April 30 - The Great Commission

 Matthew 28:16-20

The disciples went to Galilee…when they saw Him, they worshiped Him. Jesus said, “…Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father  and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Go and make disciples. So how do you do that? Well---first the person needs to be introduced to Jesus; they must repent of their sins, and accept Jesus as their Savior. This can take some time—it is a simple process, but it depends on the person and their openness to salvation.  Romans 6:23 tells us that "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Everyone is a sinner and sin results in death—spiritually. The gift of eternal life from God is just that—a gift.  Nothing has to be paid or given in exchange.   

Discipleship means to apply Christian principles to our lives, to seek to grow and mature as a Christian by putting Christ first, and to encourage others to grow as Christians.  In order to learn Christian principles and to become mature one needs to study God’s Word daily, to pray specifically, to be empowered by the Holy Spirit, to develop and apply Christian characteristics, and to fellowship with other Christians.    

So what is stopping you from seeking to become a disciple of Christ---or of disciplining others?

Heavenly Father, help me to learn more about Jesus today and everyday and to share Your Son with others.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 29 - Conspiracy

Matthew 28:11-15

…some of the guards reported to the chief priests…they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ We will…keep you out of trouble.” …this story was widely spread among the Jews and is to this day. (NASB)

Power of the priests! Power of the mighty denarius---the Roman money! Does money talk to you? How much would someone have to give you to make you tell an outright lie? Money doesn’t speak to me that way. I don’t think that I would or could ever take a bribe. I value honor and truth above money.

Only “some” of the guards went along with this scheme. If they were sleeping, they would be endangering not only their jobs---but their lives. It was against the law for guards to sleep on the job. So how was it that all the soldiers were asleep at the same time? If they were asleep, how did they know who “stole” Jesus’ body? The story just doesn’t make sense. Do you consider stories that you hear and check them against scripture?

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to challenge others to see and hear the truth.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 28 - Burial of Jesus

Matthew 27:57-66

Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man of the Council (the Sanhedrin) who had become a disciple of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.  He took it and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, laid it in a new tomb, and rolled a large stone against the entrance. Then he went away.

Site today near Jerusalem - Empty Tomb

It was a Jewish custom that the dead had to be buried before sunset on the day that they died. The next day was the Sabbath and burial or preparation for burial could not be done on the Sabbath.

Even the Pharisees had paid attention to Jesus’ words, His predictions that He would rise again in three days.  They asked Pilate to give orders to make the grave secure.  He said, “You have a guard; go make it as secure as you know how.” So the Pharisee posted Temple guards and put a seal on the grave stone.

The seal only would allow them to see if the stone had been tampered with---it would not keep the stone in place.  There was no power on earth that could keep that stone in place or Jesus in the grave.

Legends from England tell us that Joseph of Arimathea went to tell the people living there, specifically the Jewish people there, that Jesus was the Messiah and that He was raised from the dead. He spent the rest of his life in England, so he never did use that empty tomb near Jerusalem for himself.  If you are interested you can find these stories on the internet. Just Google or Bing.

Lord Jesus, it must have been very dark and cold in that tomb—but you didn’t stay there long. Hosanna!

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 27 - Death of Jesus

Matthew 27:45-56

 “My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken Me?”

I continually wear a ring that I got in Israel that says, לעולם לא אעזוב אותך או לוותר לך

I will never leave you for forsake you. 
It is the promise from God that I claim; it is the promise that my husband and I have taken together with Christ; and during an epiphany moment, I realized that it is my promise to God.

Jesus last words on the cross are powerful and memorable.  Who among us cannot quote them? Woman behold you son.” (John20:26) “I am thirsty” (John 20:28) and “It is finished.” (John 20:30) It is finished.  What He came to do, He did.  God’s plan to save mankind was completed.

Crucifixion is a painful death. The person actually is asphyxiated as their body weight hangs down and doesn’t allow them to breathe. Usually their leg bones are broken to make the process faster, but Jesus was in such a weaken state from His beatings and blood loss that He was already dead when the soldier came to check Him. A spear was thrust into His side to be sure. The Temple curtain was torn in two from the top down. An earthquake frightened the soldiers—but more importantly I think that it demonstrated that the actual earth was mourning the loss of Jesus. Loss, yes.  Gone, but not forgotten.

You may wonder why God the Father forsook Jesus…or why Jesus felt that He was “forsaken” on the cross?  I’ll leave you to those thoughts. Why indeed? It is a much debated topic and we’ll never know the true answer this side of Heaven.  For us, we can only claim the promise that Jesus has given us in Deuteronomy 31:6,8 and Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

Thank you, Jesus, that You are always with us---we are never alone.     

.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

     

April 26 - The Crucifixion

Matthew 27:27-44

Pilate’s soldiers scourged Jesus.  Herod’s soldiers (Luke 23:11) put a royal robe on Him, and a crown of thorns and mocked and spit on Him. Putting His own clothes back on Him, they led Him away to crucify Him. Simon, of Cyrene, was forced to carry Jesus’ cross to Golgotha. His clothes were divided up among the soldiers by casting lots.  A sign that read, “This is Jesus, The King of the Jews” was hung on His cross. It was written in Greek, Hebrew and Latin (John 19:20) so that everyone could read it.

Golgotha today

Scourged, beaten, bloody, abused and humiliated. Now left on a cross to die. Those passing by mocked Him yet again.  “He saved others; He cannot save Himself.” The cross bar he hung on was possibly attached to an olive tree, as pictured on the right.

This well known story of Jesus life has been portrayed in numerous films, none so dramatic and austere as “The Passion”. Just reading this scripture again leaves me numb. How do you feel knowing that Christ died on that cross for you?

Lord, Thank you can never seem like enough to say to you for what you did—dying on that cross, for me. Thank you—thank you---thank you.

April 22 - Jesus On Trial

Matthew 26:57-68

Jesus was brought to the High Priest, Caiaphas.  The whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus so that they could put Him to death. They couldn’t find anyone to testify against Him until two men came forward saying that Jesus had said that He was able to destroy and rebuild the Temple in three days. Jesus kept silent. Then Caiaphas asked Jesus if He was the Son of God and Jesus answered, “You have said it yourself.”  He was accused of blasphemy and they spit on Him.

I have been called for jury duty several times in the last twenty years, but have never had to serve on a jury. The court system in the United States requires witnesses to give a true testimony under oath or affirmation and the statement of even only one witness can incriminate a defendant. When the trial is decided by a jury those jurors must decide if the witnesses are telling the truth and if the defendant is guilty. No one spits on the accused defendant—they may want to, but that is just not acceptable in our court system.

Under Jewish law there needed to be two witnesses and their testimony had to be in agreement to establish a charge against a person.  So these two witnesses were collaborating against Jesus, but blasphemy was not a charge that would result in a death penalty under the Roman rule.

During his trials Jesus went before Annas (John 18:12-14, 19-23) and Caiaphas, with the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68, Matthew 27:1); before Pilate (Matthew 27:2, 11-14); before Herod (Luke 23:6-12); and then a second trial before Pilate (Matthew 27:15-26). Annas was High Priest before Caiaphas and continued to be influential. Pilate, the Roman governor, had a palace in Jerusalem and was there at the time of the Passover when there could be trouble with the huge crowds that assembled.  Herod also had a palace in Jerusalem, so it was a relatively short distance between each of Jesus’ trials.

The Jews couldn’t really put Jesus to death.  They needed the Roman rulers to condemn Him to death. In actuality no one could put Jesus to death, He gave up His own life willingly. Gave it up for you and for me. Do you know that Jesus loved you enough to die for you?

Lord, it is hard to understand why you had to suffer such rejection and humiliation during these trials …for me. Thank you. 

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

      

April 25 – Innocent Blood

Matthew 27:11-26

Pilate: “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus: “It is as you say.”…Pilate: “I am innocent of this Man’s blood…”

It was a custom at the time of the Passover Feast that the Roman ruler would release one prisoner.  The Jewish crowd, coached by the chief priests and elders, asked for Barabbas to be released and as for Jesus---“Let Him be crucified!”  Then in front of the crowd Pilate took a bowl of water and washed his hands, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood, see to that yourselves.”  The crowd of people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children.”

Jesus was not a political or military threat to Rome, so He was not a concern for Pilate or Herod. The ritual of washing hands to symbolically absolve his connection with the death of an innocent man was a Jewish custom that did not really absolve Pilate since he was not Jewish.

Interesting that among the crowd of people were probably some of the same ones who had only a week earlier welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem shouting “Hosanna!” Now the chief priests had instigated the crowd to demand His crucifixion. And the crowd was willing to have Jesus blood be on them.  That is how sacrifices work---the blood of the lamb was shed for the people’s sin.  How ironic that they were willing for His blood to be shed for them.

Lord, I am so sad for what happened to you---being rejected by Your people, the Jews.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 24 – Judas Remorse

Matthew 27:1-10

Jesus was bound up and taken away to Pilate.  Judas went to the chief priests and tried to return the thirty pieces of silver that they had given him for betraying Jesus. They wouldn’t take back the coins, so he threw them in the sanctuary and went away and hanged himself.  The chief priests bought the Potter’s Field with the money and the land was used to bury strangers. That fulfilled the prophesy in Zechariah 11:12-13.

Oh, what have I done? That must have been the words screaming in Judas’ head.  What have I done? “I’ve betrayed innocent blood.” But the betrayal couldn’t be undone and Jesus was on His way to the cross.

Have you ever done something you wish you hadn’t done? I would like to think that some of those chief priests may have also had some remorseful feelings and did they realize that they were fulfilling prophesy that was spoken through Jeremiah? Life is complicated.  We don’t always see the big picture until later when things have happened that we can’t change. We make decisions everyday---small ones and big ones.

Lord, help me to make good decisions today that I would not deny, betray, or disappoint you.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 23 - Denial

Matthew 26:69-75

“You were with Jesus the Galilean.” ”I do not know what you are talking about.”

Jesus had predicted Peter’s denial of Him and here it is. Warming himself by a fire (Mark 14:54,67) Peter is confronted three times and denies knowing Jesus each time.  Then the rooster crowed.  Daylight was breaking so it was beginning to get light.  There was no hiding in the shadows for Peter. People could see that he was a tanned and weathered Galilean fisherman and would recognize his different accent as he usually spoke in an Aramaic dialect.

Does your speech give you away as a Christian? Do you use Christianese phrases? But the real crux of the matter is, are you denying Jesus?  Don’t be tempted to turn away from opportunities to share the real truth of Jesus with others.

Lord, give me strength to be proud of you in my life and to share You and the truth of your life with others. 

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 21 – Betrayed with a Kiss

Matthew 26:47-56

Judas, accompanied by a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people, went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

Kiss-Kiss. Mostly only lovers, close friends and immediate family kiss in the United States. This week at the shopping mall near my neighborhood and I was aware of lots of people kissing. Is this a Spring thing?  It’s that time of year when people just seem to be more affectionate. Kiss-Kiss.

Betrayed with a kiss.  Judas didn’t just point Jesus out in the Garden—he went up to Him, real friendly like, and kissed Him. He had arranged that the man he kissed would be arrested. It was common in Jewish culture to greet others with a kiss on the cheek, so that was not unusual.  What was unusual was that the crowd with Judas was armed with swords and clubs.  Peter pulled out his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s slave—but Jesus touched his ear and healed him (Luke 22:51). So Jesus was arrested and taken away, fulfilling prophesy of Scripture. The disciples left Him and fled.  Just as Jesus predicted, the disciples denied Him and left.

Lord, I don’t want to ever deny or betray you.  

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 20 - The Ten Virgins - Or Give Me Oil in My Lamp Keep Me Burning

Matthew 25:1-13

“The prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamp…The bridegroom came…and those who were ready went in with Him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut.”

Stones used in olive crushing

When we need olive oil we simply go to the grocery store and buy some---imported from Italy or Spain. Similarly, during Bible times oil could be purchased from olive growers and dealers in the market. Olive trees grow quite easily in the Mediterranean region. The ripe olives were gathered, washed and initially crushed. Then the crushed olives were put into a basket that was hung off the end of a log and heavy stones applied pressure to the basket to further crush the olives and release the precious olive oil. The first press of the olives was the best and was likely reserved for cooking. After the first press, additional rocks were added and sometimes the olives were heated to release more oil. The second and third pressings yielded a lower grade of olive oil and that was suitable for use in lamps, for preparation of soap or cosmetics and ceremonial uses. After bathing people would rub oil on their skin for health and to soften their skin. Oil also played an important role in lighting not only homes, in simple clay vessels, but also in the temple in huge metal lamps.

In the marriage customs of the Hebrew people after the betrothal or engagement of the couple, the bridegroom must build their home, adding onto his father’s existing home. When it was ready, the father of the groom would invite people to the wedding, sometimes providing special wedding clothes for them. The bride would be taken by her guests from her family’s home in a procession in the middle of the night through the streets to the bridegroom’s home. The bridegroom would not be at home when she arrived, giving her time to have her hair done by her maids in waiting. He would be having dinner at another relative’s home and his wedding guests would accompany him back to his own home where his bride waited for him. People along his procession route would call out “There he is. He is coming!” The bride’s maids in waiting would come out with oil lamps to light up the entrance as the groom and his guests arrived. After the bridegroom procession entered, the doors were shut and no other guests were received. Then the bride and groom would be seated under a colorful canopy and for the next three to five days the father of the groom hosted an elaborate and elegant banquet.       
This is one of my favorite parables. I just imagine these ten girls all curled up, sleeping while they are waiting for the bridegroom’s procession. "He is coming!" They are awakened suddenly, excited, jumping up and down, bumping into each other, and some discover they don’t have enough oil. Like the song, "Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning, burning, burning," on fire for the Lord. The oil has been said to represent the Holy Spirit. So how do you bottle up that (Him) to be prepared?



Oil lamp replica from Israel

The point is that the five girls who planned ahead had enough “oil” to light their lamps and the others didn’t. The unprepared girls had to go buy more oil---and when they arrived at the wedding feast the door was locked and they were not allowed to enter. Thus they were left out in the cold---the Lord didn’t know them. Be ready---again, BE PREPARED!  We don’t know the hour or the day that Christ, the bridegroom, will return and take us to His feast. That is The Banquet we don’t want to miss!

Lord, fill me—fill us—with the Holy Spirit that we will always be prepared. Give us wisdom to know what to do as we wait for your return. We joyfully look forward to sitting at your banquet table, feasting with you.

April 19 – Famished for Figs

Matthew 21:17-22

…He(Jesus) became hungry. Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He said to it, "No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you." And at once the fig tree withered. Seeing this, the disciples were amazed and asked, "How did the fig tree wither all at once?" And Jesus answered and said to them, "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (NASB)

I love figs and it wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized that figs come from more than Fig Newton packages. Fresh ripe ones are so good. I’m sure that Jesus mouth was watering too, when he anticipated eating a fresh fig. When you are hungry---look for food in season, then ask and receive. Jesus was God---yet He was man and experienced things like we do---hunger. He made the fig tree---yet He cursed it when there was no fruit. You may ask—was this a time of the year that figs were ripe for harvest?  Good question.

Fig trees actually have fruit at two times during the year. The first crop of the year, called the breba crop comes in the spring about the time when the tree gets its leaves. The fruit is very soft, exceptionally sweet and is usually a delicacy eaten directly from the tree since it does not keep long. In the late summer or fall the common figs ripen on the tree and are harvested before they dry. The fruit has a uniquely sweet taste with a delightful crunchiness of the small seeds inside. The fig is the only fruit that has no waste, the skin as well as the seeds are eaten. Medicinally figs are good for treatment of asthma, constipation, hemorrhoids, boils, and infections of the stomach, intestines and urinary tract. Additionally in Japan and Europe a chemical (benzaldehyde) found in figs has been found to be effective against cancer. With the highest mineral content of any common fruit, figs are exceptionally good for us.  

Jesus and his disciples were looking for the spring fruit, but the tree was barren. Like a hypocrite, it promised fruit, but didn’t give any. The nation of Israel has been referred to in the Bible as being like a fig tree (1 Kings 4:25, Hosea 9:10). They were rejected for not being fruitful. Are you being “fruitful”? The promise that Jesus gives us at the end of this passage is so encouraging, whatever we ask for in prayer, if we believe, we will receive it. What a promise! Believe!  

Lord Jesus---Help us to see what is good for us, to ask for the things that are good, in season, and to be fruitful for you.

Easy Fig Pudding

Most fig puddings have flour and are cooked and served at Christmas time. This one is an easy one you can whip up every day, any day.

½ cup figs, fresh or soak dried

3 tsp dried coconut, flaked or shaved

½ cup water

½ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

Dash of pure vanilla extract

Sprinkle of sea salt

Soak figs and coconut in the water for several hours or overnight. Put all the ingredients into a blender or food processor and puree. Garnish with chopped nuts, if desired.

Nutritious easy dessert or snack for two, or enjoy it served over French Toast.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 18 - Beloved Fragrance

Matthew 26:6-13

Mary anointed Jesus’ head as he reclined at the table for a meal at the home of Simon the leper. She was asked, “Why this waste?  For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.”  Jesus answered the complaints with, “Why do you bother this woman?  For she has done a good deed to Me. The poor you have with you always; but you do not always have Me.”

The closest thing to a room filled with the scent of perfume that I have ever experienced was when I visited the Celestial Seasonings tea factory in Boulder, Colorado. In a room where the peppermint was stored, the enveloping fragrance of the peppermint was so strong in the air that you could literally taste it. I love peppermint, so it was exhilarating to me! For me that peppermint would make a great perfume. Could the scent from a vial of pure perfume in Jesus’ day literally fill that room? Since many of the disciples were indignant about the “waste” of the perfume, they certainly did smell it.    

This same event, as recorded in Mark 14:3-9 and John 12:1-8, occurs in Bethany which was about one and one-half miles east of Jerusalem. It was a place where the sick were cared for since it was the required distance from the Temple; where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead; and where traditionally it is thought that Jesus ascended into heaven.

Taking care of the poor in a town like Bethany where there were lots of poor people with needs may have been upper most in some of the disciples minds, but Jesus was being honored by Mary, who anointed Him for as if for burial, just days before He was crucified. As we recall this story, let us remember that Mary did a special thing, focusing her love and devotion on the Lord. The perfume was about a year’s salary for a rural worker. Would you be willing to give up a year of your wages to buy perfume to pour over Jesus’ head?

Lord, may I be as focused on you as Mary was when she anointed your head with that precious oil.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 17 – Many are Called but Few are Chosen

Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus told a parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son… And he sent out his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast, and they were unwilling to come….slaves went out into the streets and gathered together all they found, both evil and good; and the wedding hall was filled with dinner guests. But when the king came in to look over the dinner guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed in wedding clothes, and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without wedding clothes?' And the man was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen.” (NASB)

A King was having a banquet for his son. This sounds almost like a fairy tale—like Cinderella. My granddaughter loves the story of Cinderella and she asks me to read it to her often. Cinderella scrubs, cleans and helps her ungrateful step-sisters get ready for the ball, but there is no time or lovely gown for her. In steps the fairy god mother and rescues her with a gorgeous ball gown, glass slippers and a crew of animals who become real servants to take her to the castle. You can almost hear the orchestra tuning up their instruments and practicing. The mouth-watering aromas waft from the kitchen as the bakers and chefs prepare food for the grand ball. We could only wish to be called to such an elegant affair where everyone is arriving in elegant gowns and spotless suits. A glorious day.

Now here is another story of a King who wants his son to have an extravagant wedding. God is the father and invites people to the wedding of His son, Jesus. When it was time for the wedding those who were invited had excuses why they couldn’t make it to the festivities. The invited guests even mistreated and killed the servants. So the Father sent other servants to find new guests. One of these guests wasn’t properly dressed so he was bound and thrown into the outer darkness (hell).

I love parts of this story because we are the invited guests---and I want to be ready. God is choosy about who gets into the wedding feast in heaven. Make sure you not only respond when “invited”---but put on your best clothes and get ready for a wonderful heavenly feast!

What do “wedding clothes” look like?  In Revelation 19:8 it says that the bride of the Lamb (the church) is wearing fine linen, clean and bright. Additionally, Revelation 7:9 and 9:11 state, “…great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues (languages), standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes.”

To wash our robes in the blood of the lamb is to confess our sins and ask for forgiveness. What could be simpler?   But some people don’t want to humble themselves before the Lord and admit that they have done anything wrong. Where do you stand with the Lord today?  Are you ready to stand before His throne?

Lord, please forgive me for my sin---cleanse me white as snow. As I come to you, give me a glorious white robe to wear at your feast!  I don’t want to miss this special banquet with You.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 16 – Talents

Matthew 25:14-30

A man about to go on a journey gives three of his servants five, two and one talents, respectively.  The one given five, immediately traded with them and earned five more.  The one given two talents gained two more, but the servant who had been given one talent buried it.  When the master came back he rewarded the servants who had made money with a promise that their faithfulness would result being put in charge of many things and they could enter into their master’s joy.  The one who buried the money did so out of fear and he gave the one talent back to his master.  The master reprimanded the servant that he should have at least put the money in the bank and earned interest on the money. So the talent was taken way and given to the servant who had ten.  For to everyone who has shall more be given, and he shall have an abundance but the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken way.  The worthless servant was cast into the outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

When I give a gift, I always try to make it something practical. That’s just me. Don’t waste money on frivolous things. I like to give my grandkids gifts of toys, books and clothes that they can really use.  Even for toddlers though money is more useful since it can be saved for their college education, while clothes are quickly outgrown, toys become just another dust collector on the shelf after their uniqueness wears off, and the pages of books get ripped. Personally, I like to receive gifts that are useful, that don’t just sit on a shelf collecting dust, hoping for a time to be regifted or buried in the backyard---like a dog bone.

Could those “talents” that Jesus taught about be more than money? How about real talents and spiritual gifts that the Lord has given each of us? Invest what is given to you! How can you “invest” in talents like music, poetry, or painting? Using those “gifts” will increase their value to you and others. Don't bury your creative abilities. I’ve found that talent not used fades away. I love to paint butterflies, in the Chinese style. If I'm not writing...I'd rather be painting.

As for spiritual gifts, those need to be used, too. Have you discovered your spiritual gifts? There are numerous spiritual gift inventory tests available that you can use to evaluate your particular interests and establish your gifts of faith, service, craftsmanship, discernment, apostle, hospitality, creative communication, teaching, encouragement, mercy, giving, prophecy, evangelism, leadership, exhortation, shepherding or administration. Some evaluations can be found online, just Google or Bing: Spiritual Gifts. In scripture, gifts of the Spirit are discussed in 1 Corinthians 12. Feast on the words of Jesus and look forward to entering into your Master’s joy. The joy of heaven.

Lord, help me to see the talents you’ve given to me and how to invest those talents to please you.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 15 - Hunger

Matthew 25:31-45

Verse 35, “For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink….”  Verse 39 continues  “When?”... Verse 40, “…and the King will answer…to the extent that you did it to one of the brothers of mine, even to the least of them, you did it to Me.”

I try to make it a habit of offering water, especially on hot summer days, to anyone who comes to our home, whether it is a repairman or someone selling meat or books. Always be willing to share your food—to give others something to eat or drink. May I offer you a fresh fruit smoothie with that salad?  Or just a cool glass of ice water, with a lemon, of course?!

Jesus is teaching here about feeding the brothers, stressing the importance of taking care of fellow Christians. The teaching goes on in verse 45 to say that when someone did NOT feed the hungry or give a drink to the thirsty, they didn’t do it for the King (Jesus) and those people will go away to eternal punishment, while the righteous (the providers) will go into eternal life (heaven).

Where do you want to go?  Choose to be a servant, choose to go to heaven.

Lord, thank you for letting us serve You through others. May they graciously accept the meal or drink we offer, whether it is gourmet or just plain simple food. Let us feel your presence as we share food and fellowship around Your table, honoring You.

April 14 – Out of the Mouths of Babes

Matthew 21:14-16

The blind and lame came to Jesus in the temple and He healed them. The chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things He had done and the children were crying out, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant, and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?” Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, ‘Out of the mouths of infants..thou has prepared praise for Thyself’?” (NASB)

Children say amazing things---funny to the adults around them because sometimes the kids just haven't mastered the language yet. A couple of years ago my oldest grandson, then three, said to his mom who was sitting with her arms crossed watching TV, "I want some of those when I grow up," pointing at her chest. He wants breasts? No, he wants freckles. She has freckles on her arms! Freckles! Kisses of sunshine on his face and arms! That would likely bring a smile to Jesus' face, too!

This is quoted from Psalm 8:2---From mouths of infants and nursing babes Thou hast established strength. David was writing a hymn of praise in awe of the majesty of the Lord. It is astonishing what God has created---and who He is. Creator of the stars of the heavens, and the starfish in the oceans; the horses on land and sea horses in the depths of the seas; flowers in the spring and snowflakes in the winter, each unique and individual, just like each of us are distinctively different, yet created in His image. One day we will stand before Him, see Him face to face and praise Him. Then we'll sit at His banquet table and feast on the bounty that He has prepared. Truth, Love, Joy. Spiritual food, too.

So the priests and scribes didn’t like to hear the truth from little children. Truth. Little children are known for telling things like it is and they repeat exactly what they have heard. Are you careful what you say in front of them? You’ll be hearing it again. Hosanna!

Lord, thank you for the little children in our lives and the honesty that they embrace.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 13 – Signs of the Times

Matthew 24:1-51

Verse 30  “…and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.”

Sunrise is the best time of day. Although I haven’t actually seen the sun rise lately, since I’ve been staying up too late at night to rise that early in the morning. For a couple of years when I was in High School I worked on my uncle’s farm moving irrigation sprinklers. It was hard work, but it paid well and I got to see the sun rise every morning. Now each day when I wake up I look outside to check the weather. On cloudless days I often say to myself---no clouds, Jesus won’t be coming back today. Some mornings the clouds and sunlight breaking through the clouds give an amazing preview of what it might be like when Jesus returns. Are those just for practice? Listen. Do you hear any trumpets? Clouds move so quickly, things change. Matthew 24:36-39 tells us it will be like in Noah’s day before the flood when they were eating and drinking until the day that Noah entered the ark. They didn’t understand.

In Acts 1:11, when Jesus ascended into heaven on a cloud, two angels stood beside the disciples and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” we have the assurance from Jesus himself that He will come back in a cloud.

Keep your eyes on the clouds. We don’t know the hour or the day, only the Heavenly Father knows the exact time of Jesus’ return. We’ve been warned—be prepared—“be on the alert” and "see to it that no one misleads you." For centuries people have thought that Jesus would return during their lifetime. When I was younger, I did, too. I’ve searched scriptures and tried to understand God’s timing. Many have taught that once Israel is back in their land (Palestine) that Jesus would soon return. Israel came back into the Promised Land as a nation in 1948. There have been wars and rumors of wars around the world continually---and birth pangs worldwide, like unusual earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, yet Jesus has not yet returned. Not everyone has heard of Him.

The clouds in the morning and evening are often brilliant and spectacular here in the western states. This photo was taken in western Montana. Is this God’s warm-up, His rehearsal for the glory of Jesus return? Remember that before Jesus returns there will be tribulation. Be strong and endure. After that Jesus will meet us in the air---that great rapture we’ve all heard about in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. The word “rapture” is not in scripture, but is a Greek word for taken up. See you “in the air” in the glory of the cloud when Jesus comes to snatch us.

Lord, help us to “be prepared” day by day, to be obedient and to share your love with others.

April 12 - Humble or Hypocrite?

Matthew 23:1-39

“But the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” (v 11-12) (NASB)

It is hard to be humble when in our society it is our nature and our desire is to be recognized, rewarded, and revered. Children and adults alike are in the “Me” mode…life is all about ME. When was the last time you talked to someone and they didn’t carry on about what they were doing or feeling? Were they exalting themselves? I know without thinking, I do the same thing. My life is centered around me and my family. I have to make a conscious effort to focus on others, to exalt them.

Jesus, speaking to the disciples and the multitudes, described the heart condition of the Pharisees. The Pharisees should have been respected leaders in their society. They all instructed what to do and observe, but they did not do according to their own words. In verse 6, they love the place of honor at banquets, and the chief seats in the synagogues…But (V13) woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from men, for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.

The banquet of the Lord will be a joyous, lively meal---with no hypocrites. Do you think there will be round tables so that there will be no “head” or place of honor?  No, the place of honor will be where Jesus Himself is seated…and anyone at that banquet is “honored” to be there. They’ve made the right decision—they’ve chosen Jesus as their Savior. Look at your own heart once again today. Holiness is not an option---it is a requirement. Continue to make good decisions, with pure motives, and humble yourself before the Lord. The best decision you can make is to ask for forgiveness and accept Jesus as your Savior, then you will be worthy and chosen to sit at His Banquet table.

Lord, forgive me if I appear to be a hypocrite like the Pharisees. Cleanse my heart and my attitude that I may be pleasing to you and worthy to sit at your banquet table---today. I love you and praise you, for you alone are worthy of praise.

April 11 – Greatest Commandment

Matthew 22:35-40

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind…second is…you shall love your neighbor as yourself. (vv 37, 39)

When I am thinking something inappropriate, I have found that the best way to focus my mind on Christ is quoting this scripture to myself. It is one of my favorite verses. I've quoted it a lot over the years. Isn’t focusing our minds on Christ what we are suppose to do—at all times, not just when we slip up and find inappropriate ideas running through our thoughts? 

Here Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 which is part of the Shema, used by Jews in their daily prayers. What does it mean to “love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind”?  When you love someone you want to focus your attention on them (not on the TV, newspaper, or internet). So when (not IF) we love the Lord, we will give Him our undivided attention and let Him know that we love Him---through prayer, Bible study, devotions, or just quietly listening for His voice. Feast on His word today and Love Him with all your heart, soul and mind.

This scripture is similar to that recorded in Luke 11. Like the young lawyer in Luke 11 we may want to rationalize “who” our neighbor is. I think that Jesus made it clear in that parable of the Good Samaritan that our neighbor can be anyone, not just the person next door. The Samaritan was an outcast---but he took care of beaten man, when the priests and temple officials had ignored him. We should never ignore those who need help, whether they are stranded on the desert desolate road between Jericho and Jerusalem, or on a street in our community. 

Lord---I do love you above all else. Help me to focus my attention on You and to show your love to my neighbors—who include my family and friends, as well as those people who live next door.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 10 - The Garden of Gethsemane

Matthew 26:36-46

“Sit here while I go over there and pray.”   ...My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”

The snarled old olive trees (below in the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem) did not provide a welcoming hospitable, cozy place, but it was quiet. During Jesus time this must have been a tranquil spot since it is noted that Jesus brought his disciples there often. To ponder, to find peace, to pray. 

There in the Garden on the evening of the last supper, the disciples were to keep watch---to stay awake and be alert---and to pray.  But they fell asleep. They had just had a big Passover meal. They were full, it was late and the Garden was dark.  As they waited for Jesus, they fell asleep.  Right when He needed them to be praying---they slept.  He asked them, “Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?” (NIV) When was the last time you prayed for an entire hour? I imagine you got sleepy, too. We have had several times at our church in the last couple of years where we have been called to pray for an hour or even for just a half hour at a time. Few people sign up for an entire hour. They just don’t think they can do it, but all things are possible with God.  If you are asked to pray for an hour---don’t decline the opportunity. Just as Jesus wanted His disciples to watch and pray, so as not to fall into temptation (v. 41), He wants you to be devoted to Him and to prayer, too.  Make a list of the things you want to pray about and scripture that matches those prayer topics. Then pray. 

Jesus wanted the cup to pass from Him, but He sought to do His Father’s will.  That is what we need to do, too.  Seek God’s will in your life. That is a big task in itself, but it is one that is doable on a moment by moment basis. Jesus was giving His life---at that moment, He was being submissive to His Father.  Can you be submissive to God’s will today?

Heavenly Father, show me what it is that You want me to do for you today.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.