Unfailing Love and Faithfulness

Memory Verse:

But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15

…a God …filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

Jesus is the ultimate example for us of love and faithfulness. God loved the world—His creation—so much that He sent His only Son down to earth from Heaven to be part of the world—so that the people of the world would have a chance to really know Him and His Son on not only a physical level, but also on a spiritual level in a relationship that could last forever (my paraphrase of John 3:16). Part of the promise had to involve a sacrifice to cleanse for mistakes. That is where the love comes in. Giving up what means most to you to provide something necessary for someone else. God kept His promise and Jesus was faithful to fulfill that promise.

We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. Hebrews 2:16-18

Heaven is a wonderful place.
Eternal life begins here on earth...
as you choose to accept Jesus as your Savior.

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16

Unfailing love and faithfulness. What more could we ever ask for from an omnipotent and omnipresent God? Our God is totally awesome—beyond anything we could ever imagine or expect. I am humbled by the thought that He is my God and has adopted me into His family…forever. Are you part of that family?

Prayer ~ Lord, I worship You for You are love…unfailing love and Your faithfulness is forever. Please  help me to do whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, and if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, may my thoughts dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 NASB.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 16-17

© 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 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Slow to Anger

Memory Verse:

But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15

But you, O Lord, are …slow to get angry….

God declared Himself to be “slow to anger” as He made a covenant with Moses.

The LORD passed in front of Moses, calling out, "Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Exodus 34:6

The LORD is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. Psalm 145:8 NASB

Anger is such a fearful emotion—no matter which side of it you are on. To be angry can be frightening because you can be so close to losing control and doing or saying something you’ll regret. To be the one on whom the anger is directed can be super scary, too. Can you trust that one who is angry with you not to attack you? We are blessed that our God is “slow to get angry.” He is so powerful and His anger can destroy. Look at that flood that Noah had to endure…and the forty years in the desert for the Hebrew people when they escaped from Egypt.

David wrote about dealing with anger in the Psalms. Sleep on it—don’t let it control you. Later Paul taught about that anger writing to the church at Ephesus.

You can be sure of this: The LORD set apart the godly for himself. The LORD will answer when I call to him. Don't sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent. Offer sacrifices in the right spirit, and trust the LORD. Many people say, "Who will show us better times?" Let your face smile on us, LORD. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:3-8

May I be slow to anger…like You, Lord. I don’t want anger to control or consume me.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I am thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18. I am thankful that You are slow to anger. For that and Your mercy, I praise You and worship You…Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 13-15

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Crepes have become a new family tradition! These are sure to dispel any anger. I think God would even enjoy them.

Crepes

3 cups flour (I used whole wheat)

2 Tbsp raw cane sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1 scant tsp salt

4 cups milk

4 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 Tbsp melted butter or oil

Measure flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Add liquids ingredients, including eggs, and beat with a hand held mixer until smooth.

Oil a skillet or griddle and heat over medium heat until a drop of water will sizzle when sprinkled on it. Pour the batter onto the grill in the size you want—keeping the crepe thin. Make them small for small people…and larger for those with a big appetite. Cook until lightly browned. Carefully flip and brown the other side. Stack the cooked crepes on a wire rack in a warm 200 degrees or less oven until all the batter is cooked.

Fill each savory crepe with meat, veggies, and cheese of your choice. Fill sweet crepes by spreading with jelly, jam, applesauce, warm chopped fruit, like peaches, apples, blueberries or strawberries. Add peanut or almond butter if desired. Roll the crepes up and serve warm.

Savory crepes can be topped with melted cheese, sour cream or pesto sauce. Sweet ones maybe topped with whipped cream or ice cream. Enjoy!

© 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 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Merciful God

Memory Verse:

But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15

…a God of…mercy….

Often the word rachuwm translated from Hebrew as “mercy” has also been translated as compassionate throughout the Old Testament. The words are used synonymous. Mercy. Compassion. An entry in the list of mercy as related to God in the New Testament shows us a unique side of God—one that is picky. God is merciful…but He chooses to whom He shows that mercy. I would never want to be one of those whom God hardens their hearts.

So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen. Romans 9:18

Prickly Pear Cactus - Utah
God is merciful--unlike the cactus.
You can get close to God without getting poked.

To have mercy is to be compassionate…and that is just what we want from God. No anger. Merciful love and forgiveness. David declared God to be merciful and also pleaded with God to be merciful.

Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O LORD. Psalm 25:7

Hear me as I pray, O LORD. Be merciful and answer me! Psalm 27:7

Do you see God as a merciful God? Has He shown you mercy recently…ever?

Prayer ~ O LORD, don't rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your rage. Psalm 6:1. May I always be pleasing to You. Please show me mercy and do not harden my heart. I praise You for Your lovingkindness and mercy on my life…for forgiving my sins and giving me hope…not just for the future but for today.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 9-12

© 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 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Our God of Compassion

Memory Verse:

But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15

…God of compassion….

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields." Matthew 9:35-38

Jesus was compassionate. Compassionate, understanding, kind, as well as full of pity, condolences, and support. He often was overcome with compassion and He showed it, as well as taught about it.

-    Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. "I am willing," he said. "Be healed!" Mark 1:41

-    When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. "Don't cry!" he said. Luke 7:13

-    Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:35-37.

Jesus was compassionate with those He encountered while He was ministering here on earth…and He is considerate of all humans…The harvest is great, but the workers are few….send more workers into his fields. Jesus doesn’t want anyone to perish—to spend eternity in hell. 

The Lord is my Shepherd.
He said, "My sheep listen to my voice...."
Are you listening to our Lord?
Sheep grazing in Israel.

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. John 10:27-29

Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. Luke 13:3

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. John 3:16

That is compassion. God not wanting any to perish.  

Are you compassionate towards others? What have you done recently to show compassion? Maybe it was helping a neighbor, opening a door for a stranger with lots of bags or packages, providing a back-pack and school supplies for a foster or needy child, providing transportation for someone whose car broke down, sharing some produce from your garden or some other act of kindness and generosity. I recently shared some conversation time with a lonely friend…and when she said that she was going to hell for an uncompassionate thought, I assured her that would not send her to hell. What do you think…will she go to hell? Only God, who knows her heart and her motives, knows for sure. We can be compassionate towards others, but we can’t judge them. That is God’s responsibility.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I give You my heart and my life. Accomplish in me whatever You will. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Psalm 119:34. I want to be compassionate like you.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 5-8

© 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 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Is Your god the True God?

Memory Verse:

But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15

But you, O Lord, are a God…. Our God is The God…not just a god. We must have no other gods before Him. That is the first commandment that He gave to His chosen people—the Hebrews.

No other gods before our God?
Dome of the Rock - Jerusalem, Israel.

Then God gave the people all these instructions: I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. Exodus 20:1-7

God is God. The True God. Creator. Redeemer. A jealous, loving God. Believe in Him, and in His Son, Jesus, and be saved.

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. John 3:16

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life--to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth- John 17:1-3 

This last scripture passage was in a prayer from Jesus to His Heavenly Father just after His last supper.

 Notice that He wanted eternal life for everyone--everyone who God the Father had given to Him. 

That is pretty accepting—everyone, but not everyone believes. 

Here Jesus is making an unusual statement that eternal life is "knowing" God. Know the true God. 

Most people think of eternal life as "heaven" and that it doesn't begin until we die.

But that is not what Jesus is teaching or praying. Listen closely to His message. Listen closely. Listen and obey.

Prayer ~ Thank You Father God. I’m so glad that You don’t want anyone to perish. We each choose our own destiny for eternity…with You…or without You. I choose to be with You. Bless those who have yet to make a decision. In Your mercy take the hardness from their hearts and scales off their eyes. Help me to be a good witness for You.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 1-4

© 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 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Do I Deserve Compassion and Mercy?

Memory Verse:

But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15

This passage is a prayer of David. It is always good to look at the verse in context.

Bend down, O LORD, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I'm in trouble, and you will answer me. No pagan god is like you, O Lord. None can do what you do! All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name. For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God. Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever, for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death. O God, insolent people rise up against me; a violent gang is trying to kill me. You mean nothing to them. But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Look down and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant; save me, the son of your servant. Send me a sign of your favor. Then those who hate me will be put to shame, for you, O LORD, help and comfort me. Psalm 86:1-17

Our Compassionate Lord
Cross from Medjugorje

David is pleading to God for His help, offering his praise and his thanksgiving. David was truly a man after God’s own heart. We can only do the same, recognizing that God is faithful, compassionate, and loving to us. 

I love that He is slow to anger. I’ve had a problem with anger in the past sixty plus years, but God has graciously helped me get that under control. It is a matter of self-control that He wants us all to deal with and ultimately master. I guess I can pretty much say that my Irish temper is, if not under control, at least is surrendered to the Lord. I am so grateful for God’s unfailing love and mercy. Great is His faithfulness. Who am I to deserve His love, compassion, mercy and faithfulness? Now that I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I am a child of God. What father doesn’t care for his children? So, although I am undeserving, I am a child of God and He cares about me. Are you part of the family of God?

But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15.

Do you desire and love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength?

Prayer ~ Jesus, I adore You. I do love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Moment by moment it may not seem like I have much love flowing out of me…but I know that You live in me…and will never leave me or forsake me. So let Your love flow through me…back to You and to those around me. Provide me with the spiritual food I need every day, renewing my strength, guiding me along Your righteous pathways, protect me and show me Your abundant and enduring love that will guide me to our Heavenly home to be with You, forever.

You have put a desire in my heart to worship You, and I will never leave You… Jeremiah 32:40.

Daily Bible Reading: Lamentations 3-5

© 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 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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You Can Do

Memory Verse:

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Try one more time. Have confidence in yourself…and confidence in the promise and power of the Lord. You can do everything through Christ, who gives you strength. Philippians 4:13. See that you can have confidence in God and seek that confidence in yourself, in the Lord. Ask Him to help you remember this verse, to hide it in your heart. You can do it!

Doesn't your reverence for God give you confidence? Doesn't your life of integrity give you hope? Job 4:6

But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7

So we can say with confidence, "The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?" Hebrews 13:6

The Cross is Empty
I can do everything through Christ,
who gives me strength.
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord.

Yes. Have confidence in the Lord for He is the source of all wisdom and understanding, power and grace, and most of all…love. He loved you enough to die for you, so He loves you enough to help you know that you can do everything through Christ, who gives you strength. Philippians 4:13. Do you desire and love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength?

Blessing on you today, as you bask in His love and grace.

Prayer ~ Jesus, May the Lord our God show us His approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! Psalm 90:17. Successful—because we can do everything through Christ, who gives us strength.

Daily Bible Reading: Lamentations 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 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Memory Strength

Memory Verse:

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Memorize this verse yet? For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13. If you can do everything through Christ, then you can remember this short passage.

Amelia's Self Portrait
Determined to smile...
in spite of arthritis pain.
Christ gives her strength.

For I can do

Everything

Through Christ,

Who gives me

Strength.

Philippians 4:13.

Where are you struggling? Is it the can do or is it the strength?

Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9

When I was reading the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) once again this morning I pictured a little boy fighting with a wooden toy sword…fighting with all his might. Some translations use “strength” for that same word as "might." That determination is the strength and might that Christ gives us to do our “everything” that we are trying to do. The verse in Philippians 4:13 is Granddaughter Amelia's favorite verse. She can do everything because Christ gives her strength. She is an amazing young lady.

How do you picture yourself loving God and allowing Him to give you strength? What do you need His strength for…just to get out of bed in the morning…to confront your child with their behavior…to talk to a neighbor or coworker about some issue…to discipline yourself with some habit you are trying to break? Pray. God will give you the strength you need. He has promised.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I can do everything through You, Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13. Help me to trust You totally with my everyday needs. Thank you for all that You do and have provided for me, my family, friends and neighbors.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 51-52

© 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 - "https://www.blueletterbible.org/".

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Strength in Joy

Memory Verse:

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

…who gives me strength…. All things come from Christ, the creator of our Universe. That includes strength.

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

Amazing isn’t it that the Lord never gets weak or weary. I can hardly make it through an afternoon without a nap these days. Guess I’m getting old, but God never gets old or tired. I love this promise that by trusting in the Lord we’ll find new strength. Is that physical or spiritual strength? Both I think. Note that Isaiah wrote about youth getting tired and weak and that happens. How many teenagers do you know who like to sleep until ten o’clock or even until noon? They seem to need as much sleep, or maybe even more than preschoolers. You can smile and laugh about that! Then there are us older folks who wake up regularly at five or six o’clock and then need our afternoon snooze. God has a sense of humor as He created us needed rest. We must rest everyday…not just on the Sabbath, which is His day of rest. So rest up and get your strength from the Lord.

God provided examples in His Word about those relying on Him for strength. Classic illustrations are in David, Elijah and Nehemiah.

David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the LORD God. 1 Samuel 30:6

Then the LORD gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab's chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel. 1 Kings 18:46

And Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!" Nehemiah 8:10

Pray for Peace...for Jerusalem and all Israel.
May they have the Joy of the Lord from His strength.
Sign posted in Israel.

Nehemiah found his strength in the joy of the Lord. I’ll claim that as a spiritual strength. Joy can be experienced even in times of trial and distress. Just look for it and of course—ask. God hears and will provide.

The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

I feel like singing just thinking about the joy of the Lord. The joy of the Lord is my strength. I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. How about you?

Prayer ~ Jesus, Your love is amazing.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Let all Israel repeat: "His faithful love endures forever." Let Aaron's descendants, the priests, repeat: "His faithful love endures forever." Let all who fear the LORD repeat: "His faithful love endures forever." Psalm 118:1-4.

I look forward to looking into Your face…Your eyes…one day and praising You face to face because I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. That strength that comes from You.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 49-50

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

What foods give us strength? What would you give someone who had just been in the grave for four days (John 11:39) and had been sick before that? Lazarus probably hadn’t had much to eat for days and days. Some Tonic Tea would probably be a good start for his digestive system. Then ease him into other food with the BRAT diet. Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast.

Digestive Tonic Tea

            Peppermint

            Bay Leaf

            Fennel Seeds

            Caraway Seeds

            Licorice Root or Anise Seeds

Blend equal parts of all the dry ingredients and store in a jar or metal tea box. Use 4 teaspoons of the dry mix per cup. Brew for 10 minutes. Enjoy a cup daily

© 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 -"https://www.blueletterbible.org/"

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Hope Given in Strength

Memory Verse:

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

...through Christ. I can do nothing without Christ. Paul gives us a good reminder of where Gentiles were at the time of Christ. We’ve come a long ways…only with Christ’s sacrifice and blessing. Now, He definitely gives us strength and hope…every day and for an everlasting future with Him.

Pure Rose...like the blood of Christ.
Strength and Peace.

Don't forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called "uncircumcised heathens" by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:11-13

Hope and strength. There is no strength in our spiritual growth without the hope with which Christ anoints us. Strength poured out over and within our hearts, soul and mind. Meditate on the fact that you are no longer an “outsider.” Do you feel God’s presence with you giving you His peace and strength?

Prayer ~ O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle. Psalm 140:7 NASB. The battle belongs to You, Lord. I can do everything through You, Christ, who gives me strength.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 46-48

© 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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Do Everything? Yes, All Things.

Memory Verse:

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

A friend of mine calls this verse her ten finger lifeline. Holding up her ten fingers she says this verse from the version she memorized years ago, moving one finger for each word, as she recalls some of the innumerable things Christ has done for her. All things!

I can do all things through Christ who strengths me. Philippians 4:13

Great memory tool. Use your fingers for individual words.

Everything. Not just some things…but everything. This is good for physical, health and spiritual needs. Jesus is with us in all areas of our lives. In all things. He has a great and mighty power.

Zander doing cartwheels at the beach.
I can do all things. Such strength.

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else--not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. Ephesians 1:19-22

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12

How often do we acknowledge or for that matter even recognize the spiritual dimension in our lives? Jesus is there protecting us and guiding us…in all things.

Prayer ~ Jesus, Just as I cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother's womb, so I cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. Ecclesiastes 11:5. I praise You, Lord Jesus Christ, that You are in all things…in my life, my strength, and my hope.

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 41-45

© 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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Keep Moving to Keep Moving

Memory Verse:

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

I can do…. I is the key word here. We are all pretty self-sufficient. My almost three year old granddaughter continually says…“Me can do” since she thinks she can do almost everything. If she can’t she will hold up her hands and shrug…“Me can’t do.” At least she acknowledges that she needs help. Not everyone does that. I like to help myself. I figure I need to do everything I can until I can’t, although I will admit that I am a bit of a “taker” and like to be waited on sometimes. Still, my favorite motto is: Keep Moving to Keep Moving. I need to use my own strength to keep me strong.

Flap those butterfly wings for spiritual growth.
Keep Moving to Keep Moving.

Does that apply to spiritual strength, too? I think so. If we don’t exercise our spiritual muscle it will wither away and we’ll be weak and at the mercy of that ole wily devil. Don’t want to be there! We want to be strong in the Lord. So Keep Moving through the scriptures to Keep Moving Spiritually. Acknowledging that we need the Lord is the best first step. What other things besides reading God’s Word will get or keep us spiritually strong? Just reading the Bible is not enough. We need to meditate on it. Seriously and deeply think about the meaning of God’s written words. We are given instructions several times in the Bible to do just that. Here are a couple of examples.

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8

Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. Psalm 119:27

Discussing the Bible with others is really important to me. I think the Holy Spirit moves in among the people with whom I regularly study the Bible and give us inspiration and understanding that none of us get on our own. The interaction and discussion are vital to my own spiritual growth. Flexing that spiritual muscle and making me stronger. It helps me apply God’s word to my life. Relating words that were written more than two thousand years ago to life today in a different culture sometimes seems nearly impossible…but with God all things are possible and His word is amazingly always relevant. How does He do that? Discuss that with one of your Christian friends soon. Read. Meditate. Study. Apply. That is pretty much the flexing of the spiritual muscle for today. Keep Moving to Keep Moving.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You give us strength to Keep Moving in so many ways. Help us to encourage others to flex their spiritual muscles, too. You give us strength physically and spiritually—for we can do all things through You. Thank You!

Daily Bible Reading: Habakkuk

© 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.

Follow And Like "Banquet With The King" on Facebook. 👍