not a sacrifice” and declares that He is Lord of the Sabbath. The Pharisees just didn’t get it.

Still today people are confused as to what to do on the “Sabbath”. So when is the “Sabbath”---Saturday as commanded in the Old Testament or Sunday, when Jesus was raised from the dead? What is the “Sabbath” to you? God told us to REST on the seventh day---and we all know we need a day of rest. Rest from what---daily work or chores, stress, yard work, kids? What do you need rest from and what is restful? What will you do with your “Sabbath”? Worship, read, write, hobbies, exercise, walk, run, nap or watch movies or television? Certainly don’t create another god.

Lord, provide us with the grain—spiritual and physical that we need each day. Help us to see if there is any legalism in our lives, and to see you as Lord of the Sabbath---and Lord of everyday.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 14 – Know the Son – Know the Father and Find Rest

Matthew 11:25-30

The Father hid truths from the wise and revealed them to babes. No one knows the Son except the Father and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. Come unto Me, all you who are weary…and I will give you rest.

It is amazing that we just can’t understand God unless He reveals Himself to us---and we can get pretty tired trying to understand Him. So it is logical that after we’ve gotten all tired out, He restores us. Gives us His rest, which is peaceful and complete. Be yoked to Jesus and He pulls the load---our burden is light. When oxen or horses are yoked together they can work much heavier loads for longer times than if they worked alone or just side by side. That yoke helps them work as one. What a sport—Jesus takes on our burdens---takes them right to the Father, who knows Him and loves Him…thus knows and loves us. I feel so loved and blessed to be chosen---that’s right CHOSEN---to know the Heavenly Father. What a privilege—to be eternally known by the Son and the Father. Humbling. Exalting.  

Thank you for revealing yourself and the Heavenly Father to us. Thank you---it seems hardly enough to say that, Lord. We find our rest in You---our strength and our peace.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

 

March 13 – Offer a Cup of Cold Water

Matthew 10:40-42

“He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.”

How often on do you offer a drink of cold water to a stranger who comes to the door?  We often have people selling books, meat, school coupons or their religion (Mormons or Jehovah Witness) come to our door and I always try to remember to offer them a bottle of cold water, especially on a hot day…or sometimes in the winter a hot cup of tea. I think of this scripture passage and what Jesus taught – to treat others as if they were Jesus Himself. In Jesus’ day cold water was probably not easy to obtain---did they even have ice except in the winter or when someone had climbed up to Mt. Hermon?  Water is even more important than food. We can go days without food, but only hours without water. Offering water to others needs to become just second nature to us---not motive of gaining or losing a “reward”. To be compassionate as part of our character is to be admirable by others….and by God Himself. Do you do for others what you wish they would do for you?

Lord, help us to offer water to others---just as we would give some to you if you came to our door.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 12 – Confess

Matthew 10:32-39   

Confess – tell others about Jesus and He will tell the Heavenly Father about you. Deny Jesus and He will deny you. Love Jesus more than anyone else. Take up your cross daily and follow Jesus. Whoever found his life will lose it. Whoever has lost his life for Jesus sake shall find it.

Pretty straight forward. What is your “cross”?  Your burden?  Can you give your allegiance to Christ daily---be willing to sacrifice anything---even your life for Him?  This sculpture depicts the crucifixion at the site that the Catholics believe this happened in Jerusalem.

I’m reminded of the song…Take my life and let it be, holy, consecrated, Lord to Thee. I want my thoughts and actions today to be holy, pure, and pleasing to Jesus. That my life would be a living sacrifice. How about you…do you want your life to be holy, consecrated to the Lord?

Lord, You are my Savior, My God. Help me to tell others---to confess You to them. I want others to know Your Love and forgiveness the way I do.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 11– Fear Him

Matthew 10:28

“And so not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

It is God, not Satan, who puts body and soul in hell. God gives us free will. Listen up---Respect Him. Respect---that is what “fearing” Him really means. Decide to love Him and follow Him. Psalm 27:1 says, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?” Good questions. What are you afraid of---God or Satan? A good verse to memorize and use when afraid is 1 John 4:4, “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” Of course John was explaining here about the antichrist who is “in” the world and that if we confess that Jesus is from God (and is God) then we are from God. Simple, but complicated.    

Each person decides for themselves moment by moment what they “want”. We’re all going to have eternal life---some in heaven and some not. We decide where we want to go by deciding whether we want Jesus to be part of our life. Respecting Him. As Joshua said, (Joshua 24:15)” “…as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." And that will mean a place at the great banquet table, with Jesus, not in a place so fiery hot that we will feel like we’re in an oven, roasting eternally.

Lord, You alone are worthy of our respect and love. I choose to follow You, live the way You show me, and love others the way You would.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 10 – The Spirit Speaks

Matthew 10:16-20 

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.”

The Spirit speaks. Spiritual  food. Sometimes when we don’t know what to say the Holy Spirit gives us the proper words to say. When I was asked to give a prayer before taking an offering for a missionary at church one Sunday morning I thought about and planned just what I was going to say---and when it came time---the words I spoke were not what I planned to say---but so much better. It happened again when I prayed with a friend over the phone---and then a couple of days later she called again---to say she was feeling better and that my prayer had been so special to her, giving her a deep calmness and peace. That was the Holy Spirit. Amazing!

Jesus sent His disciples out two by two---not alone. I love that He told them to be shrewd. Don’t be puny and spineless---stand up for what you believe and present it in a way that is convincing. They were brought before governors and kings---and we could be brought before judges or others and need to be willing to give our testimony as the Holy Spirit prompts---speaking spiritual food. Are you standing up for what you believe?

Lord, help us to stand up for what we believe---for You---for Your sake.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

 

March 9 – Sending Out the Disciples

Matthew 10:5-23

Jesus called twelve of his followers…He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives. (The Message)

Compassion is the key word again. Jesus’ loving kindness towards mankind is evident. Right away He sends out His disciples. Are we to go and do likewise?  Heal others?  We may feel inadequate for that---but we can pray for others---and share His love in practical ways: serving others by preparing meals, providing childcare, helping with projects, and sharing financially.

Lord, show us ways to help the “distressed and downcast” that they can be part of Your harvest.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 8 – Compassion

Matthew 9:36-38

And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.  Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

Jesus had compassion, once again. Get the workers. Harvest. Growing up on a farm I remember harvest as being a busy time—long days that just wore my Dad out. He would be bone tired, but relieved and I think, proud as he drove the truck full of corn, wheat, or beans to the grain storage. He knew when it sold, we would eat. His hard work had paid off. Before there can be a banquet, there must be a harvest. What are you doing to bring others into the harvest? Is the work just too hard? How many of your friends and neighbors will enjoy the banquet around Jesus’ table?

Lord, help us to be compassionate and to see others as You do. Then, help us be bold to share your good news with them, that they would be part of Your Harvest.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 7 – Power Over Darkness

Matthew 9:27-31

“Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

Jesus touched the eyes of two blind men and because they believed---they had faith in Jesus’ power---they were healed. But Jesus told them not to tell anyone about their healing. They were too overjoyed with the miracle of their healing to keep that news to themselves. They spread the news about Him in all the land.

Could you have been obedient and let no one know about it?  It would have been obvious to everyone around them---they no longer needed help doing simple everyday tasks like cooking or baking---and what kind of work could a blind person do?  Certainly not that of a blacksmith or a carpenter. Now they were able bodied. Of course they wanted to rejoice!

Lord, help us to listen to you and share only where and when you want us to.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 6 – Power Over Death

Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26

“Jesus took the little girl by the hand and she got up.”

The professional mourners laughed at Jesus, so He threw them out of the house. His power is strongest in the presence of believers. No mocking allowed. Get the mockers out of your life and surround yourself with believers when some life saving power is needed. Jesus had such mercy on that little girl and her family. Imagine how she became a walking legend in her neighborhood and community. The girl that Jesus brought back to life.

The passages in Mark 5:22-43 and Luke 8:41-56 tell us that Jesus said, “…give her something to eat.”  It is amazing when we are feeling weak and hungry, even just a little weak, how we gain such strength and instantly feel better when food---especially some natural sugar, like in grapes, dates, figs, apples, oranges, bananas, or even a chocolate chip cookie, hits our tongue. Ah, renewed mental acuity. God is so awesome to have created us so intricately that we gain strength from a simple food touching our tongue---and sending nourishment and stimuli to our brains! I am grateful for taste buds!

News travels fast. Jesus, continue to let good news of your love, power, and mercy travel into all the land of Israel and here.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 5 – Fasting or Feasting?

Matthew 9:14-17

Then the disciples of John came to Him, asking, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?”  And Jesus said to them, “The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. But no one puts a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and a worse tear results. Nor do people put new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wineskins burst, and the wine pours out and the wineskins are ruined; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”
Fasting has roots in the Jewish holidays. (See February 18) Religious Jews continue to follow their traditional holidays, and fast on Yom Kippur, as well as several other special holidays. The point of Jesus’ disciples NOT to fast was that the bridegroom was with them—so it was a time to celebrate---to feast!  There would be time for fasting when the bridegroom (Jesus) was taken away.

The analogy of putting the unshrunk cloth on an old garment or new wine in old wineskins---is that both would be ruined as time went on---the unshrunk cloth would eventually shrink and tear the old garment even more. The new wine would be only be put into new wineskins so as not to destroy the old wineskins. Both these examples are as sad as not celebrating at the wedding feast.

So what would be an analogy for today?  To buy the finest chocolate ice cream and beautiful serving dishes and then give up eating dessert and never enjoy the ice cream or the pretty bowls. Fast or Feast? During this time of Lent, I've heard the several people suggest that instead of giving up something (fast) that we add (feast?) a new habit---like that of a simple act of kindness every day.  What a good suggestion---there is still time to change a habit. Are you willing to make a change?

Lord, help us to see how and when we should celebrate your life and you with fasting or with feasting.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.