March 31 – GRATITUDE

Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe….Hebrews 12:28  

Gratitude is an attitude of being thankful, even when we don’t see what we have. It is a part of worship to God expressing how we are grateful for things provided and done for us. This is so appropriate for Resurrection Sunday--to express our gratitude.

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder…written by English author Gilbert Chesterton. Gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. Gratitude is that feeling that is almost inexpressible that is deep within our hearts—overwhelmingly glad for all that Christ Jesus did for us by dying on the cross. 

Training Tip –  Make a list of all the praise songs you know that are associated with gratitude. Choose one, or more, and sing a song of gratitude to Jesus with your family. 

Lord, help my children and grandchildren to live lives that are always overflowing with thankfulness and always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and risen Savior (Ephesians 5:20 and Colossians 2:7). 

Joyous Resurrection Sunday to You!

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

March 30 – Righteous Enough to Approach God

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 

In order to approach the throne of God, we must be pure and righteous. That is what the sacrifices are all about—becoming righteous so that we are pure, holy and can stand or bow in the presence of God the Father. He is holy—so anyone who comes before Him must be holy, too. Jesus was pure…and then He took on the sin of the world. He died and was buried. Sin was destroyed. After Christ was crucified and put in the grave, His disciples scattered. Jesus was dead. Everyone lost hope. No one but the Roman soldiers stood at His grave. We remember this solemn day—but we know the rest of the story and the hope of His resurrection. Jesus suffered and died, knowing that God the Father would call Him forth from the grave—righteous and pure once again. And because of Jesus’ obedience to death, we are recognized as righteous in God’s eyes. Praise Him for that. 

Training Tip – Create a diorama with your children to help them understand the story of the burial and then resurrection of Jesus. Be sure to have Roman guards posted by the stone covering the entrance to the grave—a cave in a hillside. Then on Resurrection Sunday they will be able to roll the stone away to see that Jesus is not there! He is risen. 

Lord Jesus, once again I express my gratitude to You for the suffering You endured. I imagine that the darkness on the cross—and then the darkness of the grave were equally devastating. More rejection.  

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

March 29 – The Lamb Sacrificed

For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.1 Peter 2:19-23

 

Just before the Jewish people made their Exodus from Egypt, the Passover was established. A sacrificial lamb was selected—pure and unblemished. The lamb was killed and the blood spread on the doorposts of their home—to prevent the angel of death, the last plague, from visiting that home. Later the Jews had a system of sacrifices that God introduced to them in which a pure animal like a lamb or bird, one with no defects, was killed and the blood poured onto the alter of the temple in order for them to be released from the sins that they committed.

Jesus was tempted for 40 days by the devil at the beginning of His ministry—but He did not give into temptation—He didn’t sin. He committed no sin. Yet we sin…so our sin was piled on Him—and He became the sacrificial lamb. Our sacrificial lamb. He died on the cross at the same hour that the sacrificial lamb was slain in the Temple. He suffered, bled and died on the cross for us. 

Training Tip – Read again for your family the story of the ten plagues in Egypt and how Moses pleaded with Pharaoh to let his people go. The Passover lamb is the one that was sacrificed to save first born sons of the Jews. Explain how Jesus is like that sacrificial lamb. 

Teach your children about fasting. Ask them if they would be willing to give up something today. It won’t hurt them to go without one meal in their lives…or to substitute bread and water for an otherwise nourishing meal. Can you fast for one meal to honor Christ and what He has done for you? 

Lord Jesus—on this day, remembering the day that You gave up Your life, I humbly bow my head and my heart in recognition of Your sacrifice. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

This scripture passage makes me want to fast, not feast. Jesus suffered so much for us. This Good Friday commemorates the day of His death. Take time out from feasting today and consider fasting. As you forsake a meal, consider what Jesus did for you—feast once again on His Word—His life giving words of hope and reconciliation with God the Father.  

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

March 28 – Vicious Tongues

--Those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!

--In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking Him among themselves and saying, He saved others; He cannot save Himself. Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!

--Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him. Mark 15:29-32 

Vicious tongues. How did Jesus respond to the abuse, mocking, and insults? How do we respond to similar abuse, mocking or insults? Jesus had endured vicious tongues before He hung on the cross. The Pharisees constantly were trying to find ways to destroy Him, bending His words and accusing Him of wrong doings, like eating with sinners (Matt. 9:11). Jesus actually said that His followers would suffer because of Him—and that would be a blessing to them. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me…Matthew 5:11. We can anticipate that we will receive abuse, if we haven’t already, just because we believe in Jesus.

Training Tip – Read the following scripture with your family, focusing on the underlined portions.

But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 1 Peter 3:14-17

Talk with your family to prepare them for times that they may have to face abuse, mocking and insults because they believe in Jesus. Do some role playing so that they have responses ready—to make their defense. It is important, too, that they remember that …A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger… Proverbs 15:1. By giving a kind response to an insult they may win someone to Jesus. 

 

Lord Jesus, help us to be kind and to be prepared to give an answer to those who insult us because we love You.  

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

March 27 – Despised and Forsaken

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Isaiah 53:3

Isaiah wrote this about the Christ—our Lord Jesus—about 700 years before Jesus was born. It so well describes Jesus. Although He was the embodiment of love, He was despised by Jewish leaders and forsaken even by His own disciples, except one, at the end of His life. He knew grief—sadness deep within His heart. He was sinless, but He had to live in a world full of sin—all around Him. That alone had to have been heart wrenching on a daily basis—and it only got worse as He got nearer to the cross. As He made His triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem He paused and wept over it, knowing that it would one day be destroyed because they did not recognize the Messiah. See Luke 19:28-44. That was on Sunday of His final week. By Friday He would be scourged, disfiguring His face so that He was not recognizable, and then crucified. The Passover Lamb was perfect—no blemish. Worthy to have his blood shed for sin. Jesus was perfect, but despised and rejected. Suffering, giving His blood, His life, for our sin. 

Training Tip – How can children be “trained” to endure suffering? Is it a trait that we want to consider as part of their character? Jesus suffered for us all. We should be willing to give up our lives for our friends… Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends…as written in John 15:13. We can possibly encourage children to be willing to give up time, toys, food or other things so that others could benefit from their sacrifice, but is that really “suffering”? Do encourage them to give in a sacrificial way to help the needy, their family and their friends. Being willing to give up their own pleasures for others is very much like Jesus giving up part of His life and security for our eternal life. We want to continue to grow to be more like Jesus in every way possible. What can you do to be an example to the children in your family?

Lord – Help me to be more like You. Show me ways that I can sacrificially give so that others can draw closer in their relationship to You.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

March 26 – Suffering on the Cross

Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. ... Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. ... Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name. ... Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. - 1 Peter 4:1-2, 12-13, 15-16, 19

How do we respond to situations where we are suffering? The best way is to respond in faith—trust in God, like Jesus did as He faced temptations, trials, rejection and ultimately crucifixion. That’s what Peter was talking about in the verse above… entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. God will take care of whatever it is ultimately. For now…humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you, as it says in 1 Peter 5:6-7. As we walk through this Holy Week, remembering Christ’s sacrifice for us, let us keep on looking to the Lord for His will and His way in our lives—casting our cares on Him—and giving Him the glory for the sheer knowledge that we are loved and cared for by the awesome and omniscient God of the Universe. 

Training Tip – Show your family a photo or statue of Jesus on the cross. Likely your children already know that Jesus died on the cross for them…but what does that really mean to them. Give each child a few pennies and then discuss payment for sins, for mistakes we’ve made. Ask them to use those pennies to “pay” for their sins. Have them confess to a mistake and then tell them how many pennies it will cost. Take all their pennies and demand more. There are not enough pennies in the world to “pay”—so Jesus paid for our sins with His life. End your time with prayer, asking each person to thank Jesus for paying for their mistakes.

Lord Jesus, thank you. You are perfect and sinless—yet You took on my sins and died on the cross for me. Thank you.

First day of Passover

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

March 25 – A New Spirit of Holiness

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 NLT 

The promises of God, dying to sin and living to righteousness, are our work towards complete holiness—out of respect for God. As we become more like Christ—God’s goal and thus our goal—we will be changed from the inside out just as described in Ephesians 4:24…and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. This is further demonstrated in scripture from Colossians. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. ... Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him-- a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Colossians 3:2, 9-14 

Just imagine yourself, along with your children or grandchildren, with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. A heart like Jesus.  

Training Tip – Discuss with your family these qualities of Jesus: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness. We have looked at these in the past couple of months, so these are not new topics. Ask your children which of these qualities they have in their own hearts. Give the children each a heart shaped paper. Provide markers or printed sheets with the qualities. Allow them to write on the heart their own qualities and the qualities they want to have in themselves in different colors. Hopefully this will give you and them some insight into each of their character traits and how they can grow and change. 

Lord Jesus, create within us a new spirit—more like You each day. Give us insight into the qualities that You want us to develop as we grow.

Passover 2013 begins at Sunset Today

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

March 24 – God of Holiness

I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when I prove Myself holy among you in their sight. Ezekiel 36:23  

Holy. God wants to be holy in the sight of His people—to show other nations that He is the LORD GOD. Those who know God, know that He is holy. Those who don’t know God personally may look at other people who do know God—who profess to being Christian—and want to know who their God is.  

Our God is an awesome God, creator of Heaven and Earth, of all plants, animals and people. He deserves our glory and honor—He alone is worthy, pure, sacred and holy. God is love. There is no other god—made from wood, metal or clay who is worthy of our praise. Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29:2 NKJV. The beauty of holiness. Beauty beyond measure. Holiness so pure it is divine. Pause in reverence for a moment and consider who God is…and what He has done. That is worship. Worship of the God of creation—who is worthy of our praise and adoration. 

Training Tip – Read the words to the old hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” to your family and then sing it with them. Discuss what it means to be holy. (Find the lyrics at http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh064.sht or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy,_Holy,_Holy)

Lord – You alone are worthy of our praise and adoration. We come before you humbly acknowledging that You are holy…and You are our God, our Savior, and our Lord.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

March 23 - Self-Control for Holiness

Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor. 1 Thessalonians 4:4 NLT 

This idea of self-control as mentioned by Barbara Bush in her book “A Woman’s Workshop on Mastering Motherhood,” is an important concept. When a child, or for that matter a teen or adult, controls his own body he brings honor to himself. Just think how it is when we don’t “control our body”. We usually end up doing something dumb and bring shame to ourselves and that may overflow onto our family. Control of body, mind, and tongue—hmm all of those are important. How do we do it? Prayer might be a good start—and submitting ourselves to God’s will and His way. It is the moment by moment decisions that takes us down the right path—the path of obedience—one that leads to holiness and honor. 

Training Tip – Catch your children doing their best—doing something good, like picking up their toys, hanging up their coat or lining up their shoes, without being told to do that. Praise and cheer them on! They are showing “self-control”! 

Lord, guide our hearts, thoughts and minds that we would see You more clearly each day. Help us day by day, moment by moment, to choose to control our thoughts, words, and actions so that we may bring honor to You, and to become more like You—holy. 

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

March 22 – Disciplined for Holiness

For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. Hebrews 12:10 New Living Translation 

Discipline is one of those words that cause everyone to groan—inwardly, if not out loud. There are many verses about discipline. Here are a few that I find encouraging:

·         Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves (corrects), so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. Job 5:17

·         Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. Proverbs 12:1

·         He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. Proverbs 15:32

·         Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. Proverbs 19:20

·         Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline will remove it far from him. Proverbs 22:15

·         Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

·         For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

·         It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? ... All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. Hebrews 12:7, 11

·         Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. Revelation 3:19

·         But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5

The message I get from these verses it to accept discipline from the Lord.  He loves those He disciplines. The rewards of good discipline are wisdom and knowledge…and discipline is essential in raising children with Godly character. According to Barbara Bush in her book “A Woman’s Workshop on Mastering Motherhood,” it is parents’ responsibility to train their children in Christian character traits so that they can one day become self-disciplined.  That is a tall order, but it is achievable. Just look at the Christians around you who are self-controlled. They didn’t get that way without some training—some discipline. One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. See Galatians 5:22-23.

 

Training Tip – Do your children know what you expect of them when you are at home, school, shopping, visiting friend’s or relatives’ homes, restaurants, church, the city park, or wherever? Do you yell at them when they misbehave? But have they been instructed on how to “behave” and the consequences of misbehavior? Consistent discipline includes some training or teaching. If you haven’t ever done any behavior training, then make a list and start today. If the children are really young you may want to do some role playing with their dolls to give them instruction.

Once you have let them know what is expected of them comes the hard part—you must consistently hold them to those expectations and follow through with discipline “punishment” that is appropriate for the unmet expectations. Prayer is essential—before, during, and after discipline.  

 

Lord –Help me, my family and friends to accept Your discipline in our lives. Thank you for loving us so much that You do discipline us…and expect us to discipline our children and grandchildren that we might become more like our Lord and Savior Jesus—holy. 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

Isaac’s favorite food, like many 4 year-olds, is spaghetti.

So here is his recipe. 

Get some raw meat and cook it. Put sauce in it with seasonings—I don’t know what—just some good stuff. Buy the sauce from the store. It has tomatoes in it. Put it in a pan to cook it. 

The noodles that are long ones are the best. Cook them—but not in the same pan as the sauce.

Put the sauce on the noodles. Eat it with the sauce and sprinkle some cheese on it, too.

Eat it with a fork. 

You don’t have to have anything else to eat with the spaghetti for supper, but strawberries are good for dessert.

Happy 4th Birthday, Isaac.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

March 21 – HOLINESS

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." 1 Peter 1:14-16  

Holiness – purity beyond measure. Sacred. Without blemish. There are several verses in Leviticus where God instructs His people to be holy, because He is holy. Only those who are pure will be able to approach His throne one day. He wants His chosen people, Israel, to be a pure nation. That call for purity extends to the Christians today. Just as in the verses above Peter directed the Christians in New Testament times, we read that same theme in Leviticus 11:44-45…For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth. For I am the LORD who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy. What does it mean to be holy? Can we be “holy” on our own, or only if we seek God’s cleansing power? 

As it says in Proverbs 20:9…Who can say, "I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin"? David prayed, after his affair with Bathsheba…Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. ... Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:2, 10. We have to seek God’s forgiveness, repent from our sin, and He will take our sins away. We can’t “wash” our sin away ourselves, but with a repentant heart, God will make us fresh and clean again. Give Him a chance to create in you a clean heart…to be consecrated and holy. 

Training Tip – Talk with your family about how sin makes a person’s heart dirty. Dip a cloth, like a white handkerchief, into red food coloring, or maybe just some mud. Then wash the handkerchief. Explain that God wants to wash our hearts clean just like that. We just have to ask Him to specifically forgive us for our sin, the mistakes we’ve made. 

Another option would be to use a stained shirt or other piece of clothing, one that you know the stain will come out. Then use a stain washing stick and say that just like that washing stick, Jesus will wash away our sins. Then wash the shirt or clothing, either by hand or in the washing machine. Hurrah—the stain is gone. The “sin” is washed away. 

Lord – Give us the desire for clean hearts. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Please don’t cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. (Psalm 51:10-11)

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

March 20 - No Selfish Ambitions for Bond-Servants

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:3-7  

Servanthood seems so far removed from our culture today. During the early Biblical times slavery was considered permissible for people captured during wars. Leviticus 25:39-55 tells us about how God expected the slaves and servant of that time to be treated. The Jewish people were to look out for each other—to care for their brothers and rescue them from slavery situations, treating them as servants and releasing them in the year of Jubilee. The Jubilee year was part of a Sabbath cycle and occurred once every 50 years. They could be a servant for a very short, or a very long time. Bond-servanthood was still occurring during the New Testament era, as we see in 2 Timothy 2:24…The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged….Jesus was that kind of bond-servant. Since He had that characteristic, we should strive to be like that, too. Agreeable, kind, patient and able to teach. Have you looked in the mirror lately? Are those your qualities? I know I sometime struggle with some of those, like being patient when wronged. I must remind myself that it is only myself that I hurt when I don’t forgive (offer patience) if I am wronged and consider this verse in Romans 8:1, Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Then, since God has other things for me to do than wallow in self-pity, I remember Ephesians 2:10 …For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Time to get back to the business of being like Jesus—serving others as He did.

Training Tip – Let each child start keeping a journal of their own, writing or drawing if too young, or having you write a few words for them, to express the way that they have served others today. Pick up small blank notebooks at the dollar store, or make your own simple notepads. 

Lord – Let ______(my child or grandchild) do nothing out of selfish ambition, but in humility consider others better than himself/herself. Let him/her look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others, and let his/her attitude be the same as that of Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:3-5).

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

March 19 – Humbling Attitude

Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. ... Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." Matthew 23:1-3, 10-12  

The servant attitude is humbling. Here Jesus is teaching that the one who humbles himself will be exalted. That could be a reason to be willing to humble oneself in service, knowing that one day you’ll be exalted. But a person who is truly willing to be humble wouldn’t seek to be exalted—to be given a position higher than others. Jesus had such wisdom into the human psychic—but then He created us! Isn’t it just like a person who exalts himself—puts himself up on a pedestal to be admired and adored by others eventually is humbled—falls from popularity? Yes. Jesus spoke the truth and tried to point it out to the crowd that He was addressing, probably at the Temple courtyard. This occurred during Jesus last week—His final visit to Jerusalem. He wanted them to see the Pharisee for who they were…and to see Him for who He was and is. He continued teaching His disciples later that week at the Passover meal in the Upper Room. There He said… the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. Luke 22:26. The importance of being willing to serve others is to be noted. That is as important today as it was in Jesus’ time. 

Training Tip – Kids love to dress up. Have them dress up as Jesus’ disciples and serve you and one another dinner. 

As You taught, Lord, so I pray that we will be good servants of you, Christ Jesus. I ask that we would constantly be nourished on the words of faith and sound doctrine (1 Timothy 4:6), knowing that whatever we ask, we will receive as promised in John 15:7, as we abide in You.   

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

March 18 - Honor Through Service

If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. John 12:26  

It seems to me that everyone wants to be honored—look how many people want to be first in line, whether it is for food or to purchase the latest music, movie video or electronic gadget. Bring me my food first…or I want the best seat in the house. A servant gives up his or her own goals and desires and follows those of their master. Considering Jesus as our master, what are His goals—His focus? He was bent on honoring the Father—so that must be our goal, too. Yet Jesus promised here in this passage from John 12 that if we serve Him, the Father will honor us. In essence…if we honor Him, He will honor us! What a sweet circle of love. So if we are to be Christ’s servants, then we need to follow His ways and His desires. We need to lay down our life for Him—just as Jesus later taught. This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:12-13. 

Training Tip – Talk with your family about what it means to be “honored”—so that you all are on the same page. Ask your child where they think the most honored person should sit in your home—at the dinner table and in your living room. Ask them what would make them the most honored in the family. Then take turns honoring each other—and being the “servant” and the “honored” person. Have the servant give a cookie or something on a very special plate or bowl to the honoree.  

Lord, teach my children and grandchildren that if they want to become great, they must be a servant. If they want to be first, then they need to be like You Jesus. You didn’t come to be served, but to serve and to give Your life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:26-28).

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

March 17 - Who Do You Live to Please?

For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 

Who do you live to please? Yourself? Your spouse, friend, neighbor, boss, co-workers, peers, parents, teachers, coaches, pastor? God? God wants us to please Him…to live in a way that honors Him. Repeatedly I am reminded that there is a Sabbath and that God want us to REST on that day…to honor Him. God repeatedly told the Israelites to honor Him and His Sabbath. In Ezekiel 20:19-20 God says…I am the LORD your God; walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances and observe them. Sanctify My sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the LORD your God. So if we want to please God we need to let Him know that we want to keep His commandments.  

Training Tip – Who Will You Please? Make up a small board game for your family. There needs to be ten spaces around the board—or more if you wish. Each space that someone lands on they choose a card with a situation associated with the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). Then they must choose if they will follow themselves, others, or God. Write out situations like…Your Mom tells you to do something—do you sass back, do you complain to your brother or sister, or do you do what she asked you to do?

1. I am the Lord, your God. You shall have no other gods. [Who is He? Do you know God?]
2. Thou shall bring no false idols before me. [Do you serve other gods? Money? TV? Movie Stars/Characters?]
3. Do not take the name of the Lord in vain. [If you were really mad at someone or something would you cuss or swear?]
4. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. [Will you rest on Sunday?]
5. Honor thy father and thy mother. [Do you honor/respect your Mom & Dad?]
6. Thou shall not kill/murder. [Do you call someone a fool?]
7. Thou shall not commit adultery. [Do you even think about someone else’s spouse?]
8. Thou shall not steal. [Do you want something that is not yours?]
9. Thou shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. [Do you lie?]
10. Thou shall not covet your neighbor's wife (or anything that belongs to your neighbor). [Do you want something that is not yours?]

Talk about the importance of pleasing God—above all others. By choosing to honor and respect our parents, we are honoring God. Stress that we all have choices—everyday in many different ways and activities. It is our choice to please God, ourselves or others. Who will you please? 

Lord God, Your laws and commandments are important to me. I am pledging this day to honor You and follow the guidelines that You have given us by which to live—those Ten Commandments. You promised that if a person observes your ordinances, they will live (Ezekiel 20:11). I want to live eternally with You.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

March 16 - Servant or Slave

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:25-28  

Here is another character trait for us to model in our lives. Servanthood. Being willing to put others needs first and to take care of them, expecting nothing in return. Actually getting our hands dirty helping other…or maybe getting them clean by washing some dishes, helping others. The thing we do doesn’t matter as much as the obedience in doing it. Doing it as if we are doing it for Jesus Himself. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23-24 Serve the Lord from your heart. 

Training Tip – Give your children or grandchildren an opportunity to serve alongside you in some way. Go back to the March 7^th post or start fresh brainstorming ideas of projects that you can do for others in your home, neighborhood or community. It may be as simple as making a siblings bed, unloading the dishwasher (be sure the dishes are clean first) or taking out the trash without being asked. Pick up trash along the local walking path or offer to weed a neighbor’s flowerbed. There are plenty of ways to serve, we just have to open our eyes and our hearts to hear the needs.  

Lord, I want to serve You by serving others. Please show me opportunities of ways that I can help You meet the needs of others.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

March 15 - Pray and Thanks

We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 

Rub a Dub Dub—Thanks for the Grub. A long ago popular blessing by some uncouth believers. Their hearts were in the right place…giving thanks, but is this the only prayer they said all day? If we are to pray without ceasing, then we’ll have to do more than thank God for the food we eat. We need to have an attitude that is continually looking for things or concerns to praise, to express thanks and to bring to God's throne. And then we should simply do that—pray—not waiting for a time when we are in corporate worship or gathered around a table with others. For what are you waiting?

Training Tip – ACTS. A-C-T-S is the acronym for Adoration-Confession-Thanksgiving-Supplication.  With your family, make a list of all the things you know and appreciate about God—the things for which you adore Him. Next make a list of actions, attitudes or feelings that you need to confess to God—to tell /agree with Him for which you need forgiveness. Then create a wonderful list of things, people, whatever for which you are thankful—with an attitude of gratitude. Lastly, make another list of all the people you know who need salvation or prayer for problems, whether it is physical health or spiritual needs. Include your own needs. As you make the lists, pray them to God, encouraging the children pray, too.

Lord Jesus, may my children and grandchildren’s pray continually—not  just at meals and bedtime. You told us to “Ask and we will receive.” So I’m asking You to make my family and me strong prayer warriors that we would continually seek You in prayer, praising and thanking You as well as asking You to intervene in the lives of our family and friends. 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

One the favorite food noted by my son-in-law, Kim, is Taco Soup. I’ve developed a love of fish tacos…and since Kim and others in my family like taco soup I decided to creatively make my own fish taco soup. I’m not a fan of prepackaged seasoning mixes—so any recipe that calls for “taco seasoning” is immediately ignored in my kitchen. 

Mick’s Taco Fish Soup

Ingredients for 8 servings:

8 corn tortillas, cut into 1/2 inch strips

Vegetable oil for frying

Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper and chili powder

2 pounds fish fillets, red snapper or cod is a good choice

¼ tsp cumin powder, or more if desired

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 limes, juiced, plus lime wedges for garnish

1 pablano chili (mild) or serrano chili (if you prefer-hot), chopped

3 cups vegetable broth seasoned with ½ tsp thyme, 2 bay leaves, and one clove chopped garlic

6 cups boiling water

1 green onion, sliced, for garnish

4 ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks, for garnish

2 ripe avocados, peeled and cut into chunks, for garnish

Cilantro leaves, for garnish

Directions:

Cut up the fish into pieces about 1” by 2”, sprinkle with cumin, cover with chopped chili pepper, drizzle with the lime juice and olive oil and set aside in the refrigerator to marinate about 15 minutes while you chop the green onion, tomato, and avocado.  

For the tortillas: Heat about 1/4-inch vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cut the tortillas into 1/2-inch wide strips. Fry the tortilla strips in batches and drain them on paper towels; season with salt, pepper and chili powder while they are still hot. 

For the soup: Heat the broth, water and seasonings to boil and simmer until the meat and vegetable are in the bowls. Saute the marinated fish over medium heat for a few minutes, using the lime-oil marinate. Cook just until the fish are no longer raw, but not falling apart. Divide the fish equally into eight servings and place each in the bottom of a large soup bowl. Top with some onion, tomato, avocado, and cilantro leaves. Ladle in the hot broth and squeeze in a lime wedge. Top with tortilla strips. Serve and enjoy. 

Happy Birthday, Kim!

Good Eating and Blessings on you Today!

 

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.