Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Praise God


Meditate. Praise God…for all His blessings…on this last day of June.
Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me. Psalm 66:20

I’m just praising the Lord for a wonderful long weekend that we just spent camping and kayaking! What a great get away! God did not ignore my prayer—we had a safe trip and terrific, restful time in the mountains. Green is such a restful color. God knew what He was doing when He created green...and all the colors of the rainbow!

While in the great outdoors we saw amazing wildlife, including two beaver; two, croaking, gray heron flying right overhead; lots of geese and ducks; lots of squirrels, a deer and a turtle! We had an incredible thunder storm that included pea-sized hail and torrents of rain. When we got home, we were almost done unpacking our camper and a rainstorm hit our area that provided a beautiful double rainbow. That showed me again God's unfailing love and a reminder of His promise. God so loved the world—all generations—that He gave a promise to Noah…
Then God said, "I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth." Then God said to Noah, "Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth." Genesis 9:12-17
The rainbow is a physical…or at least visual…affirmation of God’s love. His unfailing love. What a great way to end a perfect weekend. Even the smell of the rain was refreshing. Another blessing.
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.       
The Doxology, written in 1674 by Thomas Ken.
Do you see God working in your life, not ignoring your prayers or taking away His unfailing love?

Prayer ~ Lord, open my eyes that I may continue to see You working in my life. Thank you for answering my prayers—even when it is a “No…or not now.” I am trusting You to not ignore my prayers. As we look up…waiting for Jesus’ return…thanks for the reminder of the promise of the rainbow, Your unconditional love and Your plan of salvation. May today be the day of salvation for someone reading this right now. Please, help us reach the lost with You while there is still time.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Are you ready for the Lord’s return? Decide today if / that you will follow Christ as your Savior. Don’t wait…make your decision to believe in Jesus…in God… today. Life is short…we don’t know when our time will be up…or when the Lord will return for His church.

© 2020 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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Monday, June 29, 2020

Same Prayer?

Meditate.

Then Jesus left them again and prayed the same prayer as before. When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn't keep their eyes open. And they didn't know what to say. When he returned to them the third time, he said, "Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners." Mark 14:39-41

It’s over. Jesus prayed the same prayer three times. God’s mind wasn’t changed. Jesus was still to be the sacrifice for mankind’s sin. He was still headed for the cross. Prayer time was over—and the betrayer was there in the Garden of Gethsemane to hand Jesus over to the officials. It was the beginning of the end. The same prayer…let this cup pass from me…wasn’t to be answered. Jesus was to be the sacrifice—the Passover Lamb for all mankind.

Prayer ~ Lord, hear our prayer…even when we pray the same prayer three times, just like You prayed. Thank you that we don’t need to ask not to die for our sin.

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

 Verse of Salvation ~ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8

 © 2020 Text, photos and paintings  by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Sunday, June 28, 2020

Watch and Pray

Meditate.

"Abba, Father," he cried out, "everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Couldn't you watch with me even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Mark 14: 36-38

Watch and pray. How long can you pray? Some people can pray for hours…others of us are doing well to pray for one hour…some only last a few minutes. Jesus’ friends on this occasion were probably in that last group. They fell asleep. Sometimes at night I’ll be praying and fall asleep before I finish my prayers. I’m sure that has happened to you, too. Can’t you just hear Jesus talking to Peter…Hey—are you sleeping? Don’t you know I’m in anguish here? STAY AWAKE! Pray for me…pray for yourself… so that you will not give in to temptation. The temptation was to fall asleep! And that is just what Simon Peter did—snoozing while His Master, His Rabbi, His Lord, His Friend was in deep, stressful prayer. Prayer that could have changed the world—but God didn’t answer Jesus’ prayer with a “Yes.” Jesus submitted His will to His Father’s will. Peter’s spirit may have been willing to stay awake and pray, but his body was weak…and he fell asleep.

Brass Korean Cross
Depicting Jesus' death.
Other side of cross 
has the Lord's Prayer in Korean.
Don’t give up on Jesus. Keep watch and pray that more people will come to know Him as their Savior. Don’t let His obedience and trip to the cross be in vain. Believe in Him and be saved.

Prayer – Jesus, like a shepherd You have led us to see You in prayer, yielding to the cup of suffering, and the cross. Thank you for all You have done for us.

Verse of Salvation ~ The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

© 2020 Text, photos and paintings  by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Saturday, June 27, 2020

Distressful Praying…Alone

Meditate. Consider how Jesus felt as He prayed…alone.

They went to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and Jesus said, "Sit here while I go and pray." He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed. He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by. Mark 14:32-35

Garden of Gethsemane
Jerusalem
Jesus and His disciples had just had a big Passover meal…Jesus’ Last Supper. Then they went out to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus just needed to pray…alone. He asked His closest friends to keep watch. I think He wanted them to stay awake and pray for Him…but not with Him. He wanted to be alone in prayer with His Heavenly Father. He was deeply upset. In agony. He knew what was going to happen to Him. Does anyone look forward to a beating…a scourging? Does anyone want to be abandoned by His friends or forsaken by His Father? Does anyone want to die on a cross? Jesus wanted that event go by…and not be part of His life…but He was obedient to His Father. Although He was sinless, He faced punishment for the sin of mankind…everyone since Adam and Eve. Was that fair? Nope. But Jesus was obedient to His Father’s plan to save mankind…to bring them back into His favor. Sacrifice the pure lamb. Sacrifice Jesus.

 So Jesus knew what lay ahead for Him and although it was stressful…distressing…He prayed…alone and accepted His Father’s will. Could you do that? We don’t have to. Jesus did it all…for all of us.

 Prayer ~ Jesus, You are amazing! Thank you for Your obedience—for Your willingness to sacrifice Your life for me…for each person in the world…for all of time. I pray that more people today will accept what You did for them. That they will repent in quiet prayer to our Heavenly Father.

Verse of Salvation ~ But if you warn them to repent and they don't repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself. - Ezekiel 33:9

© 2020 Text, photos and paintings  by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Friday, June 26, 2020

Pray in a Quiet Place

While you MEDITATE, you may want to withdraw to a quiet place and pray.

But despite Jesus' instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. Luke 5:15-16

But…weren’t the people listening to Him. The man He healed right before this was a leper. He healed him and then said…Don’t tell. But—there’s that word again…the leper couldn’t keep his mouth shut. Would you have been able to not tell anyone if you’d lived with that horrible “unclean” disease and then been cured? Leprosy is a dreaded debilitating disease that required lepers to keep away from healthy folks—maintaining at least six feet distance and shouting “unclean” as they walked down a public street. I’m sure this fellow was dancing for joy and blabbing his mouth off. “Look at me. I’m not unclean any longer!”

In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. "Lord," he said, "if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean." Jesus reached out and touched him. "I am willing," he said. "Be healed!" And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Then Jesus instructed him not to tell anyone what had happened. He said, "Go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed." Luke 5:12-14       

Lone Tree in the Wilderness of Israel
The disobedience to His request would be enough to drive anyone to see a quiet place to be alone…and talk to their Dad. That is just what Jesus did. But He withdrew to the wilderness—a quiet place where He could pray and get way from the crowds of people. Power likely drained out of Jesus as He healed this leper, so praying would refresh and renew Him.

What do you do to refresh yourself spiritually? Prayer is the best answer. God will renew your spirit and your mind if you ask Him. David asked the Lord…

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Consider these words that Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God--truly righteous and holy. - Ephesians 4:21-24 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Pray. If you sincerely want to change…to renew your thoughts and attitudes there is no better place to begin that by asking the Holy Spirit to do just that.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, As I draw away for this quiet time of prayer with You, renew and refresh my mind—beginning with my thoughts and attitudes. I want a clean heart that is pleasing to You, Lord God.

Verses of Salvation ~ If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Camping is a fun way to get away…and to get back to nature…to commune alone with God in a quiet place. What do you eat when you go camping?

Hot dogs, beans and s’mores are probably high on the menu list. Have you tried Indian Fry Bread? We made some when we lived and camped in New Mexico years ago. Then one of my sister-in-laws, who was part Indian, made some with my kids when we were camping here in Washington. I was thinking that would be a good group activity sometime soon, not necessarily when we’re camping. The easiest way is just to use some frozen bread dough. Let it thaw and rise. Then divide the dough into 8-10 pieces and roll it out to about ¼ inch thick 6-8 inch circles. Fry the bread over a campfire or on the stove in a little vegetable oil. You can use peanut oil which is good for frying anything. When the dough bubbles up and browns a little, turn it over and brown the other side. Fold the bread in half and fill with seasoned taco meat, grated cheese, chopped tomatoes and onions, sliced avocado, sour cream, jalapenos and whatever you normally put into tacos. It makes sort of an Indian taco. Enjoy eating these sitting around the campfire. Maybe someone will get inspired and do an Indian dance.

If you don’t want to do the easy yeast bread fry bread, give this recipe a try. It’s pretty easy, too. Life is too short to try to make food difficult to prepare when you want to relax out in the wilderness.

 Indian Fry Bread    makes 6 fry breads

3 cups flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup hot water

Hot oil (canola or peanut) for frying – about 1” deep in a frying pan

 Combine flour, baking powder and salt, mix well. Add hot water and stir into a ball. Let sit 30 minutes. Divide into six equal portions and roll each into a six-inch circle.  Place in oil. It will bubble when the oil is hot enough. Turn and brown the other side.

Fill with favorite taco style meats and vegetables. Also good with some butter and cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on it.

 © 2020 Text, photos and paintings  by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Thursday, June 25, 2020

Keep on Loving

Consider this Message. Meditate on it.

God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first. If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both. 1 John 4:17-21 MSG

Love one another. Jesus’ words repeated...from the Old Testament…from Jesus…and from Paul and John. Same message. Love.

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:35

For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5:14

 A good reminder for me as I begin another year of loving my spouse…as I love myself.

 

Check out the verses again. See that John is encouraging us not to be fearful…not of afraid of death or judgment. If we choose to live without worry…and choose love, we will be loved. No worries…no fear. Actually, I think we will have worries and fear, but we can just give those to Jesus. He will take care of those. He loves us.

 Prayer ~Lord God, Even before You made the world, You loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in Your eyes. From Ephesians 1:4. May we see others as You do and  love them as You love us.

Verse of Salvation ~ 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

 © 2020 Text and sketch  by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson

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Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Joyous Anniversary, My Hunny


Meditate—think on these things.
For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not be holy, but now they are holy. 
1 Corinthians 7:14  

Warden Community Church
My home church growing up...and where I was married.
Forty-eight years ago today I walked down the aisle at my home church with a handful of friends and family attending to see me marry this man that was the love of my life. Little did I realize that he was indeed the chosen one. The one God chose for me…and we have lived happily ever after. Well, mostly happily. My melancholy personality is often difficult to get along with, but Jerry has been a great encouragement to me…and I have done the same for him. In forty-eight years we each received a Master’s Degree, visited all 50 states, have raised two wonderful children and now have seven terrific grandchildren.  We still live together! We are blessed. We follow Jesus' command to love God and to love one another. We will keep on doing this…until death do us part. We keep our promises to each other…and to God.

Paul writes some interesting advice to the church at Corinth. He is talking about the same thing that many in our day are continually talking about: For this world as we know it will soon pass away. We would be wise to heed their advice…because Jesus gave His followers a similar warning…Be Ready.
But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.
Luke 12:40  

Are you ready? Or are you hiding your head in the sand…or glued to your TV watching Netflix and YouTube continually?

Prayer ~ Thank You Lord God for my dear husband…and for the time You have given us together. Continue to guide our hearts, souls and minds that all we think, say, and do would be pleasing to You and a good example to our family and friends. May we be ready at all times…to give an account of the joy we have in You.

Verse of Salvation ~ I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10

© 2020 Text and drawing by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Joyful Prayer


Meditate on God’s Word…and pray, like Jesus did.
At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way."
Luke 10:21

A thankful prayer from our Lord Jesus to our Heavenly Father. Giving thanks is not only respectful, it is just the right thing to do. Give thanks with a grateful heart. Many people are feeling as David did when he wrote in Psalm 42. Their hearts are breaking as they cannot attend church with their friends in the church building. But the church is not the building…it is the people who love the Lord and serve Him.
My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration! Psalm 42:4

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Psalm 105:1 NLT

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2

So—that is what we must do. Like Jesus…we should give thanks no matter where we worship…home or a church building. Like Jesus…be filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and give thanks to our Heavenly Father what He has done. It is interesting that the Amplified translation notes that this focus scripture is related to salvation.

In that very hour He was overjoyed and rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and He said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things [relating to salvation] from the [a]wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants [the childlike and untaught]. Yes, Father, for this way was [Your gracious will and choice, and was] well-pleasing in Your sight. Luke 10:21 AMP

Prayer ~ For those reading this blog today...I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Verse of Salvation ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

Are you among the chosen? I’m thankful that God chose you…and you chose to accept His gift of salvation!

© 2020 Text, photos and paintings  by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.
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Monday, June 22, 2020

Don’t Give Up

Meditate on God’s Word. Pray as the Spirit leads you.
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. Luke 18:1

Here is the story that Jesus told His disciples. Keep on praying…
"There was a judge in a certain city," he said, "who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, 'Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.' The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, 'I don't fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!'" Then the Lord said, "Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?" Luke 18:2-8

Prosser Balloon Festival
 Can you keep on praying…and never give up? When the Son of Man, Jesus, returns to earth will you be among the ones that He finds who have faith? Be wise and faithful.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:5-8 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Christ won't be coming in a balloon...
but keep looking up!
Don't give up seeking Him.
He will return and every eye will see Him.
Prayer ~ Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. Psalm 143:1. Lord, give me wisdom to pray for myself and others that I may be faithful to Your calling…and tell others about You. I want to be among the faithful when You return for Your church.

Verse of Salvation ~ Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12

Eternal life is ours through salvation in Jesus Christ.

© 2020 Text, photos and paintings  by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.  
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Sunday, June 21, 2020

Help From the Father

Meditate – Focus on Prayer and God’s Word.
One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. Luke 6:12

What was Jesus praying all night about? In this Scripture passage He needed help from God the Father to choose His disciples.
             At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names: Simon (whom he named Peter), Andrew (Peter's brother), James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (who was called the zealot), Judas (son of James), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).  Luke 6:13-16 
The Sea of Galilee
From the site of the Sermon on the Mount
Israel
Right after Jesus chose His disciples He was surrounded by a crowd, of whom He healed many sick, and then He preached what we know as The Sermon on the Mount. It begins with the Beatitudes, blessings…
     Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said, "God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours." Luke 6:20. 
Jesus often said that He speaks for the Father.
     I don't speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say." John 12:49-50.

So whether it is a big sermon or a short response to a question, Jesus relies on the Father. That is just what we should do, too. Rely on the words and teachings of our Heavenly Father—on Father’s Day and every day.

Do you look to our Heavenly Father for wisdom and advice in your daily life? He is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. You can count on Him. You don’t have to pray all night like Jesus often did to get answers when you talk to God. Just ask.

Prayer ~ Lord God, You know how often I pray for others. Day and night I bring them and their needs in prayer to You. Heavenly Father, I serve You with all my heart by spreading the Good News about Your Son, Jesus Christ. From Romans 1:9.

Verse of Salvation ~ God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures. The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David's family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 1:2-4

The Good News is that Jesus Christ died for us—He provided Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sin—and He was raised from the dead. He gives us eternal life when we believe in Him. Can you, will you, believe in Him as your Savior?

© 2020 Text, photos and paintings  by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org   
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Saturday, June 20, 2020

Blessing the Bread


Meditate.
So the disciples did as Jesus told them and prepared the Passover meal there. When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the twelve disciples. ... As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "Take this and eat it, for this is my body." And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, "Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. Mark my words--I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father's Kingdom." Matthew 26:19-20, 26-29 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Drama portrayal of the Passover Meal.
Jesus blessing the Bread.
There is Jesus blessing the bread again. This is a special meal…not feeding 5,000—just His disciples and maybe a few followers. The Bible doesn’t really record the exact people who were there…just noted that the disciples were at this Passover meal with Jesus. They all had experienced Passover many times where they had the traditional meal with bread and wine. Blessed food. This time was different. Jesus said that the bread represented His body…given for them. And the wine, represented His blood given in sacrifice for them. He was telling them He was the sacrificial lamb for that Passover, for all Passovers. There would never have to be another sacrificial lamb…but only Jesus knew that right then. He blessed the bread and thanked God for the wine. His body and blood.

Are you thankful?

Prayer ~ Lord, Let the message about You, Christ, in all its richness, fill our lives. May we teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom You give. May we sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to You with thankful hearts. From Colossians 3:16.

Verse of Salvation ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13

I’m thankful that God chose you…and you chose to accept His gift of salvation!

© 2020 Text, photos and paintings  by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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