April 30 – Be A Servant

And Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. 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. Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came out of heaven: "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again." John 12:23-28

Jesus didn't have any road blocks in His life that made Him change direction. God the Father knew the plan even before He said, "Let Us make man in our own image." Spiritual image. He knew Jesus would be born as a human baby in a humble stable...that He would heal, feed and minister to thousands of people...and that He would die on a cross--suffering an agonizing death all for the forgiveness of sin. All at a spiritual level.  That is where sin happens--at a spiritual level. When Eve took that first bite of the forbidden fruit--and handed it to Adam--sin happened. A road block for humanity. Considering what Eve and Adam did, it is not wise to share food that you’ve partially eaten--even if it is a close family member. Germs--road blocks. Spiritual germs were shared between those two that infected all of mankind. Jesus' blood is the only thing that can wash away--cleanse us from those spiritual germs. Are spiritual roadblocks keeping you from following, serving or glorifying the Lord?

RSVP: Jesus is offering you the opportunity to follow and serve Him--and thus be honored by the Father--as we glorify Him. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer~  Jesus open my eyes that I may see and avoid the spiritual roadblocks ahead of me. I want to follow and serve You

April 29 – You Will Always Have the Poor

Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. ... "For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me." John 12: 1-3, 8

Jesus enjoyed good food and good fellowship. Here he was again at the home of His gracious friends Martha, Mary, and the risen Lazarus. What a joyous celebration this must have been. The sisters were so grateful that Jesus had revived their brother from the dead...and Mary was now anointing Jesus with some precious oil. The climate was hot and dry, so oil was a precious commodity to replenish and refresh guests. This was a special oil and Mary was actually preparing Jesus for His death and burial. He was telling His disciples and friends yet one more time that He wouldn't be with them much longer. There would always be poor people--that needed help--but He wouldn't always be with them. Were they listening? Are you listening?

RSVP: Jesus would like to sit at your table--or recline at a meal with you--as He did with His friends at Bethany. What would you serve? Remember He told Martha that one (dish) was enough. The important thing is to listen to His teachings. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, You were such a blessing to Your friends--and a You are a blessing to me and my family. Thank you for hearing our prayers and for giving Jerry a healing touch to his hip joint and added strength now during his physical therapy. Please continue to heal and strengthen him for the trip ahead of us...home!

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

April 28 – Come On Out of the Tomb

So they removed the stone. Then Jesus raised His eyes, and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. I knew that You always hear Me; but because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me." When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." Therefore many of the Jews who came to Mary, and saw what He had done, believed in Him. John 11:41-45

Jesus yelled for Lazarus to come out of the grave. Do you think that Lazarus would have heard Him if He whispered? Did Jesus speak loudly for the benefit of Lazarus or just to get the crowds' total attention? He has spoken to us in scripture telling us to come and follow Him, to watch and pray, and to be ready for His return. 

RSVP: Does Jesus have to yell to get your attention? Listen closely. Then respond to what Jesus is saying to you. "Come" or "Watch and pray" or "Be ready...." Are you listening? How will you respond to His voice today?

Prayer~ Jesus, I'm listening for your call and I'm watching for the signs of the times. 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

April 27 – Jesus Cried…Do You?

April 27

Therefore, when Mary came where Jesus was, she saw Him, and fell at His feet, saying to Him, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled, and said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. So the Jews were saying, "See how He loved him!" But some of them said, "Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind man, have kept this man also from dying?" So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, "Remove the stone." Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" John 11:32-40

The Jews had a custom that a person wasn't considered dead until they had been dead three days. Lazarus was definitely dead. It was the fourth day.  If you had been here.... Both of Lazarus' sisters said, "If you had been here...." They trusted Jesus--recognized His healing power. With Martha, Jesus provided an assurance of eternal life--salvation. Now with Mary He is giving comfort. For everyone He glorifies the Father and resurrects Lazarus. This resurrection convinced many people that Jesus was the Son of God--the Messiah. What does it take today to convince someone that Jesus is the Son of a God--that He is GOD--our Lord and Savior?

RSVP: Jesus is working in your life. Do you see it? Can you tell others what He is doing in your life? How will you respond to Jesus today?

Prayer~ Jesus--You are our hope. Thank you for the touch you have given Jerry as he recovers from his hip replacement. Please continue to watch over and protect us. Like Lazarus we can get pretty stinky being away from you for four days--so keep us close. Continue to give us spiritual and emotional comfort and strength. 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

April 26 – Jesus Said, “I AM the Resurrection.”

So Jesus then said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him." Therefore Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, so that we may die with Him." So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off; and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother. Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed at the house. Martha then said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" She said to Him, "Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world." John 11:14-27  

Four days. Pretty stinky. The news stank. If you had been here...my brother would not have died. Martha knew that Jesus had healed many, many people by this time in His ministry.  But He didn't come in time to heal her brother. Now was the opportunity to do something greater than a simple healing from a sickness. To give glory to the Father, Jesus had a greater miraculous healing waiting for His friend Lazarus. What would bring the greatest glory to God? Glory to the Son. Martha believed that Jesus was the Messiah--the Son of God. Jesus asked her, "Do you believe this?"
Jesus asks you..."Do you believe this?"
To be continued…

RSVP:  How will you respond to Jesus' question? Will you ask others the same question?

Prayer~ Jesus--what a friend you were to Martha, Mary and Lazarus. What a devoted son You are to our Father. Help us to trust You like Martha...whatever You ask of the Father, He will give You. We're asking for a quick recovery for Jerry--with added strength and agility. Trusting, thanking and praising You.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

April 25 – Our Friend Has Fallen Asleep – Forever?

Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, "Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick." But when Jesus heard this, He said, "This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it." Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was. Then after this He said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." The disciples said to Him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone You, and are You going there again?" Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." This He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, so that I may awaken him out of sleep." The disciples then said to Him, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of literal sleep.  John 11:1-13  

Have you ever had a friend so sick that the family thought he would die? Even though we all know that everyone's life will end in death, it is still hard to grasp the finality--to accept the fact that death is inevitable and may be close at hand. Jesus knew that Lazarus' death would not be final. He would rise again--but to glorify the Father, there would be some grief. Some may even stumble in the darkness. Seek light--seek Jesus. He is the light of the world. Shine, Jesus, shine. Jesus is a shining light for us--the light of the world. Let His light shine in and through you that others would not fear death.
...To be continued.

RSVP: What has Jesus revealed to you today? How will you respond?

Prayer~  Jesus, light the way for us today. We praise You and thank you that You are with us no matter where we are. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table 
Sometimes there is a need for some extra energy. Now is one of those times.
Hi-Energy Bars      From Aunt Rose Jeske
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup milk 
1/3 cup cocoa
1/4 cup powdered milk
1/4 cup wheat germ or flax seed 
1 cup whole wheat flour or other flour blend if gluten intolerant
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup oatmeal
2 cups peanut butter chips
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup walnuts

Cream butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Ad milk and dry ingredients. Beat we'll fold in peanut butter chips, raisins and nuts. Bake in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes. Let cool and cut.  Enjoy for an energy burst.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

April 24 – Stone Him?

Jesus said, "At my Father's direction I have done many good works. For which one are you going to stone me?" John 10:32 NLT

What did He do? Good works. Stoning was a custom for adultery and other serious crimes or actions. But what had Jesus done? Good works--healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, making the lame to walk, and feeding thousands. Good question as to which of those good works was worthy of stoning. What do you think?

My husband, Jerry, and I are here in Lisbon, Portugal on a Work & Witness project to establish a coffeehouse in the community of Merces. Jerry fell down a couple a stairs last Thursday evening and broke his left hip--so now he is on the receiving end  of the good works. The Portuguese people-like people almost everywhere--are individuals--unique in themselves. No two exactly alike. Some friendly--some helpful--some compassionate. We came to serve and be a blessing to others--and instead we are being served. We just have to trust God that He has a plan--that He will heal Jerry quickly after the surgery he had on Monday--and that He will get us home with as little pain as possible. Trust. Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6.

RSVP: What good work is Jesus asking you to do today? How will you respond to Him?

Prayer~ We are putting our trust in you Jesus. We won't throw any stones--but wait on You for direction as to what good works You would have us do for Your Kingdom. 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

April 23 – No One Can Snatch You Away

“But you don't believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. The Father and I are one.” John 10:26-30 NLT  

How comforting. No one can snatch you away from the loving, caring arms of Jesus or His Dad. His Dad--our Heavenly Father--God Almighty gave you to Him--forever. Hold onto that promise.

RSVP:  Jesus is there with you to protect and keep you--if you are His sheep and believe in Him. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer~ Like a little sheep, I am following You Jesus. Where You lead me, I will follow.
Thank you for your protection and healing touch on Jerry. Continue with Your hand of mercy on him as he recovers from his surgery .

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

April 22 – The Proof is In the Work

It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon's Colonnade. The people surrounded him and asked, "How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly." Jesus replied, "I have already told you, and you don't believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father's name." John 10:22-25 NLT 

Jesus did the work that His Father--our Heavenly Father--asked Him to do. He frequently prayed--probably constantly--to be sure He was doing His Father's will. So what did He do? He healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, made the lame to walk, and fed thousands. What were the people expecting from the Messiah? 

RSVP:  Jesus is still telling us by the works He does that He is the Messiah. Are you looking for His works? What do you see Him doing in your life and in the lives of those around you? How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer~ Jesus, please continue to do Your works of healing and mercy in our lives.  Thank you that You have shown mercy to Jerry with his successful surgery. Now please give him a healing touch, taking away the pain--and helping him to recover quickly. Touch the hearts and lives of those who care for him here in the hospital in Loures, Portugal-- that they might know and serve you. 

 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

April 21 – Listen. Whose Voice Do You Hear?

"I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded." John 10:14-18 NLT
Sheep know their shepherd’s voice. Someone recently shared a current story about a lady shepherd somewhere in the Middle East whose sheep had been taken from her and placed in a pen with about a hundred other sheep. When word came that she could have her sheep back, the man guarding the sheep said there was no way to tell which sheep were hers—so she couldn’t have them back. End of story? No. She whistled and called out to her sheep. They came right to the gate and followed her out of the pen. Even today sheep know their master’s voice. Listen closely. Do you know Jesus’ voice? Do you hear Him calling to you?

RSVP: Jesus sacrificed His life for you. Now He is calling you. How will you respond to His voice?

Prayer ~ My Shepherd and my Savior…Jesus. I hear Your voice and I am trusting You as You continue to protect, heal and help me, my husband and our friends here in Portugal. We don’t always understand why things happen, like broken hips—but we can always trust You to never leave us or forsake us and to provide what we need…a good surgeon, good nursing care and friends that surround us with prayer. Thank You Jesus.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

 

April 20 – The Shepherd Sacrifices His Life for His Sheep

Those who heard Jesus use this illustration (see yesterday’s blog) didn't understand what he meant, so he explained it to them: "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep." John 10:6-11 NLT 

Jesus always told the truth. Did you know that a person could be a gate? In Jesus' time shepherds gathered their sheep together at night and guided them into a rocky enclosure. Then the shepherd would lay down in the doorway--becoming the "gate". No stranger, enemy, or breast could get to his flock without getting past him. He would protect his sheep with his life. 

RSVP:  Jesus is offering you His protection--just as He did so many years ago. How will you respond to His offer today?

Prayer~ Jesus, protect and guide us that we would serve You with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength. Greater is He--You--that is within us, than he that is in the world. 

 Happy 6^th Birthday, Sweet Amelia! We love you!

Joyous Resurrection Sunday to each of you.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

April 19 – Who is Sneaking Over the Wall?

"I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won't follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don't know his voice." John 10:1-5 NLT

"Don't talk to strangers." Isn't that what we always tell our children...and grandchildren? They know that a particular person is a stranger because they don't recognize their face or their voice. Maybe it is the sneaky way they move. Watch out so they don't sneak over your fence. 

I live in a town that borders an agricultural area--but it is mostly vineyards, orchards, and irrigated row crops--potatoes, corn, wheat and alphalfa. No sheep. Most people around my hometown in eastern Washington state don't understand the customs associated with herding and tending sheep. Sheep aren't very smart animals--if they fall over--they can't get up. The shepherd has to help them. That sounds like some people, too. We need our family or friends to give us a hand...or to call the rescue squad to help us. Spiritually we need God to lift us up from that valley of the shadow of death--to preserve and strengthen us. 

RSVP: Jesus is reaching out to us with His shepherd's staff--to rescue us. How will you respond today to His offer for help? 

Prayer~Jesus I put my trust in You. 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

 

April 18 – We are not blind…are we?

And Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind." Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, "We are not blind too, are we?" Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, 'We see,' your sin remains." John 9:39-41 

Today is Good Friday. The day we remember the crucifixion of Jesus. As recorded in Matthew 27, that morning He had been bound by the Sanhedrin and taken to Pilate, the governor, who questioned Jesus as to whether He was the King of the Jews. Jesus said it was as Pilate said. Further interrogation amazed Pilate, as Jesus did not answer. In Luke 23, we are told that Jesus was taken before Herod and questioned. Jesus said nothing. When it came time to release a prisoner, as was the custom at Passover, Pilate offered to release Jesus or Barabbas, a well-known criminal, the crowded wanted Barabbas released…and Jesus, crucified. Jesus was scourged and taken to the Roman Praetorium where Roman soldiers mocked and beat Him. This was the day that He carried the cross, or cross-beam from which He would hang, to Golgotha. By three o’clock that afternoon, at the same time as the daily sacrifice of the lamb was performed, Jesus in bitter agony gave up His last breathe. He died. An innocent man—no threat to the Roman Empire—was crucified. A pure and ethical gentleman who miraculously fed thousands of people and healed unknown numbers—but probably also thousands of people—was nailed to a cross according to a plan laid thousands of years ago. He gave His life so that the sin of others could be forgiven and they could also be pure and blameless to stand before the throne of God in Heaven. Those who are not blinded, who believe in Jesus as the Christ—the Messiah—the Son of God, will stand in His presence—seeing Him with their eyes. We are not blind too, are we? Jesus chose to give His life for you.  See Jesus for who He is—and see Him clearly. 

RSVP: Jesus stood silent before Pilate and Herod. He stands silent before you today. His body was given for you and His blood was shed for your sin. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer~ Jesus, it was prophesied that You would be oppressed and afflicted, yet You would not open Your mouth. Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers. Isaiah 53:7 May I know when to open my mouth to give You the glory. Now I humbly and respectfully will keep silent—and recognize the suffering You went through for me. The agony You endured on the cross—that I could be forgiven.  
 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Jesus was offered sour wine when He was thirsty as He hung on the cross. He received the sour wine, said, “It is finished” and gave up His spirit. It is finished. No more meals with His disciples gathered around a table, reclining with friends, family, or Pharisees feasting on the bounty of the land of milk and honey—Israel. No feast at the King’s Table on Good Friday. The disciples scattered, except for Joseph of Arimathea who got permission to take Jesus’ body down from the cross and place it in his own tomb nearby. Nicodemus was there also and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes that they wrapped with Jesus’ body in a linen shroud. Jesus was buried before sunset, as was the Jewish custom. The day was over. No Passover Feast meal.
 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

 

April 17 – An Amazing Thing

"We (the Pharisees) know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where He is from." The man (the one Jesus had healed from blindness) answered and said to them, "Well, here is an amazing thing, that you do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him. Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing." John 9:29-33

I once was blind but now I see. Amazing Grace. The song says it so well. 

  Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wrench like me

  I once was lost, but now am found

  Was blind but now I see.

This song was comforting on this very evening to my husband Jerry as he was transported with a broken hip to the Hospital Beatriz Angelo in Lisbon, Portugal. He fell down just the last three steps of a flight of narrow marble steps going to the basement dormitory where we were staying during a Work & Witness project to remodel a Nazarene church here into a coffeehouse. We're not much help on the project now...but we're trusting that God has a plan. The Portugese people are wonderful people--so kind. The area here around Lisbon is beautiful--so green with such an enormous variety of plants--from cactus to palm trees right in the same yard! It is amazing that God has created such variety--and given us eyes to see it--to see His grace in our lives. 

RSVP: Can you see God's grace in your life? What will you do with it?

Prayer~ An Amazing Thing…Lord, when You touch people’s lives, it is an amazing thing. Just as You sent an angel of the Lord for Samson’s parents to see as they offered a sacrifice and they were amazed, we are amazed when You give us a healing touch, a word spoken to encourage someone. 

Thank you Jesus for the care that you are providing for Jerry--for showing us your grace in our lives. We're trusting you.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Blind from Birth – Not Now

Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; [the] night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And He said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing. John 9:1-7 NKJV 

This healing occurred on the Sabbath. It just infuriated the Jewish leaders that Jesus would heal on the Sabbath. The Pharisees considered making clay, work. The Jews could not work on the Sabbath. The Pharisees earlier had asked Jesus if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath (see Matthew 12:10). Then another time…And Jesus…spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?" Luke 14:3. The Pharisees were looking for a way to get rid of Jesus—He was not the Messiah for whom they were looking. They wanted a political leader who would overthrow the Romans. Jesus was not their man. He was a compassionate healer. This blind man who had never seen anything since he was born, could now see. Holy spit made that clay—and it healed the eyes that had never seen the light of day…or the dark of night…his parents, spring flowers or the birds flying through the sky. What a whole new world had been opened up to him. And he wouldn’t have to beg anymore. With eyesight, he could work and earn his own way. Who sinned? No one. This happened to give glory to God. 

RSVP: Jesus is proposing today that sickness isn’t a result of sin—but in this case it happened so that God could be given the glory for a miraculous healing. How would you respond to this type of healing if it was you, your son, grandson, nephew, friend or neighbor? Can you give God the glory for this healing? 

Prayer~ Jesus—it is all about giving God the glory for His wonderful works…for Your wonderful, compassionate works—for You are God and are worthy of our praise.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Can You Hear Me?

Why can't you understand what I am saying? It's because you can't even hear me! John 8:43 NLT

Have you had your hearing checked lately? According to the National Institute on Deafness 36 million American adults have some degree of hearing loss. Mark 7:32-37 records one instance of Jesus healing a deaf man. They were utterly astonished, saying, "He has done all things well; He makes even the deaf to hear and the mute to speak." Mark 7:37. This passage above in John 8 is not dealing with hearing loss in anyone’s ears. It is concerning hearts that couldn’t hear and understand. Hearts and minds that were closed to Jesus’ message of who He was…who He is. The Pharisees continued to close their “ears” to accepting what Jesus was teaching.  Are your ears closed to hearing and understanding Jesus’ teachings?

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us today to gather around His table where He is teaching today. Will you meet Him at His table and feast on His words of teaching?

Prayer~ Jesus, I listen to what You say, and treasure Your commandments. I keep my ears tuned to Your wisdom as I cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. I search for them like hidden treasures. Then I will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and I will gain knowledge of You, my God. For You LORD grant wisdom! From Your mouth comes knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:1-6 NLT

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

No Longer a Slave

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free."  John 8:34-36 NLT 

Sin entangles, traps us…making us feel like we can’t get free. We are bound up like a slave. But Jesus gives us hope and an opportunity to become part of God’s family forever—to be set free from sin and its bondage. Set free. Live free. Free for eternity. What a glorious feeling. The burden of sin lifted off. Jesus promised…"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30. He sets us free from our burden (sin) by taking it upon Himself. What a guy! He is our hero. He is our God.

RSVP: Jesus is offering today to take our burden. We no longer have to be a slave to sin…He sets us free. How will you respond to what He has offered you today?

Prayer~ What a friend we have in You, Jesus. All our sin and grief You took on Yourself…as You hung there on the cross. You have set us free. Is Thank You enough? I bow my heart before You in humble adoration—no longer a slave, but a member of God’s family…of Your family.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Truth Will Make You Free

As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him. So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:30-32 

Freedom! We all want to feel free—to be free. Free from…sin, fear, oppression, discouragement, burdens, cares, worries, sickness…death. Truth will set us free. Jesus is the Truth—He told us that several times. So what does it take to be a disciple of Jesus? One has to follow Jesus’ teaching—be a student of His words. The twelve disciples were chosen by Jesus…but everyone who follows Him is also considered to be His disciple. In John 13:34-35 He defines what people have to do…"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." Additional encouragement is found in a book written by John. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7. So love one another. Love will set you free.  

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to His table today to feast with Him and other disciples…showing love for one another. How will you respond today to His request? 

Prayer~ Dear God—You are Love…and love comes from You. Show me how to love not only my family, friends, and neighbors, but even the unlovable in my community, that we all would be set free from the things that we fear holding us in a type of bondage. 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

True Testimony

So the Pharisees said to Him, "You are testifying about Yourself; Your testimony is not true." Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone. But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me. Even in your law it has been written that the testimony of two men is true. I am He who testifies about Myself, and the Father who sent Me testifies about Me. So they were saying to Him, "Where is Your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither Me nor My Father; if you knew Me, you would know My Father also." John 8:13-19 

The testimony of two men is true…if they say the same thing. Jesus is speaking the truth…He is the truth. That truth has been given to Him for us by our Heavenly Father. We have a couple of examples of Jesus and truth in other scripture passages:

·   Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. John 14:6.

·   "And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him." As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him. So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:29-32.

The Pharisees just had a problem with Jesus…they didn’t believe Him…or believe in Him. He kept having to say… But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. John 8:4. Do you believe that Jesus was speaking the truth…that He is the truth? 

RSVP: Jesus is challenging us today to believe Him…to believe in Him…and to share this revelation with others. What will you do today? How will you respond to Jesus challenge? 

Prayer~ Jesus, I believe that You are the way, the truth and the life...providing eternal life to all who believe in You as the Son of God. You are awesome and worthy of our praise.

 © 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Follow the Light

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

Don’t walk in the darkness. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. Ephesians 5:6-13. Paul wrote to the people of Ephesus about light and darkness. Don’t be deceived. Jesus was proclaiming Himself to be the one who reveals purity in the world—the way we are meant to be. Choose to follow Christ and not to be left behind in the dark.

RSVP: Jesus is telling us that He is the one who brings light and purity to the earth and is inviting us to follow Him. This means to not only believe in Jesus, but to willingly follow Him. How will you respond to His call today?

Prayer~ Lord, help me to be obedient to Your truth. Let Your light shine in me, purifying my soul with a sincere love of the brethren, that I may fervently loving others from my heart….1 Peter 1:22

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

The Local Ocean Seafoods restaurant in Newport, Oregon serves the most amazing garlic crab soup. It is now at the top of my favorite soup list—so I searched to find the recipe. This recipe is adapted from one printed in The Oregonian, May 10, 2011.

Roasted Garlic and Dungeness Crab Soup                                           Makes 8 servings

3 large heads garlic

4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

1 tablespoon heaping, minced shallot

1 tablespoon heaping, minced green onion

¼ cup unsalted butter

¼ cup rice flour (Bob’s Red Mill, available at most grocery stores) or 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

8 ¼ cups water (use 4 Cups water plus 1 box Vegetable stock if you don’t find the lobster base)

1 tablespoon clam base (or use ½ cup clam broth)

1¾ teaspoons lobster base

¼ cup dry white wine

1½ cups half-and-half

½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Salt

1 pound fresh crab meat, picked over to remove shell and cartilage

Fennel sprigs for garnish 

Pull the papery outer layers from the garlic heads and trim the top 1/2 inch off of each head, place in a slow cooker, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Roast the garlic in the slow cooker for about 4-6 hours on low heat. Or to roast in the oven, drizzle with oil and wrap in a large sheet of aluminum foil, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roast for about 1 hour or until the garlic is soft in the center. Let cool and then squeeze the roasted garlic out of each clove. Measure out 1/2 cup of roasted garlic and set aside. Place the remaining garlic in a mini-food processor or blender and add the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil with the shallot and green onion; blend until a paste forms. Set aside. 

Make a roux by melting the butter in a small saucepan and whisking in the flour until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 or 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. 

In a large saucepan combine the water, clam base/juice and lobster base (or additional vegetable broth). Bring to a boil, reduce heat and add the white wine, reserved roasted garlic and half-and-half. Simmer for 5 minutes and then whisk in the reserved roux and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Return to a simmer and continue simmering for 30 to 45 minutes or until reduced to about 6 or 7 cups. Taste and add salt if needed. [Note: if serving this soup with dinner to anyone allergic to shellfish, omit the clam and lobster base at this point, using only vegetable broth and water. Set aside an aliquot for the non-shellfish person(s), and proceed with their portion below. Then add the clam/lobster base for the seafood eaters, heat and proceed with the recipe.] 

To serve, divide the crab among 8 soup bowls [or less if there is shellfish intolerance]. Top each bowl with a large pinch of parmesan cheese and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the reserved garlic-shallot paste. Pour 3/4 cup of hot soup into each bowl [using the non-seafood aliquot as necessary] and top with a sprig of fennel. Serve immediately with a chunk of sour dough bread. Enjoy.

 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Stone Her? Go and Sin No More…

As He was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. "Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?" They were trying to trap Him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with His finger. They kept demanding an answer, so He stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" Then He stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?" "No, Lord," she said. And Jesus said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more." John 8:3-11 NLT

Stoning. What a brutal archaic custom. Stoning, throwing rocks at the accused, is the capital punishment of one person by a group of people so that no one is directly responsible for that one person’s death. Death does not come quickly or mercifully. Rock by rock—stone by stone. Painful. The custom still exists today in some Muslim countries. Jesus did not condemn this woman caught in adultery, but everyone condemning her was caught in their own sin. Let the sinless person throw the first stone. No one threw a stone—they all walked away. I’ve often wondered, what happened to the man who was committing adultery with her? It takes two. Was he in the crowd that stood around? Did he pick up a rock…only to drop it and walk away, too? What did Jesus write in the dust? Was He writing the names of the accusers? Was He writing the Ten Commandments that everyone needed to obey or maybe what I think is His favorite commandment, Luke 10:27… You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind, and, love your neighbor as yourself. Whatever He wrote we won’t know this side of heaven…but the people there and then changed their hearts…and that woman’s life. Go and sin no more. Good advice for us all, especially remembering that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

RSVP: Jesus is teaching us today, as He taught those who brought the adulteress woman, that we shouldn’t judge others until we’ve looked at our own lives. Don’t throw stones at others if you have any sin in your life. How will you respond to Jesus’ teaching today?

Prayer~ Dear God I am asking You to enable me to live a life worthy of Your call. May You give me the faith and power to accomplish all the good things You  prompt me to do. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 NLT.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Teaching Early in the Day

But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them. John 8:1-2

Jesus was an early riser. Actually, I don’t think that He ever got much sleep—except maybe when there was a storm raging and He was sound asleep in the boat…but that is another story. Today He rose early on the Mount of Olives, likely to pray. It was a quiet place—a sanctuary where He could spend some time alone with His Heavenly Father. Sitting there on that hillside He could see the Temple in Jerusalem. There were probably priestly activities already going on there, too. Jesus would likely be able to see smoke rising from the morning sacrificial offering—and smell that sweet aroma. After His prayer time, Jesus headed for the Temple. Word had spread and as Jesus arrived in the temple were people gathering to hear Him teach. Were they hoping for more healings or maybe He’d feed another few thousand?  What do we expect from Jesus? Teaching or a healing touch?

RSVP: Jesus is calling us today to get up early and listen to His teaching. Gather at His feet and learn from Him. Will you respond to His call today?

Prayer~ Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in You; teach me the way in which I should walk; for to You I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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