Security

Read Proverbs 31 

The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted.  Proverbs 29:25 

Jesus was secure in knowing that the Father loved Him—and with that confidence He could love others—and even give up His own life for us. So with this same security we can trust and rely on God for our daily needs. It isn’t that we just sit back and let God do everything for us—give us everything—but that we work with God’s values, centering or organizing our life focusing on God’s will with an eternal outlook in mind knowing we are wrapped up in God’s security. We are safe because God protects us. 

Training Tip – The woman described in Proverbs 31 is a woman after God’s own heart—she totally trusts the Lord and works to serve Him and her family. See what qualities you have that are similar to the Proverbs 31 woman. If you are the father in the family, point out to your children how their mother is like this Proverbs woman. Give praise and honor to her…because it says in Proverbs 31:30…Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. It gives security to your children to know that you love your spouse. Show your love to all your family—have a group hug every day. That is security—love.  

Lord God, we pause and are still before You…You told us …Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world…from Psalms 46:10 NLT. We feel secure in knowing that You are God. You are in control of the universe. You love us. We give You glory, honor and praise.

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

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

Listen and Obey

Read Proverbs 30

But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. James 1:22-26 NLT 

As we listen and obey we will become more like Jesus. Obedience is the key—but we have to listen to know what to do…what to say…where to go…who to serve. Proverbs 30 has some great advice about honesty, living and mysteries of life.  

Training Tip – What did you teach your children today? By your actions did you teach them…to be honest, to be fair, to be considerate of others, to love one another…and your neighbor as yourself? To listen and obey God’s Word? 

Lord Jesus, thank you that You were such a good example to us…to listen to God the Father, to be obedient and to love others. Help us to be more like You. 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

My daughter Lisa suggested this refreshing summer salad. She used leftovers for corn chowder, after her kiddos had picked out and eaten all the blueberries. 

Blueberry Corn Salad

Simple summer salad combining blueberries, sweet corn, cucumbers, cilantro, jalapeño, red onion, with a tasty honey lime dressing. Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

6 ears fresh sweet corn, husked
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cucumber, peeled and seeded if desired, then sliced or chunked
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Cook the corn for about 5 minutes in a large pot of boiling water. Cool and cut corn from the cobs. Discard cobs.

2. In a large serving bowl, combine corn, blueberries, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno. To make the dressing, whisk together lime juice, oil, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over salad and stir until combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This salad keeps well so you can make day in advance. Enjoy with a crusty loaf of French bread or fresh tortillas and a tall glass of sweet iced tea.  

Adapted from www.twopeasandtheirpod.com

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

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

Listen and Understand

Read Proverbs 29

After He called the crowd to Him again, He began saying to them, Listen to Me, all of you, and understand, there is nothing outside the man which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which proceed out of the man are what defile the man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.  Mark 7:14-16  

Once again the disciples were clueless so Jesus clarified the parable that He told so they could understand it. …that which proceeds out of the man that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man. Mark 7: 20-23. That is pretty straight forward—the foods we eat goes through us and are eliminated from our bodies, but our thoughts, words and actions can make us unclean. To the Jews cleanliness was pretty important. The Pharisees and other Jews were continually focused on purification before eating, after shopping in the market, and before worshipping. They questioned Jesus since His disciples were not washing their hands before they ate. Today we know the importance of washing to remove germs, but during Jesus’ time, for the Jewish people it was a ritual that was bound up in tradition. 

Training Tip – Listen. Listen. Listen. Do you hear Jesus speaking? Do you have ears to hear? Jesus said that several times…ears to hear. Read these verses to your children. How can they have “ears to hear” unless someone reads the Bible to them? How can you hear God’s Word, unless you read it?

-          He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 11:15

-          And He was saying, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." ... "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." Mark 4:9, 23

-          If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. Mark 7:16

-          Other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great. As He said these things, He would call out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Luke 8:8

-          It is useless either for the soil or for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Luke 14:35

Are you reading God’s Word every day? Are you listening for what He is telling you…are you praying? 

Lord God, You are a mighty God. Forgive me for not reading Your Word consistently. Thank you for showing me the importance of spending time with You, reading Your Word and praying. Help me be an example to my children and grandchildren that they would come to love you even more deeply than I do—and I love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

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

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

Standards of Measure

Read Proverbs 28

And He was saying to them, Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. Mark 4:24  

In the scripture passage right before this verse, Jesus was teaching about the sower who scattered his seeds on a road, on rocky ground, in thorns, and in good soil. The seeds by the road got eaten up by birds, the seeds in the rocky ground didn’t have enough depth of soil to survive, the thorns choked out the crop, and only the seeds in the good soil produced good produce. Jesus challenges those who are there to listen—as He said…He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Mark 4:9. That same challenge is for us today.

Training Tip – Kids love to measure things--using cups, teaspoons or measuring tapes. Let them measure something, grain or dried beans would go with this passage. Talk with them about how there is a standard of measurement—a cup should always be a cup; a meter should always be a meter. God’s Word is a measurement standard, too. We have to obey His commandments. We have to listen to obey. We need to make our own standards the same as God’s standards. Can you illustrate that for your children? Make a chart of their standards. How do they measure up? You may want to make a video about the sower scripture passage (Mark 4:3-29) using a cam recorder, digital camera or cell phone with someone in your family reading. The video will illustrate how good “soil” in our hearts will produce good fruit if we listen and obey. 

 

Lord Jesus, grant that my children and grandchildren learn to listen to Your Word and obey. May Your standards be their standards.

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

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

Listening and Loving God’s Sweet Word

Read Proverbs 27

And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him. Luke 21:38

If a person is living and walking according to God’s commandments and scripture, then listen closely and let them teach you something from God’s Word that is new, fresh and alive. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12. Be sure you listen and follow God’s teachings.

Training Tip – Get your family up early on Saturday or Sunday morning and take an early morning walk. Talk to them about how people got up early to go hear Jesus teach. In the Old Testament it gives teaching about teaching your family (sons—but this includes daughters, too) God’s Word… You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates…. Deuteronomy 11:18-20. The Jewish people have a great custom of putting scripture in little metal or ceramic vial by their door—a mezuzah. Write out some scripture and place it by your door—as a remembrance for what the Lord has done for you. As you attach the scripture to your wall, praise the Lord and thank Him for who His is, and for the home and family He has provided for you.

Lord Jesus, may my children and grandchildren grow to love Your Word and find it more precious than gold and sweeter than honey as it says in Psalm 19:10.

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

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

Listen to Him

Read Proverbs 26

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!" Matthew 17:5  

God the Father spoke from Heaven—imagine how the people there on the banks of the River Jordan must have felt to hear a booming voice from sky above declaring Jesus to be His Son? I’m sure God the Father had their total attention—no doubt they were listening. We just had a great summer evening storm complete with thunder and lightning last night—and that got our attention. Envision the real voice of God thundering! 

Can you become a better listener? Listen as you read God’s word. Look for verses that pop out and that you recall. Listen as you pray. Ask the Spirit how He’d like you to pray. Then just be quiet—be quiet before the Lord for two or three minutes. Pay attention to what you hear in scripture, visualize what is happening and sense the feelings of those about whom the scripture is written. Listen as you talk. After you speak—listen to God. 

Training Tip – Work again on teaching your children to listen. Listening is such an important skill. On February 7th and April 21^st learning styles were discussed in this blog—but it is important enough to repeat again. There are four basic learning styles and thus groups of learners, plus a group of combination 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.

Find your child’s learning style and help them grow in wisdom and understanding by teaching them according to their unique style. Encourage them to become good listeners, training them to focus on hearing you and your spouse, as well as their teachers and sports coaches. If listening is not their learning style then work with them to develop that skill by creating listening games and rewarding them (even just hugs and “well done”) when they listen closely to your instructions. Catch them in listening in everyday activities and praise them for being attentive. Pray for your children—that they would listen and learn. 

Lord Jesus, please give me wisdom and understanding that I would be a better listener—and help me to listen to my children, teaching them to grow to be more like You.

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

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

To Whom Do You Listen?

 Read Proverbs 25

 

For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:7-9

 

Be careful who you listen to when it comes to understanding Christ’s teachings. Don’t be deceived by those who may distort God’s Word. There are people out there who want to trip you up—and deceive you into believing false things about Jesus. Additional advice is given throughout the scriptures:

-Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

-Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts ... You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:3, 17-18

Keep focused on Jesus and His teachings, sharing His wisdom, goodness and hope with your family and friends.

 

Training Tip – Most kids love to play school by the time they are in kindergarten. Let each of your children be the “teacher” once a month during your “family together” or “devotion” time. Help them choose a Bible story or verse to teach to everyone in the family. Teaching is a gift—so don’t let them get frustrated if this is just not their fun thing to do—but do encourage them to try it at least once.

 

Lord, show us Your truths and help us not to be deceived in any way when it comes to understanding Your Word.

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

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

Teaching Around the World

Read Proverbs 24

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 

Jesus directed His disciples—and us—to TEACH people around the world all His commandments. And then He gave one of the best promises ever—that He would always be with us. What a comforting thought! He is not only with us—He is with Christians all around the world. But in order for there to be Christians around the world—we need to pray for people, in our neighborhood, our community, our state, our nation and those around the world to understand who Jesus is…and to seek a relationship with Him. We need to live the way Jesus wants us to live since our example may be the only way some people see Jesus. They have to want to become a disciple of His—we cannot force anyone to believe in Jesus as God—as their Savior. Once people know who Jesus is personally…then they can be discipled to learn more about Him. 

Training Tip – Look at a world map or a globe with your family. You may need to visit a public library to find a big map of the world. Look in a magazine like “World Missions” or other missionary journals to see where missionaries are and where countries are located that have not been reached for Jesus. One such region is an area called the 10/40 Window, located between 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator. This might be a good opportunity to read some missionary stories to your children so they can understand the unique way of life the missionaries experience while they are living in another country. Food, clothing, availability of water, language barriers, cultural celebrations and types of homes are just a few of the differences they encounter. Look on-line for missionary stories. 

Lord Jesus, we praise You for all the different people around the world that You created. Help us to reach them for You…and show us how we can be better examples every day to those in our own home, neighborhood, and community.

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

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

Listen to Learn – Listen to Teach

Read Proverbs 23

It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples." Luke 11:1  

If Jesus hadn’t listened to His disciples, He wouldn’t have responded to their need to learn to pray. It is amazing that He could see them—and hear them—without being there—so it is the same for us. Remember how He knew that Nathanael was sitting under the fig tree. Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." John 1:48. Jesus knows our needs before we ask Him—but we still need to ask and seek answers from Him and God the Father. Jesus will also teach us what we need to know—giving us wisdom and understanding. We just need to ask. Prayer comes back to those verses in Matthew 7:7…Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. I love those promises—ask, seek, knock. God will provide. Are you trusting the Lord to provide for you? 

Training Tip – Have your children memorized the Lord’s Prayer? If not, then get them started on learning it today. Review it every day this week—as a bedtime prayer. It may become a new habit—a good one.

Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13  

Lord Jesus, teach us to pray…give us wisdom and understanding that we will pray for what You desire us to have, know and do in our lives.  

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

The summer garden is still producing lots of tomatoes and cucumbers—make some fresh salsa. Add some cooked chopped chicken, if you like, or some goat cheese and you have a meal!

 Cucumber Salsa

Ingredients

2 medium cucumbers, peeled and chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoon fresh cilantro, finely snipped

1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely snipped
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 package tortilla chips or warm fresh tortillas

Directions                               

In a medium bowl, stir together the cucumbers, tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, onion, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, dill, and salt.

Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Serve with tortilla chips or roll up in fresh warm tortillas.

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

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

Hear What is Taught

Read Proverbs 22

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  

When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:28-29  

Jesus amazed the religious authorities and the general (Jewish) public with His teaching. His focus during the early part of His ministry was towards the Jewish people. Then later He turns to focus on the Gentiles. It was a real revelation—an awesome epiphany moment for me when we visited Caesarea Philippi at the head of the Jordan River in Israel. Jesus took His disciples away from the Jewish region of Galilee to this Gentile region of Caesarea Philippi, about a day and a half walk from the Sea of Galilee, to teach them without distractions. He wanted to see who could “hear.” He even spoke to them in Greek (a Gentile tongue)—not in Hebrew or Aramaic. Peter was the only one to “hear” the truth. Jesus is the Son of God!

Jesus gave the keys of heaven to Peter, like gifting him “salvation.” The Gates of Hell (pictured on the left) will not prevail—evil will not stand in his way. Simon in Hebrew is Shimon, meaning One Who Hears. Simon Peter was the first missionary to the Gentiles and it was here in Caesarea Philippi that Jesus commissioned him.

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

Training Tip – Teach your children to hear. Have them put on blindfolds and then make noises with different instruments or simply create rhythms and ask them to identify the instruments or repeat the rhythms. Hearing is a very important part of teaching and learning.  

Lord Jesus, we hear You telling us that Your words are God the Father’s words. Help us to apply His Words to our lives.

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

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

Teach

Read Proverbs 21

When Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He departed from there to teach and preach in their cities. Matthew 11:1  

The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught…. When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. Mark 6:30, 34  

Jesus was the greatest teacher ever—even non-believers and Jews will admit that Jesus was a great teacher. These verses from the Bible tell us that Jesus taught His disciples—He gave them instructions teaching them to be teachers. When they got together again, the disciples reported what they had taught and done. He also taught more than just His disciples, He compassionately taught the everyday people. This was just before the feeding of the five thousand men. That taught compassion to the disciples—as well as the great crowd. So what can we learn about teaching from Jesus?

1.      Do it with compassion – just like He taught and fed the 5,000—we should approach those we have the opportunity to teach with compassion.

2.      Teach those who are in our immediate circle—like His disciples. Disciple or train them in the way that Jesus did: focusing on putting God first, following His teachings and commandments, the importance of bearing fruit, loving one another, and making disciples. Teach others to be ready themselves to teach others about Christ.

3.      Teach others beyond our immediate circle. Jesus went out to the cities and taught people wherever they came to Him—like by the Galilean Lake shore.

4.      Listen to those you are teaching. Jesus listened to His disciples. He met their needs. One example of this is when they asked Him to teach them to pray—and He gave us the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).

5.      Take time with those you are teaching—nothing of value happens instantaneously unless it is a miracle. Discussion with those you are teaching/discipling is a good way of learning—giving insights to both the student and the teacher.

6.      Teach by example—Jesus washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:4-12).  

Training Tip – Make a list of things you want to teach your children. Then prioritize the list and create a monthly, weekly, and then daily goals list so that you can accomplish what you want to teach them, especially what you can do to help them become more like Christ. 

Lord, help us to be teachable and give us wisdom and understanding that we can be better teachers to bring You glory and honor.

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

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

Pay Close Attention

Read Proverbs 20

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1 

Close attention. Is that like getting especially close to really clearly see and hear whatever it is that you are focusing on? As we get older our eyes grow a bit dimmer and we just don't hear quite as we'll either. So while you are young focus your attention.  As you get older you may have regrets...like that expressed in Isaiah 48:18.  If only you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your well-being would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Let's pay close attention to God's Word--especially His Commandments--so that we don't drift away from living and doing what is right. 

Training Tip - How are you doing with your kiddos in memorizing the Ten Commandments? Did you write them out--or have your children write them, if they can? Review them a couple of times a day and again at bedtime every day this week. Do you have a Memory Chart that you put stickers or stars on when the children successfully memorize verses? If not, create one today. Focus your attention on God's Word. Help your children pay close attention to their own thought, words and actions so that they live life in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.

Dear God, thank you for Your Word that gives us direction. Help us to not fall away from the faith as some will in the last days, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons as recorded in 1Timothy 4:1.

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

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

Look and Listen Attentively

Read Proverbs 19  

The man said to me, "Son of man, see with your eyes, hear with your ears, and give attention to all that I am going to show you; for you have been brought here in order to show it to you. Declare to the house of Israel all that you see." Ezekiel 40:4   

Pay attention to what you see and hear the Lord telling you. In this passage from Ezekiel, God is telling Ezekiel to focus his attention on a vision of measurements of the Temple while the Jews were still in captivity in Babylon. How often do you pay close attention to details of something that is more than a thousand miles away? I'm sort of details person--measure twice, cut once. I'm convinced that I see more variety in colors than most people--the sky may be gray--but it is really 16 shades of gray. Details-details. God wants us to pay attention to details--maybe not different hues of the sky, but details in His word--what He is trying to tell us. Listen closely--and keep your eyes focused on Him. 

Training Tip - Gather your family together and then turn on the radio and TV with the volume turned up high.  Try to get your family's attention telling them something special--like those who are listening will get a special treat, like ice cream. Turn off the radio and television. Talk about how we can be easily distracted by noises and we need focus our attention on what is important--God, parents, and teachers. Now with the radio and TV off, whisper your instructions again about those who are listening get a special treat. Have them signal you if they are paying attention and hear you. Then follow through with a special family treat. 

Lord, help us to not only pay attention, but to hear You and obey. 

Attentiveness

Read Proverbs 16

He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. Proverbs 16:20

 

Attentiveness is paying attention to other people’s needs and desires, respectfully listening to them, focusing on what they have to say—not on our own interests. It is also giving our full attention and contemplation to God’s Word. Jesus was very attentive to those around Him—and to God His Father. He said over and over that He came to do the will of His Father. He obviously listened to His Father—since He spoke what His Father wanted Him to say…and did what He wanted Him to do. Are you so focused—so attentive—on God that you do what He wants you to do and say what He wants you to say?

 

Training Tip – Children need to be taught to care about others. Being taught to share…beginning at about one-year of age, is a good point for them realize that the needs of others must be considered. It is hard for pre-school children to focus on others—their life is about “Me” and their own needs. By the time children are in about the first or second grade they can begin to empathize with others and understand that other people have needs and interests beyond themselves. So be an example to them—share and care with not only your children—but let them see that you care about others within your family, your circle of friends, your neighborhood, your community, and beyond. Put others first. That is scriptural. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves…from Philippians 2:3. By listening to others you’ll learn about their needs and then rely on God—on the Holy Spirit—to show you what to do and say.

 

Lord, sometimes I’m so caught up in my own life that I don’t hear what others are saying—what they need. Help me to listen and be attentive to others and to You.

 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

Cupcake Day! The world loves cupcakes!

 

No Frost Chocolate Cupcakes

Makes 24 cupcakes

1 cup chopped dates

½ cup chopped nuts

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup hot water

1 cup sugar

¾ cup coconut oil

1 Tbsp cocoa

½ tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

2 eggs

1 cup chocolate chips 

Mix soda and dates together, pour hot water over mixture and set aside.

Prepare cupcake pan by greasing it, or lining with paper cups.

Cream oil and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, date mixture, flour, and salt. Beat well for about 3 minutes. Add ½ cup chip. Mix. Pour batter evenly into cupcake pan. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips and nuts on top. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. For an extra treat—frost with your favorite frosting or a swirl of canned whipped cream. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Michelle!

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

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