April 30 – Courage -- Don't be Afraid

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Matthew 14:27

Courage is the God given strength to face any situation or trial. It is the capability to react, knowing that God is in control and will work in and through me. He is greater than anything I could ever face—greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 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. 1 John 4:4.

In the scripture passage above from Matthew, Jesus was walking on stormy waters of the Sea of Galilee in the middle of the night, calling to His disciples not to be afraid (verse 26 says they were terrified). Can you imagine how frightened you would have been to see someone walking on stormy water in the dark?

Jesus said, “Take courage.” That is what He tells us, too. Don’t be afraid of the circumstances around you—of what you see or don’t see that you don’t understand. Jesus is always with us. He has promised us that He will never leave us or forsake us…Hebrews 13:5.  

Training Tip – Read to your family the story of Jesus walking on the water. Take them to a lake, pond or pool and try to walk on water. Put on life vests and make it a safe fun event. Pray the prayer below and have them know that Jesus wants us to be courageous, even if we can’t walk on water like He did.   

Lord God, do not let anything separate my child or grandchild _____ from your love. When faced with tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, sword or deep water let ______ remember that in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35, 37-39) Like you said, Lord, we will take courage.

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

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

April 29 – Race for the Prize

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25.

Life is like a race—and is competitive. Everyone wants to win. Look at how children instinctively just want to “win” in everything—whether it is a race to finish their dinner first, get to the door before others, or a contest to sell the most cookie dough. The world revolves around them and they want to win the prize—usually attention of the parents. Sometimes the parents can offer prizes that are encouraging for the children. God offers us rewards of a clear conscience and peace of mind as we tell the truth and satisfaction of knowing that we have been obedient to Him as we share the truth of Jesus with others. This verse above tells us that we should have control in all things. Controlling our tongues to say positive things—and not gossip is important. It is ironic that people will gossip about people they don’t pray for and don’t gossip about those for whom they do pray. (Read scripture on gossip to understand more of the dangers associated with that. Proverbs 20:19, 2 Corinthians 12:20, 1 Timothy 5:13, Titus 2:3-5.)  

Training Tip –Training children in God’s ways needs to begin at a young age. That training needs to include self control of their tongue. The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is made fat.  Proverbs 13:3-4. How can we “train” our tongues? If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. James 1:26. Make up a game with your family where the children repeat a sentence that you say…and then say if it is True or False. Like: “The moon is made of cheese.” (False) There are eight days in the week. (False) Jesus loves those only those people in the United States. (False) God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him has eternal life. (True). Telling the truth is one way to control the tongue. Use ideas in your game that are at their age and knowledge level.  Discuss using the tongue to express God’s truths.

Lord God, help us to bridle or control our tongues that we would speak Your truths and encourage others to seek to know You and have eternal life.

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

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

April 28 – Self Control or Uncontrolled

Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.  Proverbs 25:28

Self control over one’s thoughts, words and actions is the result of self control over one’s spirit. Being in God’s will and controlled by the Holy Spirit gives strength to ones’ inner convictions. Uncontrolled behavior in children or adults not acceptable—and it might even be downright scary. Everyone at one time or another has seen someone pitch a fit—have a meltdown or temper tantrum. Different eras call them by different names—but they are the same—uncontrolled behavior. God wants us to control our behavior by giving Him the trials, temptations and frustrations in our lives. As we turn over these things, God will give us peace, joy and strength. Easily said, but not so easy to do.   

Training Tip – How do you teach your children not to throw a temper tantrum? Do they just want their way—their own selfish rebellious way or are they frustrated because they cannot express themselves yet with words? What two-year old hasn’t had a meltdown in the grocery store after a long time of shopping? Life is sometimes just challenging—but as they live through stuff they learn that life isn’t just about them. The best way to deal with tantrums is to remain calm. Here are four things you can do:

-          Prayer is important—talk to Jesus.

-          Cultivate “the look” so that your children know they must obey you right then.  Command respect.

-          Tell your children exactly what you expect and intend—training them in what God expects (Deut. 21: 18, 21; Prov. 20:20; Lev. 20:9; Gal. 6:7; Prov. 17:25; Prov. 29:15; Heb. 12:9; Exod. 20:12; Heb. 12:11). If this is a new thing for you all then let them know that everyone starts with a clean slate. Don’t make the children promise to “be good.”

-          Do what you said you would do—follow through with discipline as necessary. Otherwise you have lied to your children and you are not doing what God expects of you. You lose not only control of your children; you lose their love and respect, too. Praise your children for their efforts at cooperating with you and the rest of your family.

If you lose your cool the situation is likely to escalate and embarrass you both. There is a wealth of information on the internet. One helpful site is https://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/supporting/resources/tempertantrums.cfm   

Lord God, as I correct my children like You have taught me, they give me comfort and delight my soul. (Proverbs 29:17) Thank you for Your love for us all. Please continue to guide and direct not only my children and grandchildren, but me, too, and give us Your wisdom and self control.

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

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

April 27 – Teen and Adult Self Control

Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. ... But if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 1 Corinthians 7:5, 9 

Self control in teens as well as adults is an admirable quality. Sexual abstinence in single people is righteousness in action—it is keeping the commandment… You shall not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14. I remember a discussion with college classmates as to “what is adultery?” There was the argument that unless a person was married, it wouldn’t be adultery. But really when two people have sexual relations unless they are married to each other, it is adultery. When those two people engage in that activity, they are either with their own spouse or someone else’s spouse—those to whom someone will one day be married. Our society just doesn’t teach sexuality like it is. Don’t have sex with someone else’s spouse. If you aren’t married—don’t have sex—abstain from sexual immorality. Teens and adults need to be self controlled in their sexual relations. Jesus even went so far as to teach about this in His Sermon on the Mount. You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; 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 5:27-28. It takes self control to abstain from sexual immorality.   

Training Tip – Have you had a frank discussion about sex with your teenager? Society today is so accepting of teenagers having sex and raising their babies outside of wedlock. Is this the value you want for your children? Teaching self control at an early age may be essential to respect for self and others later in life. Would it be considered respect for others to abstain from sexual relations outside of marriage? I think so. Do you watch TV shows that are accepting of sex outside of marriage—like Castle? Or those favorite comedies like Tim Allen’s Last Man Standing The Big Bang Theory, Friends, or Seinfeld? We all innocently enjoy these situations comedies or dramas, but the underlying message is sexual promiscuity. Re-evaluate the programs that you and your family watch.

Lord God, give me wisdom as I guide my children and teenagers to make good decisions, to have self control and respect for others.

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

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

April 26 – Examine Everything Carefully

But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 

Self control deals with making good decisions— 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. If we focus on the good things and keep our minds on that…don’t let your thoughts wander off into mindless unproductive or evil thoughts…life will be better. Better than what you ask? Better than anything we could hope for if we focus on what God wants for us. Ask Him for His best and you’ll be surprised at what you get. Once again, keep track of what you pray about—for what you are asking of God. See the surprising results and tell others about His amazing generosity—how He has helped you with your self control or other problems. 

Training Tip – Choose a scripture verse for your children to memorize that will help them with their self control. You may need to memorize the passages along with your children. Be sure to check out different translations. Some of the verses to memorize could be:

• Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 
• The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged. 2 Timothy 2:24 NASB or…A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 2 Timothy 2:24 NLT
• But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. Matthew 5:39
• Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you. Exodus 20:12
• The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. Proverbs 29:15  
• Philippians 4:8 – see above.
• …you shall love the Lord Your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. Luke 10:27

Lord – Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right. (Proverbs 20:11 NLT). May my children and grandchildren be known for their self controlled behavior that reflects the love and discipline that they have received as a result of knowing You. 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

Eggs Benedict – Poached Eggs on English Muffin with meat, covered with Hollandaise Sauce

Eggs Benedict has been a family favorite in our home for about forty years! My husband and I used to have Eggs Benedict on the weekend regularly at a local restaurant when we were first married. When he was relocated in his job, our new community didn’t have any restaurants with Eggs Benedict on the menu—so I learned to master Hollandaise Sauce, the key ingredient to Eggs Benedict. Timing is essential. Prepare the Hollandaise Sauce, heat the meat, toast the muffins and then poach the eggs.

      Assemble in the following order:

      English Muffins, toasted

      Meat (Canadian Bacon, warmed)

            (or other meat such as thinly sliced smoked salmon (lox) served cold, regular bacon, or turkey meat)

      Cheese, if desired, cheddar, white cheddar, dill havarti or swiss

      Sliced Vegetables (tomato or avocado), optional

      Poached Eggs (1 or 2 per person)

      Hollandaise Sauce 

Poached Eggs – Use a specialty egg poaching pan or poach the eggs yourself. Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to a quart of water, bring to a boil. Gently add the eggs (one or two per person) to the water and simmer until the whites of the eggs are set. Remove from the water with a slotted spoon. Serve immediately. 

Hollandaise Sauce – serves 4

4 egg yolks

            1 cube butter (½ cup) or ¼ cup coconut oil

            Juice from 1 lemon (about ¼ cup), use fresh not bottled

            Sprinkle of cayenne pepper   

Beat egg yolks and ½ of the butter or coconut oil over low heat until the eggs begin to thicken. Add the other half of the butter or oil. Continue to stir constantly until butter or oil is all melted and incorporated into the sauce. Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice and cayenne pepper, if desired. 

Enjoy for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

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

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

April 25 – Self Control

And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness…. 2 Peter 1:4-6 NLT

 

Self control allows us to be disciplined and restrained with obedience to God and others. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines self control as restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires. Self control is the key to good behavior. If children learn self control—mastering their impulses, then their behavior will be more acceptable. This can apply to our lives as adults as well. Self control is one of those traits in which we can continually learn and grow.  

Training Tip – Teaching self control needs to begin at a young age—like 2 years old. They can’t use temper tantrums to control you and their selfish desires. Give them a short time out and when their fussing is over talk to them briefly about their unacceptable behavior. Next add praise to their training and encourage your children whenever they don’t lose control in a frustrating situation. By the time they start school they’ll understand that actions have consequences and that they have choices in good or bad behavior. As they get older persuade them to think before they act. Your example will be very important, no matter what their age. How can you expect them to control their emotions if you have outbursts of anger or rage? 

Lord – Fill our lives with self control. Thank you for disciplining _______, and for preparing him/her to share your holiness. May this discipline, however painful, train this child to produce a harvest of righteousness and peace in their life. (Hebrews 12:10-11)

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

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

April 24 – Gentle Correction

The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:24-26  

Gentle correction. That is a humbling experience. A good Christian friend of mine once took me aside and told me I was doing something wrong…I don’t even remember the action now that was so offensive, but I do remember the correction. It was like receiving a scolding from my grandmother—but it changed my ways. Humbled me and made me more considerate of others. She corrected me privately, not in front of other people—that would have been even harder to take. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1. Gentle reprimand does the same thing. Have you ever had to tell someone that they are doing the wrong thing in their life? God uses His followers to correct other followers—gently. By correcting others it may keep them from falling into greater sin—from being under more satanic influence. That is important in this day when evil slips into our lives in subtle ways via the TV or internet. Keep your guard up and discuss assaults on your spiritual growth with your Christian friends. Don’t quarrel with your Christian brothers and sisters—but do pray about situations you see and confront them if necessary. Make sure that in your prayers you discuss your own actions with the Lord, so that no one can come back at you and say that you have the same sin occurring in your life. To whom are you accountable? 

Training Tip – Gentleness. What level of that quality do you have in your life? Do you see that quality reflected in your children’s lives? Once again, the best way to initiate or instill a Christian character in your children is to demonstrate it in your own life. Be gentle with your kids. Listen intently to your children and your spouse—don’t be distracted by the TV, newspaper, or computer. Don’t get angry if they don’t pay attention to you—but set boundaries and expectations so that they know that they must respect their parents, grandparents, and elders. When they know the expectations, hold them to it and discipline as necessary—gently. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. ... Fathers (and Mothers), do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart. Colossians 3:17, 21  

Lord God, help me to put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12) that I would be able to teach, train, and model Jesus’ quality of gentleness before my family.  

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

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

April 23 – Looking for God’s Gentleness in Your Life

But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:9-11

Jesus told His disciples and followers at the Sermon on the Mount…No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. Matthew 6:24. Paul was telling Timothy in this passage above that money is the root of all evil—so we, as well as Timothy and other Christians in Paul’s time, should go have faith in God, living right before Him in loving and gentle ways. Gentleness is not a characteristic that you see in those who are greedy, selfish and money hungry. Gentleness is a characteristic you see in those who are generous, loving, kind and so devoted to God that they actually do put Him first in their lives—like we are suppose to do. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33. Do you find it hard to God and put others first in your life?

Training Tip – Talk with your family about trying to live God’s way. Teach them the song “Seek Ye First” from Matthew 6:33. The “things” that will be added or provided for us are the things that God knows we need as listed in Matthew 6:25-32.

Seek Ye first the kingdom of God,
And His righteousness,
And all these things, shall be added onto you,
Alleu, Alleuia.

Man shall not live by bread alone,
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God
Alleu, Alleuia.

Ask and it shall be given unto you
Seek and ye shall find.
Knock and the door shall be opened onto you.
Alleu, Alleuia.

Seek Ye first the kingdom of God,
And His righteousness,
And all these things, shall be added onto you,
Alleu, Alleuia.

Lord God, I want to live my life Your way—and I give You my every thought, word, and action today that it may be pleasing to You. I am asking You to bless me, my family and my friends that we would live righteous lives, not seeking riches, but seeking You—gently and faithfully.

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

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

April 22 – Give a Gentle Account for the Hope That is in You

…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…. 1 Peter 3:15 

Sanctify—set  apart—Christ as Lord of your heart. Lord or ruler of your heart—your soul, your life. Of every action and thought that you have. Give up your old ways and take on Christ’s ways for your life. Then be ready to explain your actions—give an account for the hope—the salvation and eternal life—the joy, peace and love that you have now. But don’t get defensive about your hope—gently and reverently share your response to people’s questions about your relationship to God. People who knew you before you became a Christian may wonder about the change in your attitude and lifestyle. I know that when I became a Christian and visited my sister, she asked me what was different about me. Well, I thought, I just got my hair cut—new style for me…and then I realized I hadn’t seen her since I’d become a Christian. She said it wasn’t just my hair, I had a different attitude. I didn’t have my old sarcastic attitude and sharp cutting tongue anymore. I had changed. That was what Christ did in my life—I became more like Him with a gentle and considerate attitude—expressing myself using kind words. It is amazing what God can do in a person’s life in just a few short weeks or months. Have you accepted Christ as your personal Savior? What changes have you seen in your life since you’ve become a Christian? 

Training Tip – Do your children know Jesus as their personal savior? If so, do you see any changes in their lives? Share with your family how Jesus has changed you—changed your life. Help them to be prepared to share their own hope with others who may ask them about their relationship to Jesus. Writing out their testimony is a good exercise. They may want to paint a picture of their life without Jesus—and another picture of their life with Jesus. A gentle answer may draw others to want to know Jesus better themselves. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. 

Lord – Please help me to see how You have changed me. Show me how to verbally share with others around me the hope that You have given me. My hope is in You Lord.

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

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

April 21 – What Do You Desire?

What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness? 1 Corinthians 4:21  

Kids can be exasperating. Just plain trying—pushing your buttons until you want to explode. But hang in there Dad and Mom—you are the boss, the one in control and your boss is the God of all creation. He will help you and guide you if you ask Him to help you. What do you desire? Anger on the part of the parent only adds fuel to the raging fire in both the child and adult. Subdue that anger with prayer—desire instead love and a spirit of gentleness.   

Training Tip – Do you have a plan—a goal for yourself and your family? How are you going to handle adversity and discipline with your children? Are you going to chase them around with a swatting stick (rod) or belt (like I did)? Or are you going to sit down and let them know what is expected of them…and when they misbehave are you going to impose discipline like time-out, swats or privileges revoked? You may have already learned what type of discipline works with each of your children. If not get to know what makes your child tick—how do they best receive love, training and discipline. You may want to read the book, The Five Languages of Love by Gary Chapman. It can be applied to children as well as adults. Find your child’s learning style—(see February 7^th Training Tip for suggestions). There are four basic learning styles and thus groups of learners:

·         Visual or Spatial learners – learn by seeing. Best taught by flash cards, board games, and picture association like drawing pictures of story heard.

·         Auditory learners – learn just by listening. These students excel at oral lessons.

·         Touch and Feel or Tactile and Kinetic learners – need to integrate physical movement and activity into learning, like spelling out letters with arms or acting out stories.

·         Logical learners – learn by analyzing information. These students use word puzzles, problem solving exercises, synopsis writing and abstract questioning.

·         Combination learners – learn by using multiple learning methods. Such students may need to see and hear as well as touch to learn information. Many children use a combination of learning styles.

Desire to learn about your child…and yourself. Ask God for guidance, wisdom and a spirit of gentleness. He is waiting to hear from you and grant you the desires of your heart. 

Lord God, I want to be like Jesus—with a spirit of gentleness guiding me as I teach and discipline my children with love. Please give me wisdom to know my children as You do and to love and respect them.

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

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

April 20 – Gentleness

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. James 3:13  

Gentleness. It seems like a characteristic you see in weak people, but in reality it is a characteristic of strength. It takes a great gift to show calmness, personal care, and tenderness in meeting the needs of others. It is truly putting the needs of others first. That is just what God wants us to do. Be gentle in our attitude and actions.  

Training Tip – Sit down and read James 3 aloud to yourself. Scripture is so much more powerful when read and heard. Pray back to God a couple of verses. Can you apply these verses to yourself? Does gentleness describe you in any way? Do you want to have a gentle nature? Give God praise for His love and guidance in your life—for the gentleness that He has towards you. Then ask Him to give you gentleness in teaching and training your children to know Him and to be more like Jesus every day.  

Lord – Please give me wisdom and understanding. Help me to show Your gentle nature as I teach and train my children to know You…and to know themselves.

Happy 5th Birthday, Amelia!

Little Ladybug! Hugs!   

Protect the larva (baby ladybugs)—let them live and grow! http://www.ladybug-life-cycle.com/

 

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

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

April 19 – Call for a Big Dinner

…A man was giving a big dinner, and he invited many; and at the dinner hour he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for everything is ready now.' "But they all alike began to make excuses. The first one said to him, 'I have bought a piece of land and I need to go out and look at it; please consider me excused.' Another one said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please consider me excused.' Another one said, 'I have married a wife, and for that reason I cannot come.' And the slave came back and reported this to his master. Then the head of the household became angry and said to his slave, 'Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in here the poor and crippled and blind and lame.' And the slave said, 'Master, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.' And the master said to the slave, 'Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled. 'For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste of my dinner.'- Luke 14:16-24  

God the Father in Heaven is that man giving the big dinner. No matter what I want to be ready when He calls—Come for everything is ready. Imagine having to invite perfect strangers to a party since your intended guests couldn’t come. I think God’s plan was the more the merrier—that’s a good plan. These people had been invited well ahead of time, but they found excuses not to go to this banquet. Don’t make excuses to not attend God’s banquet! God is very generous—and His Son is like Him. That is how we want to be, too. Generous. When you give a dinner party, don’t skimp—on the guest list or the food. I image that God’s menu will be out of this world! Heavenly to be precise. What sort of food do you think we can expect to eat? I’m sure it will be more than angel food cake! 

Training Tip – Have your children accompany you to take or serve food at a homeless shelter—or even a McDonald’s meal to a hungry person holding a sign where we frequently see them on the street corner. Can you take extra food for your family, too and make it a party right there on the street? You may want to visit with the homeless person without your children present just to be sure it is a safe adventure. This will demonstrate not only generosity, but also compassion. 

Lord, help me to be generous not only with my family and friends, but also with perfect strangers—just as You demonstrated in this parable. 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

Banquet food fit for a King. Menu – Shrimp cocktail, Prime Rib, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, tossed salad with blueberry vinaigrette, fresh hot rolls with honey, asparagus, green beans with slivered almonds, and chocolate cake for dessert. 

Prime Rib - Easier than you think...and tasty.

Choose a rib roast that is a generous size, considering 1 pound of meat for each man and ½ pound of meat for each lady who will be dining with you. 

Allow the roast to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour before roasting. Heat the oven to 400 degree Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius). Slice several cloves of garlic lengthwise and insert into the roast. Spread Dijon mustard over the roast and roll in rock salt. Top the roast with a sprig or two of fresh rosemary. Place the roast in the oven for ten minutes and then turn the temperature down to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) and roast uncovered for about 12-15 minutes per pound or until the meat thermometer registers at 160 degree Fahrenheit (72 degrees Celsius) for medium rare meat. If you want your meat more rare, roast until 150 degrees. Remove from the oven and cover with foil. Allow to sit for 10-15 minutes. Slice and enjoy with horseradish sauce.

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

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

April 18 – Ask and Receive

Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 18:19

 

In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. John 16:23-24

 

Ask for anything! God the Father is so generous He will give it to you if you just ask. Pray with a friend and whatever you ask it will be done. But you may be thinking…that doesn’t always happen. Is what you are asking for in God’s will? He’s not going to grant you a winning lottery ticket if you are going to be greedy…or give you someone else’s car, house or wife—that is breaking His commandments about not coveting or lusting. Find out what God’s will is for the situation you are desiring…then pray in accordance with His will and as Jesus taught, in His name. God promised us in Psalm 37:4…Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. The desires of our hearts—that is very generous. Don’t get discouraged if God doesn’t answer your prayers immediately or positively. Just keep a record of your prayers—and you will see when and how God answers. Sometimes you may have to keep praying for something for years before you get an answer—but that doesn’t mean that God didn’t hear you. Sin gets in the way of communication with God, so approach His throne with a clean and forgiven heart. Purity of your heart will allow Him to hear your request that is in His will. So how do you find God’s will? Read your Bible and get to know God better…and you’ll find that what you want or need is just what He desires for you. How healthy is your heart spiritually?  

Training Tip – With your family make a list of the things your heart desires: salvation of a friend or neighbor, food for the hungry people in your community, good health for family and friends, a better attitude towards a coworker or classmate, a new shirt or dress in a particular color, a refrigerator that works, wisdom in making an upcoming decision, help with a specific problem, self-control, joy or peace in a particular situation in your life. Whatever is on your list, pray about each request. Ask and you will receive. Keep a record so that you and your family can see God working in your lives.

Lord God, hear our prayers, the desires of our hearts. Give us Your blessing, wisdom and understanding. Thank you.

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

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

April 17 – Blessed to Give Generously

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you. Deuteronomy 16:17  

God has surely blessed us. Since we have an abundance here in the United States it is assumed that we can always give. So as it says in Proverbs 22:9…He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor. Jesus instructed his followers in the Luke version of the Sermon on the Mount…Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.  Luke 6:38 God provides for His followers so that they can be His hands and feet to provide for others. That measure that Jesus talked about can be enormous or tiny, our choice. 

Are you blessed? Are you sharing with others? This is convicting—I can always give more—by giving up something in my budget that I selfishly desire…new clothes or a visit to a favorite expensive restaurant.  Like Jesus said when Mary anointed Him with oil from an alabaster jar…For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. Matthew 26:11 We just have choices to make—serve God and be blessed by giving…or don’t give and don’t be blessed. .

Training Tip – Make up a Giving Game. In this game your children are given cards to “give” food and clothes to the poor. The more they give the more cards they get to give more. Help them to see a measure of “generosity” and the adage that it is more blessed to give than receive. This advice was recorded in Acts, but is not found in any of the Gospels that recorded Jesus’ words. In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'  Acts 20:35   

Lord Jesus, help me, my children and my grandchildren to understand how blessed we are…and how You want us to be generous not only with those in our family, but with the poor in our community.

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

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

April 16 – Generosity

April 16 – Generosity

Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous? Matthew 20:15

 

Jesus taught using some intriguing stories or parables. This scripture above comes from a larger passage and I can just imagine Jesus as the landowner going to the market area in His village and hiring workers for His vineyard.  

For the Kingdom of Heaven is like the landowner who went out early one morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay the normal daily wage and sent them out to work. At nine o'clock in the morning he was passing through the marketplace and saw some people standing around doing nothing. So he hired them, telling them he would pay them whatever was right at the end of the day. So they went to work in the vineyard. At noon and again at three o'clock he did the same thing. At five o'clock that afternoon he was in town again and saw some more people standing around. He asked them, 'Why haven't you been working today?' They replied, 'Because no one hired us.' The landowner told them, 'Then go out and join the others in my vineyard.' That evening he told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. When those hired at five o'clock were paid, each received a full day's wage. When those hired first came to get their pay, they assumed they would receive more. But they, too, were paid a day's wage. When they received their pay, they protested to the owner, 'Those people worked only one hour, and yet you've paid them just as much as you paid us who worked all day in the scorching heat.' He answered one of them, 'Friend, I haven't been unfair! Didn't you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?' So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last. Matthew 20:1-16 NLT

I love this story of generosity. Being generous allow us to give to others because God has give abundantly to us. Generosity is the good use of stewardship and the attitude that everything I have came from and belongs to God, knowing that we are the caretakers for His purpose.

 

Training Tip – How can you teach your children to be generous? By being generous to them? Let them see you being generous to others. Encourage them to share what they have with playmates and siblings. Praise them whenever you see them sharing with others—although try to save that “praise” for a time when just the two of you are having some sharing time so that they don’t get a big head or embarrassed in front of their friends.

Lord God, encourage my children and grandchildren to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

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

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