October 31 – Never See Death

The Jews answered and said to Him, "Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?" Jesus answered, "I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. But I do not seek My glory; there is One who seeks and judges. Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death." John 8:48-51 

He will never see death. If you ask almost anyone today what they are afraid of, they may include death in their “fear” list. So to never having to face death would be a wonderful thing. Here Jesus is talking about “spiritual death” which those who believe in Him—and keep His word—will never have to experience. Living forever is such a mind boggling thought. It is beyond our comprehension. Forever. The last stanza of the song “Amazing Grace” tells about ten thousand years…being just the beginning of days that can’t be counted. That is what “forever” is—days we can’t count. We won’t even want to count them since they are all wonderful bright sun shiny days in the presence of our Lord.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.  

Halloween seems to focus on darkness, grim reapers and scary things. But Jesus is the light of the world—so let His light shine in the darkness today and tonight that His truth would be known by all. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33 Choose to make good decisions today that you would encourage yourself and others. 

Jesus—You are the Light of the world. Shine brightly in my heart and life today that others would see You, be encouraged, make the right choice for You, and never see death.

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

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

 

October 30 – Do You Hear God’s Words?

"Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God." John 8:43-47 

Can you hear what is being said? Have you taken your hearing aids out of your ears—or stuffed your ears with cotton or ear plugs? Do you hear and not understand? 

What an accusation—those having this discussion with Jesus are “children of the devil.” Jesus knows and tell us that the devil is a liar, cheater, deceiver, and yes…murderer. Anyone who has had a family member murdered knows all too well that the devil can overpower people. He encourages them to make the wrong choice—and to take the life of one of God’s creation—His precious human beings. That happened in my family almost twenty-three years ago when my sister’s ex-husband killed her, her new husband, her two daughters and then himself. This is Domestic Violence Awareness month. A reminder of these murders. It was a horrible nightmare for my parents—and all of our family, but God gave us the strength to deal with the situation—that Satan would like to have used to his own glory. We still have to remember that God is good. My sister and her family were born again Christians and I think that God is continuing to use their faithfulness as a witness to draw others to Him. Without God and the encouragement of dear Christian friends we would have been lost in our sorrow. I was reminded today that love is shown in encouragement. Show Jesus’ love today by encouraging someone. Allow them to really hear Jesus’ words with your actions.

Dear Jesus, Thank you for the ability to hear the words of Our Father—even when we are feeling pain. Help us to be an encouragement to others around us. Protect families who are dealing with domestic violence.

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

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

October 29 – Obedience

"I know that you are Abraham's descendants; yet you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. I speak the things which I have seen with My Father; therefore you also do the things which you heard from your father." They answered and said to Him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you are Abraham's children, do the deeds of Abraham. But as it is, you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God; this Abraham did not do. You are doing the deeds of your father." They said to Him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father: God." Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me."  John 8:37-42 

What were Abraham’s deeds? He was the Father of Israel—the spiritual father of all mankind. His faith is still an example to us all. By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. ... By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son… Hebrews 11:8, 17 Abraham was obedient to God. It is apparent in Jesus’ red letter words above that the Jews were not trying to be like their father Abraham. They were not seeking to be obedient to God. They still wanted to kill Jesus…and that is NOT love. Later on Jesus taught, "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13. If only the Jews could have seen the big picture. Jesus was their Messiah—there are still Jews today, looking for the Messiah who will come to save their nation. A Jew I spoke with in Israel explained to me that they are not looking for a Messiah to come to have an individual personal relationship with them, as Christians do with Jesus, but they are looking forward to when the Messiah comes to their nation as a whole. 

Obedience is the key word for Abraham and for Jesus. They both were obedient to the will and wishes of God the Father. That should be our goal, too. Obedience. Seek to know God’s perfect will for your life… that which is good, acceptable and perfect (See Romans 12:1-2) and do it. To know God’s will, read God’s word every day…and pray. 

Dear God, I want to be obedient to You and do what is right in Your eyes. I ask that You would guide my heart and thoughts that what I do, say and think would be acceptable to You.

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

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

October 28 – The Son Makes You Free

They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, 'You will become free'?" Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. " John 8:33-36  

Are you a slave to sin? Here are a couple of additional verses that deal with sin.

·         "If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." - Genesis 4:7

·         For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. - Romans 6:14

Sin is crouching at the door—like some wild animal ready to pounce on you. You open the door and make that wild animal your pet—you tame it. You become master over it—teach it right from wrong and see that it does just that. In becoming master over that animal, or sin, you feel better about yourself. Your countenance, that is your self-control or composure, is at a higher level. You are no longer “slave” to that sin. You are in control—master of your house, your universe. But wait—who is in control of you? If you yield your “control” to sin—you are back to being a servant to that impulse or if you turn your life over to Christ, He makes you “free.” Free to make your own choices, but guiding you to make good choices. 

That’s what freedom in life is all about—making choices, day by day, moment by moment. By not choosing to do something—we choose to do the opposite. It is ironic that if we only have two things from which to choose and we choose not to have one, the second one is the only choice left. If you choose not to sin—not to be a slave to a particular sin, then you are free! Free from that controlling issue in your life. Congratulations! Good choice! It would be nice if those choices were so straight forward and so simple, but in most things sin in subtle and sneaks up on you or waits crouching at your door. Don’t let sin into your life. Snuff it out. Be bold with your decisions. Look before you fall into a trap. Take control. The grace, unmerited favor, of God will guide you if you lean on Him. 

Dear Jesus, help us not to be a slave to sin, but to take action and make good decisions and good choices.

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

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

October 27 - Freedom

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue (abide) in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."  John 8:31-32  

Abide, live or dwell with. Continue in His word. A disciple is simply a student, a learner. Jesus message to His disciples, His followers was the truth that He had been taught by God the Father. That truth is to do God’s will, that which is good, acceptable and perfect. No one can be “perfect” except Jesus—but we can strive to live a life of holiness—pure and unblemished before the Lord. Jesus also taught that we are to honor God…by following the greatest commandment:

One of the scribes…asked Him, "What commandment is the foremost of all?" Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.' "The second is this, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these."  Mark 12:28-31

That is the truth that will set you free…that and a believing faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and your own personal savior.  

The truth will set you free. Free from what? From want…from fear…from eternal damnation? From what do you need to be set free? If it is just from worry…then focus on Jesus red letter words in these verses today.

"Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' ... "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:31, 34  

"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. Matthew 10:19  

Fear is complicated and some people choose activities like roller coaster rides that give them momentary fears—and they love it! Others choose to read scary books, knowing that the story is make-believe and yet they are safe where they are as they read the frightening tale. There is a well known verse from Psalm 23 that can help you face fear. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 Fear of “evil” is justifiable, but Jesus is always with us, so even though we are afraid, we don’t have to be overcome with fear. Some fear is healthy—to keep us on our toes so that we don’t walk into a dangerous situation. Think before you go somewhere that can be dangerous. 

Free from want—that is covered by Psalm 23, too. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1. I’ve recently read several books about people living through the Depression in the 1930’s and many families then were in real want…or actually in “need.” Children, as well as their parents, went to bed hungry. Where was God then? He was right there with them—and in a lot of cases, He was proving for needs. When we go through such trial God uses those circumstances to make us stronger, to build our character. I’m sure you are thinking, I don’t want to have to go through anything like that to strengthen my character! That is my thought, too. We don’t get to choose the trials we go through…we just have to face them one step at a time and know that God is with us. He has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5). So no matter what you are facing…want, fear, or worry, know that you are not alone. 

Thank you, Jesus, that You are always with us. Help us as we continue in Your word that we would understand the truth and apply it to our lives so that we can be free…from want, fear, worry or whatever.

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

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

October 26 - Will You Die in Your Sins...or Believe?

Then He said again to them, "I go away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin; where I am going, you cannot come." So the Jews were saying, "Surely He will not kill Himself, will He, since He says, 'Where I am going, you cannot come'?" And He was saying to them, "You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." So they were saying to Him, "Who are You?" Jesus said to them, "What have I been saying to you from the beginning? I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him, these I speak to the world." They did not realize that He had been speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him." As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him. John 8:21-30  

Jesus pretty much lays it on the line for the Jews when they ask Him, “Who are You?” He told them from the beginning that He was sent by the Father, the Heavenly Father, to do what He was told to do and to speak for the Father. By saying that He was the “Son of Man,” He was declaring that He was the Messiah. He plainly told them that unless they believed that He was the Messiah, they would die in their sins. Amazingly many believed in Him because of what He said. Will you die in your sins…or believe? 

We have the same choice today as the Jews did two thousand years ago…believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah, or die in our sins. Believe or die. I have already chosen to believe. This choice is not just for Jews, but for everyone around the world, for all mankind. According to the Wycliffe Bible Translation website (http://www.wycliffe.org/About/Statistics.aspx) in 2011 there were about 6,800 languages spoken in the world and of those about 2,000 did not yet have Bibles translated into their language. That is not to say that people in those 2,000 languages have not heard about Jesus, just that they don’t have scripture in their language yet. Someday people in those languages will have to make a choice about Jesus, too, or they will die in their sins. 

Jesus didn’t tell the Jews that they needed to repent, or that He was going to die for their sins. They were looking for a political savior for their nation, not a spiritual savior who would take away their sins and give them eternal life. Jesus was there as the spiritual savior—and He is still the spiritual Savior of the world. People don’t really need a Bible to tell them that—they just need a teacher or preacher, a friend, relative or neighbor to share that good news that Jesus was sharing. If you believe, your sins are forgiven—you won’t die in your sins. You’ll live eternally, with Jesus. Just like Jesus said about the Heavenly Father, “He has not left Me alone…” He won’t leave us alone, if we believe in Him. What a feast—a spiritual feast that is—just to hear that good news. So, will you die in your sins…or believe?   

Dear Jesus, Thank you for being so obedient to the Father that You came down from Heaven to spend time with mankind and share Your good news. If we believe…our sins will be forgiven and we will never die! We will live forever with You.

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

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

October 25 – Who is Judging?

Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone. But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me. Even in your law it has been written that the testimony of two men is true. I am He who testifies about Myself, and the Father who sent Me testifies about Me." So they were saying to Him, "Where is Your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither Me nor My Father; if you knew Me, you would know My Father also."  John 8:14-19

Jesus seemed to be talking in circles—but Pharisees love a challenge. Just a few chapters back in John 5:30-37 Jesus talked about the same necessity for two witnesses testifying. Now Jesus is telling them again that His Father testifies for Him. The Pharisees are so blind, they just don’t see WHO Jesus’ Father really is, or where He is.

Jesus tells us that His judgment is true because His Heavenly Father, who is OUR Heavenly Father, is judging with Him. For what will we be judged? All our actions and thoughts. The word “judgment” occurs 158 times in the NASB translation. Here are a few of those verses:

·         For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

·         And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment…. Hebrews 9:27

·         For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? - 1 Peter 4:17

·         …and he (an angel) said with a loud voice, "Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters."  Rev.14:7

So we’ll all face judgment one day…what we do and say now will make a difference. Be a person of integrity today, honor God in all you do…and judgment will be a rewarding time. Of course, I’m telling myself this—preaching to myself. Integrity—what you do when no one is looking. I guess that includes having a few crackers between meals—when no one else is looking—and then I wonder why I’m not losing any weight. Who am I kidding?

Dear Jesus—Forgive me for cheating myself when I want to lose weight. Please help us all not to be blinded. Let us keep our eyes focused on You, to not only see You and Your Father but to know You—to know more about you every day. You are more precious to me than anything—especially a few tasty crackers.   

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

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

October 24 – Light of the World

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."  John 8:12

Imagine yourself in total darkness—floating. With no point of reference you wouldn’t know up from down. Then light came into your world—a warm, friendly light piercing the darkness giving you a sense of direction, peace, and undoubtedly hope. This verse tells us that Jesus is the Light of the world. Capital L – Light! In our family, it is the big letters—the capital letters that have the say and power! The big J’s. Just like that, Jesus is saying that He is the LIGHT. In the Blue Letter Bible, Strong’s Lexicon* it explains the use of the word “light” in that “God is light because light has the extremely delicate, subtle, pure, brilliant quality; because of truth and its knowledge, together with the spiritual purity associated with it; because that which is exposed to the view of all, openly, publicly; and because of the power of understanding, especially moral and spiritual truth.”

As Jesus sat on the hillside above the Sea of Galilee one warm day and taught the crowd that gathered to hear Him, part of what He said included a teaching on light. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."  Matthew 5:14-16. You are the light of the world…that is us, but only if we allow His light to flow through us. We have to let our light—His truth—shine in what we do and say to help and encourage others. That “light” should be spiritually pure. Once again the importance of purity and holiness in our lives is evident if we are to be pleasing to God—to be seeking to do His will and His work.

Is your lamp lit? Is it shining for the Lord?

Dear Jesus—Let Your light shine through me that others would feel Your love and presence in their lives.

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

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

*Blue Letter Bible. "Dictionary and Word Search for phōs (Strong's 5457)". Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2012. 23 Oct 2012. < http:// www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?
Strongs=G5457&t=NASB >

October 23 – Red Letter Writing in the Sand

Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court, they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?" They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court. Straightening up, Jesus said to her, "Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more." John 8:2-11

Adultery takes two people, doesn’t it? So where was the man involved in this act? Was his status in the community such that he above reproach? Was he standing on the sidelines of the crowd, watching to see what would happen to her? The Mosaic Law that directed that adulterers be put to death is found in Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22. It includes both women and men. This purges the evil. Adultery was seen as a vile sin because it was not only against the commandment, but against the covenant with God. Is it still seen as a “vile” or despicable sin today? Remember that Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount… but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28 With marketing, advertising and provocative entertainment invading our living space today it is hard to keep our eyes on only our own spouse, but it is worth it all to keep our focus on God and His will for our lives…to be pure. When you are tempted, try to remember and recite a scripture verse such as… Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8. Dwell—that is concentrated thought. That has helped me lots of times over the years.

The Pharisees called Jesus, “Teacher” or Master, trying their best to flatter and trick Him. But He wasn’t to be deceived. He calmly and patiently answered their charges. Actually, He took His sweet time in answering their accusations, which likely angered them. The way Jesus thought through and slowly answered what appeared to be the Pharisees wanting to pick a fight is a good example for us in how to react to adversity. Maybe we should spend some time writing on the ground. What did Jesus write in the sand? An age old question. Was He writing the names of those holding the stones…and writing their sins? At any rate everyone walked quietly away…the oldest first as they probably realized they too had a great number of sins over their lifetime…maybe even adultery.

John 3:17-18 tells us that Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world. "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”  So Jesus wasn’t condemning, or judging, this woman either. The point is that He told her to “sin no more.” We should follow that same direction…sin no more. In doing that we would certainly be pleasing God…and living a holy life. Holiness before the Lord.  

My prayer for you today: Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to Himself; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13.

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

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

October 22 – Rivers of Living Water Flow

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Some of the people therefore, when they heard these words, were saying, "This certainly is the Prophet." Others were saying, "This is the Christ." Still others were saying, "Surely the Christ is not going to come from Galilee, is He? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the descendants of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?" So a division occurred in the crowd because of Him. John 7:37-43

People get so hung up on details—but then God is in the details, so maybe it’s not so wrong to focus on the details. In this passage above some of the people knew that the Messiah was to come from Bethlehem, but they didn’t do their research and didn’t know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He just grew up in Nazareth in the Galilean region. Details!

Are you thirsty? Spiritually thirsty? Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness? That is just what Jesus is looking for in a person—someone who is seeking, who is truly desiring more in their life, who wants to believe in Him. I believe in Jesus as my Savior and have experienced that river of living water flowing from the innermost being of my soul. Once you have tasted that new life you want more. Trust me. No matter what you think you have to “give up” it is worth it to have Jesus Christ as your Messiah and to be filled with the Spirit. The Holy Spirit. Read in the Book of Acts how Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for what the Father had promised, the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Then they would receive power and become witnesses for Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and even to the remotest part of the earth. Acts 1:4-8. Feast on those words. Red letter words that are encouraging even today. Keep reading in Acts for the details of what happened to the disciples.  

What does it mean to be a witness? Well with that river of life flowing out of you it is hard to keep the good news of Jesus quiet. You’ll want to tell everybody about Him…His miracles, His forgiveness, and His return someday to take all of His believers to Heaven. It is exciting to share Jesus with others—what an opportunity He has given us. Sometimes we get so caught up in the world, in being entertained and involved in our own stuff, that we get our eyes off our mission in life: our service to Jesus. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Focus.   

Dear Jesus, forgive me for my sins today and fill me anew with the Holy Spirit—that I would continually be a witness for You—in my home, my neighborhood, my community, and the world.

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

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

October 21 – Righteous Judgment…Stand Up for Your Values

"Did not Moses give you the Law, and yet none of you carries out the Law? Why do you seek to kill Me?" The crowd answered, "You have a demon! Who seeks to kill You?" Jesus answered them, "I did one deed, and you all marvel. For this reason Moses has given you circumcision (not because it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a man. If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath so that the Law of Moses will not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made an entire man well on the Sabbath? Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." So some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, "Is this not the man whom they are seeking to kill? Look, He is speaking publicly, and they are saying nothing to Him. The rulers do not really know that this is the Christ, do they?" John 7:19-26

Who seeks to kill You? They asked. Didn’t they hear themselves a week or so earlier when Jesus had healed the man on the Sabbath? For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God. John 5:18. Those Jews were a fickle group. Jesus knew their hearts—and He wasn’t backing down or running away. Some of the people obviously recognized that He was the Christ—but they weren’t standing up for Him.

Do you stand up for Christ? Do you stand up for any of your values? We are nearing election time and although only you and God know how you vote, now is the time to take a stand and vote for the issues and people that are aligned with your values. Keep your integrity strong. If you don’t agree with abortion, then don’t vote for people who do. Since when is taking a person’s life the right thing to do? It is proper to avoid pregnancy, but once that fetus is conceived, then it is a person. On another issue, if you want to keep marriage strong, then don’t vote to “redefine” marriage. Look closely at the issues before you vote—you have the responsibility to choose wisely. We are taught in Romans 13:1…Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. God is in control, but He allows us to make choices. If you doubt this, read Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar took great pride in the empire that he created, and then God took it away from him, turning him into a wild animal. When he came to his senses and recognized God as all powerful, he was reinstated as king over the Babylonian Empire. Choose wisely.

Dear Jesus—I’m thankful that we can choose our leaders and help determine our legislation, the way our country is governed here in the United States. I stand with You in desiring what is good, true, right, and pure. Help everyone in the US to make good decisions as they consider the candidates and issues in this upcoming election. Bless our nation. Thank you for hearing our prayers.

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

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

October 20 – Right Living

But when it was now the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and began to teach. The Jews then were astonished, saying, "How has this man become learned, having never been educated?" So Jesus answered them and said, "My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him." John 7:14-18

There is no unrighteousness in Him. Jesus was speaking about Himself. He is described with this character trait also in Psalms. To declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. Psalm 92:15. It is desirable for each of us to become like Christ…and then people would say of us...They also do no unrighteousness; They walk in His ways. Psalm 119:3. What a great goal…to be like Christ. In elementary school I was taught not to use double negatives…no un-. But the use of this double negative is emphatically correct. Jesus is pure—He lived and still lives in the true right way—a righteous way that is pleasing to the Heavenly Father. That’s how I want to live. That’s why I seek to know more about Jesus, more about God, every day, reading His words—especially His red letter words.

Jesus spoke to the Jews and was teaching at the temple during the Feast of Booths. The Feast of Booths this year was celebrated on September 30^th through October 8^th. This Jewish Holiday is a celebration of joy reminding us of the miracles of God in the past, present and future focusing on the recent harvest, Noah, and the wandering of the Hebrew people through the desert as they lived in tents at the time of the Exodus. So as Jesus was teaching, the Jews were marveling—amazed at His teaching. We don’t have many stories about Jesus’ as a child, but there is one recorded in Luke about when Jesus was twelve. He went to Jerusalem with His family and when they headed home, He was still at the temple. His mother and father search for Him and…after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. Luke 2:46-47. They were amazed when He was a child and were still amazed when He was grown and teaching Jesus indeed never changes. Just as He told the Jews He is teaching the words of God, our Heavenly Father, so we should be amazed. Are you?

Today would have been my mother-in-law’s 100^th birthday. She died several years ago shortly after her 90^th birthday. She was a sweet lady, always kind and generous. She had a gentle spirit and she quietly sought to know more about Jesus. Raised Catholic, she relied on others to teach her about our Savior—but she was always attentive to church attendance and Bible Study with our friends. May God bless the memories of her with her family and dear friends.

Dear Lord, as we recall how amazing You are, we are reminded to seek your righteousness. Some people didn’t believe You although they were amazed by Your words, Your teaching. May our hearts be touched again today by Your words and may we believe even more deeply in Your grace and love.

Grandma Bess – 100 B-day

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

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).