Chosen to Bear Fruit

You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. John 15:16 

Chosen to bear fruit. So what kind of fruit do you bear? Apple, orange, banana, mango, blueberry, raspberry, kiwi, or that smelly durian? The fruit of the Spirit to which Jesus was most likely referring is listed in Galatians 5:23-23. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23. That kind of fruit is certainly tasty to the spirit, if not to the tongue. Who of us doesn’t crave love, joy and peace in our lives…as well as kindness and self-control in ourselves and others around us? Being chosen has always made me feel so special. From the billions of people that God created, I have been chosen to be part of His family. Of course I responded—YES! Read 1 Peter 1 and 2 Thessalonians 2 for more encouragement in being chosen. 

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15. 

RSVP: Jesus has chosen you. How will you respond to His message today? 

Prayer~ Jesus, my Shepherd and my Savior, I hear Your voice and I praise You. You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Allow me to bear much fruit for You. That is my prayer to Our Heavenly Father. Let me love others, as You have loved me, not with stinky fruit, but with joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Love – Get it for Yourself and Friends

This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you.  John 15:12-14

Love is a powerful emotion. Without love life doesn’t have much meaning…as is experienced by those who have lost someone to suicide…or murder. Lack of love can leave you feeling drained… dazed… discouraged. I have seriously felt that way lately—filled with anxiety, feeling rejected although so many around me were praying for me. I was bogged down in the depths of a despair focusing only on myself and my husband and our immediate needs. Jesus taught us that we need to “love one another” and He Himself did the ultimate of the “lay down his life for his friends” when He died on the cross for us. Can we do that for our friends and family? We can choose to have an attitude of putting others first but to do that we have to love ourselves as Jesus to wisely also taught. You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18. (Repeated in Matthew 19:18 and other places.) God expects us to love ourselves—we are His creation. We need to respect and love ourselves…and then others. This thought from Hebrews 10 should help us get beyond ourselves and help us to consider others. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25. Can you get beyond yourself and encourage others? 

RSVP: Jesus is expressing His love for us—He laid down His life for us. How will you respond to His message today? 

Prayer~ Jesus, help me to love myself for You created me as a wonderful, loving being. Then help me to love others around me…as You would. You are an awesome God. I love You and praise You. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Breathe in the air that God created just for you. Outside my door I have peppermint planted and on morning like today with the windows open and a gentle spring breeze blowing, I can smell the mint. It’s time for a cup of mint tea. Please pull up a chair and join me. 

Herbal Mint Tea

Brew up a pot of herbal tea of your choice…lemon, rosehip, or my favorite today…Teavana Passion Fruit. Add a handful of chopped or torn peppermint leaves, stir and brew for a few minutes. Pour over ice cubes in a tall glass and enjoy. The fruity peppermint flavor is so thirst quenching and refreshing. Love in glass—for you and a friend. Feel it?

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Full of Joy

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.  John 15:10-11  

Full of Joy. Life has trials…but we can be grateful and even rejoice knowing God.

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, - 1 Peter 1:6-8

You think of joy at Christmas time…but it can be a year around experience. Choose to rejoice daily. A few days ago I was at the grocery store and three firemen came into the check stand right after me. The clerk, while still ringing up my groceries, asked them how their day was going. The oldest fireman said, “Great. Every day is a holiday.” I thought about that for a couple of hour…for the rest of the day actually. It wasn’t a holiday…but every day is a holiday…a holy day. God is with us. That makes it holy. Live—abide—in His love. His joy. That will make your joy full. Inexpressibly full.  Let your light shine…let your joy show. Smile and be joyful. Does that give you joy in your life? Let the darkness out and the joy come into your life. 

RSVP: Jesus is offering you a ray of sunshine and joy for your life today. How will you respond to Him? 

Prayer~ Jesus, shine Your love and joy into my life, into my heart today.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Bear Fruit

My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.  John 15:8-9  

Bear fruit.  In the Strong’s lexicon for fruit (2590 karpos) it indicates that this word refers to that which originates or comes from something such as work, act or deeds. Bearing fruit (2592 karpoforeo) is about bring forth or, again, deeds. The fruit of the spirit, found in Galatians 5:22, is that fruit associated with karpos. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23. I’ve always thought it interesting that even though there is a long list of qualities it the FRUIT of the Spirit, not the FRUITS of the Spirit. These qualities are inseparable. They come from one source and are one unit. The gifts of the Spirit are many and varied, but the fruit of the Spirit is one. Without love, there is no joy or self-control. Without gentleness, there is no peace, nor is there kindness…and on and on. So glorify God with the fruit of the Spirit evident in your life. You may be wondering, how do you get that fruit? By yielding your own self ambitions…your own life to the Lord, confessing your sin if necessary. And then asking—expecting to receive and be filled with that fruit of the Spirit.  

RSVP: Jesus is offering you the love, joy, peace…that only He can give through the Holy Spirit. How will you respond to Him today?  

Prayer~ Dear Jesus, please fill me with Your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Refresh my heart, Lord. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Apart from Me You Can Do Nothing

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  John 15:4-7 

Cut off from food, water, nourishment we cease to exist. That is how it is for a branch removed from the vine—it ceases to exist. That how it is if we are spiritually cut off from Jesus—we’ll cease to exist. The Merriman-Webster dictionary defines abide as to accept or bear, to stay or live, or to remain or continue. I’ve always considered that to abide means “to live” in Christ…and He lives in us. What a comforting thought. Living with Christ. That is His promise again…to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). I keep coming back to that—everyday…all day. His promise in these verses in John are certainly ones I will claim regularly… ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. Jesus promised this also in Matthew 7:7 and Luke 11:9, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Another promise that He made… Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. John 16:23  This just shows us how much Jesus loves us…and that if we show that we love Him, too, He will give us our hearts desires. Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4. Do you abide in Christ’s love…and focus your attention on His words? 

RSVP: Jesus is offering you promises. Do you live for Him and His words? How will you respond to Him today?  

Prayer~ Jesus, Thank you for answering my prayers…for the healing that has taken place since Jerry’s hip surgery. He is doing so well because of Your touch on his life and his hip. May You continue to hear our prayers and give us the desires of our hearts—love, joy and peace. Restored heath, protection, healing, grace and the ability to make good decisions for our family and friends. 

Happy Birthday, Jerry! May God continue to bless you.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Grow…Be Fruitful and Multiply

I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.  John 15:1-2  

Grapes grow on vines…so in reading this passage, we think of grapes and vineyards. This time of year you can see the grapes growing on the vines…and although the leaves may hide some of the fruit, you can tell which branches aren’t bearing grapes. In late summer or early fall the grapes are harvested, plucked in bunches from the vine. If they are left on the vine until after a frost and the grapes are to be used for ice wine—a very sweet dessert wine. When the grapes are left hanging on the vine they get sweeter and sweeter. Other grapes may be left hanging on the vine for an extended length of time, too…but if they are left on the vine too long, they’ll start drying out and become raisins. But that has nothing to do with pruning…to get us back to the scripture. The workers in the vineyard in late winter or early spring can tell which branches need to be trimmed away—the dead and non-productive wood. So snip, snip—the worthless vines are removed so that all the energy of the plant can go into producing good fruit. That’s how God treats us, too. Removing the useless stuff in our lives so that we can be productive for Him. But the key is we have to allow Him to work in our lives. We have to submit to His pruning shears. Can you do that? I’ve struggled with that recently and had to let go of some rejection and bitterness that I was experiencing—now I’m pressing on and hoping for a more fruitful spiritual life to share with others. 

RSVP: Jesus is offering you an opportunity for spiritual growth by allowing some pruning in your life. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer~ Dear Jesus, exciting times are ahead for the people of Israel…and the whole earth. Just as You promised…"Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'If it is too difficult in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, will it also be too difficult in My sight?' declares the LORD of hosts. Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'Behold, I am going to save My people from the land of the east and from the land of the west; and I will bring them back and they will live in the midst of Jerusalem; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God in truth and righteousness.' ... 'For there will be peace for the seed: the vine will yield its fruit, the land will yield its produce and the heavens will give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to inherit all these things." Zechariah 8:6-8, 12. Just as You promised, the people are coming back to the land of Israel. The vines there are producing fruit…and I ask that spiritual fruit may grow as well for them. Bless Your people—there in Israel (particularly Amir Orley and his family) and here in the Tri-Cities—for they are a blessing to others. Allow us all to be fruitful and multiply for You.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Do Exactly as the Father Commanded

I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing in Me; but so that the world may know that I love the Father, I do exactly as the Father commanded Me. Get up, let us go from here. John 14:30-31 

Jesus was obedient. He did exactly as His Father told Him. He knew that Satan, ruler of the world, was on his way to condemn Him to death on a cross. So Jesus told His disciples to get up and get going. Let’s get on with it…no point in dragging your feet or complaining. It’s going to happen, so let’s go. He did what the Father expected Him to do. No more talking—no more teaching. Just go. When you know you have something unpleasant ahead of you do you just get going…or do you drag your feet, find excuses to do something else, or are you late to arrive where you should be? Being on time is respectful. I’ve really been convicted of that the last couple of years. I wouldn’t think of being late to a doctor’s appointment or to a scheduled airline flight…but other meetings or events, what difference does a few minutes late matter? Actually, it matters a lot. It is disrespectful to everyone there. Is my time more valuable than theirs? Think about it. Jesus wasn’t late to His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane or to His appointment at the cross. Punctuality is different to different people, even within different cultures. When we were in Portugal recently I found that some people there were a little lax at punctuality, but still within that same culture my husband’s physical therapist was very punctual. She took pride in being precisely on time. She was also athletic, playing volleyball, and coaching -----ball for teenagers. I think that she expected punctuality for other players, too. That is a good thing—showing respect for others…and for herself. Do you show respect to God and others by being punctual? 

RSVP: Jesus is challenging us today to look at how we respect ourselves, others, and Him by being punctual. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer~ Jesus, You taught in Mark 13:33, “Take heed, keep on the alert; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.” May we be respectful to You and obedient to our Heavenly Father by always being ready for Your return. Please continue to guide, heal and protect us as we seek to serve You. Please touch the hearts and lives of those in Portugal…and here in the Tri-Cities…with Your love, wisdom and understanding. Help us to do exactly as the Father has commanded.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

You’ve Heard It Before

You heard that I said to you, 'I go away, and I will come to you.' If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. Now I have told you before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe.  John 14:28-29  

Jesus said it before 'I go away, and I will come to you.'  He seemed to have to repeat Himself to the disciples. Go away…come back. He did go away…and we can claim the promise that Jesus is coming back. He told His disciples that He was coming back and this is described by Paul in 1 Thessalonians. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:8-10. We will live together forever. Jesus told us before t happens so that we would know and be prepared. In the Old Testament there are warnings to be prepared, too. Near is the great day of the LORD, near and coming very quickly; Listen, the day of the LORD! In it the warrior cries out bitterly. Zephaniah 1:14. In your concordance or Bible search engine, look for “listen,” “ears let him hear,” and “be ready.” Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear. Matthew 13:43. You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect. Luke 12:40. 

RSVP: Be ready. How will you respond to Jesus’ teaching today?

Prayer~ Jesus, help us to be ready…to help others to know You more deeply and desire to be ready, too. We need to be able to discern the signs of the times (Matthew 16:3), so open our eyes that we would see what is going on around us, and give us wisdom and understanding that we can apply Your Word to our lives.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Stand Firm—Not Afraid

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.  John 14:27  

Don’t be afraid. That is easier said than done sometimes. What are you afraid of? The dark…or what is out there that you can’t see? Afraid of falling? Afraid of other drivers on the street or highway? Afraid of strangers on the bus, train, sidewalk or parking lot? Afraid of germs or mold? Afraid of unseen enemies? Put on your armor as we are directed to do in Ephesians.

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT

Do this and don’t let your feelings be overwhelmed…don’t be afraid. Jesus is there with you…helping you fight the battle. He won’t leave you alone, abandoned, to fight all by yourself. 

RSVP: Jesus is admonishing you to not be afraid. Put on your armor. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer~ Jesus—I’m a soldier in Your army. Wearing the armor that You provide…from my helmet of salvation, belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, to my sturdy sandals and gleaming sword I am ready to resist the enemy, knowing that this is a spiritual battle. Thank you for preparing us for this adventure as I join my family and friends in persistent prayer and come along with You and your angels. We trust that You will protect and guide us as we stand firm. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Comfort food may be what you are seeking if you are feeling afraid. One breakfast that will take your mind off any worries is one that includes a Dutch Baby Pancake—in a large or small version. Enjoy with some corned beef hash, sausage links or bacon and fresh fruit. But don’t spill any food on that breastplate of righteousness that hopefully you already put on this morning! 

Dutch Baby Pancake  Serves 6

1/3 cup butter

4 eggs

1 cup milk

1 cup flour 

Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Melt butter in 3 or 4 quart pan or skillet in the oven. In a blender mix eggs, milk and flour. Pour into hot butter. After 7 minutes it will puff up and start to climb the walls of the pan. Bake about 20 minutes. Serve with syrup, fruit, or powdered sugar. 

For a mini version, omit butter. Bake in a greased muffin tin for 15 minutes.

Happy 8th Birthday, Zander!

Put on your armor—and stand firm. We love you!

 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Remember?

… the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.  John 14:26  

The Holy Spirit will teach us all things and help us to remember things. Have you ever lost your keys…or your car and prayed about it? Then miraculously you found your keys…or where you parked your car. That wasn’t just a coincidence. That was the Holy Spirit answering your prayer. God is so good that way…well in lots of ways. It is easy for us to appreciate Him when He ministers to us in little ways. My husband has had a couple of “Jesus” sighting lately. They were just little things, but it ministered to him in a big way…letting him know that Jesus was there with him. He recently fell down some stairs and broke his hip while we were in Lisbon, Portugal doing a Work and Witness project. Jerry was hospitalized there in a public Portuguese hospital for a total hip replacement. He groggily opened his eyes one afternoon to see the name tag of a nurse named Sarah Jesus. Jerry’s eyes first focused on that word “Jesus.” Jesus was taking care of him. Then he realized that it was his nurse, Sarah. She was a delightful person, who spoke a little English—and made life a little less baffling amidst all the constant, incomprehensible babbling in Portuguese that was surrounding him. He felt like the Holy Spirit just provided “Miss Jesus” to illuminate his life. The hospital staff there at the Hospital Beatriz Angelo was very competent. The surgeon, Dr. Pedro Pinto, was outstanding, and performed an anterior hip replacement, that is considered very progressive by doctors here in the United States. Jerry was totally blessed to have Dr. Pinto do his surgery. I image that the Holy Spirit helped that doctor to remember things from his surgical training as he performed that operation on a rather large (6 foot 2 inch) American man. I know I was praying for them both during the surgery…and so were many others. Thank you…people around the world for all your prayers. 

RSVP: Jesus is promising that the Holy Spirit will teach you and help you remember things…like scripture passages and where you left your keys. How will you respond to His promise today? 

Prayer~ Thank you, Jesus, for Your promise that the Holy Spirit will help us remember things that You taught us…things that You want us to remember.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Love and Obedience

Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, "Lord, what then has happened that You are going to disclose Yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me.”  John 14:22-24 

How many times does Jesus have to say it before the disciples…and each of us…gets it? Show how much you love Jesus by being obedient and keeping His Word…His Commandments. Get it? Got it. Just do it.

 

Obey. This message is really from the Heavenly Father. Jesus just delivered it. Jesus tells us over and over that He just speaks what the Father tells Him to say. Isn’t that just like an obedient Son? He listens and obeys. He says what He is told to say…He does what He is told to do. Jesus does it in a loving way…no sulking, whining or complaining. He does it and gives it His best efforts. Dade W. Moeller, founder of Dade Moeller & Associates, world renown Health Physicist and author, wrote an encouraging sixteen point speech several years ago that included Guidelines for Life—Rules for Success. One of those points was “Do every job a little better than anyone expects. If it’s good enough, it’s not.” I think that Dr. Moeller based that on the way Jesus approached life. Do your best—not just good enough to get by. Those are good words by which to live.  Does that fit into your way of doing things? Will you be totally obedient as you love God and others—not just good enough to get by? 

RSVP: Jesus is calling us to love Him, to keep His commandments—His words. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayers for today~ Jesus, like it says in Proverbs 7:1, I will keep Your words and treasure Your commandments within me.

~ May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14 NIV

~ Please continue to guide, protect and inspire me, my family and friends as we love and serve You by loving others.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Loving Promises

In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. John 14:20-21  

Here is Jesus telling us again that by keeping His Commandments we are showing that we love Him. Then in turn He will reveal (disclose) more of Himself to us. To love Him is to be loved by Him…and to understand more about Him. An upwards spiral—do you see that drawing you to heaven—to bow before His throne? I do. That is a picture that is amazing to me…like doors opening as I love Him more…and stairs leading up and up. Sort of reminds me of the story of Jacob sleeping in the desert on his way to Haran to look for a wife from his mother’s family. He had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. Genesis 28:12. It was in this dream that God promised The Land to Jacob, just as He had promised it to Abraham and Isaac. What is Jesus promising us? More love and knowledge. Be obedient and keep His commandments. His love will be the reward.  

RSVP: Jesus is offering His love. He already sacrificed His life…what more can He give? How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer~ … LORD my God I want to obey you, to keep Your commandments and Your statutes which are written in this book of the law, and I turn to you, LORD God with all my heart and soul. For this commandment which You command me today is not too difficult for me, nor is it out of reach. It is not in heaven, that I should say, 'Who will go up to heaven for me to get it for me and make me hear it, that I will observe it?' Nor is it beyond the sea, that I should say, 'Who will cross the sea for me to get it for me and make me hear it, so that I may observe it?' But the word is very near me, in my mouth and in my heart, that I may observe it. See, You have set before me today life and prosperity, and death and adversity; in that You command me today to love You, LORD my God, to walk in Your ways and to keep Your commandments and Your statutes and Your judgments, that I may live and multiply, and that You, LORD my God, may bless me in the land I am entering to possess it. (From Deuteronomy 30:10-16).

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

No Orphans In God’s Family

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also.  John 14:18-19 

Being adopted into God’s family is one of the best things about knowing God—about being able to call Him, “Abba, Father.” This is described in Galatians.

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:4-7 NLT

A passage in Ephesians just about lets you feel the Heavenly Father God’s arms wrapping around you…

God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5 NLT

Adopting us gave Him pleasure—made Him happy! If that could fill Him with joy—how should it make us feel? Overwhelmed by the love of the Father? I feel privileged to be part of His family…forever. 

RSVP: Jesus is telling us we are not orphans. We may have felt abandoned at some time in our lives…but we aren’t abandoned or forsaken. God want us to be part of His family. How will you respond to this message today? 

Prayer~ Jesus…my brother, my Savior, my friend, my creator, my sustainer…You are my everything. You are everlasting, King of Kings, Lord of Lords. I continually praise Your name and humbly bow before You and the Heavenly Father. My Abba Father.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

The Holy Spirit is Promised

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17 

Another Helper. Part of God’s plan to create man, let him make his own decisions, need salvation—for which He provided a Savior, and then supply a Helper to live within his heart—to guide him. Jesus said that the world would not see or know the Helper—the Holy Spirit. Do you know and see the Holy Spirit? If you know Jesus and the Heavenly Father, then you’ll know the Holy Spirit. They are a team—the Trinity. The Holy Spirit existed forever…along with God the Father and God the Son. He is mentioned in the Old Testament and as David wrote…Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Psalms 51:11. The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament was given for a time to particular people—He didn’t dwell in them, as Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would after He Himself had gone to Heaven. That is when the Holy Spirit began to dwell permanently with believers. Jesus gave the Pharisees and us a warning. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. Matthew 12:32. That is a pretty strong advice. No blasphemy. It is not forgivable. One of the Ten Commandments addresses this. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain. Exodus 20:7. Watch your tongue…guard it, as it says in Psalms 39:1… I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle …. With the Holy Spirit guiding you, that will be easier to accomplish.  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13.  

RSVP: Jesus is promising to give you the Holy Spirit. If you don’t have Him in you yet…ask. Ask and you will receive, just as Jesus promised. 

Prayer~ Jesus, I’m asking in Your name, to be renewed with Your love and with the Holy Spirit, knowing that You have promised that I will receive whatever I’ve asked for in Your name, so that my joy may be made full. (John 16:24). Thank You. May You be gloried.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Rachel

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Love the Lord…Love Others

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15 

There are at least nineteen verses (NASB) that refer to “keeping My commandments.” One in Proverbs 3:1 says… My son (or daughter), do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments.  God’s commandments are basic to living. The first four of the Ten Commandments give us direction on how to relate to God…to honor Him and Him only. The last six Commandments deal with people relationships—how to responsibly live with others…honoring parents, and respecting other people. God spells it out plainly…we just need to live by His plan—His direction—His Commandments. We should put God first…as Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount and not worry about other things…But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33. Additionally, when Jesus was asked which is the greatest of the commandments, He quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 saying, “AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.' The second is this, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31. The verse in John 14:15 admonishes me love God first in my life—no selfish desires. Jesus gave His disciples and us specific instructions to love Him…and keep His commandments. Love. To be obedient to God is to love—to put others first is to love. How are you doing with loving others? I’ll admit it is a struggle some days. As long as I put their needs before my own I know I’m headed in the right direction. 

RSVP: How will you respond to Jesus’ teaching today?  

Prayer~ Lord, today please give me the strength I need to follow Your Commandments, to show my love for You by putting You first—and loving others with the same compassion that You would show.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Ask for Anything

If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:14 

Anything? Really, anything? That is just what Jesus said, anything. The sky is the limit—and beyond that is Heaven. Limitless heaven. Time is eternal in heaven. The new city of Jerusalem does have a size mentioned in Revelation 21:16-17, which is about 1,400 miles by 1,400 miles square. That’s pretty big—and we will be there one day to worship God forever. But heaven may go on forever—beyond our imagination.  

So just for today, what will you ask of Jesus since He has promised that if we ask anything in His name, He will do it? Will you ask for riches, or like Solomon will you ask for wisdom? Now God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore. 1 Kings 4:29. Solomon asked for wisdom. Whatever…we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. 1 John 3:22. Remember to watch your motives. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:3. 

RSVP: Ask away in Jesus name. It is not a formula for prayer or success…just a promise that He will do it. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer~ Dear God, You wrote in 1 John 3:22… and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. May the things I say and do be pleasing to You and in line with Your commandments. Please give me my heart’s desire…good and restored health for my family and friends, wisdom and understanding of Your Word, and salvation for the lost within my neighborhood and community. Deep and abiding love for You and to share with those whom You have placed around me. Grace to accept the things I cannot change and strength to live courageously, exalting You as I wait upon You in all things. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Ask for the best food ever…well here’s one that pure fun to make. 

Oreo Balls  From Linda Cerny

1 package Oreo cookies, ground up     

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

Almond bark 

Stir together. Roll into balls and refrigerate until very firm. Dip in any flavor of melted almond bark. Make a very attractive tray by using butterscotch, white and chocolate almond bark. You can also drizzle a contrasting flavor of almond bark on top. For more fun, while the almond bark is still moist sprinkle with colored sprinkles--in their favorite color--to make the kids and grandkids extra happy. 

Note: When this recipe was first given to my friend, Linda, it was suggested that she use a meat grinder to grind up the cookies. She didn’t have one so she tried several other tactics such as a food chopper, rolling pin and the use of her car. She put the cookies in a Ziploc bag, then a couple of plastic grocery bags and then a doubled up paper grocery bag and stapled it shut. She took it out to the garage and placed the bag behind her rear wheel. She started up the car and slowly drove back and forth over the sack, crushing the Oreos! That was the best way ever to crush the cookies. Now whenever she makes these cookies, it keeps her neighbors talking…and laughing! We laugh a lot with Linda. Fun lady—always busy helping someone. Thanks for sharing this recipe with us.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Ask in Jesus’ Name

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  John 14:12-13  

God is a big God. Think BIG when you “ask” because He can grant prayer requests beyond what we ever expect. Think BIG. If He doesn’t answer, then maybe it wasn’t in God’s will—or not something that would bring Him glory. What is your motivation in your prayer request? You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:3. Books have been written on praying…but the best advice on prayer is just what Jesus said. Ask in His name, pray and seek God continually (Psalm 105:4), pray that you not lose heart (Luke 18:1), pray that you not enter into temptation (Luke 22:40), and continually offer praise (Hebrews 13:15). If we believe in Jesus…just as He said in the verses above, then we will do greater works than He did. What an awesome thought. Have you tried to heal the sick, lame or blind…or raise the dead? Just to feed five, let alone five thousand, would be a miracle. Jesus also told His disciples…Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. John 16:24. So “ASK” and ask BIG—that your joy may be full—enormous and overflowing. That will bring glory to the Heavenly Father. 

RSVP: Jesus is offering advice today on praying…asking in His name. So how will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer~ Dear Jesus, I delight myself in You LORD that You will give me the desires of my heart. Psalms 37:4. O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble, You will strengthen our hearts, You will incline Your ear to vindicate the orphan and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth will no longer cause terror…from Psalms 10:17-18. Thank you, Jesus.

 

I've been admonished recently not to ask for an easy life for everyone…but that You would give us all strength to endure. Give us strength and grace for whatever happens. Thank you for recent evidence of this grace, Your presence and blessing in our lives as Jerry recovers from his total hip replacement and we are back home.

 

Additionally, Lord, may Your spiritual armor keep the Northwest District Work & Witness Team safe as they travel home from Portugal today. I ask these things in Jesus' precious name.

 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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