Do You Have a Godly Purpose?

But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness…. 1Timothy 4:7  

Is Halloween for you based on worldly fables or spiritual warfare? Do you take part in the Halloween celebration and party with your friends? Do you allow evil fables and evil forces to invade your home and your life…if even for just the day? 

Training Tip – Consider your values. What do you teach your children by the way you acknowledge particular holidays? Do your actions reflect a desire for godliness—the purpose of holiness in your life?

Lord Jesus, guide our hearts, thoughts and minds that we would focus our lives on living lives of purity and holiness.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

 

Purpose

But He said to them, "I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose." Luke 4:43 

Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. John 12:27 

…the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8  

Jesus had a specific purpose to His life—to do the will of His Father, to tell others about His Father’s Kingdom and to destroy the works of the devil. Pretty straight forward. We on the other hand struggle with what our purpose is in life. How often have you wondered, “Why am I here on earth?” “What am I suppose to do when I grow up?” “What is God’s will for my life me?” We make decisions every minute of every day that affect our purpose for living. As we focus our lives on Jesus—our purpose becomes more centered on Him. What do you see as your purpose? 

Training Tip – Sit down with your children—especially those who are in their teens and help them set some goals—encourage them in areas of their strengths. If they are good with people, they will do well in careers where they interact with people—not just with computers and vise versa. Those who do well in math will be successful in scientific areas. Choices of courses in high school and college are important and shouldn’t be made just because friends will be in those classes. Considerable thought and planning should be done before choosing a particular career field, college, and major field of study. Some people even feel that college isn’t necessary—but if not, then a good trade school may provide essential training. College may not be for everyone, but a college degree does prove that the recipient has reached a level of commitment that is not attained by everyone. Education is the key that often opens doors to career opportunities. Spiritual goals should also be considered—and parents can begin providing goals, like scripture memorization, early in a child’s life. What goals have you set or helped your children set?  

Lord Jesus, You had a purpose in Your life that was established by Your Heavenly Father. Show us how to set goals that give us, our children and our grandchildren purpose for living.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

How Persuasive Are You?

...and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.... 1 Corinthians 2:4 

The Message translation makes the Bible come alive…spiritually. Read 1 Corinthians 2 in the Message. It has a lot to teach us about the spiritual nature of God…and of us. The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can’t receive the gifts of God’s Spirit. There’s no capacity for them. They seem like so much silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit—God’s Spirit and our spirits in open communion. Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God’s Spirit is doing…1Corinthians 2:14-16 The Message. Some people just aren’t open to the Spirit of God…but beware of those who are open to other spiritual avenues—especially at this Halloween time of the year. We want to be open to God’s Spirit—and to everything that He is doing. Begin by asking God to show more of Himself to you—to help you understand Him. 

Training Tip – Have you ever explained to your children that there are three parts to God? Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Show them a leaf from a shamrock plant where there are three separate parts that make up one leaf. That is just how God is—three parts—one God. Do you grasp that concept yourself? If not, seek out someone who can help you understand it better. There are no exact scripture references for “trinity”, but there are examples of the three forms of God together, as in when Jesus was baptized. Jesus was present, as was the voice of God the Father, who said, “This is my beloved Son, of whom I am well pleased.” The Spirit was present in the form of the dove who came down from Heaven. Read this in Matthew 3.  

Lord God, guide my children, grandchildren and me that we would know You more fully and that our spirits would be in communication with Your Spirit—that we would be persuasive and encouraging to others who are seeking Jesus in their lives.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Gentle Persuasion

The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 

Read 2 Timothy 2 in the Message. When you get to 2 Timothy 2:24-26, it says…God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know how or when God might sober them up with a change of heart and a turning to the truth, enabling them to escape the Devil’s trap, where they are caught and held captive, forced to run his errands. To be persuasive we must be gentle listeners. We can’t just speak our own minds and expect others to listen to us and be persuaded to believe as we do—we have to listen to their point of view, too. Can you do that?

Training Tip – Spend some time today with each of your children, one on one. Listen to what they have to say—to what is on their heart and mind. Show them that you listen to them by using active listen techniques—repeating back to them what they have just said…and asking if that is what they said, if necessary. Before your time together is over share with them just one thing that is your hope for them. Give them a hug and let them know that you love them for who they are.

Lord God, may we come to our senses and escape from the snare of the devil. We want to be held captive by You and do Your will and not that of the devil. Guide and protect our children and grandchildren that  they would seek You with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

The Wise Heart

The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Proverbs 16:23

The wise person gets their wisdom from the Lord…seeking wisdom is the central theme in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom is the key to learning and in developing good relationships—a good relationship with God and with other people. Like is says in the Message translation of Proverbs 3:5-9…Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health; your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Honor God—that is pretty wise advice. It’s also persuasive—run to God and away from evil. We need that advice today—there is so much perversion and evil around us—especially at this time of the year. People so want to party and have fun that they let themselves be taken in by the Halloween scene. Is there any harm in getting some free candy for their kids? When it is at the expense of compromising their values, it is harmful. What are your kids learning from you taking them to all the free candy events available in your community? My paternal grandparents put down Halloween events when I was growing up—now I respect them and their values for taking that stand. Run to God and away from evil.

Training Tip – Reevaluate your values. What do you see of value in Halloween? Are you celebrating the eve of all saints day? Really? Would you let your children dress up to honor evil characters on Halloween—or any other day of the year? Find a way to honor God everyday.

Lord Jesus, help us to be quietly persuasive like You are and guide us in our daily walk that we would honor You in all that we think, do and say.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Sweet Speech

The wise in heart will be called understanding, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. Proverbs 16:21  

Sweet words and kind actions can be very persuasive. Think of the last time someone persuaded you to do something...like to go to a sporting event or movie with them. They didn't exactly hit you over the head with a two-by-four or swear at you to get you to go—no, they were smiling, friendly, and maybe even jovial encouraging you to join them. So if you want to persuade someone to do something with you...or understand something from your point of view, then pour on the honey and sweetly persuade them.  

Training Tip – Make a list of “sweet” words like: honey, sweetie, cutie pie, sugar. Is it the words or the way that they are used that make them persuasive? With whom could you actually use those words? Family or close friends? Most strangers or acquaintances would find those enduring words offensive. I personally don’t like to be called “honey” or “sweetie” by strangers—even if they are bringing me my dinner at a fancy restaurant or cutting my hair. Consider how you speak to others to people. Are you using sweet words…or saying words in sweet ways to persuade them. Remember that you are a walking example to your children.  

Lord Jesus, help us to kindly and sweetly speak words of encouragement to persuade others to know more about You.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Persuasiveness

And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men." Mark 1:17  

Jesus was a persuasive person--not one who would bend someone's arm to make them see things His way...but quietly persuasive. He didn't force Himself on others, but let them make their own decisions...follow Me and I will make you fishers of men. Each encounter with another person was an opportunity to reveal His Father and His will. Also consider His encounter with the rich young man (Mark 10:17-27) and the woman at the well (John 4:5-29) and how their lives were affected. They each went on with their lives…but not in ways that were expected. The woman became a powerful witness to her community. How is your life affected by Jesus revealing Himself to you? How are those around you impacted by your daily life in regards to Jesus? 

Training Tip – Sing the song, “I will make you fishers of men” with your children. Then discuss what it means to fish for men for Jesus. Have you ever taken your children fishing? If not, plan to do that soon—or arrange for someone who enjoys fishing to take them. What is involved in fishing? How is it different to fish for fish than it is to fish for men? Remember when you catch ‘em—you have to clean ‘em! 

Lord Jesus, help us to follow you with enthusiasm and to become fishers of men for You. 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

I love fish—especially salmon and halibut. The big fish of the cold northern waters that are easily boned, with firm meat.  

Easy Grilled Halibut

1 – 1 ½ pounds fresh halibut, fillet or steaks

2 fresh lemons

1Tbsp Fresh dill, snipped

Salt and pepper, to taste 

Zest and juice the lemons. Combine and pour over the fish. Add the dill. Let marinate for about 1 hour. Meanwhile heat the grill. Then remove the fish from the marinate, place it in foil or on an open grilling pan. Add salt and pepper. Grill each side for about 3 to 4 minutes or to your desired doneness. Fresh fish should be heated through, and gently flaky, but definitely not over done and dry. Serve with additional fresh lemon slices, if you like.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 24 – Eternal Guidance

…for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17  

The Lord is our shepherd--and we can claim this promise that He WILL guide us. Shepherds are responsible to care for and protect their sheep. Our shepherd will not only provide safe water, but living water...the water of life. Jesus spoke to the woman at the well...If you had known the gift of God and who it is who said to you, 'Give me some water to drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water. ...But whoever drinks some of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again, but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life. The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water." John 14:10, 14-15. The living water is still available to us today--we just have to ask. As that woman surely did ,too, we must repent of our sins--ask for forgiveness and receive that living water-- eternal life. 

Training Tip – I was recently in an art gallery that had a magnificent paint of Jesus with the woman at the well. There was a child with her and she looked as if she were “with child”--of course since she had had five husbands she probably had several children--and she couldn't leave them alone while she went to get water. In the painting a little tot hanging onto her skirt was memorized by Jesus. That painting reminds us of the influence we have in daily life—that child was hearing about the living water with its mother.What do your children learn about as they tag along with you on daily tasks? Are they learning the importance of living water?

Lord Jesus, as You shepherd us, guide us to not only receiving Your living water, but help us to share this message of eternal life with those, like the woman at the well, whose paths cross ours. There is indeed an invisible thread throughout our live that binds us all together--that our paths will cross with those You want us to help. We thank you for the love, security and guidance that you provide for us. We praise You.  

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 23 – Compassionate Guidance

They will not hunger or thirst, nor will the scorching heat or sun strike them down; for He who has compassion on them will lead them and will guide them to springs of water. Isaiah 49:10 

And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11 

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. John 16:13

Just as the Lord guides us, we need to guide our children and grandchildren--with compassion. Both of the passages in Isaiah mention water. Think about

a time when you were really hot and thirsty...and then you got some cool refreshing water. Ahh! That is how refreshing God's compassionate guidance should be to us--giving us renewed strength. How can we encourage others--particularly our families--to be so refreshed?

 Training Tip – Are there any of your family facing discouragement right now? Maybe one of your kids or grand kids is struggling with some issue in school or with a friend. One on one, not at a family together time, discuss that issue with the child in an encouraging way so that he/she knows you really care about them. Help them see some options to their problem and consider some solution, if possible. 

In addition, create a celebration time--just to encourage that child. It should be just that one child and parent time. Be sure to celebrate each child once a month in a similar manner--or in a way that they choose. Some parents have "parent-kid date night" but whatever you call it, it is a way to celebrate and encourage each child individually. Let them talk about whatever they need/want to talk about. This isn't time for a lecture from you--just a refreshing time for them--and probably for you, too. Enjoy your time together--make it fun without spending any money--or much money. 

 Lord, refresh our hearts Lord. Continue to compassionately guide us and direct our paths, and those of our families--leading us in the paths of righteous to give You honor and glory. 

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 22 – Guidance From God

For such is God, Our God forever and ever; He will guide us until death. Psalms 48:14

Psalms is full of praises to God. "Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; for You will judge the peoples with uprightness and guide the nations on the earth." Psalms 67:4. Knowing that He will guide us should make us sing for joy! He cares enough--so much--for us that He WILL guide us--show us His way if we allow Him to. The Bible doesn't tell us that God might be with us and guide us but that He WILL. The God and creator of the universe cares-- not just today, but all through our lives--until we die...and then if we believe in Him, we'll spend eternity with Him. What could be better?

 Training Tip – How difficult it is for me to fathom your thoughts about me, O God! How vast is their sum total! If I tried to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. Even if I finished counting them, I would still have to contend with you. Psalms 139:17-18 NET. 

Give your children a small amount of sand--and if necessary, a magnifying glass. Ask them to count out 100 grains of sand. Maybe have teams of parents and children working together. Discuss with your family that God cares about us more than there are grains of sand on the beach--that's a lot. 

 Lord God, we praise You for who You are--creator, sustainer, ruler of the heavens and earth, savior...You are our awesome God. Thank you for guiding us and revealing Yourself to us. Please continue to guide and direct our lives. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; for You will judge the peoples with uprightness and guide the nations on the earth. Psalms 67:4

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 21 – Constant Guidance

My son, keep your father's command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. Bind them continually upon your heart. Tie the around your neck. When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you. For the commandment is a lamp, and a law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life. Proverbs 6:20-23 (NASB & NKJV)

Such wisdom in this passage of scripture. Following the "commands" of parents is good--especially if the parents are taking their advice and guidance from the Lord. This is similar advice as that given in Deuteronomy 6:5-9...You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.  The Hebrew people were being told to constantly focus their lives on The Lord and His commandments. Do we do that today? Most homes today have the television as the center of their lives with sports or other entertainment providing "constant guidance" and as people travel their radios are blaring the music of their choice--is it honoring The Lord? Don't get me wrong--I enjoy watching some TV, too, but I question its power over our society. We make the choice each day--moment by moment. Choose wisely.

Training Tip – With your family write out Deuteronomy 6:5 several times and post it around your home. If your children can't read yet then let them color or draw a picture of what they think it looks like to love The Lord with all your heart, soul, and might. Memorize that verse together and talk about it and the Lord several times everyday until it becomes natural to include the Lord in your conversations with your family.

Lord God, we want to honor you with our lives and follow your commands. You are worthy of all glory and honor.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 20 – Don't Fail--Don't Fall - Get Guidance

Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory. Proverbs 11:14

No guidance. Did they not want input from others--or was there just no one available?  People need each other--so when you need help--seek out some good advice from trusted friends and family. Proverbs has such great wisdom. Listen up. This passage is telling us to  get lots of people--lots of counselors--to give us advice. Then we'll have victory--success. So seek out some good advisors--and listen to their advice. 

Training Tip – Encourage your kids to ask for advice when they need it. 

Make a list of things that they might need advice about--for example: choosing a career, a college, a summer job, a car, a spouse, a house, a church...advice on friendships, relationships, or understanding scripture passages. 

Make a list of trusted people from whom to get advice--Dad & Mom, grandparents, aunts & uncles, teachers, pastors, friends or parents' friends or friends' parents, neighbors, or special people at church, like adopted grandparents, youth leaders, or elders. 

Match up the possible needs list with the prospective advisors list. Don't wait until there is a problem or issue to consider these lists. Pray with your children for wisdom and guidance -- now for future events. May God prepare the path ahead of them. 

 Lord Jesus, please give my children and grandchildren wisdom whenever they seek advice. Surround them with people who care about them, will provide them with good options and sound advice. May you give them victory in their decisions.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 19 - Decisive Destruction

And now do not carry on as scoffers, or your fetters will be made stronger; for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts of decisive destruction on all the earth. Isaiah 28:22  

Don’t scorn or ridicule the Lord God. He is all powerful—and has the ultimate power to destroy whatever He wants on the earth. He chooses whoever He wants…He blesses them or not. We cannot manipulate God, but we can honor Him and trust Him…that He will never leave us or forsake us. Hebrews 13:5. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6. God never promised that life would be easy for us—just that He would make our paths straight—guide us in His ways. He also said that if we love Him, we would suffer with Him. …and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:17. For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake….Philippians 1:29. Choose Jesus. Then be prepared for the worst here on earth…and enjoy the best—spiritually now and eternally in Heaven.

Training Tip – Just like when you train a child to clean their room…one task at a time, train your child to respect the Lord, one task at a time. Does your child respond positively when you tell him to “clean your room” or does he start and them immediately get side-tracked? He must be trained to do one task, beginning with the biggest task first. Make a list…or draw little pictures to show each step.

            Make bed

            Put away toys

            Put away books

            Pick up clothes

            Straighten dresser/clothes bins

            Vacuum

            Dust

Make the bed. You’ll need to work with him to begin with for a week or so that he learns to make the bed, understanding the different steps to doing that. As he accomplishes that, without your help, the whole room will look better and the child will feel a sense of accomplishment.  

Next work with the child on organizing the toys and putting them away—it may again take a few days working side-by-side to keep the child focused and on task to put away the toys. 

Each task needs to be taught, working side-by-side, and will follow the continued success of each of the earlier tasks. The command should only be whatever tasks the child has mastered until all the tasks have been mastered. Then the child can be told to “clean your room” and you both can expect success.  

Spiritually the child can be expected to grow as they memorize scripture and learn to pray. Work side-by-side with them as they learn to master skills that will help them know and trust the Lord more day by day. 

Lord Jesus, help us to learn to trust You more each day even when we face trials and tribulations. May You be glorified in all we do and say as we decisively serve You.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 18 - Decisively Speak Nicely

My lips certainly will not speak unjustly, nor will my tongue mutter deceit. Job 27:4

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Psalms 34:13

And my tongue shall declare Your righteousness and Your praise all day long. Psalms 35:28 

Jesus was decisive—never wishy washy. He focused people on the spiritual aspect of life—on His Heavenly Father. He never spoke deceitfully—only the truth. What a good example for all of us. He allowed the Heaven Father and the Holy Spirit to guide His words. He used His words to glorify the Father God and praise Him. He was an encourager. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16. Do you let your light shine—showing the love of the Lord to others? Do you control your tongue and glorify the Lord with your words and your life? 

Training Tip – Use paper and matches to help your children understand the difficulty of controlling the tongue especially without the Lord.  First burn a small piece of paper talk about how you can’t do anything to control how quickly it burns the paper and its direction. With a second piece a paper, dip ½ of it in water and as the dry half burns, not wet portion, talk about how the wet side representing when we give the Lord control of our tongue, the Holy Spirit can temper the damage our tongue can do by controlling its direction. Ask your children to give examples of ways they can use their tongue to bless the Lord and others. 

Lord Jesus, help us to keep our tongues from evil—but to speak in ways that honor You and our Heavenly Father.  

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

Fall has arrived and the harvest of large zucchini is coming to a close. Time to make one last batch of sweet zucchini relish.

Sweet Zucchini Relish

Ingredients

12 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini

4 cups chopped onion

5 tablespoons canning salt

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

6 cups white sugar

2 1/2 cups white vinegar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 1/2 teaspoons celery seed

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1.      Place the zucchini and onion in a large, non-metallic bowl, and sprinkle the salt overtop. Use your hands to evenly mix the salt throughout the zucchini. Cover, and refrigerate overnight.

2.      The following day, drain the zucchini in a colander, and rinse well with cool water. Squeeze out excess water and set aside.

3.      Place the red and green bell pepper, sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch into a large pot. Add the nutmeg, turmeric, celery seed and pepper. Stir to combine, then add the drained zucchini. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer 30 minutes.

4.      Meanwhile, sterilize 7 one-pint jars and lids to hold relish. Pack relish into sterilized jars, making sure there are no spaces or air pockets. Fill jars all the way to top. Screw on lids.

5.      Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with boiling water. Carefully lower jars into pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary, until tops of jars are covered by 2 inches of water. Bring water to a full boil, then cover and process for 30 minutes.

Remove jars from pot and place on cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press top of each lid with finger, ensuring that seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all).

Enjoy on hamburgers, fish in wraps or salads. These also makes good holiday gifts.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 17 - No Verbal Abuse

If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. James 1:26 

When a person is decisive they stick to what is right and make good decisions. They refuse to verbally hurt others. Jesus was never abusive, verbally or physically. What a good example for us. Verbal abuse hurts relationships—those who are actively involved in the giving or receiving of harmful words—and those who overhear that abuse, like children. People may think they are in control when they are verbally abusive, but that is deceptive as it negates respect and ruins their relationships. Choices must be made, but if habits need to be broken it may take some time and professional counseling may be necessary. Verbal abuse is destructive—so decisively agree to not allow that in your family. Respect and love are the keys to good relationships. 

Training Tip – Read the passages listed below and discuss with your family whether they agree or disagree.

1.      James 3:2,8      The tongue can be tamed. 

2.      James 3:2         We stumble in many ways with what we say. 

3.      James 3:4         A rudder is small but controls the ships directions. 

4.      James 3:5         A small flame can cause a forest to burn down. 

5.      James 3:9         As Christians our tongue can only bless God now. 

6.      James 3:11       A fountain can give bitter and fresh water at the same time.

Lord Jesus, help us to control our tongues and speak in a way that does not hurt othera and always honors You.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 16 - Put On Love - Decisively

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:12-15 

Be Thankful. It won’t be long until Thanksgiving will be here…well 43 day—so it is a while, but time goes by so very quickly. Now is the time to start planning for a perfect Thanksgiving—one filled with unity, love and thankfulness. Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays of the year—always lots of good food. But also there are lots of opportunities to share with others from the bounty that God has provided to us. It should be a time to go outside our comfort zone and personally reach out to homeless and less fortunate. Start a food drive of your own, or get involved with one that happens locally in your area. Is there an opportunity to gleaning some orchards or even just your own garden to share with others? Put on that heart of compassion. Decisively decide to forgive someone—and instead of bitterness and hard feelings, let a bond of unity form between you. With the peace that Christ gives you because of that decision—give thanks. Jesus deserves to be recognized and appreciated for His enduring love.  

Training Tip – Check with a local agency or church and find a needy family to whom you can minister. With your family plan a Thanksgiving meal for that needy family. Make a shopping list and go to the store and buy everything that is needed for that meal, along with some extras like special holiday napkins, candy and then include an extra roll of paper towels and toilet paper. Let the children make a holiday greeting card and then deliver the fixing for the meal to the family. You may want to include some recipes for the meal, a family devotional book and a holiday movie for the family to watch.

Lord God, Let the word of Christ richly dwell within us, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing us as we sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to You. Whatever we do in word or deed, we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to You Father God. Colossians 3:16-17

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

October 15 - Decisive

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 

Being decisive is sticking to right and just decisions based on God’s perfect will. We all make decisions—thousands of them every day. As we make these decisions, if we rely on God’s direction in our lives then we are being decisive for the Lord, conforming our will to His. The renewing of our minds is described in this passage in Romans and in Colossians 3:9-11… you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. Colossians 3:9-11. When we choose to have Jesus in our lives—on the throne of our heart—and then live to please Him, we are aligning our will to His. We become new spiritual creatures. Jesus tell us specifically what His Father’s will is…For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day. John 6:40. Jesus makes it pretty clear that we must believe in Him to have eternal life…that is God’s will. Where do you stand with conforming your will to His?  

Training Tip – How do children learn to make decisions—to be decisive? Just like adults they have hundreds of decisions to make every day. They are selfish little creatures—going for their own desires, like Adam and Eve. The best you can do is help them see options—give them choices that will lead them to understanding God’s will—and seeking it. There are some things that they of course don’t have options like school, church, and obedience to parents. Within even those areas there can be choices—getting up on time so that they can eat breakfast, whether to wear a blue or a green shirt, and doing homework so that they can go play. Discuss with your family the consequences of poor choices—role play some issues like getting up in the morning without complaining so that they can learn the value of good choices. Rewards like five minutes of reading if the child is ready for school early—are so much better than 10 or 15 minutes of nagging. Help them “renew” their mind with good habits. 

Lord Jesus, we praise you. Help us to renew our minds—transforming us to be pleasing to You and proving God’s perfect will.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.