Thursday, February 28, 2019

God’s Gift of Grace


God’s Gift of Grace
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

God’s grace covers all our sins through Jesus’ sacrifice for us.
Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God. For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Romans 3:19-26

Gate at Garden of Gethsemane
Repent
We don't know the hour or the day
of Christ's Return.
God is patient with everyone. He lets us decide if we want to “repent” and turn back to Him. We can choose to acknowledge our sin and change our ways anytime…or not. The choice is ours. An especially good time to do this is during the upcoming Lent season. God is a real gentleman—not forcing Himself or His ideas on anyone. He’s in no rush—time isn’t important. Well...an end of time will come for each person with their death or at the Rapture, when the Lord calls His church home, so everyone must decide by then. Is time an issue?
But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. 2 Peter 3:8-10
We’ve all heard the one day as a thousand…and a thousand years as one day, but is it just related to creation time period? I guess not. Here in this passage above it is talking about “the day of the Lord” when Jesus Christ returns for the final time. The earth and sky will be burned up—life as we know it will be over. Those who don’t choose Christ—or choose not to repent—will perish. Where do you stand with the Lord? All have sinned. Pretty straightforward. No one is without sin. What are you doing about that?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, give me grace to continually have a repentant heart. I am so thankful that God is patient with me. Help me to always be ready…ready for Christ’s return and ready to give an answer for the hope that I have.
May I  sanctify Christ as Lord in my heart, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks me to give an account for the hope that is in me, yet with gentleness and reverence…. 1 Peter 3:15
Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. Jude 1:24

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 11-13

© 2019 Text and Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
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Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Who is Your Lord?


For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Who is your Lord? Here in the United States we don’t have Lords and Kings ruling over us politically. We have a President…Governors, Mayors. Other nations are governed by Presidents, Kings, Queens, Princes, Prime Ministers, Sultans, Sheikh, Supreme Leader, State Counselor or Grand Chancellors. These are political leaders over geographical areas. The entire world is also “governed” by spiritual forces. Jesus, in the form of the Holy Spirit as God, inspires good in the world. Satan, also known as the Prince of the World, influences evil throughout the world.  To whom would you bow down, spiritually? Jesus or Satan? 
Dogwood Blossoms
Reminding us of Jesus...and His crown of thorns.
Lord of lords...King of kings.
When Jesus was speaking to His disciples on their last evening together He explained to them about the Holy Spirit…also known as the Advocate or the Counselor. He also told them about the ruler of this world, also known to all as Satan, the Accuser, or the Prince of the World.
But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Advocate won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world's sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged. John 16:7-11
Jesus is our gift from God. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23. There is no better gift in my opinion than that of eternal life. Actually as I understand it…we will all live eternally. Some with God and some without Him. Personally, I want to be in the group that lives with God. To live apart from Him is going to be miserable, what with the gnashing of teeth and the lake of fire. I don’t want either of those. I want the peace, joy and love associated with Heaven and with being in the presence of God. The Book of Revelation tells us about Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. ... On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, shouting to the vultures flying high in the sky: "Come! Gather together for the great banquet God has prepared. Revelation 19:11, 16-17
In heaven we will be in the presence of the Lord…but we don’t have to wait until then. We can come into His presence now. This is the basis of our “relationship” with Him and it should give us great joy.
How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God's presence.  
1 Thessalonians 3:9
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23. Seek God first in your life…and accept His free gift for you. Can Jesus Christ be Lord of your life? Who is Your Lord?

Prayer ~ Lord God, thank you for Your gift of eternal life for each of us who believe that Jesus Christ died for us. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23. You are my Lord.

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 8-10
© 2019 Text and Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
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Tuesday, February 26, 2019

God is a Promise Keeper


For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

God Loved the World So Much.
This Cross is from Ecuador.
What is happening in our world?
Earthquakes...be prepared.
Love God...and your neighbor.
Eternal Life. God gave us a promise about His Son and His gift in the classic scripture that explains God’s love for mankind.
For God loved the world so much that he gave his 
one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. John 3:16-18
We can trust God that He is a promise keeper. Those who believe will be saved from judgment.

Jesus was challenged about eternal life by religious leaders.
One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: "Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus replied, "What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?" The man answered, "'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.'" "Right!" Jesus told him. "Do this and you will live!" Luke 10:25-28
Obedience. That is a key element. Faith. Belief. Obedience. Wrap those up in the Son of God. Intertwine God’s love for mankind, the obedience of Jesus to be the sacrifice for the sins of mankind, and the faith that we have to have to believe that Jesus is truly our Savior. That wraps up the free gift from God of eternal life. Will you accept and open that gift?

Prayer ~ O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. Psalm 139:1-10.
You are an awesome God providing me with the wonderful gift of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you.

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 7

© 2019 Text and Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
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Monday, February 25, 2019

Open Your Gift From God


For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Free gift. Is anything every really free? Think of how often you’ve heard someone say…there is no such thing as a free lunch. Nothing is really free. You have to give up something to get something.

God doesn’t charge anything for His free gift. It is a gift that a person has to accept…just like any other gift. Consider when you are given something…a gift…you have to open that and accept it before it is yours. So God has given us a free gift—are you willing to accept it? I have. This free gift from God triumphs over sin and gives life—eternal life.
But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:2
What a glorious, liberating revelation. We are freed from the power of sin…because of Jesus. Because of His sacrifice for mankind.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I treasure that You are a gift from our heavenly Father. You have provide me with eternal spiritual security and with everything I need and more…from parking places, warm clothes during this cold winter, a comfortable home and loving family. I have it all…and You. I look forward to seeing You face to face one day….and throughout eternity. Please continue to bless me, my family and friends and all who read this blog…and especially those who search for You in Your Word today.

Daily Bible Reading: February 25 – Numbers 5-6
© 2019 Text and Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
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Sunday, February 24, 2019

Sin = Death


For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Christ's Sacrifice for our sins
Holy Family Shrine - Gretna, Nebraska
Sin results in death. You get what you deserve. Sin’s reward is disapproval from God and thus spiritual death. But God has provided hope in the form of His own free gift—the sacrifice of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ.
When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. Romans 5:12-13

And the result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but God's free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. Romans 5:16

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation. Romans 5:9

Condemnation—that is the judgment that pronounces the death sentence to those who have sinned…and do not belong to Christ. The blood of Jesus Christ shed for sins as a sacrifice gives renewed life—everlasting life to those who believe in Him and repent of their sin. No condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Do you belong to Jesus? Do you want to repent and have your sins forgiven? God has a free gift for you.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, we rejoice in You—for You are a gift to us from God the Father. You were the ultimate sacrifice when we deserved death in condemnation for our sins. We are forever grateful.

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 3-4

Happy Birthday Blessing, Debbie J.
May God Continue to Bless You with an overflowing abundance of Creativity!

© 2019 Text and Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading

Saturday, February 23, 2019

Do You Know Jesus?


Memory Scripture of the Week –
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

Do you still need to be convinced that you are part of the “everyone”…that we all fall short of God’s plan…His standard? What is sin for you? Is it the same as your brother, sister, spouse or neighbor?
Sin is sin.

Do you know Jesus? Who is He to you? Is sin the same for a non-Christian…a non-believer…one who doesn’t believe in Jesus as the Son of God—as God? Sin is sin. God doesn’t see people differently as far as sin is concerned. Sin is sin.

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. James 4:17

Everyone who sins is breaking God's law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. 1 John 3:4

I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences." Mark 3:28-29

The LORD is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. But he does not excuse the guilty. He lays the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected--even children in the third and fourth generations.  Numbers 14:18

You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. Hebrews 3:13

If you see a Christian brother or sister sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it. All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death. ... Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts. 1 John 5:16-17, 21

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 1 John 2:1

And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. 1 John 3:5

Time may be drawing short for believers here on earth. Jesus said to “Repent.” Mark 1:15. What are you going to do? Consider who Jesus is to you…and if you will be obedient to God.

Prayer ~ Lord God, everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. In Your grace and mercy may we be obedient to Your word…to Your commands—that we would live to please and honor You here on earth…as it will be one day in heaven.

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 1-2

© 2019 Text and Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading

Friday, February 22, 2019

Erase My Name


Memory Scripture of the Week ~
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

While God was giving Moses the Ten Commandments the children of Israel were making a golden calf. Remember the story?
Is this dancing Lord Shiva like the Golden Calf?
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Kansas City
Then the LORD said, "I have seen how stubborn and rebellious these people are. Now leave me alone so my fierce anger can blaze against them, and I will destroy them. Then I will make you, Moses, into a great nation." ... So the LORD changed his mind about the terrible disaster he had threatened to bring on his people. ... So Moses returned to the LORD and said, "Oh, what a terrible sin these people have committed. They have made gods of gold for themselves. But now, if you will only forgive their sin—but if not, erase my name from the record you have written!" But the LORD replied to Moses, "No, I will erase the name of everyone who has sinned against me."  Exodus 32:9-10, 14, 31-33 

God recognizes sin—disobedience to Him. He threatened to erase the names of everyone who sinned against Him. In this case…everyone had sinned. Everyone except Moses.  All the children of Israel  were rebellious and God was ready to release His anger on them. Moses convinced God to change his mind.  God is merciful.

God shows His merciful side over and over—giving mankind another chance, again and again. Everyone sins by falling short…not meeting God’s standards. How do you measure up? Can you “repent of your sins” as Jesus asked?
From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Matthew 4:17

Prayer ~ Lord God, If You can turn back…change Your mind…then I certainly can, too. You have shown me a rebellious area in my life and I willingly hand it over to You. I want to think, say and do only things that please You and bring You glory…so please forgive my rebellious attitude, create in me a clean heart—willing to serve and honor You.

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 26-27

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table
Barley & Quinoa Veggie Salad
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cups barley, rinsed
2/3 cups quinoa, rinsed
1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2½ cups vegetables of your choice:
carrots celery, onion, sweet red pepper, zucchini, kalamata olives, tomatoes finely diced
½ cup cucumber, finely diced
1 Tablespoon fresh basil, parsley or cilantro, chopped, or 1 tsp dried
1 Tablespoon fresh peppermint mint, chopped or 1 tsp dried
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
½ cup feta cheese, optional
2 cooked chicken breasts, chopped, optional

Ginger Vinaigrette:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon grated gingerroot
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

In saucepan, bring 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) water and 1/8 tsp salt to boil; add barley. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed, about 40 minutes. Let cool.

After about 20 minutes start cooking the quinoa in separate saucepan. Bring 1 cup (250 mL) water and 1/8 tsp salt to boil; add quinoa. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Let cool.

While the grains are simmering, cook the vegetables in skillet by heating oil over medium heat and frying veggies, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Let cool. Add chopped cucumber, and if desired feta cheese and chicken.

Ginger Vinaigrette: In glass bowl measure, whisk together oil, vinegar, ginger, mustard, salt and pepper; set aside.

In large bowl, combine barley, quinoa, vegetable mixture, parsley, mint and thyme; pour dressing over top and toss to coat. Serve immediately. Can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
© 2019 Text and Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Unintentional Sin?

Memory Scripture of the Week ~
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.
Everyone sins at some time. There are sins of ignorance or unintentional sins, as we note in Leviticus and Hebrews. 
Suppose you sin by violating one of the LORD's commands. Even if you are unaware of what you have done, you are guilty and will be punished for your sin. For a guilt offering, you must bring to the priest your own ram with no defects, or you may buy one of equal value. Through this process the priest will purify you from your unintentional sin, making you right with the LORD, and you will be forgiven. Leviticus 5:17-18

But only the high priest ever entered the Most Holy Place, and only once a year. And he always offered blood for his own sins and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. Hebrews 9:7

God overlooked people's ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. Acts 17:30
The choices we make can change the way we live…intentionally. We can choose to live in holiness.
When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. Romans 6:20-22

Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who will judge everyone, both the living and the dead. That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit. The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 1 Peter 4:4-7

What will the end of the world look like?
Whatever...Be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.
Peter tells us… The end of the world is coming soon. Paul reminds us in Acts of God’s command…repent and turn to him (to God).  Repent. Confess your sin to God. He knows all about you anyway. Just agree with Him that you have sinned—whether in ignorance or intentional—and want forgiveness.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I hear Your voice calling me...daily to repent for the time is short before Jesus returns. I hope that I will always bring You joy, honor, and love—for You are my dearly loved Father.

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 24-25 

© 2019 Text and Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
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Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Sacrificial Lamb


Memory Scripture of the Week –
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

We all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
It isn't the cross that provides salvation...
But Jesus who gave His life for us.
God, our Heavenly Father, had a great plan—a free gift. It probably didn’t seem like such a good “plan” to Jesus. He had to be the sacrificial lamb for our short comings—but He loved us all enough to be obedient to our Father. He was willing to be the gift of that sacrificial lamb for all mankind. Luckily, He only had to do it once—but the gruesome pain of the beating and crucifixion prior to His death is beyond our comprehension—certainly beyond our level of endurance. Never during all the sacrifices offered by the Hebrew priests did a lamb have to suffer like Jesus suffered. Read through Leviticus. Lambs, oxen, birds were all sacrificed…but none were beaten, ridiculed, and painfully hung on a cross for the sin of a man or a community. Sure those animals died—but the slitting of their throat was quick compared to the agonizing death of Jesus on the cross.
And the result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but God's free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:16-17
God allowed this sacrifice of His only Son so that we could become pure—like the original Adam—before sin. Once we have our sins forgiven we can experience the fellowship that Adam and Eve experienced walking through the Garden of Eden with God. We don’t have to wait until we die to have a relationship with our Heavenly Father…and with Jesus, our Savior, and with the Holy Spirit. We can have it immediately now…with the forgiveness of our sin. Jesus provided that gift of forgiveness and righteousness. Do you see yourself purified…wearing a snow white robe? Right now you can stand, spiritually, before our Heavenly Father—who is eager to hear every word you speak—as you “communicate” and fellowship with Him.

Prayer ~ Lord – I humbly come before You acknowledging that I am not who You want me to be—but willing to let You take away my sin. I especially don’t always communicate in a manner pleasing to You, so I want to begin a new relationship with You now. Thank You, God, for Your plan and Thank You, Jesus, for Your obedience. I look forward to the day when You call us all HOME. Come quickly, Jesus.

Daily Bible Reading: February 20 – Leviticus 22-23
© 2019 Text and Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
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Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Sin Entered the World


Memory Scripture of the Week ~
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

Everyone sins and everyone has sinned. What is sin to you? Is it sin to run a red light when driving? Is it sin to not tithe at church? Is it sin to wear mismatching socks? God gave Moses the Ten Commandments for the Israelites. Those are still relevant today and can be summed up…as Jesus said by two succinct statements.
"'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37-40
Can we meet God’s requirements…totally living up to His Commandments? How do we “love God with all of our heart, soul and mind” and how do we “love our neighbor as yourself” or can we even do these things? Putting God first…does that mean not collecting stuff, idolizing our TV programs or sports teams? Loving our neighbor…does that include shoveling their sidewalks in this snowy winter weather when we’d rather be sitting indoors with a warm cup of hot chocolate? We have to decide for ourselves how we are to “obey” God, spiritually.

Adam and Eve didn’t have God’s law or Commandments, but they had God’s direction—don’t eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil—and a choice…to obey or not. They chose to not obey. Throughout time people have questioned…why? I guess it was simply their prerogative. They probably didn’t have many serious choices to make up until then. Just whether to have a tomato or avocado for supper. Paul gives an interesting discourse in the selection below from his letter to the church at Rome. Note that there wasn’t a law to break there, yet there was sin before God gave the law to Moses for the Hebrew people,
When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. But there is a great difference between Adam's sin and God's gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:12-15
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. There it is. What can we do about it? God has a plan that included sending His Son, Jesus, to save us…redeem us…from this predicament of sin that Adam and Eve got us into. By the choice of accepting Jesus as the sacrifice for our sin, we can enter into God grace and perfect will for our lives. That allows us to reach God’s glorious standard. Holiness to stand before Him—as He sits on His throne in Heaven. What is your choice…hour by hour…day by day?

Hiking Trail - near Parker, Arizona.
Is this the "right" path?
Show me the right Path, Lord.
Prayer ~ Lord God, I give my life to you. I trust in you, my God!
Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past.
Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O LORD.
The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.
The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. Psalm 25:4-10
May we live a holy life before You—pleasing You in all that we think, say and do.

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 19-21
© 2019 Text and Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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Monday, February 18, 2019

Destined to Die?


Memory Scripture of the Week –
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

Everyone sins…everyone is going to die.
And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-28

We are destined to die. We are told that right here in Hebrews…and of course, we all know that from experience, We are all destined to be born…and to die.
A time to be born and a time to die. …. Ecclesiastes 3:2

Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.  Isaiah 57:1-2
Salvation is from the Lord.
Cross from Portugal
Good people pass away. It is hard to understand why good people pass away…at a young age. They have so much potential…so much to give in service to the Lord. Why? Isaiah tells us that it is to protect us from coming evil.

Yesterday we lost a very dear friend—to cancer. It was less than a month since her diagnosis. It just seems unfair…but we just have to trust God. He has a plan. She was a godly lady…so we have the promise that she is resting in peace. Salvation—for each of us—is from the Lord. We are eagerly awaiting His return.

Prayer ~ Lord, open our eyes and hearts to understand Your plan as we wait for Your return. May all that we do please and honor You. Thank You for our wonderful friend. Please give her family and friends Your peace, strength and hope.

Daily Bible Reading: Leviticus 16-18

© 2019 Text and Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Falling….Falling…Falling


Memory Scripture of the Week –
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

All have sinned. Everyone. It is our human nature to sin since Adam and Eve ate fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
Wanna bite?
Was the fruit on that tree an apple?
The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. But the LORD God warned him, "You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die." Genesis 2:15-17
Can knowledge make you die? It seems that God warned Adam that if he ate fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, he would die—for sure. Good and Evil. They are part of our lives. Adam only knew good…until he and Eve ate fruit off that tree in the center of the Garden of Eden. Then evil became part of mankind’s temperament. Like Adam and Eve we have a choice. God rewards those who do what is good…He loves them. As you choose to do good, He loves you. He will be your helper.
Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the LORD God of Heaven's Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed. Amos 5:14
We want to do what is right…but we are all sinners. It is our nature. We just fall short of God’s standard. His outstanding requirements. That’s it… For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. We fall…and we fall…and we fall. Everyone sins.

There is hope. The Savior for us…the one who saves us from our sin is Jesus Christ the Messiah. Will you let Him be your Messiah?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Thank You for being the sacrifice for my sins….for catching me when I fall. I am filled with awe and respect for You. I know that in spite of falling into sin like everyone does…You have a plan for my life…and for mankind. You are our Savior.

Daily Bible Reading – Leviticus 14-15

© 2019 Text and Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading